Posted by Lieutenant Steven Leon Marsh (Chief Science Officer) in Lounge

Posted by Lieutenant Steven Leon Marsh (Chief Science Officer) in Lounge

Posted by Mika Jackson in Lounge
Posted by… suppressed (25) by the Post Ghost! 👻
Steven walked into the lounge and looked around. It had been a long week getting settled in. Now he was looking to handle part two of any transfer: meeting the crew. He had been with the crew of the Athena for so many years, that it felt almost exciting to move to a new command. Taking a seat at the bar, he mulled over the wine choices before selecting a rare but not pricy Klingon vintage If anyone knew anything about wine they would know his choice was something only a wine connoisseur would select.

Steven Marsh CSO

As Steven settled onto the barstool, Jhene noticed his arrival. She was intrigued by the newcomer, wondering what kind of energy he would bring to the crew.
“Ah, going for the Klingon vintage, I see. Not many would appreciate that choice. I respect a person who knows their wines,” Jhene said as she approached him with a smile on her face. “I’m Jhene, Communications Officer. I don’t think we’ve officially met yet, but I saw your onboarding itinerary. You are the new Chief Science Officer, Lieutenant Marsh, correct?”

Lieutenant Junior Grade Ynuchausti
(Communications Officer)

“Steven,” he extended his hand, “I normally stay away from Klingon… well pretty much everything, but yes the Klingon vintage this year was extraordinary. Most of the time Klingon wines are overlooked because of the reputation of cheap blood wines that will knock you over via the taste or alcohol content but there are some exceptions. This one,” Steven held up the glass looking at the contents, “has strong notes of cedar, barluk root, and of all things tangerine. Not that there has ever been a tangerine on Qonos.” It had been a long time since he had been able to talk about wines. On the Athena that had just come to accept his word and assigned him the unspoken task of bringing the vino to events.

Steven Marsh CSO

Jhene listened with interest, drawn in by Steven’s knowledge and intrigued by the complexity he revealed. She found herself nodding in agreement. “Fascinating,” she remarked, “It sounds like you possess a wealth of knowledge about wines in general.” With a smile, she confessed, “I’ve never actually tasted Klingon wine myself. I’ve always preferred Orion delaq or ale, sticking to my Orion roots whenever possible. But the way you describe it makes it sound like an experience worth trying.” With a gesture, she signaled to the bartender, silently requesting a glass of the elusive Klingon wine.

Lieutenant Junior Grade Ynuchausti
(Communications Officer)

“Well if we are going to do this we are going to do it right. Glass of water also please along with the French merlot 2394 and the Adorian Cabernet Sauvignon 2399,” he added to the order. Getting the glasses he lined them up much like he did when his family performed a wine tasting. “To understand the flavor you need something to compare it to. Let’s start with the Merlot?”

Kit entered the Leviathan’s lounge. She was in a foul mood as one of her technicians had managed to get himself bitten by a Red-Legged Widow. Worse yet he happened to be one of the few individuals who had an allergy to Latrodectus bishop venom. So instead of the usual pain, local swelling, and other symptoms he had a full blown anaphylactic reaction and was currently in sick bay. She also lost the precious Latrodectus bishop spider because the technician slammed it against the enclosure it was in. She needed a very stiff drink.

Lieutenant Kitiuas Thenis, Science
USS Leviathan

“You look like you could use a drink. One more,” he signaled to the bartender.

Steven Marsh CSO

When Kit entered the lounge, Jhene immediately noticed her colleauge’s distressed expression.
“Alright, let’s start with the Merlot,” Jhene agreed, taking the glass Steven offered. She swirled the wine gently, inhaling its aroma before taking a small sip. Then she made a face, not as sweet as she’d hoped it would be “It’s interesting,” she said appreciatively. “Very smooth, with just the right amount of bitterness.”

She glanced over at Kit again, who had just received her drink. She wondered what her fellow Orion thought of the drink. Turning back to Steven, she picked up the glass of Adorian Cabernet Sauvignon. “Alright, let’s see how this one compares,” she said, her tone light and eager. She repeated the tasting process, finding the Cabernet much more robust and full-bodied. “This one is bolder, definitely more intense. I can see why you chose it for comparison.” Finally she said to Kit, “You look like you’ve had a rough day. Want to join us in a bit of wine tasting and talk about it? Steven here is quite the connoisseur.”

Lieutenant Junior Grade Ynuchausti
(Communications Officer)

“I think wine is largely what you feel about the taste. As times has gone on, I’ve learned what is more expensive and thus ‘better’ but sometimes I wonder that all I’ve really learned is to like what costs more and less about liking what I like.”

“I remember years ago I like a zinfandel.” He smirked. “‘real’ wine drinkers call zinfandel fruit juice. But darn, back in the old days I’d like a sweet wine.” He confessed that information like he admitted he committed a murder.

Marsh CSO

Kit had ordered a an Orion delaq, and took a deep swig. She looked at the two officers “How many years in a penal colony can one get for killing their lab assistant?” she inquired jokingly. “She then smiled again “Sure I’ll join you, need to get a good drink on after today.”

