Traan had met Yuna for dinner at 1800hrs, and they had just sat down. Traan was still unsure of the young lady’s intentions with this, but Traan was intent on enjoying a nice meal and having a few drinks to celebrate his new commission as a LtJG, and that’s it, he had to start his new job as a Shipyard Operations Officer the next say.

Before meeting Yuna, he had been reading the orders and job description of his new assignment. He wasn’t completely unfamiliar with the role, as he had worked under and alongside various SOO’s during his time at Luna. The job entailed many responsibilities including; coordinating the movement of vessels in and out of the dry docks and their berths in the yard, operating and managing the use of all shipyard heavy equipment and vehicles like workbees and haulers barges and skiffs, coordinating between the Repair section, Starship Construction section and general Shipyard Operations crews, moving ship ccomponent and systems from the fabrication yard to where it is needed, scheduling and communicating with ships heading into and out of the shipyard…

Thankfully, there were several Shipyard Operations officers on each shift, and he was to report for duty on Beta shift the next day, which started at 1600h.

Traan: So Yuna…

Yuna: *Interjects* Wait, weren’t you wearing Chiefs pips when I met you earlier?

Traan: *Chuckles* Yeah, I was. Got hauled into a conference room and was told I was now a LtJG. I know times are tough for Starfleet right now, but I was definitely not expecting that. *Chortles as he grabs a menu*

Yuna: Haha, that is great. I think that is amazing

Traan: So, where are you from, Yuna?

Yuna: I am originally from  Kyoto, Japan, back on Earth. However, I moved to San Francisco when I turned 18. 

Traan: Interesting. How long have you been in Starfleet?

Yuna: I’ve been in now for about 10 years. What about you?

Traan: Uh…*does some updated math as it had been a while since he actually counted.* Just over 28 years now….hmm, seems like it’s been longer than that.

Yuna: Wow, that’s amazing. Now, how are you only Lt. JG? That does not make any sense to me. 

Traan: Well, like said, earlier today I was promoted from Chief up to Jay Gee. The previous 28 years i spent as a noncom and a Chief.

The Rustic, earthy colors and warm accent lightings was a stark contrast from the sleek metallic design of the Starbase around them. Michael entered the Golden Apple Bar, which was suggested to him by a local shopkeeper as one of the station’s premium hangout spots for on and off-duty officers. The artwork across the backsplash of the bar itself, the rows and rows of actual mixed alcoholic drinks, the gentle atmospheric music, and the smell of warm appetizers made it an ideal stop before heading back to his quarters for the evening.

Of duty at last! Shore leave was Theran Jos’ absolute favorite part of Starfleet duty. Well, he didn’t dislike his day job; being a surgeon was in his blood, and he was very good at what he did. But for an Andorian raised on Risa, his proclivity to party came out in spades.

He tipped his head towards Michael Angelus as they approached.

Jos: Commander, greetings! *he spoke with the sort of social confidence that far outweighed his rank.* How is this shore leave treating you?

Angelus: “Oh! Hello!” he spouted quickly, turning to meet the greetings of the Andorian doctor. ‘He’s a friendly sort.’ He thought to himself as he returned the smile. “Haven’t started yet. I just got settled aboard before it was announced, and since most of my Orientation Staff are heading out for shoreleave, it looks like I will be following suit as well.”

Jos: Excellent!  I was thinking dinner, drinks, and camaraderie myself. *He offered a genial smile, the sort of welcoming gesture of a Risian party boy ready to take everyone else along for the ride.* Would you like to join?

Angelus: “Oh…uhh, sure!” he said nervously. In truth, he didn’t know anyone yet onboard, and didn’t think to socially link with anyone until he got settled into his department, but now was as good a time as any to start making connections.

By chance, Jos and Angelus were walking in just after Traan and Saito had ordered their appetizers. Traan vaguely recognized the Andorian from the promotion ceremony earlier that day. It was always nice to see another Andorian; when compared to other races, the Andorian population had always been low. He smiled and nodded at Jos.

Jos seemingly recognized. ‘Oh hey, it’s the guy who went from Chief to LtJG in the blink of an eye.’

Traan chuckled to himself at how odd it sounded. He stood and shook hands with Jos and exchanged introductions, as did Yuna. Traan said, ‘Hey, we just ordered appetizers and we have 2 extra chairs’ as they had sat at a 4-seat table. Traan was quite hopeful they would accept, as it would stop him from wondering if he and Yuna were ‘on a date’.

Jos: You must be Traan!  *He clapped his fellow Andorian on the shoulder. * Fantastic work lately.  You’ve been moving up in the world!

The surgeon was animated; antennae curled forward in greeting.

Traan replied in good humor to his fellow Andorian ‘I guess so…I’m still waiting for one of you blue blooded officers to show me the secret handshake though’ he joked before shifting his gaze to Angelus, ‘Have you been here long or did you transfer in with that last big wave of replacements about a month ago?’

