Shore-Leave Is Poker Time!

Posted on 07 Nov 2026 @ 3:18pm by Lieutenant JG Todd Hewitt & Sergeant Major Keegan Dudley & Lieutenant Commander Remington Dodd & Lieutenant Paul Winchester & Lieutenant Margeurite "Maggie" LeFebvre & Lieutenant JG Faith Benson & 2nd Lieutenant Liam Bäckström & Master Chief Petty Officer Alexi Michelle & Master Chief Petty Officer Harrison Madrie

6,358 words; about a 32 minute read

Mission: General Sim Postings
Location: Star Base 51, Concourse 2 - Game Room
Timeline: Shore-Leave

[ON]

Dudley moved around the Starbase 51 - Games Room with the kind of focused energy that only came right before a game... He had figured that since there were no bookings for the room, why not try out the Starbase Facility with his good friends on the USS Tomcat.

Looking at the fancy space, complete with viewports of the berthing docks, he swept the last few crumbs off the table with the side of his hand... then wiped it down with a cloth until the surface looked clean enough for cards... A fresh deck sat ready in the middle... He fanned the cards out once... checked that none were stuck together... and stacked them neatly again... Four glasses and a couple of bottles were already set near the edge of the table... close enough to reach without anyone having to get up mid-hand...

This was their usual night for Poker, yet on the Starbase, just because he could... The usual Marines... Officers... himself... This time a table... A quiet unused portion of the massive Starbase with beautiful windows of the docked vessels... The game would be the same half-serious... half-laughing competition that somehow always managed to pull them back together after long shifts... Many other faces to join in; he loved this...

Dudley gave the good lot of chairs in the Star Base Game Room one last look... adjusted one that sat crooked... and stepped back... Everything was ready...

Now it was just a matter of waiting for the others to show.
The door chime sounded several minutes later.

Harrison stood outside Dudley’s quarters wearing dark jeans and a fitted charcoal shirt beneath an open jacket. A rebellious lock of black hair had already escaped whatever brief attempt he had made to control it, and the faint scar above his eyebrow tightened whenever his brown eyes narrowed suspiciously.

At present, that suspicion was directed toward the considerably taller woman beside him.

Ensign Sh’asi K’Meia M’Rori stood five-foot-eleven, her white fur broken by bold black markings reminiscent of a Siberian tiger.

Her striped mane had been brushed neatly, and her folded ears twitched with barely concealed amusement. Bright blue eyes regarded Harrison with the patient affection of someone who knew every one of his secrets and had already promised to use several of them against him.

Harrison carried a bottle in one hand and a container of snacks in the other. Sh’asi held her own alcohol-free drink, having no intention of discovering whether her allergy remained active through an entire poker game.

“Before that door opens, we’re establishing rules,” Harrison said.

“We established rules in the turbolift,” Sh’asi replied.

“You added exceptions.” Harrison pointed out.

“They were reasonable exceptions.” Sh’asi agreed

“You declared yourself exempt from every rule whenever it
would be funny,” Harrison said.

“That is not every rule.” She purr’ed

“It was the only rule.”

Sh’asi’s whiskers lifted around a smile.

“You are nervous,” Sh’asi observed.

“I’m standing perfectly still.”

“Your right foot has changed position six times.”

“I’m considering escape routes.”

“From poker?”

“From you.”

Sh’asi’s tail moved lazily behind her.

Harrison had already told her about the gym. He had described Keegan Dudley’s confidence, the teasing challenge, the offer of a drink and perhaps, in an unguarded moment, the impressive amount of muscle the Sergeant Major had displayed without a shirt.

Sh’asi remembered every detail.

She always did.

“You asked me to come because you want him to meet your best friend,” Sh’asi said. “That suggests you hope he will become important.”

“I asked you because you like poker,” Harrison replied.

“You said Dudley’s shoulders were...”

“Classified,” Harrison interrupted. “That entire conversation is classified.”

“You also called him Toronto.”

