Posted by Lieutenant Zunara (Chief of Security) in Lounge- Let’s Party Like It’s 2400!

Posted by Captain Aaron Foley (Commanding Officer) in Lounge- Let’s Party Like It’s 2400!

Posted by Commander Pilar Halcyone (Executive Officer) in Lounge- Let’s Party Like It’s 2400!
Posted by… suppressed (22) by the Post Ghost! 👻
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

The doors parted and Vanessa paused mid-step at the sight of the balloons. Oh, shoot, now I remember that notice. Despite the momentary forgetfulness, the festive atmosphere couldn’t help but make her smile as she saw many officers - and cadets even - mingling, talking, laughing; celebrating. She spotted who she thought was the guest of honor - someone who had joined the crew since she left for temporary assignment to the JAG corps. She hadn’t yet familiarized herself with all of the new crew. She sidled over to the bar, catching the eye of the hostess working, who she could almost guarantee had.

“Could I have a Risa sunset, please?” she asked. She was glad she’d changed before coming down; drinking while in uniform wasn’t against regulation, but she disliked the presentation of herself personally, especially with cadets. Her dark hair hung loose about her shoulders, another difference she tried to make to separate the counselor from the woman.

Demara smiled. “Can do, Counsellor,” she said as she turned behind her to gather a glass and her ingredients. She layered something purple in the bottom, then above that were layers of red, orange and yellow. Turning on the ball of her tall black booted foot, she set the drink down in front of Lofton.

Vanessa admired the colors briefly before sipping, then closed her eyes and smiled. “Excellent pour,” she thanked the hostess.

“Is that Ensign Salas?” she asked the blue haired woman, a slight tilt of the head to indicate who she meant. “Our birthday guest?”

Lt. Cmdr Lofton, CNS

---

Nathan Miller | Contact Me
Discord: tkdnate

Resting her arm on the edge of the bar, Aryal smiled. It lit up her pale brown eyes and created one of several contradictions about the woman. She had the appearance of youth, but there was something deep in those eyes that seemed far older. “It is. I do love a good surprise party. At least when it’s appreciated by the guest of honour. Nothing worse when it sets off panic or some other negative response.”

~Demara, Lounge Host

The counselor nodded, eyes widening. “I’ve had more than enough sessions about exactly that,” she replied, shaking her head. She took another swig of the cocktail, and raised her glass. “Thank you again. I should give my regards to the celebrant.”

Demil stepped into the room, faintly smiling. Social situations were certainly not the scientist’s forte, but he thought it was important to be present to celebrate his crewmate. He wove through the crowd to a somewhat emptier, quieter corner, and sat, observing the goings-on.

Lieutenant Demil Lis
Chief Science Officer

The crowd was beginning to grow, and it took some maneuvering for Vanessa to make her way to where Ensign Salas was holding court with her fellow crew members. She waited, looking about the room, as others gave their well wishes and made small talk. She caught the eye of the chief science officer, whom she hadn’t yet had the opportunity to meet, and raised her glass with a small smile in salute. She’d have to make her way over there before she left.

Finally someone pulled away from the crowd about the young ensign and Vanessa was able to step forward. “Happy birthday, Ensign Salas!” she pronounced, her smile brightening her face. She raised her glass and continued. “My ancestors would say ‘À votre santé’ - to your health!” She took another sip in celebration.

“Do you have any plans or traditions for today?”

Lt. Cmdr Lofton, CNS

---

Nathan Miller | Contact Me
Discord: tkdnate

“Thank you!” Naomi said. “My family always did made a big deal out of birthdays and it’s bene one of the hardest parts about serving away from Earth. So aside from this lovely gathering, I have a call with them later. We always share a toast, even if we just send each other a message to say we did.”

Vanessa gestured about at the decorations and the mingling party-goers. “Well, it might not be quinceañera-level big deal, but I think it’s a good start,” she grinned at the young officer. “I hope the rest of this year is as good it seems to be starting. Enjoy the rest of your party, Naomi.”

The counselor stepped back, watching the celebrant mingle with her colleagues a bit more before turning away.

Aaron hadn’t meant to be late, but a Captain’s job never seemed to rest, especially the paperwork. At least at the moment the mountain of PADDs didn’t look like it was about to tip over by itself, so that was a start. It also probably didn’t help that he had taken a minute to stop by his quarters to change into slacks and a button down shirt. One of the earliest lessons he learned that there was not many things that killed a party faster then the Captain walking into a room full of cadets, in uniform.

Nodding to a few people who waved as he walked in, Aaron made his way over to the bar. As Demara made her way over towards him he spoke up, “You know, some people actually don’t like surprises.”

Capt Foley - CO

Demara couldn’t help the smug smile she gave him as she folded her arms on the bar. “That is very true. That’s why I would never throw a party for someone who hates them. But I happen to know that the good ensign rather enjoys surprises and it felt like a risk we could take.”

“Can I get you something to drink, Captain?”

~Demara, Lounge Host

“Surprise me,” Aaron said with a grin.

“You always say that,” Demara quipped as she pushed herself upright and set about making a drink.

“And it hasn’t failed me yet!” Aaron said with a laugh.

“How are you finding the Challenger so far? Hopefully everything you needed arrived on time.”

Capt Foley - CO

“Oh, I’m making do just fine. I like to get to know a place first before I make too many plans. But I can say that I came aboard at just the right time.” Aryal poured some sort of syrup into a shaker with ice, followed by splashes of liquor. She shook it up and then poured it into a martini glass. It was fruity (but not overly sweet), with a serious citrus flavour, but it was followed by a tiny kick of heat that also had a herbal note. Sliding the glass over to Foley, she watched him intently.

