Posted by Ensign James Mason (Engineer) in Mess Hall

Posted by Ensign Clinton Reed (Engineer) in Mess Hall

Posted by Commander Amelia Manning (Executive Officer) in Mess Hall
Posted by… suppressed (18) 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

Amelia chuckled, shooting a welcoming smile at the newcomer. “Manning. Amelia. But you probably already know that.”

“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.”

“Ah, I’m afraid that Mr. Stores here doesn’t know me that well. I don’t need Mr. Forgrave here to bite on my behalf. I usually do my own chewing. And in the rare event I need someone else, I have my own personal contacts.” The tone was playful but it seemed Manning was only partially joking.

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

“ It’s being beta tested” Stores chuckled “It’s under Issacs brew, if your interested” levering himself out of his chair, I am due a refill, I’ll grab you one. Any one else?

Clinton “Stores” Reed, Supercargo

“I’ll have another, iffin ya don’t mind; I ‘preciate it!” As Stores made his way over to the replicator, Issac turned more towards James. With a slight note of exasperation in his voice, he quietly said “Stores is responsible for the name; I’d like to state that for tha record. Please don’t think I got that much of an ego…”

Issac leaned back and chuckled. Continuing in a more normal voice; “I’ve got a habit of brewin’ my own coffee, and Stores declared he could get somethin’ just as good outta the replicators here. Well, I was skeptical, but I’ll be damned if he didn’t prove me wrong!”

“And I ain’t hard to get along with; I sure ain’t here to make anyone’s life difficult. Pretty sure we’re all on the same side, at least.”

“Anyways, are ya new here? What brings ya to the Dresden?” Issac briefly had a contemplative look on his face, before clarifying his question. “If there was anything ‘sides Personnel makin’ that call, I suppose.”

Ensign Issac Forgrave, Security

Silently, Amelia observed the interaction between the two officers. She used to be like them, back in the day. She remembered the excitement of a new posting, and how wonderfully overwhelming it had been to walk through the Vanguard’s corridors for the first time when she had first being assigned there as an Ensign. But over the years, she had found out that sometimes one learnt more by listening than by actively engaging.

James couldn’t hold back his guffaw at the exasperated explanation he received from the security officer. Void if he didn’t look just a little bit heated. He held his tongue on making a witty jab, knowing that now wasn’t the time. Though, that does leave room in the future to ask after “Isaac’s Famous Brew”.

The ensign nodded along as the man continued before mulling over everything that Isaac had just said, and considering how to respond to his question. I can’t just up and say “Internal Affairs is breathing down my neck, so I decided to request the Dresden to have time to consider my position on the Maquis.”

“Well, some of the fleets closer to home weren’t exactly to my tastes and after an incident when I was enlisted I tend to try to stay away from border patrol vessels. Personnel agreed and I got a posting to the Pioneer Fleet. That ended with me on the Dresden, and so far I’ve liked what I’ve seen,” he explained, keeping his voice even and trying to downplay the severity of the incident.

The story piqued Amelia’s interest. She made a mental note to ask about it later if the opportunity presented itself.

He paused for a moment, tapping a finger on the table before redirecting the question back at Isaac. “How about you? What brought you to the Dresden?”

James Mason, Engineering

Issac emitted a dry snort at the word “Incident;” more in sympathy than derision. On his Academy cruise, he had met a few border patrolmen - they were almost universally hard to get along with, from his experience. Seems like there’s more to that story; maybe another time though. Mans’ allowed his privacy.

“The Dresden? Luck, I suppose. ‘Least, I’m hopin’ it’s luck and not the lack thereof.” Issac shrugged, chuckling lightly. “Actually my first posting out of academy; joined up a little bit later than most. Made it clear that I like to be kept busy, and personnel said they had just the ship fer me.” A thoughtful expression crept over Issac’s face. “In hindsight, that mighta’ been a warnin…”

“I ain’t been aboard too long, and I’m sure no expert, but I think we got a good ship and a good crew here. Leastwise, I got no complaints. Haven’t met anyone I’ve disagreed with yet; but ain’t met everyone either.”