“That part is public.”

“And handsome.”

“I was suffering from oxygen deprivation.”

“You were spotting him while he exercised.”

“Exactly. A hazardous environment.”

Sh’asi’s amusement softened. She knew Harrison well enough to recognize what existed beneath the deflection. He flirted easily when nothing serious was at risk. Genuine interest made him more careful.

It mattered to Harrison that Dudley meet her.

Sh’asi was the person Harrison sought when the adrenaline disappeared and quiet became harder to tolerate. She knew when his jokes concealed exhaustion and when his recklessness came from something more dangerous than confidence.

Harrison trusted her with truths he gave almost no one else.
Introducing her to Keegan was not casual, even if Harrison intended to pretend otherwise.

“I will behave,” Sh’asi promised.

Harrison looked up at her. “Define behave.”

“I will not reveal anything you told me in confidence.” She crossed her heart.

“Thank you.” Harrison visibly relaxed for two seconds

“Unless you become intolerable.” Sh'asi added,

“There it is.” Harrison said rolling his eyes in frustration.

The door opened.

Harrison’s attention shifted immediately toward Keegan. For a fraction of a second, the dry humor left his face and something warmer appeared beneath it.

Sh’asi noticed. Of course she did.

Harrison stepped inside with her and raised the bottle of whiskey slightly.

“Evening, Toronto,” Harrison greeted him. “I brought something for the table and someone who intends to discover every weakness in your poker game.”

He gestured toward Sh’asi.

“Sergeant Major Keegan Dudley, this is Ensign Sh’asi K’Meia M’Rori Morale Officer, occasional copilot, unofficial counselor, and my best friend,” Harrison said. “She’s also the inspiration for the Lil’ Purr Meister painted on Raider Four, although she denies responsibility whenever command asks.”

“I deny approving the name,” Sh’asi corrected.

“You liked the artwork.” Harrison pointed out.

“I tolerate the artwork because it means you take me flying.”

Sh'asi explained or tried too. Sh’asi extended one furred hand toward Keegan, her blue eyes friendly and openly curious. “It is good to finally meet you, Sergeant Major,” Sh’asi said. “Harrison has told me about you.”

Harrison slowly turned his head toward her. “We discussed this.”

“I did not say what you told me.” Sh’asi protested.

“The word ‘finally’ implied far too much.” Harrison returned.

“It implied that I have anticipated meeting him,” Sh’asi replied.

“Because of poker,” Harrison said pointedly.

“Of course,” Sh’asi agreed with suspicious innocence.

Harrison looked toward Dudley. “She’s usually more subtle,” Harrison said. “I think the opportunity to embarrass me has affected her judgment.”

“My judgment is excellent,” Sh’asi replied. “His poker face, however, is not.”

“That is slander.” Harrison accused.

“You once tried to bluff while holding your cards upside down.” Sh’asi pointed out with a giggle

“The lighting was poor.” Harrison said saucily

“We were seated beneath a lamp.” Sh’asi remind him with a chuckle

“It was an aggressively distracting lamp.” Harrison retorted.
Sh’asi’s tail flicked with amusement before her attention returned to Dudley.

“Harrison wanted the two of us to know one another,” Sh’asi said, allowing the teasing to give way to sincerity. “Anyone he considers worth bringing into his life is someone I am pleased to meet.”

Harrison became very interested in inspecting the poker table.

“Right,” Harrison muttered. “That’s enough emotional honesty for one evening.” He set the bottle and snacks beside the glasses before examining the neatly arranged deck.

“You’ve made a tactical error inviting me, Dudley,” Harrison said. “I am devastatingly good at poker.”

Sh’asi looked at Keegan. “He is a terrible bluffer,” Sh’asi said.

“You’re supposed to be on my side,” Harrison protested.

“I am. I am protecting you from financial ruin.” Sh’asis words were for Harrison, She winked at Dudley though.

Harrison claimed one of the chairs, choosing a place that offered an entirely accidental view of Keegan across the table.

