SB 51 Lounge

Posted on 11 Mar 2024 @ 2:18pm by Lieutenant Colonel Alexandria Somers & Lieutenant Commander Paul Sharpe & Lieutenant Commander Remington Dodd & Lieutenant Leland Hawksley & Lieutenant Lamia ‘Mia’ Kildare & Captain Mazal Falk & Lieutenant Matthew Thompson & Lieutenant Paul Winchester & Lieutenant Serina "Reaper" Donovan & Lieutenant JG Tosrol Ze & Lieutenant JG Faith Benson & Lieutenant JG Thex sh'Zoarhi & Lieutenant JG Ted Silver & Lieutenant JG Margeurite "Maggie" LeFebvre & Master Chief Petty Officer Alexi Michelle & Lieutenant Paula Winchester & Lieutenant JG Todd Hewitt & 1st Lieutenant Josefina (Fina) Macapuno & Ensign Tiffany Zellers & Ensign Autumn Cole & Ensign Lauren Jordan & Staff Sergeant Lilliana Hawksley

7,273 words; about a 36 minute read

Mission: General Sim Postings
Location: SB 51 Lounge
Timeline: After the Awards Ceremony

[ON]

- Starbase 51 Lounge -

Leland walked into the large Starbase 51 lounge with Sharpe in tow. There were panoramic windows complete with views of the various Starships in berth.

"I can see the Tomcat..." Leland walked up to the large window. He pointed to the SB number 5 berth. There were several worker bees around the Tomcat. "Looks like work goes on without us."

"Well, unlike us they do not need sleep, half of them will be recharging while the others continue retrofitting, and then they will swap" Sharpe commented looking in the direction.

Hawksley then turned towards the lounge. There were various numbers of people in uniform and casual. There was a mix of station personnel and civilians being entertained.

A large black grand piano in the corner of the room gently played Earth classical piano concertos.

"How about we take a seat at the bar? See what the house special is." Hawksley was dressed already in his khaki cargo shorts and grey raglan tee shirt. He looked at his silver chunky wristwatch.

"If I'm a betting man." And he was. "Some of the Tomcat crew will be filtering in for a drink."

"Okay Propping up the bar it is, I will have a Whiskey," Sharpe said as they sat at the bar.

Leland glanced around, noticing Maggie enter. "Maggie." Leland patted the bar seat. "Come have a perch with us! Time to have a drink." Hawksley then took his seat next to Sharpe.

"Whiskey. Shaken, not stirred?" He raised a brow.

"Straight up please Leland" Sharpe responded.

"I'll have a Gin and Tonic. And for the lady?" Hawksley turned to Mags. It was nice to see her, as they didn't nearly get enough time to chat.

Maggie looked up but smiled. "Springwine," she said. "Thanks," she said. "Lt. Maggie LeFebvre. Tomcat's shuttle pilot," she said, by way of introduction. It was nice having a small break, but it was more or less recuperation for her. She'd taken some hits and hurt herself so badly she was on medical leave "light duty"-and she was going crazy not being able to physically fly or move much. This was the furthest she'd walked in a week from her temporary quarters on the Base to the Lounge. She was even dressed up a bit -not as much as she usually was, but it was a nice reprieve from sweats and t-shirts. She wore a simple pair of black pants and a white button-down blouse. Her blonde hair hung straight, and while she didn't wear makeup today, she had managed to wash her face herself today. The damned broken leg cramped her style.

*Looks over offering his hand to her* "Greetings Lieutenant, I am Lieutenant Commander Paul Sharpe, I am overseeing the retrofit and refurbishment of the Tomcat" Sharpe said as his drink was put in front of him.

She shook his hand. "Nice to meet you. Do you happen to know who's fixing my bird? Have a seat, why don't you?" She said. "You too, Captain," she said, craning her neck to address the woman. "A round on me," she said.

Leland chirped in. “Or so he thinks he is in charge.” Hawksley shrugged his shoulders and then took a drink from his tumbler glass. Setting it back down on the black marble-topped bar.

Sharpe looked at Leland "Easy Lieutenant, I am in charge by order of Starfleet High Command" Sharpe said blandly.

He watched the introductions. Sharpe knew his stuff, and Leland was happy to have him in charge of the project. He couldn’t handle it alone at this stage in his career with the Fleet.