~Demara, Lounge Host

Vanessa returned to the lounge bar, setting her glass on the surface. “You sure do know how to poor them,” she commented with a grin. “Could I get a water with lemon, please?”

“Absolutely!” she said, spinning to work on the drink. A moment later, Demara slid it across to Vanessa.

She nodded to her commanding officer. “Evening, Captain.” She glanced back out over the room. “Our new addition knows how to throw a party!”

Lt. Cmdr Lofton, CNS

---

Nathan Miller | Contact Me
Discord: tkdnate

“She’s been known to throw a party now and then,” he said chuckling. Picking up the glass he took a second to look at the drink before he raised the glass towards Demara and taking a sip.

“Fruity, though I’m definitely getting the citrus, and just a slight heat… wait… I take that back, that’s a kick.” Aaron had to pause for a second. “But it doesn’t really linger which is nice.”

This time he took a bigger sip so he could savor the drink a bit more. “What is that herbal note that’s hiding in there?”

Capt Foley - CO

“Kusa leaves. It’s like if lime leaves and basil had a baby. Come from Sutt Four. Great place, great food,” Demara said.

Pilar strolled in the lounge and immediately joined the Aaron and Vanessa when she spotted them at the bar. “What’s going on here?” she asked as she approached them, “I hope I am not crashing the party and Captain, is that a drink I see in your hands?” Her eyebrows were raised in amusement.

Commander Halcyone
(Executive Officer)

“Why yes it is!” Aaron said raising his drink towards Pilar. “I’ve been known to relax once a decade or so.”

Chuckling Aaron took another sip of his drink.

“Plus it helps that we have the benefit of having someone on board now that can make a very tasty drink. I’m not sure if you’ve had a chance to meet Demara. She recently joined us to take over management of the lounge.”

Capt Foley - CO

Pilar grinned at Aaron’s jest. “Well, if I didn’t know any better, I’d say you’re becoming a bit too comfortable, Captain,” she teased, glancing at his drink before turning her attention to Vanessa.

Aaron just chuckled as he raised his drink towards Pilar before taking another sip.

“And how about you, Commander? Indulging in a little relaxation as well?”

Pilar sat on the stool beside Vanessa, nodding appreciatively at the mention of Demara. “Ah, yes, I’ve heard about her skills. Looking forward to trying one of her creations,” she remarked, glancing around the lounge. It was a rare moment of respite on the ship, and she intended to savor it.
She smiled at Demara and said, “Hello there, Demara. I’ve heard wonderful things about your drinks. I guess now is a good time to try one.”

Commander Halcyone
(Executive Officer)

Demara smiled. “Good evening, Commander,” she said, as if she knew who everyone was (which was actually true, despite not meeting before). “Are you in the mood fo something serious or playful?”

~Demara, Lounge Host

“You can’t go wrong either way. But I’d vote playful.”

Capt Foley - CO

Pilar chuckled and said, “Playful it is then, Demara”. She glanced at Vanessa and Aaron. “We could all use a little bit of levity, don’t you think?”

She turned her attention back to Demara, curious about what concoction the skilled bartender would come up with. Pilar leaned forward on the bar, letting herself relax for a moment. It was a luxury she didn’t often allow herself on the ship, where responsibilities loomed at every turn.

Commander Halcyone
(Executive Officer)

OOC: Mind if I jump in?

-Kieron-

OOC: Of course you can join :)

Commander Halcyone
(Executive Officer)

Demara gave the XO a wink and then went about crafting a drink from scratch. She preferred to not rely on recipes and actually took great joy in coming up with new combinations. Did they always work? No, but most of the time she got it right.

A couple minutes later, she slid a purple and bright blue mixed drink across the bar to Halcyone. It didn’t taste like any one thing. Not berries, not citrus, not herbs. But it was bright and spoke of hot tropical nights on the beach.

~Demara, Lounge Host

Pilar’s eyes widened at the colors as the vibrant drink was presented to Halcyone. She marveled at how Demara had managed to achieve such a captivating combination, her admiration for the lounge host’s skill deepening.
Taking a sip, Pilar allowed the flavors to envelop her senses. The taste was unlike anything she had experienced before, a delightful fusion of various elements that defied categorization.

“Cheers Commander. May our next mission be something easy,” Aaron said chuckling as he held his glass up and towards Pilar.

Capt Foley - CO

“Here’s to hoping, Captain,” she replied, her tone laced with a hint of optimism. “But even if it’s not easy, at least we’ll have good company and great drinks afterward to see us through.”

At that moment, the doors to the crew lounge parted, revealing Lieutenant Zunara, sporting a kind of informal gym attire, as if he had been for a workout before joining the festivities. He took in a quick appraisal of the room before crossing to where the CO and XO stood, “Captain, Commander.”

-Lieutenant Zunara: Chief of Security-

Pilar observed Zunara with interest, noting his casual attire that hinted at a recent workout session. “Lieutenant Zunara, please join us”, she said as she pointed to an empty bar stool.

Commander Halcyone
(Executive Officer)

“Care for a drink? They can make just about anything you can imagine here.”

Capt Foley - CO

“A coffee will be fine, I have to work on some of the next week’s duty roster once the party is over, we must always be prepared after all.”

-Lieutenant Zunara: Chief of Security-

“Sometimes, practicality wins out,” Demara said with an easy smile. “Though, never fear, if you change your mind, I of course serve synthehol here. I do love the perfect clarity you get , but fun fact, not all species can tolerate it. On occasion some can develop an allergy that actually makes it more intoxicating than alcholo itself.”

“How do you like your coffee, chief?” the blue haired woman asked.

~Mischief Maker