Posted by Civilian Evan Calder (18 Forward Bartender) in Side Sim - Meeting the boss (Evan Calder meets the CO)
TRIM

It had been twelve months since Evan Calder last stepped onto a starship, yet it felt like home all the same. He had taken his medical release positively, or at least told himself he had, but something still felt off stepping onto a ship out of uniform.

As he cleared the shuttle and stepped onto the shuttle bay deck, Evan paused, taking in the familiar ambience of shipboard life. The steady hustle of the crew echoed around him—cargo being stowed, voices calling out confirmations, personnel moving with practiced efficiency. Everything about it felt precise, ordered. Regimental.

“Sir.”

The voice came from ahead of him. A tall, slim security officer stood some twenty feet away, posture crisp.

“Clear the shuttle,” the ensign continued. “Where do you need to be?”

Shifting the strap of his holdall onto his left shoulder, Evan walked forward to meet him.

“Afternoon, Ensign. Evan Calder,” he said, his tone warm and measured. “Pleased to meet your acquaintance.”

The ensign gave a short nod, glancing down at the PaDD in his hand before looking back up.

“Welcome aboard, Mr. Calder,” he replied. “Your arrival’s been logged—civilian status confirmed.” His posture relaxed just a fraction, professionalism settling into routine courtesy.

“The Captain asked to be notified once you cleared the bay. If you’ll make your way to the Ready Room on Deck One, I’ll let the bridge know you’ve arrived.”

“Thank you, Ensign,” Evan said, returning the nod. “I’ll make my way there.”

Adjusting the strap of his holdall once more, he turned and headed out of the shuttle bay, leaving the rhythm of shipboard operations behind him.

Though he made a conscious effort to shed the march-like stride ingrained during his years in the fleet, Evan moved along the left-hand side of the corridor before coming to a halt at a turbolift. He tapped the call button and waited in silence.

When the doors slid open, he stepped into the empty car and took his place at its center.

“Deck one,” Evan said.

The doors closed, and the lift eased into motion.

The turbolift arrived, the doors opening onto the bridge level. Evan stepped out without pause, moving past the command space and toward the Ready Room door set just off to one side.

Arriving at the door, stood facing and did not move, eyes closed he simply listened as the bridge crew went about there daily business, a nod to his times of old. Composing himself he straightened his grey suit, adjusted his holdall strap, tapped the door chime and waiting for permission to enter.

Evan Calder
Bartender

Captain Becket paused as the soft chime sounded at the door to his ready room, the tone accompanied by a subtle alert on the console beside his desk. The notification indicated activity in the shuttle bay, signaling the arrival of a non-Starfleet individual. His attention shifted fully as the display populated with the visitor’s information.

The name Evan Calder appeared, clearly marked as a civilian transfer rather than an enlisted officer. Becket reviewed the brief summary provided, noting the clearance authorizations and travel approvals that allowed Calder passage aboard the ship. Civilian arrivals were less frequent than crew transfers, and they often carried implications beyond routine personnel changes.

Becket leaned back slightly, considering what role a civilian might play aboard a Starfleet vessel operating far from established systems. Civilians brought perspectives unshaped by command structure, and while that could introduce complications, it could also provide valuable insight. Experience had taught him that not all contributions came from those wearing a uniform.

The captain rose from his chair, adjusting his jacket as he mentally reviewed the protocols associated with civilian guests. Their presence required balance—hospitality tempered with vigilance, accommodation without compromising operational integrity. Whatever Calder’s purpose, it would soon intersect with the ship’s daily rhythm.

With the notification acknowledged, Becket prepared to receive the arrival, aware that even a civilian stepping aboard could alter the course of events in subtle but meaningful ways. The ship continued its steady journey, now carrying one more life whose purpose and impact had yet to reveal itself fully.

“Enter.” He said with a smile.

Captain Alex Becket
Commanding Officer
U.S.S. Ark Angel

The doors opened and Evan stepped inside, posture relaxed but disciplined, the cut of his grey suit understated. He moved toward the desk and came to a measured halt, hands settling naturally at his sides.

“Captain Becket. Evan Calder. Good to meet you,” he said, his tone steady and unassuming.

Evan Calder
Bartender

Alex had stepped up from his chair and walked up to shake Evan’s hand. “Welcome to the Ark Angel. My friend. Hope everything is well. Found your way around yet?” He asked Evan. “Would you like something to eat or drink by any chance?” Alex said with a smile.

Captain Alex Becket
Commanding Officer
U.S.S. Ark Angel

Evan returned the handshake without hesitation, his grip firm but unassuming.

“Thank you, Captain. Everything’s well,” he replied, a faint smile touching his expression. “It was easy enough — all these ships tend to look the same after a while.”

At the offer, he gave a small nod.

“I wouldn’t say no to a drink, if it’s no trouble.”

Evan Calder
Bartender

“Of course not,” Alex said with a smile. “What would it be for you, my friend?” He asked with a bigger smile.

Captain Alex Becket
Commanding Officer
U.S.S. Ark Angel

The Ready Room felt noticeably quieter than the bridge beyond, the space neat and purposeful. Evan remained where he stood, posture relaxed but attentive.

“Coffee, if that’s alright,” he said calmly. “Black, two sugars.”

“May I take a seat, Captain?, you can tell me about all your bartending needs”

Evan Calder
Bartender

“Please have a seat.” He had said to Evan. “Coffee black, two sugars and Earl Grey tea hot.” As the replicator created the two drinks. Alex had then grabbed them both and handed Evan the coffee. “So bartending needs honestly, needed someone to run 18 Forward and I’m glad that you have decided to join on board. Kind of depends on what you mean on bartending needs. This is actually the first time in my life on board the Ark Angel that the 18 forward has ever been utilized.” He said.

Captain Alex Becket
Commanding Officer
U.S.S. Ark Angel

“Drinks, Food, Parties, I can do it all” Evan responded taking hold of his freshly replicated coffee and taking a sip, placing the cup upon the desk. “Let me know the occasion and I’ll make it work”.

“Now if you ever want real Tea or Coffee and not this replicated excuse, I’ve always got plenty put away” Evan responses with a grin upon his face.

Evan Calder
Bartender

Alex smiled. “I will keep that in mind. Now mind you I’ll be swinging by every time, every morning, evening lunch break you name it. Anytime of the day.” He said with a smile.

Captain Alex Becket
Commanding Officer
U.S.S. Ark Angel