“Sounds like you’ve been in for a while yet; I reckon you and Stores would have a good time swappin’ stories. I can’t speak for him o’ course, but I think y’all might have some tales in common regardin’ patrol vessels.”

Ensign Issac Forgrave, Security

Soon enugh Stores returns from the replicator with a tray, containing three watch cups of coffee as well as a tea sercice. “Lady, and gentalmen, your drinks” setting down the tray and taking his seat, “I can neither confirm more deny any contact or other involvement with the bourder patrol as doing so may be self incriminating”.

Clinton “Stores” Reed, Supercargo

“Oh, thank you for thinking about my tea drinking habits, Mr. Stores.” Manning said gracefully with a smile as she reached for the tea service. She was not at all a coffee drinker, but she couldn’t deny that the coffee cups the Engineer had brought to the table produced a better aroma than the one she usually associated with its replicator standard version.

Leaning back on her seat, Amelia let her tea sit for a moment, as she went back to listening to the conversation. She had the feeling it was going to be an interesting one.

Cmdr. Manning, XO

Stores smiles, The full tea service might have been a bit much, hut after hacking the transporter logs to replicate the tea the X had brought onboard a bit of a window dressing seeed appropriate, besides the XO has made a point of joining in with us junior officers. This is starting to feel like home “you welcome X, gentalmen lets hope the algorithms simulating culinary drift don”t give us somthing nasty.”

Issac sent a quick, concerned look at Stores at that comment, before deciding it was probably a joke.

Looking around conspiratorially as he takes his cup “in the spirit of full disclosure, expect a lecture at your next physical for bypassing the healthy diet protocols.” Setting back and smelling the coffee “ I’m afraid that this is not nutritionally balanced and stimulant free”

Turning to the XO, “ M’am it seems I have already broke my promise to you” Stores trying his best to look serious and contrite. Failing miserably he hides his smile behind a sip of coffee.

Clinton “Stores” Reed, Supercargo

Amelia chuckled, taking her cup of tea to her lips after pouring some from the provided teapot. “Well, Mr. Stores. I’m sure you don’t have the necessary authorizations to mess with the things that really matter. Although if I find out you do, I may have to review your permissions on board this ship.” She added a playful wink. The tea was wonderful. Wonderful enough that at first Manning didn’t even realize how similar it actually tasted to the one she made every morning. Putting the cup down she added. “I suppose caffeine is not the thing you need to worry about, as long as you don’t replace the standard coffee by your own. It’s the synthehol you need to worry about, and you will get in trouble if I ever find out you are tinkering with those patterns on the replicators.”

Issac briefly tried to stifle a laugh at Stores’ antics, and almost immediately gave in. Glad I didn’t start drinking immediately…

“Old habits die hard, eh? Well, I may get in trouble for this, but I’m sure willing to turn a blind eye as long as you just stick to coffee!” After a brief pause, Issac added: “And I suppose tea as well; assuming it meets your standards, Ma’am.” He nodded at the XO.

Ensign Issac Forgrave, Security

It was at Forgrave’s mention of the tea, that Amelia realized why the drink wasn’t weirdly foreign to her. It wasn’t foreign to her because it was… the same. Placing the cup back down in the saucer in front of her, before it even reached her lips, Manning took the teapot, took the lid off, and momentarily took in the sweet aroma coming from it. “Hold on, Mr. Stores.” She said glancing back at the Engineer. “This is Ceylon Orange Peckoe… How exactly do you know what tea I drink?” There was an eyebrow raised inquisitively, and slightly scolding look on Manning’s face.

Cmdr. Manning, XO

Stores smile broadened, “ I assure you I only add a few personal resipeis, not replace any ones. Tricks like that tend to draw fire from the bosses and more importantly irritate the crew at large. Dresden is a big ship but its still a small community”

Shitting forward in a more cospiritory posture.”As to synthehal, unless you, the Doc or the Boss special restrictions on there isn’t any special hacking needed to get the real thing, the system will just ask a lot of questions and log it. Harder to replicate a uniform, honestly.”