The fact that Sh’asi noticed him adjusting the chair by several centimeters would remain between them. Probably.

Harrison leaned back and gave Dudley a crooked grin. “So, Toronto,” Harrison said. “Are we playing friendly poker, or are you planning to make me regret accepting that drink at the gym?”

Dudley looked up the second the door opened... and a real smile pulled at his mouth the moment he saw Harrison standing there...

He was happy... properly happy... to have him in his space...
“Evening Madrie...” he said... voice warm... “Come on in... both of you...”

Dudley took the bottle with an easy nod and set it by the glasses... then turned fully to Sh’asi and accepted her hand with a firm respectful grip...

“Ensign M’Rori... good to meet you... morale officer... welcome to the table... any friend of Harrison’s is more than welcome here...”

Dudley glanced back at Harrison... the quiet pleasure still plain on his face...

“Glad you showed up... been looking forward to it since the gym...”

He pulled out a chair for Harrison... then another for Sh’asi... and took his own seat across from them... still smiling...

“Rolie Lee tea, if you have it,” Sh’asi answered. She was already rising from her seat out of habit. “Would you like a hand with anything? I am very good with gatherings.”

Her attention shifted toward Harrison, amusement brightening her expression.

“Besides, I already know Harri will want hot coffee with two creams and two sugars.”

Harrison’s smile widened. Sh’asi knew him entirely too well.

“As for morale aboard the Tomcat,” she continued, “my understanding is that it remains quite strong particularly in Marine Country today.”

“That sounds like you already have enough tea, gurr’ley,” Harrison said, leaning forward with immediate interest. “Go on, then. Spill it. What’s happening in the Greenlands?”

“Oh, I cannot believe I haven’t told you!” Sh’asi exclaimed. “Do you remember the prank the Marines attempted to pull on Security shortly before Cassandra shipped out? The one involving the moose?”

Harrison nodded cautiously.

“Well, it turns out that an actual, honest to goodness moose was delivered to Starbase 51 while supposedly en route to the Tomcat. Naturally, it was denied boarding privileges, but it is still there living in one of the station’s forested areas. uhm the arboretum. ”

He approached the doors and signaled for the occupant of the quarters. The doors opened and in stepped LTC Dodd.

"Greetings, I hope that two bottles of Romulan Ale will add to the festivities of the evening." He stated as the looked at the rest of the people in the room.

Sh’asi turned toward the doors, her folded ears lifting as Dodd entered carrying the two bottles.

“Commander Dodd, welcome,” she greeted him warmly. “Your timing is excellent. We were just discussing the unexpected moose currently residing in Starbase 51’s arboretum.”

Harrison’s attention moved from Dodd to the Romulan ale, his crooked smile widening appreciatively.

“Commander, good to see you. I was beginning to worry Dudley had only invited people he thought he could win against.” He gestured toward one of the empty chairs. "Take your pick."

Sh’asi looked back at Dodd with a welcoming smile.

“Please join us, Commander. Although between Harrison’s bluffing and the Romulan ale, I cannot promise the evening will remain dignified.”

“Dignity was never mentioned in the invitation,” Harrison pointed out. “Only poker.”

Keegan moved the moment Dodd stepped through the door...
He had already been smiling... but the sight of the XO with two bottles of Romulan Ale made that smile widen into something warmer and more open...

“Commander...” Keegan said... voice easy and genuinely pleased... “Good to have you... come on in... make yourself at home...” He stepped over and accepted the bottles with a respectful nod... setting them carefully on the poker table beside the growing collection... “Appreciate you bringing these... they are going to disappear fast once the cards start flying...”

"Well, I do keep a stash of spirits in my private supply for times to hang with the crew. I felt I could part with this pair of bottles. The one was actually a gift from a crew on a ship I had to help get her engines restored to get them away from a radioactive nebula." Dodd stated. "By the way, with all the other beverages here, we will be fine for a few rounds before I clean house with all of you." He added with a devilish grin for good fun to be had.

