Posted by Lieutenant Junior Grade Astrid Murdock (Astronavigation and Warp Field Dynamics) in The Fantail Dragon
[snip]

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?”

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!”

Some one from behind cleared his throat ‘’ C..can I please have a glass of orange juice ?’’ Richard asked in a rather timid manner. Being a security meant keeping an open pair of eyes in front and another at the back of his head ,so it came as no surprise that someone finally recognized the man in front of him was the new Cmdr.

Even though he was behind Andor ,Richard managed to put 3 cm more in length, raising his hand against his temple ‘’Cmdr.’‘.

So, that’s him; that’s the new XO of the Merrimack, thought Astrid.

• Astrid, Science

Graciously accepting the piping hot cup of decaf coffee. Jaris took a quick sip before noticing he’s been made. Jaris nodded at the officers.

Andor, XO