USS Merrimack
The Fantail Dragon
Posted by Lieutenant Miriam Cross (Chief Medical Officer) in The Fantail Dragon
Posted by Civilian Joe Milligan (Bartender) in The Fantail Dragon
Posted by Lieutenant Junior Grade Troy Hunter (General Medical Doctor) in The Fantail Dragon
Posted by… suppressed (14) by the Post Ghost! 👻
[snip]
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?.
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.
George walked into the bar and acknowledged Astrid as she left. He was about to start his shift in Engineering. He liked his coffee strong, but baulked at the ‘No worry. This too shall pass sometime’ blend and decided to go for the ‘three shifts’. Those scrambled eggs looked good too.
She came in for her first day at the ‘Dragon’ Bar ,an Orion ex slave girl about 22 yrs of age with long thick black hair and slightly green tinted skin .Her attire or better yet still lack of it one could only be described as having complex patterns of colors,in her hair she had bright red ribbons hanging downwards on either side of her cheeks ‘’Hi there , I’ll make your breakfast ‘’ she told George and quick as a flash sat on the bar , her long slim legs on display and jumped next to the barman .
Joe was happily and contentedly fixing more coffee of the various and nefarious brands listed on his menu. Anyone who knew Joe would say that he seemed content even as he went about his chores. Wiping off bar tops and launching into conversations with a happiness and joy not seen in Joe since like forever? He was even considering a little morning constitutional around the ship after the morning rush was done.
‘’Hi sweetly ,my name is D’Nesh and from the station has been kicked on this ship for some reason ‘’ the female frowned but not for long she gave him her best dazzling smile all the while looking at Joe from the top of his head down to his feet and up again ‘’You’re kinda of cute , my job description say serve at the bar and entertainment . I only have permission to be at the bar and sickbay if needed and my cabin of course! ‘’.
Joe’s immediate reaction to the Orion female was much like that of a cat who has been surprised for there was almost an addible hiss escaped his lips before he made an attempt to calm himself down. Joe knew the Orions. He knew that the Orion culture really consisted of females who used whatever means possible to enslave the male population. And all the while for diplomatic reasons keeping their males in the forefront. making people on the outside looking in believe that the females were bought and sold or some such thing.
Knowing this fallacy Joe was having no little bit of this female. Eying her suspiciously he asked her. “And why were you kicked off the station? And my name is Joe not sweetie. Also who assigned you to me? “
D’Nesh did not even bat an eyelid ‘’Don’t know who, just someone from the station maybe one of those guys with showy uniforms and prudish manners? ‘’ her description seem to be of some high ranking personnel but the Orion knew next to nothing about the Federation .She had been just a slave to entertain and serve food ‘’ We where a group of slaves and told we were being taken to the ‘station’ ,some of the others girls where also send on other ships and I happen to be on this one.....so Joe shall I start preparing breakfast ?’’ .
As George ate his breakfast he could here every word ofh thuh conversashun ‘atween Joe an’ this here green girlie. George knowed thuh ex-Chief well enuff tuh know that he could handle it. Whatever i ‘twas!
Joe frowned at the girl with more than a bit of disbelief on his face. “You’re going to need to check in with the XO . I’m not anyone can say if you stay or go nor can I make assignments. So even if you had something from the station you need to check in with the XO at least. ” Joe said as he was quite fond of the fact that for once the rules were working for him instead of against him.
After giving a wink to George the young Orion woman waved her hand as if there was a fly buzzing around her ‘’ Oooo…are you the type who’s so delicate and so sensible , afraid of fear or apprehension ? Unwilling and reluctant to do something for fear of the consequences ?’‘.
D’Nesh may have been a slave but she had mastered how to handle any situation especially when involving males, it had become a necessity for her to survive ‘’ I was in my cabin which was allocated to me by the master and the rules where working here and visit sickbay if needed ....do you understand swe..e..em Joe ?’’ biting on her lower lip for a moment she went on ‘’Oh what was the word they used? Em medical evaluation yes that’s it.....do you know what it means ? ‘’ the Orion asked a bit confused.