"So Lieutenant," he said addressing Maggie "You are the Chief Shuttlecraft pilot for the Tomcat?" while it was phrased as a question it was not one he had glanced through all the Crew files, enough to remember the names rank and their departments but that was it.

"Indeed," she said. "That's me. I also do some Helm work occasionally, if one of 'em's sick or something." She said. That was far more boring than flying, though, and she hated it.

“Is that your leg giving you some trouble, Maggie?” Leland furrowed a brow, noticing her limp having entered the large lounge.

Looking at the Pilots leg, "damn, I take it you were on the Roosevelt?" Sharpe asked.

Maggie nodded. "Yes, indeed, I was. But don't worry, you should see the other guy. Well. You can't, his bird left orbit and isn't recoverable," she said. She was, admittedly, getting a bit old for dogfighting, but she still loved it. The adrenaline rush? It was almost as good as sex.

"Are you on the Tomcat, then?" She asked.

"No, I am on Detached duty here, I am overseeing the Retrofit and upgrading of the Tomcat, I have coopted Leland here to assist as when the work is done he will need to know what is new and what has been upgraded so he can train his staff with the new engine, let me just say by the time we have finished the Tomcat will be more than able to defend itself should the need arise, they will also be an updated and sleeker Shuttle Bays too," Sharpe said to Maggie.

"Ah!" She said. "This must be a nice distraction, then." She said. How lame was this line of chat? She was losing her touch. "It's a big base, though. Imagine trying to do anything injured. I tried to go to the Promenade to do a bit of shopping, and...nope. Too much space in between the guest quarters and there," she said.

Leland nodded as he nursed his drink, occasionally viewing the starships through the large grandiose viewports. He was in awe of the Starbase, its mechanics, and its workings.

Hawk has had a good working relationship with Sharpe so far. Leland's five O’clock shadow was beginning to get itchy by the minute. The drink soothed down his throat as he listened. “I used to fly the Tomcat before I got sent down to the Engines. Conn subspace field velocity will now be in tandem working with Main Engineering.” Hawksley quipped as he took a drink. “Fun fact on the new system Faith.” Leland smiled.

"Oh?! That's cool!" she said. "While I prefer the birds, I was trained as a helmsman," she said. "I don't have the constitution to keep a boat in the sky for weeks, though. I prefer a wham-bam-thank you, ma'am type of environment," she said. She shrugged lightly and sipped her wine again.

Faith had just so happened to be walking by after she got her not one but two Deanwiches just as she had come in. Still in Uniform for the moment. Screeching to a halt hearing her name, "Me, who, what?"

Leland chuckled. “At ease. Nothing but good conversation. I was stating to Maggs here the values of Space Flight and Conn. You wouldn’t know anything about that, would you, Faith?” Hawksley stated playfully.

"No more mechanical suits on the horizon I assume?" Hawksley raised a brow as he took a drink, reminding her of her earlier experiment on the Station.

*Sharpe remained silent but was curious about this 'Suit'*

She helped herself to a chair at the table, Faith waiting before eating, "Why in the world would you think that? I'm sure there's a statute I can find to overrule the orders that lets me continue working on a practical model..in..safer conditions."

Maggie looked from man to woman and the other man. What was happening? "Stop. Explain... like I am five," she said. Maggie sometimes acted five, anyway, and was about as smart as a piece of paper.

“Well. It is not my project.” Leland gestured to LeFevbre. “Let’s just say a new mechanical EVA action suit is in the works.” He was impressed by her working prototype, even though it had backfired into the Starbase Lab wall.

Maggie nodded. "Interesting," she said. "Anything has to be better than what we currently have." There was literally NOTHING cute or sexy about EV suits, and the helmets ruined her hair.

"I see that hijinks happen out here too, I am sure it is an interesting event," Paul said taking a drink of his beverage.

Faith glanced at Maggie, mid-bite into her first Deanwich, "I made a thing and didn't ask first and I found out a Starbase bulkhead will still stop it with me in it." Smirking.

Maggie shrugged. "Ah," she said. "I never ask first, either," she said. "But I don't manage to get stuck in bulkheads...not yet, anyway," she said. Of course, she generally avoided dating Engineers, anyway. Boring.

"Well, I didn't get stuck in it. I kinda slammed into it testing the thrusters," Faith said after she finished chewing her bite.

“ That looks quite tasty what is it you’re eating?” Ted asked.

