Visitors

Posted on Mon Mar 27, 2023 @ 9:16am by Captain Richard Winchester & Commander Thoria zh'Kela

1,267 words; about a 6 minute read

Mission: Season 1 - Prologue
Location: Deck 8 - Outside Main Lounge 'The Temple Bar'
Timeline: Mission Day 1

The decks of the USS Columbia had been fairly quiet since the starship had been docked in orbit of Starbase Earhart. The vast majority of the crew were in the process of rotating out to new assignments and those who weren't had taken advantage of the down time to take shore leave on the planets surface.

Captain Winchester, the mid-30's Commanding Officer of the USS Columbia, made his way down the freshly carpeted corridor of Deck 8 towards the newly refurbished and reopened public lounge. One of the perks of being the ships Commanding Officer was that he got the privilege of chasing the Lounge's 'theme.' He had opted to christen it 'The Temple Bar', in honour of a famous bar from his home country of Ireland.

As he turned final bend of the corridor, that ran in parallel to the curvature of the ships saucer, he spotted the ships newly appointed First Officer.

"Ah, Commander zh'Kela, thank you for joining me." he said with a smile.

Thoria had made herself busy, taking up the new role where she spent her time creating crew rotations, selecting quarters for them and making sure they were comfortable but also holding her old job overseeing the protection of the ship, with most of her staff gone it was mostly rebuilding her department and responding to calls for a security officer for minor arguments or missing personal belongings that were in the other bag and not someone's pocket.

With the stress of her job mounting up she often relaxed in the lounge, hearing that the rebuild was complete she wanted to see what was new, winding and twisting the fresh carpets of Deck 8 she soon bumped into an old face that was not rotated out with the other officers, Captain Winchester.

"Captain," her face lit, "It's good to see a familiar face," she remarked.

"Indeed Commander. Lots and lots of new faces amongst the ships company. I do wonder if I'll ever get to know all of their names." He spoke as he turned his body towards the new entrance doors to the Lounge. He took a moment to look over the signage that had been erected. The standard grey panel doors that would slide open to allow access, had been replaced by two large frosted black panels, with 'The Temple Bar' emblazoned on them. To the sides of each panel the surrounding bulkheads had been upgraded to include faux-red brick design. He raised his hands to either side of his body, slowly, until they were extended out above his shoulder. "It looks amazing."

"Shall we Commander?" he motioned towards the entrance, "After you."

"Love too" Thoria replied with her best smile, stepping forth to the door as it wooshed open she stepped inside the retrofitted lounge.

An Irish bar typically has a warm and inviting atmosphere with a cozy and rustic interior, the Columbia's recreation was no different. The decor included wooden floors, exposed brick walls, and low ceilings. The bar had a large wooden counter with stools and plenty of taps for serving different kinds of beverages, including Guinness, a popular Irish beer and the Captain's favourite.

Tables and chairs scattered throughout the bar, some of which where situated near a fireplace, which burned just a like a traditional fire producing the smells of turf and wood burning that were associated with Ireland's historical roots. Of course, on a starship this was all an intricate facsimile. The lighting was soft and dim, giving the bar a relaxed and comfortable ambiance. The walls adorned with photographs and memorabilia related to the Captain's home country of Ireland, and historical Irish culture.

Over the bars PA system traditional Irish played at a low enough volume that it wouldn't interrupt people talking, but ensure there was an enjoyable atmosphere. There was a small area set up for live music to be played should there be a need.

The patrons of an Irish bar would normally include locals and tourists alike, all coming together to enjoy good conversation, food, drinks, in a lively atmosphere. It was the Captain's hope, that the crew of the Columbia would do the same in this space. After all, everyone knows that an Irish bar is a welcoming and friendly place where people can come to unwind, relax, and enjoy the company of others.

"Well Commander, I've been in touch with the Starfleet Outreach office here at Earhart, and ..." he paused for a moment, took a step back preempting the response he may received, "... and I've agreed to open the ship up to civilian visitors. Earhart has many denizens from non-aligned worlds, and the Outreach Officer here believes that opening the Columbia up to guests will go a long way to demonstrate our openness and transparency."

Thoria was taken aback by the decision "Sir as Chief of Security and your First Officer why wasn't I informed? At the bare minimum, I have to oversee guest quarters depending on their cultural needs and an increase in security personnel to enforce restricted areas and make them feel secure." Thoria paused, took a breather and ran her fingers through her snow white hair. "...Sorry, long week. I'll support you in this, inform department heads and make preparations."

"Why weren't you informed Commander?" he took a blunt line, "This is you being informed Commander. I took the decision slightly before this meeting. With respect of quarters, I'd rather we didn't have anyone staying onboard. There are plenty of accommodations on the planet's surface."

"...I most likely had a report but I've been too busy with security duties I have not been in my office of late sir," Thoria admitted, with the crew reshuffle, she had to respond to minor and major calls alike. "Aye sir, I'll make the adjustments."

"I'd be grateful if you get to it Commander. Obviously high security areas will be off limits, but I'd like Engineering to be open for supervised tours." Winchester walked behind the bar and found a bottle of Bushmills Whiskey, lifting it, he placed in between himself and the First Officer. "Would you like one Commander?" he asked as he looked for glasses on the shelves below the bar.

"Please," Thoria said walking over and taking a seat on the stool in front of her Captain. "I'm going to need something after today. Faring cadets on tours, stopping minor arguments and the occasional cargo setting off security alerts, think we need someone to look at internal sensors because it's getting worse and there isn't anything illegal in the cargo."

"Well, task the Engineering department to review the sensors. Things are only bound to get busier with all these extra visitors." the Captain slid a glass across to the First Officer. He poured himself a drink and quickly downed it in one. "I have a Security meeting planetside, is there anything else you need before I head down?"

Thoria picked up the glass and had a quick sip then placed it down. "No sir, except an engineer but I'll find one somewhere I suppose," She replied

The Captain nodded, "Thoria, relax. Our crew rotation will be completed soon and we will be back up to full strength. In the mean time, let's try and enjoy this down time as much as possible."

"I'm trying my best," Thoria stated, she was having a hard time adjusting to new faces but knew in the long run they would show their worth.

"Hmm, actually. I can solve your engineer problem." The Captain pointed to a draught beer pump that sported the logo of the 'Bolian Pale Ale' company.

 

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