“Ah well…” Amelia said before taking another sip of her tea. “It’s not me, the CMO, or the Captain, Mr. Stores. By Starfleet regulations those restrictions come with the replicators. They are just tied to our Command codes. And I can assure you… it makes real alcohol much more difficult to replicate than uniforms. That’s why smuggling booze onto starships is a Starfleet tradition at this point…”

At the XO’s question as to her tea, “We took on two kilograms ear marked for you at last station call, who do you sepose was working cargo that day?” A pause for effect, simple enugh to replicate a sample from the logs with my clearances”

Clinton “Stores” Reed, Supercargo

Manning’s eyes narrowed slightly in confusion. The gears clearly turning in her mind. “I very much doubt that, Mr. Stores…” The teacup clinking slightly as it met the saucer on her left hand. “My packages don’t usually go through the cargo bay…” Her sentence trailed off trying to figure out when she last had had anything shipped in through the standard Starfleet methods. Could she had asked Pete to send her tea at some point? She found it highly unlikely but the last two years seemed a bit of a blur. “There’s only two things I usually ship on board and my husband brings them in personally whenever he visits…” And then, it clicked in her mind. Harris. That one first time he had tried to do something nice for her, he had asked Pete to send him some of her tea from home. The realization was clear on her expression as she took another sip of her tea and sighed softly. “Forget it. Yes… my tea specs are on file. Although, I must say… even though I appreciate your resourcefulness I would appreciate it if you didn’t dig on my personal files.” The smile Manning shot the Engineer was polite, but it didn’t quite reach her eyes.

I knew Stores was clever, but damn… “I guess I’ll have to keep my eyes on you, Stores; that’s damned clever - and I don’t think I’m willing to comment on the exact regulations regarding replicator use. And modification, I suppose.”

Turning to the XO, he continued - “And to be fair Ma’am, a sufficiently motivated individual will find a way ta make alcohol, or whatever else, regardless of replicator privileges. Not that I’m condoning it, mind! Same reason prisoners ain’t supposed to have access to near anything at all - even clothes in extreme cases, but that’s rare. Just depends on the time and effort tha individual is willin’ to spend. Frankly, on the Security side, we have to place a lot of trust in Star Fleet as an institution - we rely on personnel ta find any… bad apples, lets say; before they ever get on tha ship. A smart, determined bastard could potentially take out an entire crew or even ship, with none the wiser.”

“I’ll have to agree with you on that one. Fortunately for us, most just don’t have the patience and determination necessary. Me included, that’s why I keep my own stash!” Amelia smiled.

“Fail-safes and safeties work, but they’re more for mistakes than malice.” Issac paused, and in a brighter and offhand tone, said “But I have been described as both paranoid and suspicious, so take that for what ya will.” He grinned.

Ensign Issac Forgrave, Security

“I like to believe that safeties will discourage some of the less persistent malefactors, that might have slipped through Starfleet’s filters…” Turning to the newest arrival at the table, Manning asked. “What about you, Mr… Mason, right? Do you like to tinker with the security bypasses like Mr. Stores here? Or can I keep you off of the Security department’s watchlist?” Amelia’s tone was playful.

Cmdr. Manning, XO

“It’s not so bad, Issac’s idea of keeping an eye on ya’ is to bring you coffee and strike up a conversation.” Stores chuckles. “And no fear,X I’m not a stalker.”

Turning to Issac, “problem with system security is the need to fix it, there are back doors built in to every system, often more than one.”

Clinton “Stores” Reed, Supercargo

James quietly sipped at his coffee, listening to the three officers chat and carouse like a bunch of petty officers. His earlier fears of being grilled or saying something out of turn had quietly fallen by the wayside as he realized that the group simply wanted to chat. He took the chance to take another long slug of the black gold in his cup, thankful he didn’t have to fight a war for it, and then grinned over the brim.

“I don’t know Stores, next I know you’ll know my favorite beverage and’ll leverage it against me,” James joked, a wide grin on his face. “You strike me as the type to be very well informed.”

Stores gufwalled at Mason’s coment, “Na, it’s just when you have been around as long as I have you learn a lot buy just keeping your eyes and ears open, a ship is a rather small comunity.”

Clinton “Stores” Reed, Supercargo