Posted by Lieutenant Kyle Anders (Chief of Security) in Side Sim: Mess Hall: Party: Everyone’s Welcome

Posted by Lieutenant Commander Alex Becket (Executive Officer) in Side Sim: Mess Hall: Party: Everyone’s Welcome

Posted by Lieutenant Junior Grade Hayley Marshall (Chief Medical Officer) in Side Sim: Mess Hall: Party: Everyone’s Welcome
Posted by… suppressed (5) by the Post Ghost! 👻
After a relentless string of back-to-back shifts, Lieutenant Commander Alex Becket finally stepped away from the bridge’s endless hum to catch a breath. Tonight, the USS Ark Angel was alive in a way it hadn’t been in weeks — the Mess Hall transformed into a bustling hub of celebration, laughter, and light.

As he entered, the warm glow of hololights flickered overhead, casting colorful patterns that danced across the walls. Crew members from every department mingled freely, swapping stories and jokes, their uniforms traded for vibrant party attire or casual wear reflecting planets from across the quadrant. The air buzzed with excitement, music pulsing through discreet speakers, and the scent of exotic foods mingled with the sharp tang of freshly poured drinks.

Becket navigated through clusters of crew gathered around tables laden with replicated delicacies. He caught the tail end of a joke from an engineer, shared a brief nod with a security officer nearby, and finally reached the replicator station. With a practiced tap, he ordered a steaming cup of Betazoid dreamleaf infusion — the calming, fragrant drink a favorite during festivities — and a plate piled high with roasted root vegetables and crusty Terran sourdough.

Tray in hand, he found a spot near the observation windows. Outside, the stars streaked past in a slow dance of light, a perfect backdrop to the lively scene inside. He took a slow sip of the infusion, its soothing aroma rising like a gentle promise, and allowed himself to relax into the rhythms around him.

Laughter erupted nearby as the Bolian Jazz Trio kicked off a spontaneous set, the sultry notes weaving through the chatter and clinking glasses. Junior officers challenged each other to dance-offs near the low-gravity corner, their movements light and carefree. Becket watched a group of science officers swapping tales of their latest discoveries, their animated gestures punctuated by bursts of delighted laughter.

For a moment, he was just another face in the crowd — not the commanding officer, not the decision-maker, just a man soaking in the warmth of camaraderie and celebration.

A familiar voice called out, inviting him to join a circle of friends by the refreshment table. He smiled, nodded, and rose from his seat, ready to dive into the revelry. Tonight, the Ark Angel wasn’t just a starship; it was home, and this night was theirs to share.

Lieutenant Commander Alex Becket
Outgoing Chief Engineer/Executive Officer
U.S.S. Ark Angel

Hayley stood by the observation windows - out of uniform for the first time in many a day. Her long black hair fell in soft waves down to the middle of her back, quite a contrast from her usual plain updo on shift. She wore a simple sleeveless A-line dress of mixed shades of blues, greens, and purples (think peacock feather colors) paired with a gauzy shoulder wrap and simple leather-like sandals. As she gazed out the windows a mix of starlight and party lights played across her face and hair giving her a certain ethereal look.

OOC: nicely written Lt. Cmdr. :)

Lt. JG Hayley Marshall
CMO (off duty)

Alex had just taken another sip of his Betazoid dreamleaf infusion when a flicker of movement near the observation windows caught his eye. He turned—and for a moment, the din of the Mess Hall seemed to soften.

Hayley stood alone, wrapped in starlight and color, her dress shifting like the auroras he’d once seen above Betazed. It took him a second to recognize her — not because he didn’t know her well, but because she looked so different from the composed, practical doctor he’d served beside on so many long shifts. She looked… at ease. Untethered. Beautiful.

He hesitated, suddenly aware of how stiff he still felt in his own posture — even in relaxed attire. The words caught somewhere between protocol and something more personal. Eventually, with a breath and a quiet resolve, he stepped forward.

“Evening, Doctor—” He stopped mid-word, winced softly, and offered a sheepish smile. “Sorry. Force of habit. Hayley.”

He paused, his tone warming as his gaze softened. “You look…” He almost said “stunning,” but caught himself, not sure if it would land well. “…very different. In a good way,” he said with a chuckle, scratching the back of his neck. “I guess I’m still a few steps behind everyone else in winding down from duty mode.”

His smile turned genuine, easy now. “How are you tonight? Enjoying the rare peace aboard the Ark Angel?”

OOC: Thanks, just thought I’d do something for everyone can do on their off time.

Lieutenant Commander Alex Becket
Outgoing Chief Engineer/Executive Officer
U.S.S. Ark Angel

bump

Lieutenant Commander Alex Becket
Outgoing Chief Engineer/Executive Officer
U.S.S. Ark Angel

“Very much so,” Hayley replied with a smile, “I’d almost forgotten how beautiful the view was from here, It’s been a while since I had the chance to just stand and look at it.” She paused for a moment, “How about you? Enjoying the party?”

Lt. JG Hayley Marshall
CMO

Alex’s smile lingered as he stepped beside her, letting his gaze follow hers out into the sea of stars.

“It is something, isn’t it?” he said softly. “Funny how we spend every day racing through the stars, but rarely stop to actually look at them. I guess we get too used to them — like they’re just part of the background noise.”

He glanced at her briefly, not long enough to stare, but long enough to take in the way the starlight touched her features. “You’re right, though. The view really is beautiful tonight.”

A beat passed, the quiet comfortable.

“As for the party…” He chuckled under his breath, shifting his weight slightly. “Let’s just say I’m still adjusting. I keep half-expecting a red alert to cut the music off.” He looked back at her, his smile softening. “But it’s nice — seeing everyone laugh, relax, just be for a change. And I think it’s even nicer standing here talking to you.”

There was a brief flicker of something in his expression — curiosity, maybe vulnerability — as he added, “You don’t get many moments like this on a starship. Quiet. Unscripted. I’m glad I didn’t miss it.”

Lieutenant Commander Alex Becket
Outgoing Chief Engineer/Executive Officer
U.S.S. Ark Angel

Another moment passed as Kyle Anders entered the party, fashionably late though clearly in the mood to impress. He wore a crimson, velvet smoking jacket, clasped at the sleeves by two cufflinks each shaped like the treble clef on a sheet music stave. His trousers were a dark maroon, contrasted by his usually rather curly crop of ginger hair that was now slicked down and leaning over to the right. He grinned as he saw Commander Becket and strode over, “I hope you don’t think I’m over dressed Commander.”

-Lieutenant Kyle Anders: Chief of Security-

Hayley met Alex’s eyes with a smile and a tilt of her head, this was a side of the XO she’d never really noticed before. A thoughtful expression crossed her face briefly before she turned to greet Lt. Anders with a nod.

Lt. JG Hayley Marshall
CMO