"It's called a Deanwich. Sourdough, ham, turkey, cheese, garlic, made like a grilled cheese." Faith cut off a piece and offered it.

"That looks awesome. I will have to check that out Faith. A Deanwich."

Maggie wrinkled her nose lightly. "It smells like an hour in the gym," she said. Her appearance was the most important thing to her, but she didn't begrudge other people. Besides, cheese made her stomach hurt and that wouldn't do for her favourite extracurricular activities.

"I am getting a bit tired," she said. "I wish recovery would go faster. If no one minds, I might go take a short nap. Thanks for the chat, it was nice to formally meet everyone," she said. "See you around. Thanks for the drink!" She said as she stood up carefully to hop out of the bar. This sucked.

"Like a gym?" Faith gave Maggie a curious look, sniffing the Deanwich a couple of times. "Smells like yummy to me."

“If you don’t sweat, you’re doing it wrong anyway.” Leland shrugged.

The last and first time Alexi had been on SB51 was for a quick transfer to the Tomcat. She had barely even gotten to see much more of the station than the docking ports and the office of the commanding officer. It had taken her a hot minute to locate her assigned quarters on the base and now she just wanted to relax. Her leg was mostly healed, even if there was a slight discolouration where the burns had been treated. She chose to don a loose-fitting dress and ballet flat-style shoes for her big 'night out'. She smiled at that since that night out would probably be more of her sitting alone and nursing a beer for an hour or two while she people-watched. She let her long hair hang free for a change. She reached the lounge and glanced around for a good place to spend her people-watching time.

Ze hobbled out of medical looking worse for wear but alive for the most part, They had let him out for a meet-up with his crew mates under the premise he didn't drink his normal amount of alcohol. He looked to the bar and saw everyone, the walk was almost unbearable but the one thing keeping him alive and on his feet was the sight of his dear friend Hawksley and Mazal would be somewhere. He hobbled over to the vacant bar stool with his back to Hawksley "Well ain't you all a sight for sore eyes" he said with a slight laugh and a wince as he propped himself up on the bar to steady himself.

“Well, it's about time! Tos! My Man!” Leland brightened up seeing Tos, his everlasting buddy, and bromance among Dodd and the guys. “I have not enjoyed capturing you for a drink!” Leland leaned back and relaxed as he held his glass for a refill of his tonic and vodka. “

“How goes Security? How goes the good life.” Hawksley winked at Tos and his perceived relationship with Falk. Leland found it fascinating. The guy deserved someone as excellent as Mazal, and likewise.

“Drinks over here!” Leland raised his tumbler glass in the air and pointed to Tosrol. “Hard working Man here, needs his drink!”

Ze got off his chair and hobbled over to Hawksley "Im alive does that count?" he said wincing as he looked to the bartender "Whiskey on the rocks please" he said taking a seat over from Leland "Thank you for feeling a little worse for wear over here but I was allowed out of medical to par take so one drink for me and that's me all" He said laughing "No classic Hawkman and Ze shenanigans.

Starbase 51 hadn't changed at all since the last time he'd been here, Matt thought. He made his way to the bar and ordered a drink. Scotch neat.

A smile was on Thex's face as she stepped through the door. She had been enjoying her short breaks in between helping out with retrofitting the ship. Today though she had been on the station. Hearing there was going to be an Orion dancing competition the sapphire girl had of course joined. From the three ribbons clipped to her dancing outfit's jewelled belt, she had done rather well. " Room for one more?" She asked her shipmates as she took one of the free bar stools.

Serina walked into the lounge with Paul in tow. It was the first day since the award ceremony that the morning sickness finally stopped. Seeing her crewmates, she walked over to Maggie and tapped her on her shoulder. "Excuse me but you wouldn't know where I could find a good pilot to be my wingman in a dog fight would you?", she said grinning widely, tapping gently on her shoulder

Maggie laughed as she felt Donovan's hand on her shoulder. She looked behind her. "HI. I do, actually," she said. "There's this girl I know, she's good but sometimes a little reckless. She's on medical but should be fine in a few days."

Laughing, Serina said "Well when she gets off medical, tell her to see me and I'll set her up", she said still chuckling. "I know the girl you're talking about.*still chuckling* "That would be you darling!", she said bursting out laughing.

Maggie winked. "Exactly!!" She said, with a laugh.

