[snip]

McDuff walked into the room, and the approached the Bar - leaning on it as he waited for the Bar Tender to approach him. At this very moment, the Bar wasn’t really where Cameron wanted to be right, but he had some free time and he was acting on the Doctor’s recommendations.

“Hey Joe,” exclaimed, “You have another customer. It’s getting quite busy in here today!”

‘’Lt’’ Hunter acknowledge McDuff ‘s presence ‘’ The more the merrier especially since Cross ain’t around and leave the barman alone which would leave us to serve the drinks ourselves ‘’.

” Better a big party than a small one doctor. ” Joe said to Hunter. “That way it’s easier to hide the evidence of wrongdoing. amongst the people!”

‘’Don’t bet on it Joe ,knowing the wrath of the Captain he may well throw us in the bridge cell ‘’ the doctor replied, knowing full well what he was talking about.

Jaris nodded at the invitation and accepted. “Thank you for the invitation. I’m Jaris.”

‘’Doctor Hunter ‘’ starting off by giving an introduction with a hand shake while wondering if he had already met the navigator or done his medical.
Funny what alcohol does to the brain

“There’s no need to drink that sour mash bourbon if you don’t want it,” Ade told Jaris, “Joe has practically everything, and Troy will always drink it… Did you join the ship at Deep Space K-5? I don’t recall seeing those teeth before! And you are lucky that Cross just left, otherwise she’d pull you straight out to Sickbay, and give you a full medical exam. Isn’t that right Troy?”

‘’Eh what? ‘’ Hunter asked who was about to doze off ‘’Cross ? Who knows what she’ll do … have you ever heard of Jekyll and Hyde ‘’ the doctor was doing his best to keep his eyes open ‘’ That’s Cross ‘’.

“I’m more of a brandy drinker. I’ll pass on the sour mash.” Jaris smiled. “If you want too, I can stop by in the morning for a check up Doc.”

‘’Sure I’m on duty tomorrow ‘’ Hunter replied half asleep .

“Am… nother toast then?” Ade asked Hunter, “Iss… s’your turn this time. Joe, ss…set them up please! Cameron, are you in this…ss one too?”

The doctor shook his head ‘’No more for me and it would be wise if you stop as well....already slurring your speech’’ Hunter replied while wondering if Joe had thrown in some sleeping pills in his drink for good measure .

Joe then spoke loudly to be heard. “For once and it must be under a strange star indeed, I find myself in agreement with Doctor Hunter. I for one would enjoy someone who was running the ship to be sober enough to do so! So consider the round you have to be your last before your next great adventure! Oh, and for your information tomorrow we’ll have hot strong coffee all day long. ! “

“Oh! I agree with you too,” replied Ade. “I’m never likely to be running this ship though, and the machines can do extractions in an emergency, but I’ll be off to my bed after this …and no coffee for me!”

Hunter waved his hand as if there were a couple of flies buzzing around him ‘’Not for me Joe, don’t want to brag but I have bought my own jars of coffee from the station..good quality coffee ‘’ after a pause he went on ‘’Though that darn Cross seem to have become addicted too it and not only that she has the audacity to actually serve my coffee to who ever happens to enter her office! ‘’.

Turning to Jaris the doctor patted him on his back ‘’Wise decision Lt especially since you are due for your medical tomorrow ‘’.

“Speaking of Coffee…” McDuff jumped in “…Yes please” He smiled at the Barkeep. He was following the good doctors advice and leaving the booze alone for now. For the moment, Coffee seemed to be the next best thing.

Ade finished off his drink. “As you have both pointed out, I have had enough to drink, and so I bid you all good night.” He walked from the bar to the door in a straight line and didn’t appear to be very drunk.

As she walked into the Fantail Lounge, Astrid Murdock stepped aside and let Ade pass her on his way out. He didn’t acknowledge her, so she said nothing to him either. She knew hardly anyone aboard the Merrimack as she was one of the new crew who had just come aboard at DS- K5. She hadn’t yet met her DH, the CSO, or the Captain, or XO (they seemed to be missing an XO) and she hadn’t even had time for her medical exam yet. However, now that her kit was unpacked she thought that the Fantail Lounge might be the place to get better acquainted with some crew and to hear the gossip. The gossip on a ship was always important to hear first hand.

As she approached the bar it seemed like she had just missed a party. One looked sleepy, and a few were even drinking coffee. This wasn’t at all what she was expecting to find. She did appear to be the only female though which was odd.

The bartender looked welcoming, so she asked him for a drink, “Hi there! A white wine please, small glass, medium dry! Thanks!”

On hearing a woman’s voice Hunter perked up a bit ‘’ Hello ‘’ he managed to say in a low tone ‘’Gue…sss you’re new eeeh?’’ which meant she was out of bounds for him . Sara was already a distant memory ‘’Anyway welcome to the Merri and the D.Dragot Bar ......I’m doctor Hunter ‘’ .
At least he managed to say his name correct.

Astrid saw what everyone else saw when they first met Hunter; good looks, confidence, good personal hygiene; someone who would never be sitting alone at the bar for very long. She enjoyed a bit of a flirt too, however, she didn’t care much for men who couldn’t handle their drink.

“Yes, I’m Astrid Murdock, and I only came aboard at the space station,” she replied. “It sure looks like I missed one hell of a party here! I still need to book a medical exam. I hope you’re still going to able to work in the morning?”

’’ Did she counsellor?’’ Hunter asked with a hint of humor in his voice ‘’Maybe this young lady Asteroid..ee emm…Astrid would have seen you spike my drink with some hot stuff .Another coffee please Joe , as our new scientist said I’m on duty tomorrow and you know what the CMO is like a..a wild,savage,violent,creature ‘’.

The doctor gave him a wink while he drank the last cup of coffee ‘’Guess I can manage to head to my humble quarters now , my dear I will leave you in the company of the barman ‘’ he spoke in his usual charismatic tone and not without that small smile which formed at the corner of his mouth before the doctor walked away . Whether one liked Hunter or not , no one could dispute his seductive personality .

Astrid found Hunter’s behaviour unusual, but she put it down to the effects of the alcohol, and that she wasn’t part of the big joke, whatever it was. It was always difficult joining a new ship and not being aware of the rules. However, Hunter had forgotten that there were still two other men sitting at the bar, and who didn’t appear quite as weird as he was. She wanted to say something cool about her experience with the two guys who had just left, but she was a little too stunned.

Jaris had groggily entered the bar and talked to the bartender “Can I get some coffee if you have it?”

Cmdr. Andor, XO

Another one drinking coffee, thought Astrid. “This must be some extraordinary coffee brew,” Astrid’s thoughts now came out loud. “I’ve never been to a bar where I was the only person drinking alcohol!”

• Astrid, Science