Posted by Captain Jonathan McBride (CO, USS Centurion) in Plaza Exchange- Shenanigans

Posted by Lieutenant Séan Iven (Counselor) in Plaza Exchange- Shenanigans

Posted by Captain Jonathan McBride (CO, USS Centurion) in Plaza Exchange- Shenanigans
Posted by… suppressed (6) by the Post Ghost! 👻

(snip)

14 Minutes later, McBride strolled up near the main entrance in dark jeans, a black t-shirt and a black leather bomber jacket. His brown leather shoes had a softer sole and made less sound than his duty boots and he figured a bit of quiet could be useful where they were going. People milled in and out of the main entrance and a few people caught his eye as they passed. He’s smile or wink at their surprise since they weren’t used to seeing him out of uniform. Ahh, this was fun!

Soon he spotted Iven. “Ready? I can’t promise my best behaviour, and I know that might disconcerting for some given I’m supposed to be the commanding officer. But I figure, I’m off duty, right?” That wasn’t how it worked. It wasn’t almost never how it worked, and he knew that. Still, if he didn’t shed some stress, there was a good chance he’d lose it on some poor junior officer and he never wanted to be that CO.

Captain McBride, Starfleet CO

Séan walked over to join McBride. He was wearing a pair of dark blue pants, white tennis shoes, and a gray polo shirt. He nodded then grinned at the comment of not being on best behavior. “I suppose I can be the responsible one then Captain. What’s your poison of choice? I recently stumbled upon a bar that serves a nice Irish stout. It surprised me that they could get it imported.”

Counselor Iven

“We can do that, for sure. But you know how earlier you were asking about interesting places? I was thinking we could go check out the Plaza Exchange. There’s all kinds of eating and drinking establishments, plus retail shops. But many are not the crisp and clean places you’ll find around the government and Starfleet areas. I just can’t promise what we’ll find or not.” A little adventure was the name of the game, right? So as far as Jon was concerned, they needed to step outside of the expected in order to find it.

Captain McBride, Starfleet CO

Séan spread his hands and nodded. “That sounds exciting to me. Please lead the way.”

Counselor Iven

With a grin, McBride set off for an area near the centre of the city that was known for mixed businesses and while not sketchy persay, was like he had said: it was not the pristine areas you saw in the centre of the colony where they worked.

Soon they approached an open air market. It was enclosed by six and eight story buildings that also were part of the Exchange. It looked perfectly fine from the outside, and boasted all sorts of businesses, including some that were less than legal (if you knew what you were looking for). “We have lots of options. There are food stalls, sit down places, bars including that some that serve food. I don’t know about you but I’m hungry and after this week, I need a drink,” Jon said with a laugh.

Captain McBride, Starfleet CO

“I could be convinced to eat, drink, and be merry. The case load for all of us in the psych, er counseling department is ridiculous. What better way to blow off some steam then imbibing copious amounts of inhibition limiters.” Séan chuckled. “Do you think any of the bars know how to make a good cheeseburger?”

Counselor Iven

Jon snapped his fingers. “I know just the place. This way.”

He led Séan into the market, which was filled stalls upon stalls and little shops all butting each other. Basically anything you could think to buy you could probably find. Past food, handmade crafts, and random spare ship parts, Jonathan weaved around people with ease and led to the back corner. Of the many food establishments in the ground floor of the buildings that enclosed the Plaza, was a small but busy place.

The Brickhouse Brewpub had an industrial design to it, with exposed vents and a ceiling painted black. The interior walls, posts and beams were covered in red brick, and from the ceiling hung multitudes of glass pendant lights. There was a long bar with stools and plenty of tables and booths. Above the bar was a large menu filled with craft beers, cocktails, and wine.

McBride moved straight for the bar where there were some empty stools and slid up onto one. “This place has all kinds of great pub food. Burgers are great, so are the wings.”

Captain McBride, Starfleet CO

“That sounds delicious. I could go for some wings with a burger and a nice pint or three.” Séan said as he saddled up on the adjacent stool. “What are you thinking of getting Captain?”

Counselor Iven

“Fish and chips with some Antarian cider,” McBride said. “And call me Jon, or Jonathan. I’m off duty, after all,” he added, flashing a grin.

He turned on his stool to face Séan while also catching the eye of one of the bartenders and gave her a wave. She nodded and held up one finger. “And it looks like we won’t have long to wait to order either. At least some things are going well.”

Captain McBride, Starfleet CO

Séan turned towards Jon on his stool as well. “Alright Jon.” He said with a smile. “I like the ambiance of the place. You can feel the energy.” The bartender came over to take their order. After McBride put his in Séan requested what he wanted. “Double cheeseburger, tomatoes, pickles, ketchup and mustard. Eight wings, garlic and parmesan. And a pint of whatever you recommend.”

Counselor Iven

The bartender smiled. “We’ve got a really nice dry rye beer that would go really well with both the burger and the wings.”

She turned to McBride. “Mayo with your fries too, right Captain?”
Jon grinned. “You’re not going to kick me out this time, are you, Dionne?”
“Tempted,” she said with wink and went to put in their food order and get their drinks.

He chuckled and looked back at Iven. “As you can guess, I’ve been here before. She raised a brow at my wanting mayo with my fries and said it was unnecessary. Now it’s a running joke. And yeah, I like this place. It’s fun and relaxed, and sometimes I need to be somewhere where it’s not obvious I’m Starfleet. I can even stash my combadge,” he said, patting his jacket pocket.

Captain McBride, Starfleet CO

Séan smiled warmly, amused by the camaraderie between Jon and the bartender, Dionne. “It sounds like you two have quite the rapport,” Séan remarked. “It’s always nice to have a place where you can relax and blend in without the Starfleet spotlight on you. The familiarity and the comfort of places like this can be quite valuable.”

He observed the captain patting his pocket where he stashed his combadge. “Having the option to go incognito when needed can be liberating,” Séan continued. “Sometimes, a change of scenery is exactly what we need to unwind and recharge. Plus, it’s nice to have a spot where you can indulge in your favorite snacks, even if it means adding mayo to your fries.”

Counselor Iven