Lilli was all alone, unsure when Leland would be finishing the upgrades of the Tomcat. Deciding she’d had enough of sitting all alone in their quarters she decided to head out to the Lounge simply for some company.

As the lounge doors opened Lilli was surprised to see Leland there enjoying himself, walking across to a seat she decided to wait and see just how long it would take him to notice that she was even there.

Leland turned to see his wife. He was happy she had received the invitation, as did all the officers. He was perplexed that she seemed not to know he had called for her. She was his wife and would, indeed, not leave her alone?

"Imzadi," Leland spoke as he stood up from his bar seat. He had finished his shift with Sharpe and now saw that everyone he had invited to meet the man he was working with. "I am glad you could make it. This is the man I spoke of. Lieutenant Commander Sharpe, we work on the retrofit." Leland smiled at the sight of his beautiful eyes.

"What can I get for you to drink, my Love." Hawksley let his wife take the seat, as he stood right beside his pride.

“How’s about a Risan sunset?” Lilli smiled warmly as she looked at Leland. “But before you go...I’m sorry I didn’t see the invite you sent, if I had I’d have been here sooner!”

Leland acknowledged Lilli. He smiled. “Think nothing of it. I am glad you are here.” Considering his Wife was near the birth date of their child, he only wished her to be comfortable and not stressed. Seeing that she could come down and sit beside him was a pleasure.

“Risean Sunset it is.” Hawksley lent a wink as he then turned to meet the bartender.

Alexi sighed, seeing that the seats she would have preferred had already been taken. She turned and headed over to the bar and found a seat at the end. She gave a small wave to the few officers she recognized, like Leland and Ze. She turned to order a dark ale from the barkeep, then swivelled in her seat just observing her crewmates and the others.

Leland smiled, seeing Tos. "To my man! Come, bartender. Please..." Leland brought more chairs over to the bar where everyone was mingling now. Room for Tos and Alexi, Serina and Thex. "Alexi. It is so good to see you are feeling better. That was terrible, both our time in Sickbay." Leland referred to having his cybernetic left eye implant needing recalibration after experiencing plasma energies in the Tomcat's skirmish. Leland held the engine room together along with his best mates.

Dodd arrived at the lounge and kept to the shadows. He wanted to just observe the crew as he was preparing for the next mission. So people watching would help him gather who was to be on the away mission and he so wished that some of the crew could be authorized but he has to be as humanoid as possible for the mission back to Arth.

Dodd realized after the awards ceremony that he was now more of a commanding figure than he was the crew's buddy. He needed to prove himself on his next mission and start being the confident commander that was expected of him. He needed to blend into the background and pick up on the crew's body language and mental chatter that freely flows when in this location and use this time to prepare for the next mission.

So he watched and had a Rigelian Brandy in the darkest corner of the lounge. He was happy for the crew, and watching them celebrate and have fun was enjoyable.

Then come Nelson. He walked in and headed straight over to Tos and Hawksley. "What's going on sirs?" He asked as he stood to their side.

Leland smiled at Nelson. "I have to have a conversation with our ship XO." Leland spotting Dodd taking a seat in the recesses of the Lounge, took his drink and walked over to address his former CEO, mentor, and best friend.

He reached forward and placed his large hand on Dodd’s left shoulder. Squeezing it in admiration. “Dodd. It has been a long time.” Leland smiled as he sat near his former Chief of Engineering Leader. Everything Leland had learned about the Tomcat, he knew from Dodd. The man was a genius regarding technical prowess and learning new techniques for age-old problems.

“I have missed talking to you, Sir. One on one.” Leland was starting to feel the effects of his drink. However, his words were valid.

"I have missed the comradery from you as well," Dodd added.

“How have you been? I have missed this… This talk. We need to speak more. Engineering has leapt bounds on the new Tomcat. I have so many ideas I need to run across you.” Leland only respected Dodd for his Engineering prowess. His understanding of the Tomcat systems is as only Leland could understand.

"All has been fine," Dodd stated as he motioned for Hawksley to have a seat.

“Sir. It has been too long. How are you?” Leland broke into a big grin. He missed Dodd. Dodd was one of his first true friends on the Tomcat, and the length of time had been neglectful on Leland’s part. Blame it on work.

"You have been very busy and with the refit, you will have more to come. Now I wish I was in your position for this refit. I would love to be able to redesign my ship. I envy you for this." Dodd replied. "Once this next mission is over and the Tomcat is finished, we need to do a bro trip to Risa and have some serious fun without our women in the picture for a week," Dodd added with a rascally smirk.

