Posted by Ensign Issac Forgrave (Security Officer) in Mess Hall

Posted by Ensign Clinton Reed (Engineer) in Mess Hall

Posted by Ensign James Mason (Engineer) in Mess Hall
Posted by… suppressed (3) by the Post Ghost! 👻
<snip>
“ That would be more of an obstacle coarse than a run, but I am game. Just don’t call medical if I flame out on you.” Chuckling” Now, velocity will help get my skills with a hand phaser back to somthing less than embarrassing.” Looking to the XO with a raised eyebrow “ How about you, M’am, it isn’t fraternizing if we call it training “ and again his Stores face lights up with his big ass grin.

Clinton “Stores” Reed, Supercargo

Manning laughed. “Well… Velocity is not really my thing, although I won’t mind joining in if invited. I’d have to warn you though, I may not be the best opponent if you’re looking to improve your phaser skills… I’m sure Lieutenant Ashur won’t mind you joining if you ask. He doesn’t usually bite, as Ensign Forgrave here might be able to corroborate.” She smiled.

Issac chuckled at the XO’s comment; “Well, ain’t been bit yet. Aim to keep it that way too!”

“I could offer to take you on a guided tour of the hidden nooks and crannies of the lower decks, Mr. Forgrave, if you asked nicely.” Amelia’s trademark smirk made it back to her lips once more. “But I assume you’d like to find them out by yourself?” She paused for a moment. “Now, if you’re looking for a running buddy, I know Captain Holloway likes to run. I also happen to know that she is not very pleased with her current training setup… Her private life doesn’t concern me, but I’ve heard her complain on multiple occasions… something to do with the holodeck.” Manning shrugged. “I wouldn’t be surprised if she was looking for a running buddy. She’s been in charge of security drills in the past, so she may actually give you a course worth running.”

Cmdr. Manning, XO

“I suppose I like the idea of knowing alternate routes ‘round the ship; case of emergency or somethin’. Figure I may as well make a bit of a game out of it. I might have to look for …Holloway, you said? Don’t believe I’ve met her as of yet.” Granted, though Issac had been trying to make of point of introducing himself to much of the Dresden’s crew, there were many he had yet to meet.

Amelia nodded. “Well… if you haven’t met her yet, you’re in for a treat.” Whether or not there was sarcasm in Manning’s voice, it was not completely apparent. “She’s not the easiest person to find, although you can’t miss her if you happen to stumble into her. Flaming ginger, and the only member of the crew in spook’s black… Kind of a fragile porcelain look to her, but don’t let yourself be fooled. They call them spooks for a reason.” For someone with such an obvious British upbringing, the usage of the North American term for a spy would feel out of place. “She certainly spooks me, that’s for sure…” Amelia muttered. “Just keep away from the War Room. I’ve already got in trouble for that one, I wouldn’t want that to happen again.”

“ Well, I am used to keeping myself below decks with the enlisted, but as some fool made me an officer I might just have to hit up the Captain and Lieutenant myself then” shaking his head and looking at the table “ All to often I find myself in the middle of it, and at my age one can’t slack off.” Pausing as if he had forgotten somthing” Thats not to say the invitation isn’t still open X “ his demeanor visibly brighter as he regained his train of thought. “I’m far from any kind of champion as Issac says, but I can’t live the life of a lazy ass longshoreman anymore either”

“I don’t blame you, Mr. Stores. Life is much more fun, the further away from the Bridge you are.” Amelia smiled.

“Now as to the Boss, hooch I can come up with, just let me know the species of rotgut he is into.”shaking his finger at the air.

“Ah, well…” Manning had lost count of how many evenings she and Harris had spent drinking while talking about current events on the ship. “Colonel Harris is mostly fond of the North American knock-off version of Whiskey, or Bourbon, as you guys call it. I have been trying to educate him in the matters of good quality liquor but I have been quite unsuccessful, I must say. If he drinks that, I am assuming he pretty much will drink anything.”

