Posted by Lieutenant Pawl Batario (Chief Engineer) in Sidesim: Federation Day – Mess hall (everyone welcome)

Posted by Captain Kastarak (Commanding Officer) in Sidesim: Federation Day – Mess hall (everyone welcome)

Posted by Lieutenant Pawl Batario (Chief Engineer) in Sidesim: Federation Day – Mess hall (everyone welcome)
Posted by… suppressed (7) by the Post Ghost! 👻
(Note: this takes place during the long, sixteen-day boring non-stop warp to the Rift)

It was Federation Day – the holiday of the United Federation of Planets commemorating the founding of the Federation. As acting commanding officer, it was Kastarak’s duty to oversee the 113th anniversary on board the ship. He had arranged for various culturally significant dishes and beverages from across the Federation. It was a rich buffet – the chefs had made an impressive work.

Kastarak wore mess uniform – it was a little stiffer than usual, mainly in the shoulders and arms. Had he gained some weight? Fat or extra muscle? He wasn’t sure – he had not been so introspective lately, as he had been too concerned with the fate of the two commanding officers – one of which was still comatose in Sickbay – and the welfare of the crew at these tiring times.

He thanked the chefs for their work, before opening the doors to the incoming crew members. The crew would be divided up in a few batches, so that each one could enjoy the buffet without overcrowding. The first batch included his senior crew (OOC: you lot). Kastarak, however, would stay all day.

He straightened both his jacket and back, relaxed his shoulders backwards, and with a chin up, stood by the door, greeting everyone.

Kastarak, Lt Cdr
Acting Commanding Officer; First Officer and Navigations Officer

Pawl moved to the door of the mess hall after his shift. Not really thinking of a celebration of the federation. As the doors opened, he entered calmly. “Hello Captain…” Pawl said with a half-smile on his face. “Happy Federation Day.” Pawl added.

[[Lt ]] [[Pawl Batario]]
[[Chief_Engineer]] [[Uss_Chernov]]

William stepped in just after Batario, his own Mess uniform felt odd, the stiff material didn’t bring the same comfort as it usually did, he was certain it must be the increased stress of the past few days. He moved to join the Acting Captain and the Chief Engineer “Quite, Happy Federation day” He said with a slight nod to each man.

CSO, 2O

Seeing Pawl and William enter gave some sort of relief in Kastarak on a day like this. Pawl was the one who would make Kastarak’s heart – deep in his gut – flutter, while Grey was the one who was an anchor of stability and measurement on the ship. While extremes to one another in what they represented to Kastarak, Kastarak needed them both.

“Thank you for attending,” he said to them both. “There is food. You must eat, lest it goes to waste.”

He looked once more at Pawl, feeling the warmth of Pawl’s body within his own – or so Kastarak imagined why there was a sensation of warmth spreading from his gut all around.

“Pawl…” he heard himself whisper.

Kastarak, Lt Cdr
Acting Commanding Officer; First Officer and Navigations Officer (as this occurs before the promotion!)

Pawl heard him and stopped where he was. “sir?” He finally responded. “Is everything ok?” Pawl added.

“Yes, Mr Batario,” Kastarak heard himself say in his usual monotone oblivious tone. Then, a nanosecond later, Kastarak realized. Pawl had heard his faint whisper, his call for attention. Now that Pawl had given him that, Kastarak found himself rejecting Pawl. It was a usual chain of behaviours, reinforced by Kastarak’s dilemma of command and his unwillingness to purge himself of the emotions he had vested in Pawl.

[[Lt ]] [[Pawl Batario]]
[[Chief_Engineer]] [[Uss_Chernov]]

William looked between the two officers, Kastarak, Pawl, then Kastarak, then Pawl. Then he suppressed a sigh “I’m hungry” He stated flatly, turned on his heels and gave the two some privacy. It wasn’t a lie; he was actually hungry, so avoiding awkward personal interactions was a good excuse to skip socialising for food.

CSO, 2O

Kastarak followed William to the food, and grabbed a plate himself. “Please eat,” he called to the people around him.

Kastarak, Cpt
Commanding Officer

Pawl moved over to the food silently. He carefully grabbed his food and took the far corner of the mess hall by himself. Feeling more confused and rejected, not having any conversation with Kasarak, and being dismissed quickly and abruptly. ~Sorry~ Pawl thought to himself. not noticing if he was broadcasting or not at this point. As he started eating his food alone, as he listened to the light music playing, he tried to forget himself in the music while he ate.

[[Lt ]] [[Pawl Batario]]
[[Chief_Engineer]] [[Uss_Chernov]]

Kastarak picked up on Pawl’s cues. After taking his plate, Kastarak walked up to Pawl, who sat alone, eating his food slowly.

“May I sit with you, Pawl?” Kastarak asked.

Kastarak, Cpt
Commanding Officer

“ok…As you wish?” Pawl commented calmly. As he tried to clear his mouth of what food was left. Pawl was feeling more confused now. ~ Being dismissive and now, he wants to eat with me?!~ PAwl was going to ask, but stopped himself from doing so. ass he took a drink, to wash his food down.

[[Lt ]] [[Pawl Batario]]
[[Chief_Engineer]] [[Uss_Chernov]]

Kastarak sensed the confusion, but could not make sense of what it was about. He decided to ask about it.

“You seem confused, Pawl. Can I help you?”

Kastarak, Cpt
Commanding Officer