Leland listened to Dodd. “I wish you could take the time off from your command to work on the engines with me. I mean, Sharpe is… Well, Sharpe.” Hawksley looked over his shoulder casually.

“He knows a lot. I am kidding.” Hearing Dodd mention the trip once their time served was finished. “You know. I think that would be an awesome idea. However, I would need to run it by Lilli.” Leland didn’t want to leave her out of what happened in their relationship.

“We need to paraglide over the Thalesian Bluffs. The mystic sea is… Well. It truly is perfect.” Hawksley imagined. “Tell me. You are meeting someone! You deserve to meet someone. Tell me you are not investing all your time into your career. Not that it’s a bad investment, but… You know.” Leland searched Dodd for any sign he was seeing someone.

"I am surprised you have not caught on to it," Dodd stated with a smirk. "I have been seeing someone and while we have not been completely private about it, we have not flaunted it either."

"Well, cheers to that! Amen!" Hawksley placed the two and two together. His eyes fixated on who it was. He mouthed the words... "You Dawg! You're dating the Ensign!"

"Yes, I am seeing an ensign. Rank is not important when you have an attraction to someone that can share the love back at you." Dodd replied. "However, we are still exploring one another and letting our relationship become organic."

“I am thrilled to hear that. She sounds nice. I haven’t seen you this content about someone in a long while, Dodd.” Leland relaxed, enjoying the talk. “I can’t wait to meet her. Come to think of it. I will… Some excuse.”

"Well I don't know about the rest of you, but I'm dying for a drink. "They said from her seat getting the bartender's attention. " Andorian ale large glass and some nachos," she ordered.

Matt walked in ordered a whiskey sour and started to look for Mr Silver. He didn't see him though perhaps he was early.

Ted had been in two minds about going. He was still embarrassed about what happened at the award ceremony. So this time he ate a cheese and tomato sandwich first. Then once again dressed in his finest Silver, he made his way to the Lounge.

He walked in and ordered a chilled orange juice with ice. He then saw Matt and nodded.

“ Don’t worry this is non-alcoholic and I ate a sandwich before I came out,” Ted said.

Mazal finally arrived at the lounge, and once there she took a deep breath before stepping in. It was strange, having her new rank, as a Captain. The last time she had been at a lounge was when a certain redhead had arrived on the Tomcat, and met Mazal and the others most importantly the redhead met Commander Dodd. Mazal wasn't blind to the fact the woman, what was her name? Oh yes Autumn, the ensign had strong feelings for Dodd.

Thinking of Dodd, Mazal caught his eyes and gave a nod in greeting, and gave him a wink as well, mouthing Congratulations before heading towards where Tosrol was at. She paused for a moment near Faith, "Hey congratulations, you and I need to do some training together sometime, if you are of the mind to do so. We worked rather well together on that ship ousting the pirates and I would like to do some work out together."

Faith glanced up at Mazel and smiled, "We did. I'm up for doing it at some point."

Mazal gave a nod and a smile as well as a brief squeeze on Faith's shoulder. "I am looking forward to that" Then her gaze fell upon Ze.

She called out to Ze and Leland, "Hi there I made it, sorry for the delay, had a quick call from my mother." Mazal stated as she made her way over and gave Ze a gentle kiss.

Leland smiled at Mazal. He was happy for her. She was a sight. As always seeing relationships blossom, he noticed the kiss on Ze’s lips and grinned. Leland was delighted for all. The Tomcat was his place, his family, and Leland belonged with them all. Lilli was the love of his life, and he was glad that she had shown up, despite having the burden of carrying their new born, unborn child.

Hawksley made a mental note to get back to Lilli, but he needed to speak and converse for now. He only hoped Lilli would understand. He crossed the room, gazing at his incredible wife, Lilli. She was his true Imzadi. He felt like the wealthiest man in the world when Lilli embraced him. He would soon be back by her side, he just had to pay respects to Dodd as he felt.


When Ze saw mazal he turned to Leland "leland can you help me walk to Mazal?" He asked as he drank a little of his drink hisw legs threatening to buckle underneath him as he gripped onto the bar "Bloody legs" he used under his breath.

Mazal gave Ze another kiss, "Oh I am right here already." wrapping her arm around him, to keep Ze supported.

