The Soiree

Posted on Tue Aug 2nd, 2022 @ 4:56pm by Commander Leah Sullivan & Lieutenant Commander Gwilym Bevan & Lieutenant Kari Burke & Lieutenant Zema Eelri & Lieutenant T'reth & Lieutenant JG Vagho & Master Chief Petty Officer Tommie McDaniel

Mission: Mission One
Location: Mess Hall

Deck 2 - Mess Hall

Eelri took a bracing breath in the corridor just outside of the mess hall. An hour after shift change, Lt. Commander Bevan had sent a message to all senior staff and senior NCOs that there would be a small get-together in the mess hall at 1800 hours. While she had heard that this might be happening to celebrate their first mission, she had also assumed that it was a way to welcome Eelri to the ship as well.

The last thing she wanted was a spotlight being placed on her, but when the XO worded his message in a manner that didn't give you a choice of whether or not you could attend, you showed up as directed.

The doors slid open and she found that the tables and chairs had been removed to allow people to congregate easier without obstacles in the way. Some of the tables had been lined up against the inner bulkhead wall with what actually looked like a nice spread, and a variety, of food and drink lining it. And there was cake.

"Lieutenant Zema," the Chief Science Officer, T'reth said with a nod. Eelri had heard that T'reth wasn't as bound to the logical lifestyle as other Vulcans, but the welcoming smile on T'reth's face still took Eelri by surprise.

Eelri nodded to the dark-skinned Vulcan. "Lieutenant T'reth," she replied. "It appears most everyone is here."

"You are correct," T'reth said as she turned to look around the room. "I believe we were just waiting for you to arrive."

As if on cue, Master Chief McDaniel announced in his booming voice, "Ten-hut!" After a beat, and seeing that all staff had come to attention, he added, "Captain of the USS Protean, Commander Leah Sullivan," by way of introduction.

Leah rolled her eyes as she stepped up beside her grizzled Chief of the Boat, holding a flute of champagne. "That wasn't exactly what I meant by 'get their attention,' Master Chief, but I guess it will do." She let out a small laugh. "As you were, everyone," she said to the crowd.

Eelri had met Commander Sullivan and the rest of the senior staff, but she was always amazed by her new captain's age. Leah was young, probably mid-30s, but had risen to the rank of Commander quickly. Was she some sort of prodigy, Eelri wondered? Or did she have some high-level patron looking out for her? After brief consideration, she realized that it didn't matter. From her own meetings with her, and what she'd heard from the crew, Sullivan, while a new ship CO, was a good person and had served the crew well under the previous captain and first officer.

"I appreciate everyone coming," Leah said as all eyes were on her. She made it a point to make eye contact with several of those in attendance. "With exception of a very small number of you, you've all been on the Protean for a while. And while this isn't our first mission together, it is your first mission with a new commanding officer and first officer. I hoped that a nice send-off like this would leave a lasting mark on us for future missions and exploration, allowing us to remain a happy ship and crew for a long time to come."

She paused when several people clapped and a few announced, "Hear! Hear!" in agreement.

"And we do have a few new faces in our senior staff," Leah continued. "Being new to the ship, I realize that you're busy getting your bearings, and we won't keep you long, but what better way to get to know those you'll be serving with than in a relaxed setting like this?" She smiled. "Please, help yourselves to the food. Lieutenant Burke has several varied cuisines and cultures represented, along with a variety of sweets."

Tommie cleared his throat, causing Leah to roll her eyes again. "And, yes, some of the alcohol is legit," she added. "Please drink in moderation, however. A hangover will not be an excuse for missing your next shift."

"What the hell is a hangover?" Tommie muttered, causing several of the gathered crew to chuckle.

"Enjoy, everyone!" Leah finally said and watched as everyone began to move around to speak with their co-workers.

The crew dispersed, some heading straight to the food, and some gathering in groups to begin chatting. As T'reth and Eelri walked to the food table, they were met by Lt. Vagho.

"Lieutenant T'reth," he said, "once again, thank you for allowing us to store some of the crates in your areas. It is not ideal, I am certain, but it is appreciated."

T'reth gave him a smile, one that still left Eelri looking at her in wonder. "I have had a few complaints, but nothing that cannot be handled easily. It is no issue. We will have our space back in a few days."

"That's what I like to hear," Lt. Cmdr. Bevan added as he walked up. "Inter-departmental cooperation. Thank you for being so accommodating," he said to T'reth.

"Science Station 0812 needs this equipment," she replied matter-of-factly. "I do not see it as an impediment, and my staff are not working on anything that cannot wait until after the delivery."

"It's times like this that I wish we had a bigger ship." Bevan, T'reth, Vagho, and Eelri turned to see Commander Sullivan had joined them. "Of course, if that were the case, they probably would have tried to pile even more gear into our holds."

"Lt. Vagho made it work," Bevan said with a nod to the Chief Ops officer. "And I have no doubt he'd do the same on a bigger ship in that situation."

"Thank you, sir," Vagho replied.

"And he did it in record time," Kari added in as she walked up. "I mean, it ruined our holodeck time," she said as she bumped Leah's shoulder playfully, "but this is more important."

Vagho swallowed hard, a bit of uncharacteristic panic spreading briefly across his face. "I apologize," he said, then quickly took a drink from his glass.

"No need," Leah said. "This is much more important, and we know where to find the holodeck later." After a moment's hesitation, she said, "Enjoy the food. Don't let me keep you." With that, she walked off knowing that if she hadn't, all of them would have continued talking to her instead of eating and mingling more. Well, except for Kari.

When Bevan walked in the other direction and began filling his own plate, Kari looked around the group. "Well? What are you all waiting for? Let's eat!"

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CMDR Leah Sullivan
LCDR Gwilym Bevan
LT Kari Burke
LT Zema Eelri
LT T'reth
LT (j.g.) Vagho
MCPO Tommie McDaniel