R & R and some plans
Posted on 18 Jul 2026 @ 3:26am by Lieutenant JG K'Rin "Tiger" C'Tinu & Ensign Sh'asi M'Rori
824 words; about a 4 minute read
Mission:
General Sim Postings
Location: USS Tomcat — Recreation Lounge
Timeline: Off-Duty Hours
ON:
The recreation lounge had become a rare pocket of calm aboard the USS Tomcat. The usual sounds of tactical reports, engineering alerts, and flight deck operations had been replaced by laughter, music, and casual conversations among crew members taking a moment to enjoy life beyond their duties.
At one of the larger tables near the observation windows, three women from very different corners of Starfleet had gathered.
Ensign Sh’asi K’Meia M’Rori sat in the middle of the conversation, her striped white and black mane framing her excited expression as she tapped away on her padd.
“I am telling you both, this is exactly what the crew needs,” Sh’asi said enthusiastically. “A night where everyone gets to show who they are outside of their assignments. Not just pilots, engineers, medical officers, security… just people.”
Lieutenant JG K’Rin “Tiger” C’Tinu sat beside her, arms folded but clearly entertained. The towering Caitian fighter pilot had the relaxed posture of someone who rarely allowed herself to truly relax.
“You have been planning this for three days,” K’Rin observed.
“Four.” Sh’asi corrected
“Of course it is four.” Sh’asi smiled proudly.
“It is important.” C’Tinu agreed
“It is.” The voice came from behind them. Both Caitians turned as Lieutenant JG Lyra D’Tan approached carrying a cup of tea and a small stack of padds. The Betazoid medical officer offered them a warm smile before taking the empty seat beside them. “I heard there was a morale initiative being organized,” Lyra said. “And knowing Ensign M’Rori, I assumed it involved at least three different activities, a schedule, and probably a backup schedule.”
Sh’asi looked slightly embarrassed. “I like being prepared.”
K’Rin glanced at Lyra. “She has backup schedules.”
Lyra laughed softly. “I knew it.”
Sh’asi crossed her arms playfully. “You two are making fun of me.”
“No,” Lyra replied with a smile. “We are appreciating your enthusiasm.”
The Betazoid looked down at the padd displaying the event proposal. “A talent night is actually a wonderful idea. Crew members spend so much time focused on survival, duty, and responsibilities. Having a place to express themselves can do a lot for morale.”
Sh’asi’s bright blue eyes lit up. “So you agree?”
“Absolutely.” Lyra said with a nod.
The Caitian Ensign leaned forward eagerly. “Will you participate?”
Lyra paused. “I suppose that depends on what you consider a talent.”
Sh’asi immediately smiled. “You play the Betazoid harp.”
K’Rin looked over. “You play?”
Lyra nodded. “I do. My family encouraged music as a way to connect with emotions. The harp has always been something I turn to when I need quiet reflection.”
Sh’asi clasped her hands together. “That would be beautiful.”
Lyra smiled. “I could perform.”
“Really?” Sh’asi’s excitement was captivating
“Yes.” Lyra couldn’t help but agree.
Sh’asi looked thrilled. “What would you play?”
Lyra thought for a moment. “Perhaps something traditional from Betazed. Or something more familiar for the crew.”
K’Rin raised an eyebrow. “You said harp. Singular.”
Lyra smiled slightly. “I also play piano.” she admitted.
There was a moment of silence.
K’Rin looked at Sh’asi. “You planned this.”
Sh’asi looked innocent. “I did not.”
“You absolutely did.” K’Rin accused playfully
“I merely hoped.” Sh’asi replied
Lyra laughed. “Well, I suppose I have been recruited.”
Sh’asi’s tail flicked happily. “Thank you! The crew is going to love it.”
K’Rin shook her head. “You realize you have just encouraged her.”
“I am aware.” Lyra stated happily. She enjoyed helping her friends where she could.
“She will probably add more performers now.” K’Rin mused
“She probably already has.” Lyra interjected.
Sh’asi looked down at her padd. “Actually…”
Both women looked at her.
“What?” K’Rin asked.
Sh’asi slowly lowered the padd. “I may have contacted a few other people.”
Lyra covered a smile with her hand. “You really do care about this.”
The Caitian Ensign’s expression softened. “I just want people to remember that we are more than our assignments. We are more than the bad days. Everyone deserves a moment where they can smile.”
Lyra’s expression became gentle, her Betazoid empathy sensing the sincerity behind those words.
“That,” Lyra said quietly, “is exactly why you are good at what you do.”
Sh’asi looked slightly surprised. “You think so?”
“I know so.” Lyra said softly
K’Rin nodded. “She is annoying.”
Sh’asi frowned. “Lieutenant!”
“But,” K’Rin continued, a faint smile appearing, “she is the kind of annoying that keeps people together.”
The three women shared a laugh.
For a moment, the fighter pilot, the morale officer, and the medical counselor were not defined by ranks or responsibilities.
They were simply friends aboard a starship, planning a night of music, laughter, and connection.
And somewhere on the USS Tomcat, morale had already improved.
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