Here’s To Grot, Grub and Glory Part II
Posted on Thu Jul 20th, 2023 @ 11:28pm by Commander Steven Greco & Lieutenant Evelyn Stewart & Lieutenant Tollan Yara & Char & Lieutenant Commander Keishara Davaris & Lieutenant JG Koaruh Avestro & Ensign Sophie Bishop & Senior Chief Petty Officer Rufio Dulay & Gunnery Sergeant Matewa Natana
0 words; about a 1 minute read
Mission:
Prologue: Centre Predominate
Location: USS Moore - Various Locations
Timeline: MD 30: 1600 hrs
Greco blocked the shot out right. He was ready and denied the goal with the tender head on, shutting down her attempt to score and taking control.
Evelyn groaned in frustration letting out a ”Bastard! in Klingon at Steve.
The XO didn’t need to speak the language to get the clear intention. His head snapped up to look at the woman. “What was that?” He asked almost sternly.
Evelyn also snapped her head up to lock eyes with him. “Nothing.” She said innocently, realizing her mistake.
With a small smile, Steve let it go. It was an intense game and emotions were high. “Alright, Sophie, here it comes. Let’s finish this.” He said as he strategically outmaneuvered Stewart to pass the ball up to his teammate to score.
"Do you need a pep talk?" Kei said to Evelyn as she rubbed her wrists. This little whippet of an operations officer was kicking their asses and they were about to lose in spectacular fashion.
Sophie could see the distraction in Kei's eyes and as she spoke to Evelyn fired what can only be described as a cannonball of a shot at their goal.
The shot was hit with such ferocity that even when Keishara blocked it the ball broken through the lower half of the defender splintering it and the ball sliding home passed the goalkeeper.
Kei swore in El Aurian, many times and quite loudly too.
Sophie squealed and turned around pulling Steve into a large victory hug.
Steve laughed and hugged Sophie tight, lifting her off the ground for a moment. Her enthusiasm was infectious. He didn’t realize his hand was still about her waist when he turned to look at the helmsman and tactical officer with a cocky shrug. “Good game…” he commented wryly at their sound defeat, a near shut out. “Go again?” He asked with a grin.
Stewart exchanged a quick glance with Kei at the Ops and XO’s demeanor and shook her head before downing a shot, ordering another ale. “That’s alright.” She commented, her eyes drifting past their party at the exchange between Hara and Natana. “Besides, I don’t think Rufio or Matewa can afford it, eh?”
Rufio sat there, his jaw agape and his body unmoving. Matewa simply had his head in his hands shaking it from side to side in dismay. "Can't afford a good hoo- eh I mean no, can't even afford to give a good tip." he sighed.
Sophie felt the heat from Steve's hand even after it had left her waist and there was a strange warmth that came over her. Was it embarrassment, was it shyness all of a sudden? He had always been nice to her, looked after her on bridge duty. For a moment her eyes lingered before Kei could be heard shouting a few more expletives before heading to the bar.
She looked back at Steve, "Good game sir. You're welcome at my table anytime." she smiled at him, her cheeks still rosy from all the very recent events.
Steve blushed as well, but more from the awkwardness he felt at their embrace. He gave her a slightly awkward smile before taking a long drink of his ale. “Next round is on me.” He called out to Char. “Everyone’s, even those who dared bet against us.” He teased Matewa and Rufio.
Greco grinned in appreciation at Sophie. “I think you need to make a victory speech for the entire lounge. It’s tradition.” He teased the woman, leading her over to one of the couches to stand on.
"A speech?" Sophie gulped and began once again to fall back into the shadow of herself. "I don't do public speaking... I think that's more your area." she clung to him like a baby spider monkey does its momma.
Tollan smiled at the sight. “Come on, Ensign. We are all friends here. You earned it. Speech! Speech!” The trill worked those around him into a chant, clapping for Bishop.
She felt a little nudge into the small of her back from Steve and she stepped forward into what felt like a spotlight. Her mouth was dry and she grabbed a shot of whatever was close by and downed it for some Dutch courage.
It burned.
"Ehm thank you?" she half asked as the cheers died down and all eyes were on her.
"More!" Someone shouted from the back of the room followed by a whoop and a few jeers.
"Davaris and Stewart gave a good match." Sophie began. "I was tested a few times but I've played this game a lot at the Academy and tonight I was lucky enough to play well against tough opponents." she smiled at Kei and Evelyn. She then looked at Steve. "Thank you to my partner, Commander Greco. His defensive prowess kept the sharks at bay and we pull off a victory. My brother always ended a speech with a silly toast so..." she raised a glass to the room. "Let us toast to bread, because without bread, there would be no toast." That was one of his favourites and she smiled at the thought of his words making others laugh.
Stewart raised her glass with the others. Before anyone could drink, Steve stepped up on the couch. Protocol be damned, this crew so far had served well together. “And let’s hear it for the Moore!” He shouted to the room. “The best damned ship and crew in the fleet! It’s been an honor so far to get to know and serve with all of you. We are scheduled to approach Solomon IV tomorrow. I am proud of everyone in this room for making it this far. Now let’s have so much fun we forget it in the morning!” He shouted to get the crew worked into a frenzy before taking his drink.
