[snip]

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.

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.

Joe walked in and began to get things going in the Fantail. The first order of business was a quick cleanup, and then the specialty coffees. They were listed as ‘One Shift’ , ‘Two shifts, ‘ ‘Three shifts,’ and ’ No worry. This too shall pass sometime.’

As these started to brew, He began breakfast. Croissants, egg scramble, or scrambled eggs of fire. He was getting the last of all this ready to start cooking in the cookers when he saw the sleeve of what must surely be the new XO . He walked over and nodded saying, “Hello Commander. I’d like to introduce myself. Actually, the Captain told me I was supposed to go see you, but I just haven’t had the time yet.”

As Joe was talking to the new Cmdr ,from the corner of his eye he saw …what?.

D’Nesh (Ex Orion slave )

Astrid had to stifle a laugh as she finished off the rest of her glass of wine. This ship was like a comedy routine. And she had had served all over the main Alpha and Beta trade routes but she’d never seen an Orion woman before. She knew there were immigrant villages on Earth, but she’d had to be posted to this god-forsaken end of the Galaxy to see one for the first time! There must be a story here? she thought.

But it was getting late, or was it early? Who cares in space? Anyhow, she’d need to get some sleep now if she intended to be awake for her next shift.

• Astrid, Science