She then said, "Hello Lilli good to see you." Giving a friendly wave

Serina walked through the lounge with a still shell-shocked Paul hanging on to her arm, not sure who was holding up who. Serina thought that a social gathering would ease the stress of the news of being pregnant and the awards ceremony. Again the idea of having a baby, this time not twins, thank God, on a fighting ship did not bode well. Her parents would be tasked with pausing the new addition along with the twins on the Starbase. Then to top it off, there was the wedding to plan as well. Ha....more stress, no wonder he was shell-shocked. "Um. Paul honey, are you alright? You look a bit off", she asked him.

"I'm fine, just getting used to coming to terms with being a father for real" As he was taking on the responsibility for her twins, he asked, " How are you holding up Hon?" looking back at her smiling at her "and when do we tell the Captain about this?"

"Well, I figured we would tell her while we are here and set the wedding plans at the same time. Less stress and I don't have to send out invites", Serina said to Paul. "And I am holding up quite well at the moment. No more morning sickness thank the gods", she added smiling at him.

" Yeah, that would be a good idea" responded Paul glancing back at his Bride-to-be as he noticed their Aide approaching them Paul wondered what Lauren wanted as he said "I see Lauren heading our way"

Looking at the indicated direction, Lauren was fast approaching. "Hello Lauren, to what do we owe the pleasure of this meeting?", Serina asked.

"Hi Boss " replied Lauren noticing Paul's shiny new pip, " and Congrats on the Promotion Paul," using his first name knowing that they were off-duty, " I have reports of the damaged fighters for you"

"Damaged fighters? How the hell did this happen and where?" Serina said slightly irritated. To have damaged fighters still on the flight deck was a no-no in her book.

"These have just been delivered to both SB51 and the Tomcat" responded Lauren handing both a PADD to Paul and Serina and Paula who stood next to Paul.

Taking the PADD from Lauren, she skimmed it and groaned. "Not again! I don't need any more problems now", Serina said.

Paula Responded " Let me deal with this Business whilst you deal with the wedding" responded Paula who was not happy with this delivery and would have her hanger crew working through the night.

Then turning back to Paul, "We need to find the captain and tell her that she should announce the wedding here for the crew to attend. To hell with the invites. Then we need to tell her that she is going to be a godmother" Serina said smiling. Wondering if she was still around the lounge. "Wait isn't her husband here? He could do the announcement for us. Yes, let's find him, Paul. You can tag along if you wish Lauren", Serina added.

"Yep, that would be a good idea" replied Paul looking at Lauren who grinned knowing that she would be in the best place to be, Paul said "Well, Ladies shall we make a move"

"Yes by all means let's go and break the news, Serina replied. *looking for Sharp*P

"Sure, come on Lauren," replied Paul looking at the aide, " as you are about to learn some big news," as Paula stood behind them, Paul took his soon-to-be bride's arm and hoped that everyone would be happy for them both.

Lauren replied " It would be my honour to stand by your side Sir" She responded formally to both of them taking her place behind them as Paula offered her arm to Lauren who took it so as not to offend the starbases CAG. as the four of them headed their way over the Captain and her Husband.

Alexi nodded to Leland, agreeing, "I would not want to repeat the experience. It was good to have a friend there to help me through the... rough spots." She sort of moved back to allow others who had arrived in the space between them, shifting her seat further away. While she knew rank was supposed to be left at the door, she usually had a hard time not moving out of the way when higher-ranking officers needed space to gather.

Sharpe looked over to see an Operations Officer sitting in the corner alone, he ran through his mind the images and names of the Tomcat Crew and matched the face, taking his drink he walked over to the Chief "May I join you Master Chief?" he asked the officer sitting alone.

Alexi was a bit surprised when the officer asked to join her. She smiled at Sharpe and nodded, "Of course, you may My name is Alexi Michelle" She offered her hand in greeting, "I've seen you on the Tomcat, but we haven't exactly run in the same circles." She gave a small tilt of her head towards the growing crowd of officers at the bar, "I did not wish to intrude where it was obvious I was not exactly ... included."

*Takes the offered hand as he sits and looks back at the crowd, then back at her with a friendly smile* "Lieutenant Commander Paul Sharpe, currently seconded to SB51 to upgrade and retrofit the Tomcat, I was once a Security Officer like yourself, but now I fix ships, but I am curious to know how did you find getting thrown into the deep end when ferried out to the Roosevelt during the last mission? I read through the mission files and found out in the after-mission reports Commander Cahill lost her second-officer status, so I know you are an Investigations Officer, Have you investigated anything, yet?" Sharpe asked.