Stewart followed suit like several others and looked at Kei. “Don’t be a sore loser.” She commented when she saw the woman’s face.
Kei huffed and took her shot. "Does he forget what we did in the cargo bay? I think he's had too much to drink with that little Ops tart." she scoffed.
Stewart gave Kei a once over. She could tell she was upset about the game but also looked a bit drunk. “Hey, do we need to go have a talk? You seem upset.” She said quietly so others couldn’t hear.
"What, are you my counsellor now?" Kei snorted and stood. Raising her chin up she smiled, "No talk needed Doctor. I am headed to the bar, are you coming?"
Stewart just sighed and nodded as she stood and walked over to the bar with Kei. “Hey Char, one more of the usual and then I think we are both done for the night.” Stewart said to the barkeep, a subtle nod as way of cutting Davaris off.
Char nodded at them, holding Evelyn’s face for half a moment longer in acknowledgement. “You got it, Ladies.”
Kei blew threw her lips. "Fine, last one." she sighed and accepted the glass from Char. "But you remember Char who keeps your secret supply line open." she winked at him very obviously.
Char just gave a smirk and nodded. The fact Stewart of all people was cutting them off said a lot. He went to get their drinks. As he poured, he looked at the Romulan who had been sitting there since the group arrived. “How you liking the drink, Sir?”
"It's very interesting flavours, thank you." Amarok said as he watched the Starfleet officers interact, he chuckled softly to himself as it seemed the officers had some banter going on.
Char smiled and watched the Romulan watching the other larger group. “Why don’t you join them? I promise none of them bite.” He offered to the man.
"It's not that, I'm an outsider," he said, Amarok was sure if he should tell Char that he is civilian like Char is. He turned back to Char. "Are you experimenting with any Romulan beverages?"
Char shrugged as he ran the glasses he had collected through the purifier before refilling each the shot glasses with whiskey and the pints with Tarkasian Ale for Stewart and Davaris. "I've dabbed in it. Unfortunately, Romulans have been rather tipped lipped about their recipes. Unless you are offering to share some secrets that is, Sir." He said with a cheerful wink.
Amarok frowned. "Sadly I do not know Char," he smiled apologetically. "Though should I somehow come by that information I will let you know." He winked back, picked up his drink and thanked Char. He was getting ready to return to the group.
Char gave a cheerful smile. “I look forward to it, Sir.” He nodded to the Romulan and brought the shots and pints to the bridge officers sitting at the other end of the bar.
Stewart looked at Davaris. “I’m not entirely sure what you are upset about. It’s just a game, Kei.” She said as she finished her shot looked at her friend. Evelyn was trying to make sense of her sour mood.
"It's fine." Kei replied. She'd been having bad dreams of late, nightmares, but she was mostly a very private person. "I've just not been sleeping well recently." She fake smiled.
Stewart set her jaw. She could tell Kei was lying to her but didn’t know if she should push her. The Security Chief was already volatile at the best of times. Instead she simply nodded and turned her back to lean against the bar and watched the room before leaning over to her friend. “I’m here if you need me.” She said quietly in Kei’s ear so as not to embarrass her. Stewart sighed as she got up and nudged Kei's shoulder. "Come on, let's not ruin the night." she suggested and led them back to the group.
Kei let out a big sigh and then smiled at Evelyn. "You're right." Picking up her drink. "I do need to congratulate Sophie... extensively." a sly smile forming on her lips as she stood up. "Let's go."
Amarok came back to the group with his drink and took a sip as he watched the conversation. "Go? Where?" He asked.
Stewart pointed at the first officer and Bishop. “Commander Davaris has to go say congratulations to our opponents and be a good sport, right Keishara?” She teased the other woman with a grin while explaining to Amarok, leading them back to the larger group.
"For what purpose?" Amarok asked, "what did they win?" He was confused.
"Yes..." Kei trailed off the words as she rolled her eyes and turning to Amarok. "They won bragging rights. That little blond thing and Mr Boy Scout." she shook her head and looked down in disbelief. "Why do the Gods punish me..."
"Because you are a masochist who puts your fate in the hands of deities instead of your own." Stewart said matter of factly to her friend as she sipped her pint. "Now are we all ready to go watch Commander Davaris humble herself?" She asked the group good naturedly, watching as they cheered and waited.
"I use my own hands too." Kei replied. "But yes... let's go be 'humble'." The word tasted wrong coming out of her mouth but all the same she would go over and congratulate the infant from operations.
Amarok followed them, “bragging is very unsportsmanlike for Starfleet officers.” He called over at Keishara. “You are a masochist Lieutenant Commander?” He seemed concerned.
"It is a Human figure of speech." Kei replied as they walked over. "Plus they are a very emotional species. Sometimes don't know when to keep their mouths closed." she smirked. "And no, I'm not a masochist. Don't listen to Evelyn... she has that Human trait of letting her mouth run away with her." she nudged her with her elbow.
Stewart just gave a soft chuckle as she shook her head and watched Kei go humble herself to the young ensign who so sorely defeated them.
Steve took in the group and smiled to himself. The trials of their first mission seemed to bring them together and he was happy to see the comradery amongst the group.
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