Keegan turned back toward the table and began pulling more glasses from the small cabinet against the bulkhead... the original four became five... then ten... then he just kept going until ten clean glasses sat ready in a neat row right there on the poker table... He figured better to be over-prepared than scrambling later when more people showed up...

He glanced at Harrison first... that quiet fondness still clear in his expression...

“Toronto’s still standing... Madrie...” Keegan said with a low chuckle... “You brought the good whiskey and the moral support... that already puts you ahead of most of the table... try not to lose it all in the first three hands...”

Then he looked at Sh’asi... already moving toward the Starbase Games room large-style replicator. The fancy part was that the replicator had everything.

“It's the Star Base, I am sure they have it. Rolie Lee tea... coming right up...” he said... punching in the order without hesitation... The mug materialized a few seconds later... steaming gently... and Keegan carried it over to her with both hands... careful and respectful... “Here you go... Ensign... hot and ready... anything else you need just say the word... you are more than welcome here...”

He offered a small nod of quiet sincerity... “Harrison speaks highly of you... that means something...”

Keegan turned back to the replicator without missing a beat... already knowing the next order...

“And for Madrie...” he said... punching in the familiar request...

“Hot coffee... two creams... two sugars...” The mug appeared a moment later and Keegan set it carefully on the poker table right in front of Harrison’s place... “Just the way you like it...”

He looked next at Dodd... still standing near the edge of the table... and offered a friendly tilt of his head...

“Commander... can I get you anything to drink as well...? Whiskey... Romulan Ale... coffee... tea... whatever you prefer... just say the word and I’ll have it on the poker table in a second...”

"I would take a Whiskey Sour if you could." Dodd replied.

Keegan gave a quick nod the moment Dodd made the request... already moving before the words had fully settled in the air.

Dudley stepped back to the replicator and the small collection of bottles he’d been building on the side counter... pulled a clean glass from the neat row of ten... and set to work with quiet efficiency. A measure of the good whiskey Harrison had brought... fresh lemon from the replicator... a touch of sweetener... ice... a quick shake with the practiced ease of a man who had mixed more than a few drinks in his time. Dudley strained it into the glass, gave it one last look, and carried it over...

“Whiskey Sour, Commander...” Keegan said with a smile, setting the glass carefully in front of Dodd with a small, respectful tilt of his head. “Nice and cold. Let me know if you want it adjusted.”

Keegan poured a modest measure of the Ale into his own glass and set it down among the others... then settled back into his seat... elbows resting easy... looking between the three of them with that same calm... welcoming energy he always carried when people were in his space...

“Glad you all made it...” he said... voice warm and unhurried...

“Poker’s the excuse... good company is the real reason... so settle in... talk as much shit as you want... and try not to clean me out too early...” A small crooked grin tugged at the corner of his mouth... “I still have a reputation to protect in Fighter Country...”

Dodd took a swig of his drink and then sat in one available chair without anything reflective behind it. "I may be a bit rusty. Have not played poker in a while."

"Well. You know how to play poker, go easy on us!!" He chuckled playfully. "Some of us does not. At least I am certain... Does everyone know how to play poker?" Keegan asked inquisitively.

The door chime sounded again before anyone could answer Keegan’s last question... Keegan looked up... already rising halfway from his chair as the doors slid open...

Todd Hewitt stepped in first... one hand guiding the way... the other carrying a small bag that clearly belonged to Maggie... Two bottles of wine... one red... one white... were tucked carefully under his arm... Maggie was right beside him... her presence quiet and steady... the soft curve of her pregnancy showing just enough beneath her top that Keegan noticed it at once and filed it away with quiet care...

“Todd... Maggie...!” he said... a real smile already pulling at his mouth as he moved toward them...

Maggie never entered a room with anything but the utmost grace. Even now, her appearance was important to her, but also. She was an assistant department head now. She needed to behave.

