OOC: So, as of Feb.9th, the Challenger turned 25 years old, with its first post occurring on the 16th. With that in mind, and because I wanted to be able to weave stuff on the side for fun, you are all invited to the Lounge to celebrate.
IC:
Ensign Naomi Salas was on her third assignment, and she had been surprised to find herself on a cadet ship. Her first days were a strange sense of deja vu from her own Academy training cruise. Now she was here as an operations officer, helping managing the ebbs and flows of life on a starship so that new batches of Starfleet cadets could have a great experience and feel somewhat prepared for life in the fleets.

Who was she kidding? You were never fully prepared.

As she stepped into the Lounge, a cheer went up and Naomi jumped back with a yelp. A banner that said Happy Quarter-Century! along with at least a dozen colourful balloons all swaying happily from the bar and the outskirts of the space. “What the?” She broke into a grin. “Who Squealed?” Naomi searched her friends and crewmates for a culprit and landed on the enigmatic blue haired host that had shown up recently and taken up ownership of the lounge. There had been no announcement, but Naomi felt like the woman’s presence was purposeful. What that purpose was remained to be seen.

“A lady never reveals her sources,” Demara Aryal said, folding her arms on the bartop, her light brown eyes alight. “Happy birthday, Naomi. You can blame the party itself on your friends, but I figured there was room for everyone.”

“Well, thank you,” the petite officer said before she was engulfed in a round of hugs.

Demara winked and reached below the bar, pulling out a giant cupcake with an elegant swirl of dark chocolate frosting and silver and gold sprinkles. She pushed a thin silver candle into the centre and pulled out a powered lighter. Her face was aglow as she slid the decadent dessert towards Salas. “My understanding is that you’re supposed to make a secret wish and if you blow it out on the first try, it will come true.”

“How silly,” she said with a grin, and yet she leaned in and blew at the flame, she couldn’t help but think of a wish. The lean flame wavered before it disappeared in a waft of smoke that Demara waved away.

“Not so silly. If you wish for a drink, let me know, I’ll be back in a few moments,” the host said before sliding down the bar to attend to the other patrons.

~Demara, Lounge Host