Turning again to the XO with a serious expression “X, speaking of self medication and as we seem short a Cheif Counselor, who do I talk to about mental health? Not that I have a driving need at the moment, but any of the junior counselors any good?”

Clinton “Stores” Reed, Supercargo

At the mention of the absent position, Issac’s curiosity was peaked. He had noted the unusual vacancy; especially peculiar due to the Dresden being a warship - one might think Star-fleet would prioritize the placement of a Counselor here.

Ensign Issac Forgrave, Security

The smile disappeared from Amelia’s expression as she sighed softly. “We have been having some trouble keeping counselors around.” She paused for a brief moment. “Maybe we just have an extra layer of lunacy that they are not willing to deal with.” Manning chuckled. “Me and Colonel Harris have been looking into it closely, and we hope to have someone to serve in that capacity sooner rather than later. In the meantime, I would suggest you talk to Dr. Janvier, our Chief Medical Officer. I suppose you have already met her. Especially if you need some sort of medication support, I am sure that she will be able to inform you on what options are currently available.”

Cmdr. Manning, XO

With a qurkie smile, Stores “I have a few aftermarket parts I am sure I will spend more time with that Jewl than either of us cares for. Sweet lady but she strikes me as a velvet glove over a mailed Fist , that one. She is a keeper, X . Young but a hell of a doctor from what I see.”
As to the counselor, I imagine most of what we need is just peaple we can pull up a chair and have a drink with, scotch or tea as the moment dictates. I dont know about you two but I have missed enugh opportunities not to stop and sit with a friend these days.”

Clinton “Stores” Reed

“I’ve certainly met less… sociable doctors, that’s for sure. And the dog’s a bonus! I’d sure like to keep my visits to sickbay on a voluntary basis; but I suppose I’ll have to wait and see on that one.”

Issac nodded at Store’s comment. “I guess we’re all social critters, whether or not we want to admit to it. And maybe related, I think I might’a heard some rumors of a… occasional card game run by a certain XO on this ship…” Issac raised his eyebrows speculatively at Manning. “Not that I’m much of a player, but might be a good opportunity ta sit with friends like you was saying, Stores.”

Ensign Issac Forgrave, Security

Amelia’s smile faded for a moment, as an eyebrow raised. “And who exactly told you that, Mr. Forgrave?” Manning was aware that the game was no secret. Harris himself was well aware of it, but somehow she hadn’t expected to be openly asked about it.

“ If loosing a few stripes of Latium keeps me on said XO’s good side” Stores care all grin was back as he leaned back in his chair, “ I’m your huckleberry.”

Clinton “Stores” Reed, Supercargo.

Issac hesitated slightly, not knowing the XO quite well enough to determine how serious Manning was about the secrecy of the game. “Uh, well Ma’am, if you’ll permit me, I was… asked not to name anyone.”

“Well, gentlemen… assuming such a game existed…” the smirk was back on her face. “… I would guess the ante would be 150 credits. But… if you prefer to spend some gold-pressed latinum, I’m sure that could definitely be arranged. After all, it will all end up in the same pockets. Not that I need more money, but what can I say… it always makes its way into my wallet.” She gave the pair a playful wink. “If you want in, free your Tuesday evenings and keep an eye on your personal messages.”

“I will endever to keep of the Chiefs shit list.” Stores chuckled,”at least early in the week!”

Clinton “Stores” Reed, Supercargo

Finally done checking in with everyone James decided that now was a good a time as any to eat. He made his way to the mess hall before pausing when he stepped inside. Sitting at a nearby table chatting with a security ensign and an engineer was a woman with the three gold pips of a Commander. Don’t worry about it.

He knew from past experience that acting shifty was the best way to make command suspicious, so with that thought in mind he stepped over to the replicator and queued up the ship’s standard ration of the day in bar form. No need asking for something fancy or having a meal that would keep him in the mess for too long. Eat, show my face, be relaxed, and then I can leave. Easy as one two three.