“Evening, everyone...” Todd said... voice easy and warm as he looked around the room... “Hope we’re not too late to the party... me and Maggie brought a little red and white for the table...” He lifted the bottles slightly in greeting... then nodded toward Keegan... Harrison... Sh’asi... and Dodd in turn...

Maggie smiled. "Hello," she said to the group. "Thanks for inviting us," she said, to Dudley."

She turned to Todd. "Why don't you put the wine on the table, and we can get some glasses?" She said. Her long black sundress didn't hide her growing stomach well. "And then some sparkling juice for me," she said. She touched his arm, lovingly, but also to nudge him along.

Todd gently let his hand slide from Maggie's back. "Of course Hun." He loved that dress on Maggie, she looked exceptionally well in it. "Sparkling Juice! Any type?" Todd asked, wanting to ensure that Maggie had something she could enjoy, while being pregnant with their child.

"Pomegranate!" she said. "Thanks, baby," she said, leaning over to kiss him on his cheek.

“Sergeant Major... Master Chief... Ensign... Commander... good to see you all...”

Keegan stepped over and took the two wine bottles from Todd with an easy nod... setting them carefully on the poker table beside the growing collection of drinks... “Red and white... perfect... they’ll fit right in...”

He glanced at the bag in Todd’s other hand and gave a small understanding tilt of his head...

“You can set that wherever’s comfortable... plenty of space...” Keegan’s eyes flicked briefly to Maggie with quiet respect... then back to Todd... “Good to have you both here... chair’s ready whenever you want it...”

"Drink for the Lady..." Todd replied, as he set down the sparkling drink that Maggie had said, as well a cold can of beer for himself. He then reached forward to bring the glasses close to Maggie, so that she would not have to reach herself, when she was sore in her back with the new child.

"Thanks!!" Maggie said, and then turned ack to the others.

Todd sat down, next to Maggie and then cracked his beer open, enjoying seeing everyone. She couldn't wait to start. Maggie was VERY good at poker.

“Coffee’s still hot if anyone wants a refill... tea’s available... whiskey... Romulan Ale... and now we’ve got wine too...” He looked between Todd and the others... “What can I get you, Hewitt...? Anything for the table while I’m up...?”

"Thanks but I am fine for now." Dodd replied.

"I'm fine," Todd gestured to his beer cracked open. "Thank you, Dudley." He smiled happy to be there.

He left the offer open and easy... already ready to pull another glass from the neat row of ten sitting on the poker table... host mode still fully engaged... the quiet pleasure of a full room clear in the way he moved.

Faith paused at the doors a moment, then gave a shrug. At least she hit the chime before walking in anyway. Giving a quiet look around who was there. "Well, hello there," She was out of uniform. Wearing a black spaghetti top with gold lining.

Underneath the bust were 'sun rays' in gold spreading downward. A gold belt with white tight, but not to tight white jeans.



"Faith!" Dudley had turned. "Good to see you, Lieutenant Benson. Please come in... You look fantastic, might I say." Keegan looked over her nice off-duty wear. He had been friends with Faith, but they had never played poker before.

He chuckled. "I'm somewhat certain. You would know the game of poker. You're very well at in Security, the poker face that is."

"Can I get you anything to drink? We have Tea, Coffee, Water, Sodas, of course all from this wonderful station replicator that has more inventory than we all know what to do with!" He chuckled at Faith.

"Thank you," Faith smiled warmly coming in. Taking a look at whom all was there. Giving a thought a moment, "Have any whiskey?"

CPO (formerly Brevit Ens) Alexi Michelle had heard there was a get together for some of the Tomcat crew. What better way to reintroduce herself than to, well, crash the party. She took a breath as she stepped through the door and looked around to see if she recognized anyone, or if anyone recognized her. She smiled and raised her hand in a small wave, "I heard there was a little get together. Mind if I join in?"

"Welcome, I am certain you can find a spot to join in." Dodd responded.