Michael apprehensively approached the table behind Jos, tentatively scanning the mental atmosphere to ensure he was not imposing on the group. But as he felt the ease and relaxation from the trio, he calmed down. “No, I just came aboard a few days ago. I was a last-minute transfer from Starbase 38.” He said, taking a seat with them all. He extended his hand for a handshake, “Lieutenant Commander Angelus. Er, Michael Angelus, since we’re off duty and all. I’ve been assigned to Intelligence Operations.”

‘Its a pleasure to meet you. As of this afternoon I’ve been reassigned to the Shipyard…’ Just then a loud and rather boisterous group of 6 nausicans came into the Golden Apple and took up a spot at the domjot table about 15 feet from the Starfleet 4some. Jos had sat next to Traan, and Angelus had sat next to Saito, Traan offered his menu to Jos, as he had figured out what he was ordering for his main course.

‘What about you, been here long?’ Traan asked the Jos.

“I’ve been here for two years?” he tipped one antennae downwards as he tried to think. “Yeah, about two years. but lately I’ve been trying to get out and about more. No good being stuck in sickbay all the time.”

‘Where were you 2 stationed before Bravo?’ Traan said speaking both Yuna and Michael.

Saito: I am Lt. JG Yuna Saito, Security Officer. It’s a pleasure to meet you both. How are you guys finding Starbase Bravo

Traan: Biggest and nice station I’ve ever served on.

Saito: We have to order mains? What are you guys thinking? 

Traan: I’m going with the porterhouse, kolrabi and Rigelian carrots.

Jos: Porterhouse?  Mmm, that sounds tasty – do they do a good steak here?

Traan: Dunno, its my first time here. *He smiled. The nausicans were getting quite loud and animated now.*

Jos: I do suggest the Risian shish kebab – it is truly delicious. It doesn’t have to be vegetarian – as they say on Risa, if it makes you happy it’s probably a good thing.  *his eyes sparkled as he talked about the planet he was all too familiar with.

Angelus: *Michael surveyed the menu for a moment while he listened to the three speak, contemplating a light snack before heading out.* “Ill just have a glass of Icoberry juice, and an Uttaberry crepe.” *he said confidently, being reminded of Risian cuisine.* “I’ll be prepping for transport down to Mellstoxx III soon, so don’t want to party too hard” *he justified.*

Traan: Yeah I dont plan on partying too much tonight myself Cdr. I’ve got to report for my first duty shift in the shipyard tomorrow.

Saito: No shoreleave for you?

Traan: I haven’t heard anything yet. Though the shipyard is presumably pretty busy, all things considered.

Saito: Well the shipyard is always going to be busy no matter what time of the year to be honest.

Yuna placed her order into the tablet; it was something that she thought was the best thing to happen. No more talking to people, you just ordered from a tablet.

Saito: Anyone else drinking? I think I am going to get a small glass of Saurian brandy. Hopefully, it does not knock me out. What are you guys having?

Traan and Jos: Andorian Ale.

The surgeon looked towards the operations officer and grinned.

Jos: Jinx.

Traan: Say what now?

Jos:  *laughed, a charming, effervescent sound.*. Nah, it’s a stupid habit I picked up on Risa. When two people speak at the same time, the first to call jinx is the winner and then the loser buys another drink. *He had an infectious smile* But honestly everyone on Risa is about finding new ways to get more drinks!

Traan: Fair point. I’ll buy…So you were born on Risa?

Jos: *He fluttered his hands on the air as if painint a picture of the snow fields of Andor.* Oh, I was in fact born on Andor like any good Andorian. But then at a young age my father was offered a prestigious medical posting on Risa, and I mean, who turns down a job like that?!

Who indeed? It sounded like an idyllic posting for… just about anybody. Unless said person hated parties.

The bar’s holographic waitstaff was keen on picking up the table’s order, and immediately materialized with drinks in hand, setting down the various-shaped glasses in front of their respective officers, before giving them a small bow and walking back off. Michael took his glass and raised it to the junior officers at the table. “Oh, what we won’t put ourselves through, to better ourselves, our family, or our station.” He toasted.

“I will drink to that!” the surgeon raised his glass to meet the Commanders.

Traan: Here here, cheers. *Raises his glass.

‘I am also drinking to that!’ said Yuna. 

She looked around the bar, seeing a bunch of holographic waitstaff bussing around the tables. She looked around the room, the place seemed busy, and she made a mental note to herself to make sure she could come back here again sometimes. 

A few minutes passed and she tapped the tablet on the table, which summoned the virtual bartender, she ordered another drink. 

Saito: Anymore for the table? 

Traan: *To Jos.* Another bottle? I’m pretty sure we’ll have that one done by the time our food arrives. *Motioning to the 2/3 empty bottle. Jos nodded. And Traan ordered another bottle.*

The party-loving Andorian waggled his antennae. “I’ll never say no to another bottle!”

Famous last words?

*Just then the nausicans erupted with boisterous laughter over a game of domjot.*