Posted by Lieutenant Mykl Najjar (CNS) in Side Sim: Mess Hall: Party: Everyone’s Welcome

**>>>OOC: Going to trim some of this off

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-

“No of course not Lieutenant. It looks great.”

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

“Hayley? You okay?” He asked as he smiled right back at meeting his eyes with hers

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

OOC: Somehow, this got cut out of the post.

IC:A little uncertain about themselves, Tak stepped through the doors into the Mess. The invitation had encouraged cultural attire, but Tak had stood at the clothes replicator for nearly an hour, uncertain of what to wear. Finally, with a little encouragement from their daughter, they had made a decision. A pair of well-fitted trousers in a neutral black colour (for decency’s sake more than anything else) underneath a dress-like garment tailored to look like it was made of leaves. The top left one shoulder uncovered, going down to their thighs in the front and past the knees in the back, and its green fabric shimmered lightly in the artificial lighting.

Paku and Kota were tucked in with a movie in the den portion of their quarters, and should be asleep by the time this little party was finished, so Tak should relax and enjoy the event. They took a deep breath and stepped through the threshold into the Mess Hall.

Ensign Tak
Science Officer USS Ark Angel

It was the first gathering that Mykl attended on the Ark Angel, so there was a little trepidation as she entered the festive room. Since Pic wasn’t really a member of the crew, she was there on her own. Just inside the doors, she took a moment to look around and get her bearings, spotting a few familiar faces. Dressed in a golden vest and figure hugging white pants, the counselor headed for the nearest bar, sure a little alcohol would calm her nerves.

Lt Mykl Najjar
Counselor

Tak clambered up onto a bar stool next to Mykl. “Hello,” they said, a little out of breath. “Welcome to the party. I have only just arrived.”

Ensign Tak
Science Officer USS Ark Angel

Mykl looked at the being sitting on the stool next to her and smiled. “Hello, you must be Tak. When I read your file, I was very curious to meet you. I’m Mykl Najjar, ship’s counselor.” The bartender arrived in front of her then and she ordered Vodka with pineapple juice.

Lt Mykl Najjar
Counselor

Alex stood there and smiled as most of the crew were there, hanging out and off-duty.

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

Ciaran decided after a long shift, he would head down to the Mess Hall. He was hoping for a quiet evening and have some dinner and a drink and then head back to his quarters to get some much needed shut eye. After a few minutes of walking, he arrived at the Mess Hall and walked him. He was extremely surprised of how busy it was but he looked around to see if he could find an empty table and did not see one to start off. He did notice there was an empty seat at the bar away from everyone and walked over to it. He then sat down and waited for the bar keep.

Capt. Donoghuei
Commanding Officer

OOC I thought there was a response from the XO here but maybe I missaw something or because I broke the thread.

“I have gotten similar responses from several people that I have met,” Tak replied with a small smile, requesting a drink with lime cordial and coconut milk from the bartender. “I am the first member of my species to serve aboard a Starfleet vessel, and find myself rather unusual compared to the majority who serve here,” they gestured broadly to their stature and appearance, “so I draw many curious glances. I suppose I should schedule a visit with you, as the new counselor.”

Ensign Tak
Science Officer USS Ark Angel

“I have served with a couple of bi-pedal species before that were not humanoid, so I am not super surprised to see you here. I just have not met one of your particular species before.” She turned to the bartender. “I’ll have vodka and pineapple juice, please.”

Lieutenant Mykl Najjar
CNS USS Ark Angel

“Do you want two? You already ordered your drink a moment ago,” Tak pointed out with a smile. “You may have the opportunity to meet two more of my species. I have two adopted children who are on the Ark Angel with me. They are in our quarters, or at least they should be if they are being well-behaved,” they chuckled gently, a soft expression on their face as they thought of Paku and Kota. “They are good kids.”

Ensign Tak
Science Officer USS Ark Angel

OOC: Sorry guys broke my chromebook so I havent had the time to catch up.

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

Mykl looked at the bartender who nodded his head while eyeing the drink he put in front of her. “Oh gosh, sorry, I only want one right now.” she gave him an embarrassed grin then whispered to Tak. “I’m not usually so scatter brained. I guess I’ve got some things on my mind.” One of them being that Pic wasn’t there to enjoy the party with her. Although there was no romantic side to their relationship, the two of them still did spend the majority of her free time together.

Lieutenant Mykl Najjar
CNS USS Ark Angel

Tak nodded sagely, misunderstanding the situation. “Understandable. You are in a room with quite a number of strangers. I would find it unsettling. I am only as calm as I am because I have been on this ship and know most of the crew. I do not get those… odd looks so often. It helps that they have met my children, who are smaller and cuter than me,” they smiled broadly.

Ensign Tak
Science Officer USS Ark Angel

“Oh, I’m not uncomfortable being here. I’ve always been pretty good about meeting people. I’m feeling bad for my companion, that he isn’t here to enjoy a little of the festivities.” She sipped her drink while looking around. “Is this a good turnout? Maybe people will arrive later? It appears not that many were interested in a little down time.”

Lieutenant Mykl Najjar
CNS USS Ark Angel

Alex walked up and smiled. “Hello, Counselor. This should be a good turnout for people. But if people don’t come, it’s alright.” He replied.

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

Mykl turned toward the voice of the first officer. “Hello Cmdr.” She thought it was odd that he told her it would be alright if people didn’t show up for the party. Did he think she was going to gather the names of everyone she didn’t see and call them to her office to explain their absence? She didn’t have a feel for Becket yet—best to wait and see how he performed along side the Captain.

Lieutenant Mykl Najjar
CNS USS Ark Angel

Ciaran went ahead got up and walked over to the replicator. He then ordered his standard meal which he had programmed in the replicator. He grabbed his meal and drink from the replicator and went and sat back down at the empty table. He then grabbed his padd to review some engineering data from engineering and eat.

Capt. Donoghuei
Commanding Officer