Let me off this ship!
Posted on Sun Nov 5th, 2017 @ 9:16am by Michael Taggart
Edited on on Thu May 31st, 2018 @ 11:35am
1,447 words; about a 7 minute read
Mission:
Episode 1 - Pioneering Spirit
Location: White Stag Pub - Empok Nor
Timeline: MD002 1900 Hrs
Tags: SD 71364.1900
T'Rish exited the ship. Standing on the deck of the Empok Nor she let out a breath before deciding where she should go. The enthusiasm and anxiety coming from every member of this ship was threatening to overwhelm her. She began moving through the crowd. The corners of her mouth upturned slightly as she allowed the emotions of the people around to to wash over her.
It wasn't long before she found herself entering an entertainment establishment. She approached the bar allowing the palm of her hands to grazed across the edge of the counter. She was content to watch the group around her for a while before returning to her ship.
Mickey had proposed a toast and as was tradition in the White Stag the round was on the house, and everyone's glasses were raised. "May those who love us, love us. And those who don’t love us, May God turn their hearts; And if He doesn’t turn their hearts, May He turn their ankles, So we will know them by their limping." Mickey said, and everyone cheered and clinked glasses. He turned his head and saw a female Vulcan enter his pub in a Starfleet uniform and she was a knockout.
When she got to the bar Mickey did his best to form a Vulcan salute. "Live long, and prosperrrr..." the last r was rolled due to his accent and for some reason she made him nervous. It might have been because she was the first Vulcan that he ever met.
T'Rish cocked her eye brow at the man behind the bar and gave him a nod in acknowledgement. It was common for humans to attempt the Vulcan salutation. Unlike most Vulcan's T'Rish appreciated their efforts. She could typically sense their goodwill in the gesture. "Curious." She started. "Is it making a toast in front of a large group people that makes your nervous or something else?" She asked flatly. It surprised her that someone in his position would feel such nervousness.
How did she know? She was Vulcan and they are typically not empathic or so Mickey thought. "Ach no the people here are me family, and making toasts is tradition here. To be honest lass, tis you that makes me nervous. I have neer met a Vulcan before, the name's Mickey, and you are?" Mickey said...
"T'Rish" She replied with a slight grin. To most it would have been missed as only the corners of her mouth pulled upward. "I find this place...interesting." She looked around the room. "Is it always this...lively?"
"Oh, aye that it tis, darlin... That it tis. This be the White Stag Pub. Starfleet's home away from home. Now, what can I get ye Ms T'Rish?" Mickey asked her.
T'Rish hadn't had many opportunities to imbibe alcohol. Vulcan's didn't partake in casual drinking, however her time on the Bolian freighter had been enlightening. "Uh...Surprise me." She replied evenly. She was watching a couple sitting near the end of the bar. The emotions in the room were ...intoxicating.
"Alright lass, I will warn ye, ye should never tell a barman to surprise you. But here you go... I am going to start ye off with some fine Scotch." Mickey placed the scotch in front of her a smiled. He didn't understand her, and he would if it took him all night.
"Thank you." The Vulcan said as her finger clasp around the glass. She raised the glass to his lips and drew in a sip of the amber liquid. The liquid was warm with hints of smoke and peat. It was smooth and the feeling in the back of her throat was pleasant. "Good choice." She replied with a tilt of her head.
He laughed, "Good choice lass, ye've got good taste. That there is Scotch right from me home. Tis old enough to buy it's own Scotch it tis. So tell me Ensign, what brings ye out this far. Lot's o new faces around here lately." Mickey said as he began to set up another round of drinks for everyone in the house.
T'Rish took another draw off her drink. Her eyes fluttered closed as the warmth ran through her. She let out a breath as she refocused on the bartender. "I am the new Chief of Operations for the USS Pioneer which is currently attached to this station." She responded evenly.
"Ah, bless me... Welcome welcome. I guess Starfleet has deemed this sector important since they are assigning another ship here. I met ye XO earlier. She seems like a good officer. What do you think of our station Ms T'Rish?" Before she had the chance to answer Mickey handed her another drink as his servers passed out glasses to all for another toast.
"Alright all, as is the tradition here at the White Stag we all must raise our glass to the new arrival. This be Ensign T'Rish of the USS Pioneer, she be one of us now. So, May the best ye've seen be the worst ye'll ever see. May a moose ne'er leave yer girnal wi'a tear drap in his e'e. May ye aye keep hale and he'rty till yer auld enough tae dee May ye aye be juist as happy as I wish ye aye tae be." Mickey and all present raised there glasses and there were a round of here here, and welcomes that came from the crowd.
T'Rish was able to suppress the blush that threatened to color her cheeks as the attention of the room turned to her. She held up her glass and took a drink with everyone else. She turned to the bartender. "Thank you for the warm welcome." She wasn't able to suppress the smile.
"Well lassie tis like I say here at The White Stag yer family... If ye don' mind me saying yer not like what I have heard about Vulcans." Mickey poured himself a drink and slung it back.
The smile disappeared from T'Rish's face at the comment. She wasn't offended as much as she was disappointed in herself. "Unfortunately, I am not like most Vulcans you would have heard about." She finished off the remainder of her drink before continuing. "I am a betazoid hybrid and an empath." She said blankly.
"Ach lassie, there I have gone and done it. You were having a grand time and I washed it out. Can I get ye anyting ta eat? What can I do ta cheer ya back up?" Mickey was a fret he was really saddened that he ruined her mood.
T'Rish shook her head. "Trust me it wasn't you." She replied evenly. "I appreciate your hospitality." She thought for a moment. "Dinner wouldn't be a bad idea..." She paused as she looked around. "I have no idea what I should have...Any suggestions?"
Instead of responding Mickey went off and fetched her a plate. He placed the dish containing a serving of haggis, two scotch eggs and a mixture of roasted vegetables. He also served her a crock of potato leek soup. "This here is a traditional meal from my home. I hope you enjoy, and here to go with." He then poured her a glass of mead.
T'Rish looked at the plate in front her. Her stomach rumbled as she savored to the aroma coming off her plate. She couldn't wait to try the soup. In face, that is where she was going to start. Lifting the spoon she scooped up some of the soup and placed warm liquid in her mouth. It was wonderful. Her eyes fluttered close as the corner of her lips raised slightly in delight.
He could see that she was enjoying the meal but Mickey almost forgot. "Me mum would neer forgive me." He placed another small dish this one had some fresh baked crusty bread to go with the soup. "Ye enjoy Ms T'Rish and ole Mickey will be ere to take care of your every need."
T'Rish nodded her head as she took another bite. She made a note to make sure she stopped whenever the USS Pioneer was docked. Her enjoyment of this establishment would be her little secret.
Mickey gave the young woman a smile and a wink. He did not learn much about this new arrival. However, he did learn one thing, he had earned a new permanent customer and that she was home.
A Joint Post By
Ensign T'Rish
Chief of Operations, USS Pioneer
Mickey Taggart
Owner/Bartender
White Stag Pub/Empok Nor
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