At that time, Xavier entered and looked towards the bar. With a raised eyebrow he paused for a moment thinking that, perhaps, he had come into the wrong bar, maybe even on the wrong ship seeing as the apparent serving girl was seemingly dressed more for a shift at a strip club than the lounge on a Starfleet ship. Captain must run a wild joint he thought to himself and inwardly shrugged.
The Orion young woman soon lost interest with the barman and made her way to the new arrival, swaying her hips as she approached him.
Heading to the bar himself, he casually leaned on the edge rather than take a seat, and looked over a padd at what was available. Coffee was good, and a basic fare of croissant and eggs would do just fine. Glancing along the bar he blinked in surprise as he recognized the man behind the bar as the same man from the station where he had joined the ship. He hadn’t picked the man as one who would run a bar with eye-candy serving, but clearly his ability to read people was in need of practice.
‘’So what does it say ?’’ she put her neatly manicured finger while making imaginary circles on his Padd ‘’ I’m D’Nesh would you like some breakfast or just coffee ?’’ she asked with a voice that was both soft and smooth.
“Uh, hi,” Xavier replied, making a clear effort to keep his eyes on the Padd or on her eyes, and nothing else in between.
“Yes, thanks. Double shot coffee with a butterscotch shot and no sugar, and do you do just fried eggs? I see today’s special is scrambled but, I prefer them firm. Uh, fried. Thanks.”
Xavier watch the womans’ finger make the lazy circles on the padd for a moment before he lifted his eyes to hers. “D’Nesh, was it? I’m Xavier, new on the ship. Nice to meet you.”
-Lt Khauv .
Joe wondered at the fact that the Orion still thought all human males to be so delusional and uninformed. After the first few meetings with their culture, it had come as some surprise to the even then mostly dominated federation that there existed an entire culture somewhere completely run by females and that they did so in a manner much akin to several species of insects on Earth did! He saw that D’Nesh had found another potential victim already. At this pace she would surely have someone doing her bidding and following her about. Joe was by now starting to anger to the point of calling security. He himself had found a refuge here and didn’t want to lose it when the captain found out about this green wench stalking about in his lounge!
“I say, shall ay call ayy security officuurr?” George asked Joe.
- George, Enjuneer
“D’Nesh, was it? I’m Xavier, new on the ship. Nice to meet you.”
‘’Yes ‘’ she replied smiling broadly ‘’Xavier ? That’s a nice name ‘’ D’Nesh commented ‘’Sure I can make anything you desire ,after all its what I’m here for and to help Joe ‘’ she gave him a quick glance ‘’He’s not so nice , I think he does not like me ‘’ the Orion female whispered .
Just then Cross entered ‘’Hi Joe could you give me a glass of orange juice ,my day shift starts soon don’t want to leave Hunter waiting since he’s been on the night shift ‘’ the doctor looked around ‘’Quiet busy this morning are you sure you can handle all this work by yourself? ‘’ she asked a bit concerned .
That’s when Cross saw the Orion girl ‘’ Oh so we did get one ‘’ the CMO walked over to D’Nesh ‘’ It looks like you have settled in quiet nicely ‘’ it did not escape the attire she was wearing which made her frown indicating disapproval . D’Nesh saw the female doctor , actually the first female which not only took the Orion by surprised but Cross’s red eyes frightened her.
She staggered backwards quivering slightly , in a state of anxiety and in the process managed to hit a pile of glasses , seemingly everyone present heard the glass breaking and looked up. On seeing the girl in distress Cross decided to move away, getting back at Joe ‘’ Hey you’re the counselor remember ? How about making that poor girl feel more at ease ,she probably doesn’t even know she’s on a ship ‘’ seeing the orange juice he had already prepared Cross sipped it quietly occasionally looking at D’Nesh, once she finished it Cross leaned forward ‘’ Joe if you feel like it you can head to my quarters for the night ‘’ the doctor spoke in a quiet voice the last thing she wanted was to be heard .
Cross CMO.