Alexi nodded and held out her contribution to the evening, "I brought some snacks, and some micro-brew Dark Ale. Wasn't sure if you wanted people to bring stuff to share or not, so I erred on the side of not showing up empty handed." She nodded to the others in the room and made her way to a chair, "It is good to see you all."

Maggie waved from her seat, but didn't recognize this person. Still, she generally liked all people, so she was sure they'd get along fine.

Backstrom enters the room. "Ah, I must be in the right place. Either this is an intervention, or I have found me the infamous poker club," he said with a grin, his cybernetic eyes scanning each person. Then he held up a 110-year-old bottle of Jack Daniel's. "I bring tribute."

There was a second look after she finished her first glass of whiskey, declining another. Faith pointed to Backstrom, "I'll have that one," she grinned. Sitting down where it was open.

Dudley was still standing when Maggie’s soft request reached him.

Keegan turned at once... already reaching for another clean glass. He filled it with pure, chilled water from the replicator... no ice unless asked... and brought it straight to her, setting it gently within easy reach so she wouldn’t have to stretch.

Keegan acknowledged Maggie's request as host, "Water for the gorgeous pregnant Mother."

Maggie winked at Keegan. "Thank you." She set the glass next to her juice. Too much sugar was also bad for her, so she tended to go back and forth between decaf coffee, tea, water, and juice. She had never been much into soft drinks, and hated milk.

Todd caught that and shot Keegan a joking look. He grunted. He looked back at Maggie beside him and grinned.

"Remember... You're drinking water for two now!"

"Yes!!"

Keegan looked up as both new arrivals stepped into the Games Room... already rising from his chair with that familiar host’s energy.

“CPO Michelle... Lieutenant Bäckström...” he said, voice warm and carrying easily across the table. “Come on in, both of you. Glad you made it.”

He moved first to Alexi, accepting the snacks and the micro-brew Dark Ale with a grateful and and setting them carefully among the other bottles and containers...

“Appreciate you bringing these, Michelle. They’ll go quick once the cards start flying. Grab any open seat you like.”

Then he turned to Liam, taking the 110-year-old Jack Daniel’s with clear respect... turnng the bottle once in his hands before placing it in a place of honor on the table.

“And this... hell of a tribute, Lieutenant. Thank you. That one’s going to make the whole table very happy...”

Keegan gestured toward the remaining chairs, then swept a look around the growing group...

“What can I get you both to drink? Michelle... Bäckström... whiskey, coffee, tea, Romulan Ale, that Dark Ale you brought, or a pour of the Jack. Whatever you want, just say the word and I’ll have it in front of you.”

He paused, still standing, and let his gaze move across the rest of the table.

“Anyone else need a top-up while I’m up? Fresh glass, refill, something new... just speak up. Host mode’s still on!” Keegan smiled and winked at everyone. He was happy to see such a great turnout.

Alexi nodded with a smile directed to their host , "The Ale would be fine, Sir. I would not deprive anyone else of the spirits they have provided." Her gaze turned to the others at the table. So far the only faces she recognized was Dodd, Winchester and Benson. Although she hadn't had much interaction with any of them. More of like ships passing in the night, as the old saying went. "Hello everyone, in case you are wondering, I'm Ensi.. no wait, thankfully back to Chief Petty Officer, Alexi Michelle." She sat down and looked at all the faces, eager to spend some relaxing moments even if her poker playing was really rusty, as in several years since she'd held cards in her hand.

Faith moved over a little bit and got an extra chair. Placing it down where she could and sat down. For the moment since they were in the middle of a hand, she'd just wait.

Keegan gave a quick nod the moment Alexi spoke up...

“Ale for the Chief… coming right up…” He grabbed a clean glass… poured a solid measure of the dark micro-brew she’d brought… and set it carefully in front of her with a small smile…

“Here you go, Michelle… glad you made it… sit easy… you’re more than welcome…”

He glanced over as Faith pulled up the extra chair and settled in…

“Faith… that seat’s perfect… and just so you know… game’s only just starting…”

"Well here is for perfect seating." Faith nodded.

