Pawl came in from his time in the gym. He moved to the restroom to get a quick shower and freshen up from the workout. as he started his shower disrobed and entered the stream of hot water as he began to clean himself. it was a great feeling for him to enjoy the calming shower. Started with laddering his head and cleaning his hair and working his way down to his toes. By the time he was done he was totally refreshed. As he turned off the water in the shower. he grabbed a towel and started to dry off thoroughly. As he made his way back to the bedroom he stopped by the dresser and gather his clothes to change into as he began to get dressed, he moved to the closet and gathered an off-duty uniform to wear. as he quickly put it on. he added some deodorant and cologne. As he decides to go to the galley for something to eat.

He calmly moved to the door of his cabin, and the door opened for him as he exited and headed down to the galley. Luckily there was one close by he did not have to go to he far side of the ship to get to one. As he entered the Galley it was empty other than the staff that helped out the chef. it was rather quiet there . “Hello, All!!” Paul said calmly trying to be polite as he moved to the food station and attempted to see what was on the menu and what was still available.

“Any recommendations on the menu today? ” He asked anyone who cared to answer. It took a minute or so for someone to answer. But a young man answered my request noticing the others weren’t going to answer. “Wel sir there are several good choices today from Cheeseburgers and french fries, and chilidogs and french fries, Salisbury steak, and noodles smothered in orange-looking gravy and choice of vegetable, to chicken parmisian. some more are dinner options like ribeye steaks and mushroom gravy and mashed potatoes and gravy on them along with a vegetable of choice. I guess it depends on the level of hungry you are sir!” The Cadet said kindly to the officer with a smile. As he looked at the other staff with contempt. ~It was only common respect and courtesy. ~ The cadet thought to himself As he refocused back to PAul.

“Thank you kindly for the help Paul said with returning the smile. As he grabbed a couple of cards from the shelf and inserted them into the food station and pressed a button as his order was sent to the kitchen systems for retrieval of his food selections. He decided on The Salisbury steak and Noodles with the orange mushroom gravy. Along with a large Pepsi Classic. He ordered extra portions to his meal three patties and a nice helping of noodles and mushroom gravy. as the food station hummed to life as his selections were being prepared. Moments later the door hissed and slid open. to reveal a piping hot meal along with his drink as he grabbed the tray. and turned to find a place to sit near one of the windows. As he closed on the table the cadet grabbed some utensils and a straw for the officer. As he took a seat as he briefly looked out to see the stars passing the windows at warp.

“Oh thank you Cadet I knew I forgot something.” Paul said almost blushing a slight pink color. “No Problem sir! I had nothing more to do at present.” as the cadet placed them on the table next to his tray. Paul noticed the others left during the time the food was being prepared. As he focused back on the cadet for a moment.” Please call me Paul nice to meet you, cadet?” Paul said kindly to the man. The cadet noticed he was not into formality here, especially since he was not in standard uniform he was in an off-duty casual clothes. “I am Travis Nice to meet you, Paul.” He smiled as he stood there at attention. Please be calm don’t strain anything. He said calmly to the man. As Travis relaxed finally. “Good that’s better. Please take a break I believe you deserve it? Have you eaten? Your welcome to join me?” Paul inquired.

“Thank you, Paul, that’s just must kind of you. Actually, I haven’t eaten yet. Give me a moment I will get something and join you for a meal. Travis pulled the cards for his meal and ordered a similar meal as Paul’s including the drink. As the machine hummed to life again. moments later the door hissed and slid open to reveal his meal as he gathered his utensils and tray and moved back to the table that paul was sitting at. “Thank you again for the invite. Paul.” He said As he placed his tray down across from Paul.

“No Problem Travis it’s one way to make friends here since I’m rather new here.” Paul said calmly to Travis. “I thought you were new here I might have seen you in passing when you were taking a tour of the ship. I am more than sure of it your in security right?” Travis asked him as he started eating a few bites. and got it down. As Paul spoke after clearing his bite of food. “Yes I had a formal one with yeoman rand and I took an impromptu one for myself to get a better formality and layout of the ship much better.” as he took a sip of his drink.

TBC

Ensign Paul Knight - Off-Duty Security Officer