Alexi smiled back, "That's quite a change in departments. As for investigations, so far I was investigating the abduction of the Ambassador. Unfortunately, I was not able to find the answers in enough time to prevent his death."

*Sighs* "Sadly you will find that will be a more common occurrence out in the sticks, so what can you tell me of the department on the Tomcat?" Sharpe asked, then looked up and smiled, dressed in Jeans, a blouse, a feminine waistcoat and block heeled two-inch heels, and her unusual Red Hair in a ponytail his wife entered the room, he stood and waved her over, she smiled and waved back and walked over to join him, they briefly kissed "Alex this is Master Chief Alexi Michelle the Tomcats Security investigations Officer" he said.

Alex smiled as she looked at Alexi and held out her hand "Pleased to meet you I am Alexandria Somers, Paul's wife and yes I chose to keep my maiden name" she said.

Alexi rose to her feet to greet the woman, "It's Lt Col Somers, is it not?" Habit had her stand almost at attention before she relaxed slightly and took the offered hand, "It's a pleasure to make your acquaintance, Ma'am." She looked between Alex and Paul then smiled, "You two make a beautiful couple." She paused a moment and tilted her head slightly, "Were you at the awards ceremony?"

"Yes I was the one in full 95th Rifle Dress uniform, Paul was there, but in the audience with the rest, let me say this Alexi if I can get a field commission, then there is hope for any Senior NCO, just keep that in mind," Alex said smiling as she sat down.

Paul Sharpe simply remained silent, he was not one for words.

Alexi smiled, "While such an event might be available to all, It is not my intent to achieve such a rank, nor is it a burning desire." Alexi wondered briefly if she was coming off as a bit insubordinate and paused to take a breath, "With all due respect, Ma'am, I am where I need to be. I am not certain as an Investigation Officer the opportunity would even present itself." She shrugged slightly, "Not that I would refuse the honour, but I do not believe such would be in my future, near or far."

*Taking no offence* "Well, then you seem to know what you want, but I was not looking for a Commission, but I got one as for your future, that has yet to be written, your future is what you make today" Alex said with a wink.

Alexi paused momentarily, not sure what the wink was about, but also not adventurous enough to question a superior officer. "That is an interesting statement, Ma'am. And I do appreciate your confidence in my abilities. I will consider your words of wisdom." She smiled slightly crookedly, "Although I have to admit, sometimes, perhaps a lot of times, I do not consider what today's events will affect tomorrow, or further into the future. Perhaps I should look into that."

"A Riddle for you to ponder if you ever get the time," Somers said with a smile.

Leland made his way back to Lilli, albeit a tad later. He whispered in her ear. "I made a few short stops with the guys. I hope you understand." Hawksley had placed down on the bar Lilli's Risean Sunset.

Leland instinctively wrapped his left forearm around Lilli's waist as she sat at the top of the bar. Leland kissed her lips, letting it linger a bit longer before a satisfying break. He glowed. The hairs on the back of his neck had risen from the kiss. "How are you feeling? We are four months along now."

Hawksley gently placed his large left hand on Lilliana's belly.

“I feel fine” Lilli smiled as she looked up at Leland, it was good to see him enjoying himself with his friends and work colleagues. “It’s nice to see you enjoying yourself, you deserve to with all the hard work you do.”

"Not just me my dear." Hawksley casually whispered. "You deserve to be happy. You deserve just as much as I get to be happy my love." Leland let his fingers caress her figure as it was comforting so close by. Nothing daring, just coupling.

Lilli smiled, any time at Leland’s side was good enough for her. A chance to show how much he meant to her, as much as she did to him.

Two ladies stepped into the lounge, one was Fina aka 1st Lieutenant of the Marines, and the other was Ensign Autumn Cole. She and Fina had arrived at the same time. Autumn looked around at those gathered there, her eyes pausing upon Alexi. Her eyes brightened up, seeing the woman whom she had been working with where the Ambassador was concerned.

"Alexi!" she called out, making a beeline towards Alexi, "You're back!" a huge smile. Autumn didn't know if Alexi would accept a hug from her though she asked. "Might I hug you? I am so glad you are back."