Joe frowned at Cross after he gave her juice. “When that female shows me orders or someone who’s an officer can tell me she’s aboard she’s welcome to anything in the food and drink department.” Joe left then and soon returned with a small plate with a lid on it. He slid it across to Miriam and told her.
” A proper breakfast ordered by Doctor Joe. Two boiled eggs, oats, and strawberries. ” So, what do you know about the Orion? Am I supposed to play nice with her or is she someone who has snuck aboard?”Joe Milligan Barman /Counselor
‘For your peace of mind I’ll bring you the papers ,she still has to be called for her medical ‘’ looking at what Joe had prepared for her Cross smiled ‘’ It seem someone what’s to fatten me up ‘’ she spoke between bites of boiled eggs and strawberries , then just like a little girl made a face at the oats ‘’Yuk ‘’ and pushed the bowl away .
Cross looked back at the Orion girl who was by now on her knees picking up the broken glasses ‘’ Just be kind to her ,we know she was a slave and was saved among other young women . The doctor put a hand over Joe’s ‘’ We don’t even know what she had to endure so please be nice to her ‘’.
Then the CMO had a brilliant idea ‘’Hunter is about to finish his shift and I bet he’ll be walking straight to the bar for breakfast ,tell him she hasn’t had her medical yet and I left the order with you for him to give her one !’’ Cross exclaimed while smiling smugly .
Cross CMO.
Joe kept a weather eye out on the Orion and Cross at the same time. He smiled at Miriam’s plan to put Hunter to work but, then he pushed her plate back over to her and spoke. “Deal done as long as you eat your oats like a good girl. Otherwise, I’ll tell Hunter what we’re cooking up and I’m sure he’ll more than enjoy driving you nuts early.”
Cross pushed the plate away ‘’Want me to throw up here ? And you sound just like my grandfather bless him ‘’ she replied , as memories of her beloved grandfather surfaced ‘’ As for Hunter I’m the one who drive him nuts ‘’ the thought made her smile.
Joe took a look around the Dragon looking to see if any new customers were coming in before he leaned across to Miriam from the bar and said in a low voice. “Oh, and about tonight. Sure thing. And about Orion slave girls? It’s a myth that they spread about themselves. It’s the men who are the slaves. And the females control them through shall we say other than abusive means?”
Joe Milligan Bar Man Counselor
‘’Don’t you think I know that but its more complicated, as not all Orion women emitted or utilized such pheromones, while not all Orion women are even capable of doing so ‘’.
The doctor gave another glance at D’Nesh ‘’ Remember she was sold and was a slave to entertain,wonder by who maybe by the Klingon’s !’’ it was just a wild guess made by Cross ‘’Got to leave Joe and glad about seeing me later on ‘’ she waved at him and anyone else who was having their breakfast and left making her way to sickbay.
Cross CMO.
Joe waved to Cross and then went down the bar to wait on another customer. It was someone wanting one of the stronger brews of coffee. Joe wished them good luck after he served it and then went back to cleaning the bar top off.
Joe Milligan Bar man / Counselor
Hunter had arrived he was hungry, tired and irked cause Cross had been twenty minutes late for their change of duty. He stood against the bar watching and waiting for Joe to finish cleaning up ,meanwhile he looked around seeing most of the crew present leaving ,while some were just about finishing their breakfast .
Something caught the doctor’s attention it sounded like a moan,he turned his head to where the sound was coming from and to his surprise saw an Orion young woman holding her hand as it bled.
Hunter Dr.
Joe was headed in Hunter’s direction when he saw the direction of his glance and then remembered, “Hey, Hunter, could you take a look at my new helper’s hand over there? She needs to get to work. And when you get that finished, I have to talk to you but for right now what would you like?”
One eyebrow went up ‘’You need to speak to me?’’ he asked while walking behind the bar .
Joe knew that Hunter wouldn’t appreciate having things thrown at him like this but then again Joe couldn’t pass up the opportunity. He’d make it up to him later.
