Posted by Lieutenant Commander Ethan Nash (Chief Tactical Officer) in Ten Forward - Nash After Hours

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As her voice trailed off, her eyes narrowed slightly as she decided whether to indulge his attempt at distraction or to push to find out who he actually was. Finally, she decided to let it go for the moment. She slid down off the bar stool and replied with a wicked grin, “I have a one drink maximum with people I don’t know, so how about a walk…”

“I like that idea,” he said, and as she slid off the bar stool he turned with her to follow, his hand still holding hers. “Maybe we’ll pass the holosuites, might be a free one by now. I know of a couple of programs that might be interesting.”

Even with her one drink maximum and having a surprisingly good alcohol tolerance for her size, she felt a little dizzy as her feet hit the floor. What was going on with her?

Ensign Lemann

Nash had come to his feet beside her, and holding her hand he sensed rather than saw Jessica’s slight hesitation when she stood. His free hand slid lightly but supportingly to her back just below her shoulders as if to steady or support her and he stepped forward a little to look down into her eyes. He still held a smile, but also a genuine question to her hesitation. “Are you okay?”

Lt Cmdr Nash, CTO

“I’m fine,” Jessica responded with a slight amount of terseness. Her features quickly softened in apology, though, and she moved her hand to his arm. “I think I just probably should have had dinner first before having a drink,” she continued with a giggle. Taking a moment to catch her breath, whether from this enjoyable evening or from her imbibition, she tugged lightly on Nash’s hand. “Lead the way, Ethan,” she smirked.

Ensign Lemann