For a moment, Autumn hadn't taken notice of the person seated with Alexi, she was more focused on the one who had gone somewhere on a mission.

Then she noticed there was someone else there. Autumn blushed, "Er sorry I hadn't noticed you were there uh, sir?"

*Looks up with a Raised eyebrow* "Hello, Lieutenant Commander Paul Sharpe and who might you be Ensign?" Sharpe asked Cole.

Alexi chuckled slightly at Autumn. "Well, if you must hug, I suppose it will be alright." She wouldn't let Autumn founder along with the Lt Commander. She'd almost wanted to laugh that Cole had all but ignored LtCmdr Sharpe. " And yes, I am back. Mostly in one piece." She briefly turned to the LtCmdr, "This is Ensign Autumn Cole. She helped me with the investigation, quite a lot. Please forgive her exuberance. She always seems to be excited whenever I've seen her." Turning back to Autumn, "And, as he stated, Lt Cmdr Paul Sharpe here is working on making the Tomcat ..umm.. bigger and better."

Autumn gave out a light laugh. "Well, yes I can get that way. I was worried to be truthful and I thought that we can hang out sometime soon."

Fina, on the other hand, moved forward to get another view of those that were there. Where could she go? She hesitated there for the time being then just went to get a drink from the bar.

Thex smiled as she observed her family going about their business. the bartender had returned with her Andorian ale flagon and a large plate of nachos. " Anyone want to share this?" She asked out loud to the people at the bar.

Ted walked up to Faith.

“ I suppose you have been given orders to run me out of here if I get drunk again?” He asked her.

Faith just gave him a light smile, "I haven't been given any orders, and even if I had been, I wouldn't follow them. We're all off duty, and what you do with that time, as long as it's not breaking any laws, it's none of my business, Ted." Giving his shoulder and pat and light squeeze.

Tes simply shrugged and nodded his understanding.

Serina and her group finally found Sharpe just off to the side of the bar. "Cmdr Sharpe? Hi, I'm Serina and this is my soon-to-be husband. Paul Winchester. We were wondering if maybe you wouldn't mind in announcing our wedding here before the party breaks up?", Serina asked smiling.

Sharpe looked up from where he was seated "Lieutenant Donovan, hello" he said and looked at Winchester "Hello Lieutenant Winchester, congratulations on the promotion and award, but have I heard stories about you? You are still alive after upsetting my wife, that rarely happens and to disobey the Captain, means the Somers Family are getting soft in their advancing years" Sharpe said with a raised eyebrow and got a Punch in his arm from Alex, who turned to Serina with a smile and stood she briefly nodded to Winchester.

"I will do it, Serina, the crew know me more than Paul, so where and when?" Alex asked.

Looking at Paul and squeezing his hand, Serena looked a little shocked to see that the Colonel had actually, and quite stealthy, joined her husband and their group.

"Um...er ... Colonel Somers! You snuck up on us. *laughing slightly* But, I'm glad you did though and we have set a date. In two days here in the lounge before the Themistocles leaves SB 51. We think it is time to make it official as...*eyes drop* as ... well* lifting her eyes again* I am three months...oh hell! I am going to have our first baby!", Serena finally got it out sighing at the same time.

*Smiling* "I will gladly announce the ceremony and where the after-wedding party will be" Somers said.

"Thank Colonel Somers", Serina said and took Paul's hand and led them back to a table to sit and enjoy themselves

Alexi once again felt like she was in the wrong place and sort of backed away as much as possible. She wasn't anti-social so much as she was not accustomed to being included in the lives of superior officers. And that conversation seemed to be decidedly private and did not include her.

Autumn looked at those gathering then leaned in and whispered to Alexi, "Let's make a plan to do something together." then she said to those there, "If you will excuse me I am going make my exit now, and it was a pleasure to meet the two of you." her gaze directed towards the Commander and his wife.

Alexi nodded to Autumn and whispered back, "That sounds good to me. We'll chat later and make some plans."

Autumn smiled gave a quick hug to Alexi, and then left the group. She paused to catch Remy's eye and blew him a kiss before she walked out of the lounge.

Dodd noticed Autumn and caught a glance just as Autumn blew him the kiss. He blushed a bit and nodded back at her. He felt the room come to a pause as he saw her. For him, she was the most important thing in the galaxy.

[OFF]


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