Posted by Lieutenant Commander Natasha Knight (Chief Medical Officer) in Reflections in Ten Forward [Open]

Posted by Ensign Charles-Louis (Engineering Officer) in Reflections in Ten Forward [Open]

Posted by Ensign Tobias Rax (Science Officer) in Reflections in Ten Forward [Open]
Posted by… suppressed (2) by the Post Ghost! 👻
Tobias eased himself onto an unoccupied table in Ten Forward, finally granting himself a moment of respite. Since joining the crew, he had been thrown headfirst into the whirlwind of their recent encounter with the Cardassians. Now, with the ship enjoying a relative lull in activity, Tobias seized the opportunity to unwind and contemplate.

Before him lay a spread of Earth delicacies—lasagna and garlic bread—accompanied by a refreshing Trill fruit drink. His posture was relaxed, his demeanor inviting. For anyone seeking company or conversation, Tobias appeared to be a welcoming choice.

Ensign Tobias Rax
Science Officer
USS Saracen

It was one of Sheleah’s dedicated times off. She had a tendency to get herself very wrapped up in work and knew it was a fault of hers. She had been counseled to change that about herself and was seeking to rectify that. So, she walked into the lounge with Rex off leash and headed for the replicator. Retrieving their food she looked around and cut Tobias’s empty table. Walking over she wondered if you would mind some company and decided to find out.

“Hello, I don’t think I’ve actually had the pleasure of introducing myself. I’m Sheleah the counselor but I’m not on duty right now. Would you like some company?”

• Sheleah

Tobias glanced up from his plate as the counselor introduced herself. She appeared older than him, not necessarily in age but in the air of experience that seemed to envelop her. Unlike the typically exuberant ensigns, including himself, who often seemed eager and somewhat jittery, she exuded a calm and assured demeanor that suggested she was at ease in her surroundings.

Observing her briefly, Tobias noted her blonde hair, which fell just past her shoulders, and her strong facial features. His Earth bunkmate from the academy might have described her as “pretty,” but to Tobias, she was simply another crew member on the ship, albeit one he had yet to meet. The recent whirlwind of events, from his initial medical examination to the mission itself, had left him feeling somewhat overwhelmed, making it difficult to properly connect with others.

Realizing he hadn’t responded to her introduction, he offered a warm smile. “Of course, Counselor, please,” he said, gesturing towards one of the empty chairs at his table.

Ensign Tobias Rax
Science Officer
USS Saracen

“Ah! Madame counselor!” Charles called from the bar. The seven foot Klingon was had to miss as he shuffled around other parties toward the table, bringing a drink in each hand.

“You simply must try this,” he said, setting one down on the table front of her, “I is like a Mousse Au Chocolat, but it hits like a century-aged Chech’tluth.”

Challenge seemed so excited to share with the counselor he didn’t notice Tobias at first, instead unknowingly squeezing himself between the two. However, once taking a step back, it didn’t take him long to recognize the science officer.

“Ah, yes yes, you!” He said, a large toothy smile coming across his face, “You are the one who helped us in decoding that box we found, yes? I do not believe we have made our proper introductions, sir. I am Charles-Louis, engineering.” He held his free hand out for a handshake.

|Ens. Charles-Louis,
Engineering Officer|

The atmosphere in Ten Forward shifted swiftly as Tobias found himself unexpectedly joined by others, turning his once solitary dinner into a small gathering. Despite the old Earth adage of “Two’s company, three’s a crowd” echoing in his mind, Tobias found himself surprisingly welcoming of the company. With the opportunity presenting itself, he resolved to make an effort to connect with some of his fellow crewmates.

However, a lingering wariness toward the Klingons aboard the ship lingered in his thoughts. His last encounter with one had left him feeling unsettled, with the Klingon having erected an audio-restricting forcefield while donning surgical gloves during what was meant to be a routine check-up on another crew member. Pushing aside these concerns for the moment, Tobias extended his hand to Charles with a friendly smile.

“It’s nice to meet you,” he greeted warmly. “Sorry I didn’t speak much earlier; I was rather occupied with the mission,” he explained.

Walking up to the table, Kate O’Neill had a definite swagger to her walk. It was an easy confidence that bordered on upbeat. “Hey…guys,” she nodded to the counselor and Charles-Louis. After greeting them her gaze centered on the Trill. ” Are you Tobais Rex,” she said getting a large smile that seemed to impart that she either knew him or knew something about it.

Grabbing one of the chairs, she flipped it around so that she could straddle it and lean on the back as an armrest.

Kate O’Neill security JO.

Tobias couldn’t help but wonder if he had accidentally sent out a ship-wide invitation to his dinner, as yet another crew member—a security officer this time—appeared and took a seat, or what could generously be described as sitting.

“It’s Tobias RAX,” he corrected gently, emphasizing the correct pronunciation of his surname, though he was accustomed to the occasional mispronunciation.

“Please, join us,” he added with a half-hearted jest, the combination of his assignment and the unexpected company taking its toll as a hint of sarcasm crept into his voice. Realizing he had lost his appetite amidst the growing crowd, he leaned back in his seat.

“I think Starfleet medical would advise against the misuse of that chair; it could lead to severe back issues in later life, maybe even scoliosis,” he remarked dryly, a touch of wry humor punctuating his observation.

Ensign Tobias Rax
Science Officer
USS Saracen