Keegan tapped the neat stacks of chips already sitting in front of every chair…

“Chips are out… ante’s already in from everyone…”

He picked up the deck… gave it one last shuffle… and dealt two cards face-down to each player around the table…

“Michelle… Faith… Harrison… Sh’asi… Dodd… Bäckström… Winchester… Donovan… Todd… Maggie… and the rest of you…”

Once every player had their two cards he set the deck aside… picked up his own hand… and looked at it for a quiet moment…
Then he lifted his eyes and gave the table a small nod…“Alright folks…Texas Hold 'em… first betting round starts." Keegan said.

He looked at his cards one more time… then reached for his chips and slid a modest few chips forward into the middle of the table…

“I’ll open…” he said, voice easy… “small bet to start us off…” Placing two chips from his modest stack into the middle pot.

"Alright to my left… Michelle, you’re up…”

Alexi picked up her cards and looked them over, rearranging them for a moment before setting them face down. She picked a few of the chip up and tossed them into the center, "I see your call, Sir."

"Hmm.." Faith's expression went completely stoic as she looked at her cards and then set them down. Taking up the glass to take a drink, "Good stuff, Backstrom."

Dodd was reading the room and keeping a low key poker face. He had to be careful as direct his mind to items he sensed outside the room to not benefit his hand. He did like the cards he had and now shifted his focus to on to a lost love to help him not see the mental images of his fellow card players and to listen to the bets that would follow Michelle's before his time came to wager.

Grinning, taking up his cards, shifting them in his hand, looking at them a minute. "i'm good on a drinks for now." Rubbed his chin, "i'll call."

Paul had heard rumors of a Poker game going on and wanted some of the action and had found out where it was happening and entered the room. He said, "Hey all, who's up for losing some credits?" as he walked over to the table and took his place next to Todd Hewitt and Blackstrom.

Hewitt had looked to his cards, thumbing through them slowly. He then glanced at Maggie and winked. He didn't have a great hand, but nonetheless, he enjoyed getting out for once.

Taking a drink from his beer can, he commented to Dodd. A fellow Engineer, but not knowing he would soon be one again. "The team just finished resetting a micron ablative assembly... You should come in sometime, Remy..." Todd spoke. He said Remy because they technically were not on duty, and he had been a good friend of Dodd's through Leland.

Alexi slid her cards off the table while she waited for the last opening bids to be laid. She looked at the cards, an internal debate on how well her two cards would play. She could bet heavy, or take a safer avenue. Either decision came with risk. But wasn't that what they were here for?

Liam looks at his cards and taps the table. "check."

Paul looked down at his cards and threw two chips out and said, Raise forty."

Hewitt pondered as he looked at his two-card set. It wasn't fantastic, but he still had a few options. "I see the bet." He then placed his minimum bet to remain in the game.

Maggie had already arranged her cards, and helped Todd to arrange his. He had a bad hand, admittedly, but she was a skilled poker player, so she could probably help him get it better soon. She thought a moment.

"I see the bet." she said.

Dudley then nodded as the game turned back to him. Prior, he posted for the table a 10-credit blind in the middle pot up for win.

The 'pre-flop' betting had now completed... As dealer, Dudley then placed three community cards face up in the center of the table... This was called 'the Flop'. The three cards are now shared by all players and dramatically changed the dynamics of each hand.

Each player assumes the three 'flop cards' are played to each of their hands... Does it help you, or does it not help you?

"Alright. Take a gander at 'the flop'... We have a K of Diamonds, 8 of Clubs, and 3 of Spades... New betting round begins, starting with the first player to the left of me."

The Diamond helped Maggie but the other two were neutral. She looked at Todd's hand. All three of those were good for him. Poor guy. Hopefully beginner's luck would kick in.

