Posted by Ensign Tobias Rax (Science 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 (10) 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

Sheleah settled herself and Rex in the seat across from tobias. She offered Rex his dinner on the floor next to her and looked up it Tobias.

“Hi, I’m Sheleah and this is Rex. We’re just grabbing a bit of dinner and I saw you were here. I don’t think we’ve met formally but don’t worry, I’m not officially officially on duty. Just wanted to check in and see how you we’re doing and if you wanted to dinner companion?”

“Of course, Counsellor. It would be rude of me not to accept your offer,” he replied graciously, offering a warm smile in return.

“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|

“Thanks charles. I have a feeling this is going to be really interesting. Maybe you should make a picture if you can and bring it over for the table.” said Sheleah.

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

Sheleah had been watching the whole scene evolve. She sensed the atmosphere changed and had even noticed Tobias’s demeanor shift. Standing should looked around and caught a waiter’s eye. She put her hand on Charles’ shoulder and glanced to bias.

“Charles, would you please watch Rex for a little bit? Tobias, I think we need a bigger table. This nice waiter is going to help us get one. A little breathing room is what this whole situation needs. Is that all right?” Sheleah asked.

• Sheleah

Tobias nodded in agreement. “I think that’s a good idea, Counsellor. More space will definitely make things less crowded,” he remarked, glancing around at the diverse group that had assembled. Despite his initial reservations, Tobias was beginning to warm up to the idea of meeting new members of the crew.

Ensign Tobias Rax
Science Officer
USS Saracen

“It is no problem, Counselor,” Charles said, before attempting to coax Rex to come over to him. He was oblivious to any discomfort Tobias might have been experiencing. He was always one of the ‘the more the merrier’ types.

“So, what do you think of the ship so far, my friend? She is a fine ship, no? A true honor to Starfleet.” Charles continued to speak while attempting to hold Rex in a comfortable position for both of them.

|Ens. Charles-Louis,
Engineering Officer|

Sheleah smiled as Rex squirmed away from her and made his way to Charles.

“Wow, he really likes you. He’s in a very good mood today so he’s apt to be super friendly.”

• Shaleah

Tobias smiled at the sight of Charles and Rex. He found Charles’ friendly demeanor comforting, despite feeling a bit surprised by Rex’s presence at their dinner.

As they chatted, Tobias shared his excitement about serving on the impressive Pendragon-class ship. “It’s certainly impressive. I was lucky to be assigned here most people in my class got less exciting postings,” he said with enthusiasm.

Ensign Tobias Rax
Science Officer
USS Saracen

“Ah yes, she is beautiful, no?” Charles mused, “A wonderfully configured computer processing system. Heavy armor reenforced hull. 5.1 MW sustained phaser output. Reminds me of an Earth saying… ”

He thought for a moment, drumming his fingers on the table, “Something like… having the brains, beauty, and brawn?”

|Ens. Charles-Louis,
Engineering Officer|

“I’ve not heard of it,” Tobias stated, his curiosity piqued. “But yes, it seems to have all the components of a great ship. How did you come to join Starfleet?” he asked, intrigued by the Klingon’s presence. While Klingons weren’t rare in Starfleet, encountering one on every ship was less common.

Internally, Tobias mulled over the presence of Klingons in Starfleet. Growing up with tales of their warrior culture, he had always perceived them as formidable and intense. Yet, his experiences in Starfleet had taught him that diversity was one of its greatest strengths. Still, encountering a Klingon aboard a starship always stirred a mix of fascination and wariness within him. He wondered about their motivations for joining Starfleet, whether it was driven by a desire for adventure, honor, or perhaps a quest for redemption. Regardless, Tobias reminded himself to approach interactions with an open mind, recognizing that individuals from different species brought unique perspectives and strengths to the crew.

Ensign Tobias Rax
Science Officer
USS Saracen

“Ah, yes, well…” Charles said, stroking his chin, “Mine is a very long story. Perhaps a little too long, but ehm… let us start with the obvious, yes? I have worked on spaceships my entire life. Ever since I was very little, I worked with my father on privately operated vessels. Cargo freighters, personal yachts, and the like. But as got older, I was starting to realize that… there was no honor in it. So, I joined Star Fleet. It is practically the same work, except with a higher chance of an honorable death.”

|Ens. Charles-Louis,
Engineering Officer|