Joe Milligan Barman / Counselor
The doctor went behind the bar and took some clean napkins ,D’Nesh was crying softly as she looked up at Hunter who towered over her ‘’Its just a small piece of glass dear there’s no need to cry ‘’ the doctor tried to reassure her as he searched for the medical kit finding it behind the bar .
Taking the small piece of glass which was slightly embedded in the first layer of skin he cleaning it and finally wrapped her hand in a bandage .What Hunter failed to notice was that the Orion young woman had a terrifying look on he face and she was literally trembling with fear.
‘’Joe I’m so hungry I can eat a horse and em..what did you say ?Something about talking to me? What about?’’ .
Hunter Dr.
” Sorry Joe answered. ” We had some. horse backstrap earlier but it sold out pretty fast. I think I can hook you up with something special though. How would you like some home fries, eggs a slab of ham and some sourdough biscuits and corn muffins?”Joe Milligan Barman / Counselor
‘’Oh well that would do just fill the plate up please’’ Hunter replied ‘’Guess beggars can’t be choosers ‘’.
Hunter Dr.
Joe almost broke out in laughter at Hunter’s effort to get him angry. Either Hunter had never eaten this kind of good old fashioned Earth cooking, or his stomach was an empty pit! Instead, Joe said simply. “Be right back!” In a few moments Joe came back with a huge tray with several plates all full of various foods. Setting it down then in front of Hunter he told Hunter. ” I need your help. What I Need is for you to go into battle for me. You see Miri and I are planning to have a baby and I told her that I won’t settle for anyone but you as her physician. “
Joe Milligan Barman / Counselor .
Hunter was about to start eating ,a piece of Ham in his hand and mouth open when he heard what Joe had just said.The Ham fell back onto the plate and the doctor looked at Joe s if he was ready to murder him.Maybe he took him by surprise ? Hunter bend over the bar and with both hands on Joe’s shirt pulled him towards him,now their faces were inches apart .
‘’You are what? Having a baby ? Are you out of your mind ?Have you thought that the gene can be passed and be a dominant gene!’’ Hunter let go of him, shaking his head in a sad way ‘’I do feel sorry for Cross she has been through a lot ‘’ though Hunter had no knowledge of Cross being abducted .Taking a few steps away he had one last thing to say ‘’I hope you will stick by her and won’t leave her for the third time ‘’.
Hunter did not give Joe a chance to speak he simply left heading to sickbay .A few minutes later Joe’s cell phone bleeped =/\ = Hi love Miriam here..it happened =/\= the tone of excitement was evident and would not be lost on the father to be.
Hunter Dr.
Joe stood against the bar. He could still feel where Hunter had laid hands on him. His face was red with rage and his fists were both balled tightly as he tried his best to contain himself. He was still wondering why he hadn’t poked his thumbs into Hunters eyes and then gave him a nose breaking head butt to his nose when he had the chance. And to top it all Hunter had not even given him a yes or no answer. Joe had asked him a civil question in a civil tone of voice and had gotten grabbed at and cursed!
It was then he could figure out why he had not hurt Hunter. It was Miri’s voice coming over his communicator. He frowned at what she was saying. =/\= ” It happened?” Joe could not for the life of him figure out what Miri was talking about. =/\= Miri whatever are you talking about?” =/\ Joe was now beginning to massage his forehead as he tried to relax a bit.
Joe Milligan Barman / Counselor
Joe could not see Cross rolling her eyes =/\= I’m pregnant ! =/\= she exclaimed =/\= Remember don’t tell anyone its too early …Oh em Hunter has just entered my office and he looks psychotic anyway see you to-night Cross out =/\= .
Cross CMO.
Joe could only. Well barely keep himself from falling over. He had to lean against the bar he had been trying to clean up before anyone came in for lunch. Now he stood there wondering and asking the same question that many males of all species must have asked in a situation such as this. ” Well how did this happen?”
He and Miri hadn’t been together but a couple of times since he had come back on the ship. Finally, he sighed and shook his head laughing as he took himself a shot of whiskey and said ” Those are some Olympic swimmers we got!”
Joe Milligan Barman / Counselor