The aroma of slow-cooked pot roast and fresh bread filled the Crew Mess as hundreds of officers and enlisted personnel came and went between duty shifts. Conversations overlapped in a constant, comfortable murmur while the buffet line remained busy, with crew members helping themselves to the day’s selection. Large viewports along the bulkhead offered a peaceful view of the stars sliding silently past as the ship continued on her mission.

Seated alone at one of the tables, Sam had spread several PADDs around his tray in an organized fashion. He worked through the reports methodically, pausing every few moments to take a bite of the tender pot roast and roasted potatoes before washing it down with a glass of iced tea. A generous slice of apple pie waited patiently for dessert, though it was receiving far less attention than the duty reports occupying most of his concentration.

Even in the relaxed atmosphere of the Crew Mess, Sam’s professional habits remained evident. He reviewed each report carefully, making the occasional notation before moving on to the next PADD. Around him, crewmembers laughed, discussed departmental gossip, and enjoyed a brief respite from their watches, while Sam quietly balanced lunch with the never-ending flow of paperwork that accompanied life aboard a Starfleet vessel.

Lt. J.G. Samuel A. McIntyre
Chief Counselor
USS Chimera • NCC-98730
Starfleet Medical Division
Starfleet Command