"Again, we start with Michelle... Remember," Dudley stated, "Players can choose to 'Check,' which is a pass without betting if no one has raised the bet to your turn. If someone has raised a bet in between, then you are forced to meet their raised bet to stay in the game."

Dudley then stated. "I check." Neither betting this round nor folding. He turned to Michelle. "Your turn." He smiled.

Alexi looked at the flop cards and then to the cards in her hand. Poker was more about the bluffing than the cards you held in your hand. After a few seconds she picked up some chips, tossing them into the pot, "I see your check, and raise one more."

There was another sip taken from her glass as Faith also looked at the flop cards. She didn't pick her cards up again to look at them, counting out two more chips after she added to Alexi's raise. "Two," tossing two chips down.

Dodd combadge alerted him of something he needed to address. "Excuse me, I am very sorry but I need to step out of this game as I am needed to address something with my change in position back on the ship." Dodd felt terrible having to up and step out he had a good hand of cards. "So I fold and bid you all the best of luck." Dodd then excused himself from the table. "Enjoy the Romulan Ale and may the best person win."

Dodd then moved to make his way out of the room, he was disappointed as he had a royal flush and was thinking he would win that hand.

Dudley got up from his seat, showing respect to the Lt. Commander. "Thank you for dropping in, Remington. It was good to see you. Don't work too hard!" He did his best to see him off as Dodd left.

"Thanks for inviting me and good luck to all of you." Dodd stated as he stepped out the door. He was next on his way to the ship to check out the alert he received about a mission file he was preparing.

"Alright, Liam. You're up next!"

Alexi nodded to Dodd. It was unfortunate timing that he was called away. But that could happen to any one of the people in the room. They were never really completely off duty. She looked at the next person trying to get a feel for him. Liam Blackstrom was someone she had not interacted with, so she had nothing to compare his actions with.

Liam looked at his cards and frowned, "I fold." tossing his cards to the dealer. "i hope the card gods are nicer next round."

Hewitt grumbled. "So what. That makes the raise three now?" He turned to Faith and Alexi. "Ok. I see your raises, three down." He then turned to Maggie and gave a wink.

Maggie gave Todd a grin. "I see your bets, and raise ten slips," she said, tossing a few latinum into the pile. She knew what she was doing-always a risk, but never TOO risky. Just enough for the thrill but never enough that she would be in trouble. Calm, even, sly as a fox.

Dudley grinned at Maggie's raising the bet to 10 slips. "Oyi. Too rich for my blood..." He used the poker phrase... "I am going to fold. He then set down his set of cards, nothing of major importance that would lead him.

Actually, he was happy to relax back with his can of beer and sip and watch the game players.

Michelle looked at the cards lid face up and then to Maggie, "I will see your raise, and raise another 5 slips." She pushed her bet to the center of the table.

Faith carefully looked around at the faces present. Giving a glance here and there at her cards on the table. Never waivering a glance, no raised eyebrow. Just a stoic expression. Putting in 15 slips. "Call."

Alexi nodded and laid down her cards for all too see. As she had suspected, she had the best hand, but she was still a little bit shocked that she had taken the pot. "Well, that turned out nicely," Alexi said as she reached out with both arms to scoop up the chips and pull them to her place at the table, "I thank you all for your generous donations to my winnings." She smiled and sat back in her seat, looking round the table at the others, "seriously though, I had fun. Thank you for such a memorable evening."

"Well." Todd grimaced. "My poker face was the fact that..." He laughed, easing back into his chair with his now empty beer. "I don't know anything about poker!"

The Sergeant Major Dudley then chuckled too. "Fair enough. I think next time we should all do a game of Uno, or an easier card game. Michelle! Congratulations. Thank you and everyone for coming out. It's been a refreshing time on Shoreleave."

Just then there was a general call over the station COMMs. It was alerting the crew of the USS Tomcat to be on standby. "Looks like our shore leave will be over sooner than we think! To boldly go, gang." Keegan smiled at every good friend at the table. It was family. It was the Tomcat!

[OFF]

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