Lieutenant Kitiuas Thenis, Science
USS Leviathan

Steven signaled for a series of glasses for Kit as he picked up the next in the series of five he had selected for taste testing. “A Pino pairs well with murdery thoughts,” Steven quipped handing each of them a glass. “So what is said lab assistant doing to wv carrant being sucked out of a malfunctioning airlock.” His tone was light and joking although secretly he wondered if that plausible catastrophe had ever been used by one in engineering as a means to an end.

Steven Marsh CSO

Jhene watched as Steven signaled to the bartender, her eyes followed as a fresh line of glasses was set out. The soft clinking of glass echoed through the lounge, mixing conversation and soothing jazz.
“Alright, let’s see what’s next,” Jhene said, her voice filled with anticipation. She glanced at Kit, “Steven’s got a great eye for these things, doesn’t he? A Pinot Noir this time sounds perfect for unwinding after a rough day.”
She picked up one of the glasses and gently swirled the wine, admiring the deep ruby hue that contrasted with the deep green tone of her skin as it caught the ambient light. Bringing the glass to her nose, she inhaled deeply, savoring the rich, earthy aroma. “Mmm, smells wonderful. Earth’s vineyards really know their craft,” she murmured, mostly to herself.
Jhene took a small sip, letting the wine’s flavors settle in her mouth. She paused, appreciating the smoothness and the delicate hint of spice. “This one’s beautifully balanced,” she remarked, her tone full of approval. “Might be my favorite so far. Do you think there’s a job out there where I could be a full-time wine taster?” she joked, shooting a hopeful look at Kit. She hoped the lighthearted comment might draw Kit out of her thoughts and ease some of her visible distress.

Lieutenant Junior Grade Ynuchausti

(Communications Officer)

“If there is a vineyard there is a need for a sommelier. We employ several at my family’s place. Takes a lot of years. Hell, I was raised with the grapes and I joined Starfleet because I could not cut it.”

Steven Marsh CSO

bump
bueller… bueller....

“Your family’s vineyard sounds fascinating. It’s where you grow the grapes for these wines, right? I’ve heard that the type of grape can really influence the wine’s flavor. I’m curious to learn more about how Terran wine is made, since it’s quite different from what we have on my planet.”

She glanced at Kit but didn’t say anything else, hoping her friend would find some comfort in the conversation.

Lieutenant Junior Grade Ynuchausti
(Communications Officer)

“So many things affect the taste of wine. The soil, weather, when you harvest,” Steven let his voice trail some. “It is the reason you can have a four year old bottle of wine taste better than a hundred year old bottle. Most people are under the assumption that old equals better. Not the case as we see with this Klingon bottle. We should have an official wine tasting event one day,” he mused.

Steven Marsh CSO

She nodded thoughtfully, taking another sip of the Pinot Noir. The idea of a wine tasting event intrigued her, though she found herself more captivated by the contrast between the Terran wines she was sampling and the beverages from her own world.

She looked at Steven. “That’s really interesting. I had no idea there were so many variables. An official wine tasting event would be fun, especially with a mix of different cultures’ beverages. We could make it a whole cross-cultural exchange, comparing Terran wines with drinks from other worlds.”
She smiled, a bit of warmth returning to her as the conversation became more engaging. “Though I have to say, it’s going to be tough to beat this Pinot. I can see why some people dedicate their lives to this.”
She glanced over at Kit again, hoping to see some sign of her friend relaxing. The situation earlier still lingered at the back of Jhene’s mind, but for now, she wanted to enjoy the moment and help Kit do the same.

Lieutenant Junior Grade Ynuchausti
(Communications Officer)

Steven let his gaze slide over to Kit too. The trio in their beverage sampling had been rather reserved. “How are you enjoying the drink,” Steven asked Kit.

Directing his attention back to Jhene, Steven added, “what if we make it a boozy cultural exchange. We can have everyone produce a drink they enjoy and one from where they hail from. We could set a panel of judges to sample and have a contest of sorts.”

Marsh CSO

“That sounds like a fantastic idea, Steven. It would be an excellent way to celebrate our diversity and share our different traditions. A contest with a panel of judges would add an element of fun and friendly competition. I’m sure it’d be a hit.”
She glanced around at the various bottles and glasses on the table, envisioning the array of drinks from different worlds coming together for this unique cultural event. The idea was beginning to take shape in her mind, and she couldn’t help but feel excited about how an event like that would play out.

Lieutenant Junior Grade Ynuchausti
(Communications Officer)

“Who would you think could be a judge?” Steven was new enough that he didn’t know a vast majority of the crew or their interests. “We could get a chemist. They might not enjoy the product but they love to study the intricacies of alcohol.

Marsh CSO

OOC: Is there room for one more? -Ava

OOC: Always!

Captain Henao
(Commanding Officer)

OOC: Always. Jump on in.

Luke

Kaylin came in, looked around. She noticed the small gathering at the bar but didn’t catch any of the conversation. Taking a spot a few seats over she ordered an old fashioned. Sitting there was a good balance between not wanting to be completely alone while having time to yourself.

|Lt., j.g. Wilde, Ops/Helm Officer|