Snip

As the two officers entered Holodeck Two, they were greeted by the vibrant emerald colours inside a quaint tavern’s central room. Tables were dotted around a grand emerald green fireplace at the room’s centre, the smell of flavourful Irish stews and potato-based dishes coming from the tavern’s small kitchen in the building’s back area. Paddy gave a few friendly nods to the holographic characters enjoying their evenings together. It would become clear to Dacascos as they went through the room towards their table for the evening that McMillan often visited this holographic recreation of an Irish bar many times in the past.

“I rarely let people visit this place,” Paddy admitted awkwardly, “I use it as a place to unwind after particularly harrowing sessions for both counselor and client,” his face changed, “Which means you must be pretty special.”

-Lieutenant Patrick McMillan: Counselor-

As Laila entered Holodeck Two with Patrick, she couldn’t help but marvel at the cozy atmosphere of the virtual Irish tavern. The emerald hues and the aroma of hearty dishes immediately transported her to another world. She was impressed that this place actually existed on Earth. She stole a glance at Patrick, noticing the genuine warmth in his smile as he greeted the holographic characters.
It was remarkable how he had a piece of his culture to share, a connection she longed for but couldn’t claim. Her upbringing on various planets due to her parents’ careers left her without a singular cultural identity to anchor herself to.
Laila smiled at Patrick’s admission. “Must be?” she said with a chuckle. “In any case, I do feel special.” She honestly didn’t read too much into his words; after all, it was only their first date. She recalled her mother telling her about her and her father’s journey when they were just starting off, how her father had decided after seven years they had a true connection.
“It was time well spent, and it’s evident that things happen when they’re supposed to,” her mother had told her.
Taking a deep breath, she said, “I have to admit, Patrick, this place is absolutely stunning,” she said, her voice filled with genuine admiration. “Why would you ever want to leave this cozy haven to spend time in the void of space?”

Lieutenant Dacascos
(Chief Operations Officer)