He heard a faint ding announcing that his order was done, and the engineer retrieved it before pulling up a seat two tables over from the group. Close enough not to be anti-social, far away enough to make casual conversation just a bit hard. Need the feel of how command looks on my folder before I do anything.

James Mason, Engineering

OOC: Charles, I think you and Joanna posted at the same time, so I’ve added your post back to the thread here. Now we can ALL be properly suspicious of the interloper…
IC:
Despite Starfleet medical best efforts the primitive parts of Stores’ brain are still waiting for somthing to try and eat him. Not to say he is still the paranoid mess he was but the engineer entering the mess hall catches his attention. so who is this? just a flick of the eyes and a nerowing of the pupils before turning his gaze back to the XO to see if she took the bait.

Clinton “Stores” Reed, Supercargo

The gold uniform of the officer sitting down a few tables away from them did not go unnoticed in the corner of Amelia’s eye. Turning slightly in that direction, she spotted a face she didn’t know. Yet.

The Dresden was a large ship, and it was at times hard to keep up with every member of the crew. Department heads were there for a reason, many times to make her job easier. But given the fact that she had once wore gold herself, people in operations always piqued her interest. For a moment, Manning wondered if he was one of the new crew members whose file currently sat on her desk, in a neat pile, waiting for her review.

Momentarily distracted, Amelia took a long look at the officer’s face so she could identify him in case she came across his file.

Cmdr. Manning, XO

Issac could sense the… suspicion? of both Stores and Manning regarding the newcomer. Taking a moment to glance over at the newcomer as well, the engineer didn’t come across as remarkable or familiar; not that the latter carried much weight, what with Forgrave still being fairly new to the Dresden.

Mentally shrugging, Issac called out to the man in a friendly tone; after all, he was sitting alone… “Hey y’all, care to join us? Likely beats eatin’ alone.” The invitation was accompanied by an welcoming wave, gesturing to an empty chair.

Ensign Issac Forgrave, Security

OOC: I’m not suspicious YOU’RE suspicious.

IC
James could feel the scrutiny from the other table, the weight of multiple gazes pressing on him. He dug into his bar, determined to continue being nonchalant about eating in the mess. He was eating here, not doing anything nefarious or against regs.

His hopes of keeping things subtle and under the radar died a fiery death when the security ensign gave a friendly wave and invited him on over. He paused for a moment, but when you got invited to do things or got called out the only winning path was to charge into the fray. Time to make the most of things.

Chuckling at the curveball life threw the engineer nodded and got up. He made his way over to the table and grabbed a chair next to the friendly security officer. “Nice to meet ya all. The names James Mason. Just finished checking into the Dresden, and it seems like quite the lively ship.”

James Mason, Engineering

“Have a seat Mr. Mason.” Stores drawled, his tan coveralls and brown EVA compression body glove sticking out among all the black and grey uniforms.” Clinton Reed, but most call me Stores. Don’t worry about the X, she doesn’t bite thats what she keeps Isaac for” Stores smile is genuine with just a hint of pain in his eyes another one for the meat grinder

Clinton “Stores” Reed, Supercargo

“Issac Forgrave, as Stores here mentioned. Hope I ain’t disruptin’ yer meal; didn’t recognize ya, so I figured now’s a good a time as any to meet ya.” Issac greeted James warmly. “I think most of us here, ‘cepting the XO of course, are fairly new to the Dresden as well.”

“If you’re one for coffee, Stores here whipped up a somethin’ good outta the replicator; he’ll tell ya more about it than I can though.”

Ensign Issac Forgrave, Security

“I’ll never say no to a good cup of coffee,” the stout man replied genially. “I’m also glad to hear that the XO isn’t looking to chew anyone up, though I’ll have to stay on your good side Isaac to avoid getting bit.”

This hadn’t been what he was planning at all, but being polite and jovial was the best way through the situation. Especially with a security officer and the XO at the table. Oh, the more things change the more they stay the same.

James Mason, Engineering