Posted by Lieutenant Junior Grade James Rowe (Scientist) in Pre-Sim/Around Memorial Transfer - Deck 16 Holodeck (Open)
OOC: Open to All, just trying to meet some folks.

James Rowe stepped out of the holodeck archway and into a room thick with smoke, low light, and the steady rhythm of blues guitar. The program was running when he arrived and was scheduled to run all night, some member of the crew wanted a get-a-way and it seemed like they’d outdone themselves.

The Athena’s holodeck had done its usual thorough job recreating the space. Old wood floors worn smooth by decades of foot traffic. A narrow stage tucked against one wall where a small band worked their way through a slow twelve-bar progression. Tables scattered close enough to the stage that conversation required leaning in.

The place had the look of a bar that had been open longer than anyone could remember and closed more times than anyone could count.

Somewhere between New Orleans and Memphis, if the program’s aesthetic choices were to be believed.

Rowe paused just inside the door to let his eyes adjust to the dimmer light. Compared to the bright corridors of the Athena, the room felt almost deliberately subdued. The kind of place built for people who wanted to disappear into the background for a while.

=^=Computer dress me a little more appropriately.=^=

A moment the LTJG stood there in a dark suit with a hat low across his eyes. He looked around the room taking it all in and appreciating the program’s level of care.

A few patrons occupied the tables near the stage, most of them Starfleet officers who had traded uniforms for civilian clothes in an attempt to blend into the atmosphere. A bartender moved slowly behind the counter polishing glasses that were already clean.

The music was good. Not polished, not theatrical. Just steady.

Rowe crossed the room and claimed a seat near the bar, far enough from the stage to talk if someone felt like joining him but close enough to hear the band clearly. He rested his forearms against the counter and took a moment to let the sound of the guitar settle in around him.

New faces were supposed to be arriving soon, if they weren’t already here. Rowe found it easy to lose track of time in the routine day to day of ship life. Transfers always made a ship feel slightly different for a few days. New crew, new habits, new personalities finding their way into the existing rhythm of things. The Athena had just absorbed an entire group from a decommissioned vessel. It would take time for the two crews to find their balance.

For now, though, the holodeck bar felt like neutral territory.

Rowe signaled the bartender for a drink, “Old Fashioned please,” and settled in to listen to the music.

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