<snip>

Claude sat down carefully placing his tray on the table as to not spill his tea. “Yes, Yes I did.” he replied, “I needed to get out of the lab. I realized after looking at the chronometer that I had not eaten in some time.”

As he spoke he realized that he had just started talking, and not even introduced himself. His social skills were truly eroding once he transferred to the Ark Angel. After wiping his hand on a napkin, he stood for a moment and extended his hand. “I am Claude Genard, I’m one of the General Scientists. Please excuse me for not introducing myself previously. Also, Thank you for allowing me to join you.”

• Lt. Genard

Telana smiled at the gallantry of standing to introduce himself. She was fond of manners—it was one thing she really liked about Andone—the woman was calm and polite. She took his hand and gave it a shake. “Nice to meet you, Ensign Genard, general scientist. I am Telana Bray, first officer.” The mention of her position wasn’t done to make him feel awkward. Bray was simply giving him the same information about herself that he’d chosen to introduce himself with.

She gave a nod towards his chair, silently asking him to sit once again. “I find looking out at space to be relaxing, so I often come here when I need to think.”

—Bray, XO

Charra entered the 17 forward and stopped for a moment. Seeing so many stars that the view had, as well as so many officers at once, and she stumbled a bit. Ordering a mocha and some food, she continued to scan the room, looking for a place to sit. After her tray is handed to her, she stood and stared in quiet.

Ensign Charra Lana, medical officer

Flint saw his colleague enter in the distance and looking a little lost after receiving her tray.

He waved his hand in the air as to catch her attention and motion her to his area, a stool next to him was vacant.

“Like me, she might need a pickup…” he thought to himself.

• Ensign Locke, Medical Officer

As the doors swished open to the crowded lounge, Riley realized that he likely wasn’t the only one seeking comfort, relaxation, or familiarity after today’s events. He paused, taking in the variety of crew assembled. He spotted Claude among the sea of unfamiliar faces, but he was seated with… was that the XO? He refocused his attention on the port side bar and made his way there.

“What’ll you have?” the bartender asked, and Riley almost laughed at how nearly every bartender he’d ever met used that exact phrase.

“Centaurian brandy, neat, please,” he responded, strumming his fingers on the bar top.

The bartender turned and squatted at a cabinet behind the bar, opening it and shuffling some bottles. Riley expected him to use a replicator, so this surprised him. “I have an ‘84 and an ‘86,” the man replied, standing with the two bottles, setting them on the bar and retrieving a highball glass.

Matthew looked at the two bottles for a moment. “‘84, please.”

The barman opened the specified bottle and poured a practiced measure into the glass, sliding it across to the ensign. He started capping the bottle, and Riley slammed the drink back, gulping it down. He got none of the flavors he enjoyed from the drink so much, but the gentle burn as it made its way down his throat soothed him. The bartender raised an eyebrow.

“The ’84s are strong, but it wasn’t a great flavor year,” Riley said, setting the glass down. “Now, ‘86 on the other hand, was a great year for flavor.” He pushed the glass forward, and the bartender switched bottles, pouring the new drink. Riley lifted this one and took a small sip, letting the liquid remain in his mouth for a moment, spilling across his tongue before swallowing. He sighed. “Yeah. That’s… beautiful. Thank you.”

The bartender began putting away the bottles and Riley looked out across the room, then wound his way to the nearby stairs to the upper deck, taking a spot leaning his forearms on the railing overlooking the lounge below and the huge windows out into space. He tried not to look at the unknown stars, but he couldn’t, and the expanse out there seemed to stretch before him. He closed his eyes and sipped the drink, then watched the people below as he cradled the glass in both hands.

Ensign Riley, Science