Its beer and pizza time

Posted on Sun Jan 29th, 2023 @ 2:02am by Lieutenant Commander Cyrus Marner & Captain Nathan Bishop
Edited on on Wed Feb 8th, 2023 @ 11:57am

3,557 words; about a 18 minute read

Mission: Short Treks
Location: Doughboys
Timeline: 2431-03-11, 16:30

Cyrus had made his exit from main sickbay, then his stomach growled loudly. He still hadn't had anything to eat and he was famished. He gazed out towards where the medical could be seen a furrow forming on his brow. He realized that even though he'd been around Bishop at one time or other, he'd not truly spoken to the man on an one on one basis. He reached over and sent a message to Captain Bishop,

Captain Bishop, you and I haven't had a chance to talk one on one. Care for getting a beer a pizza and shoot the breeze? I think we both could use something after today, Cyrus.

The reply wasn't long in coming. Certainly Doctor., sounds like a fine idea and you are right after today we can both use it. Where would you like me to meet you?

Cyrus thought for a moment, taking a look at what the station offered then he smiled, and sent a return message

Meet me at Doughboys, I've not been there, but looks like a great place for us to do some chatting. And I'm going in civvies, can't always wear the smock or the uniform. Cyrus

Cyrus closed up his computer, clocked out and headed for his place to change. A few minutes later he arrived at Doughboys dressed in a pair of blue jeans, tennis shoes and a dark blue tee shirt.

Nathan read the message, noted the location and then went to change. He put on black slacks, a red pullover shirt and loafers. A few minutes later he arrived on the promenade and another few minutes he located Doughboys, a pizza place of all things. Smiling, he entered and wondered if he had arrived before Cyrus as he looked around for the doctor.

Cyrus had gotten a booth and was standing up to see if Nathan had arrived, and when he spotted the Captain he waved his hand to get Nathan's attention. Cyrus was listening to the music that was playing in the background, while he waited. Set on the blue table cloth which covered the wooden table, was a pitcher of water and glasses. Cyrus hadn't ordered the beer as of yet.

As Nathan looked for Cyrus, Bad Moon Rising by Creedence Clearwater Revival was playing, and someone was masing the lyrics horribly singing "There's a bathroom on the right" he chuckled and spotted a hand waving at him. It was Cyrus, weaving in and out of the crowd. He made it to the booth and plopped down opposite him. "Hello Cyrus. How in the world did you find this place?"

Cyrus cracked a smile, "Well of all the descriptions, this looked like the best place to come. Reminded me of a place back home. I am already liking the atmosphere." and as he spoke a woman came up wearing a black apron around her waist, black tee shirt, blue jeans and a pair of sneakers. "Hi gentlemen, what can I get you to drink." handing out the menus for the two men to take a look at. The pretty brunette her hair caught back in a braid gave a smile to both Cyrus and Nathan, "And I'll give you a few minutes to figure out what you want."

Nathan nodded in agreement. "Yep. I like the atmosphere as well and the music. This could become a hangout for me." He replied just as the waitress arrived, handed them menus. Nathan looked across at Cyrus, "Beer good for you?"

"Yes Beer is good for me." Cyrus taking another look around the place. He leaned back against the cushion of the booth and grinned. "I agree this will be great place to hang out in."

"Two beers along with a pitcher, if you please." Nathan told the waitress and as she turned and left to get their drinks, He started looking over the menu.

Looking at the menu, Cyrus's mouth watering, there was quite the selection. Wings, both spicy and those not spicy but slated to be rather flavorful. There were other dishes to be selected as well. Then there was the pizza, "What do you think? Something that has a lot of meat on it? What sort of pizza do you like?" Cyrus looking up at Nathan.

Nathan was looking the menu over when Cyrus spoke to him. "What? Oh, pepperoni. What do you think about getting this bloomin onion, maybe some wings and a pizza. What's your favorite kind by the way?'

"I like quite a few, it depends on what I am in the mood for, but Pepperoni sounds great along with the blooming Onion and wings. The heat on the wings, what are you wanting them at? I like spicy but also like tasting my food." Cyrus chuckled. "I have had some wings that were so hot I had to have ice cream to take down the burn."

Nathan nodded, "Okay, how about this? A Pepperoni pizza with a blooming onion along with an order of wings have spicy and half BBQ. Don't want wings so hot that they peel the paint off a bulkhead."

"Yup no paint peeling wings, that sounds fantastic." Cyrus smiled, "Looks like we've got a winner of a decision."

The server came back with the pitcher of beer and glasses, took their orders, and left once more. Cyrus picked up the already filled glass, and took a drank some of the beer. It was great." "This tastes great and hey, its the real deal." giving a smile.

Nathan took a sip of his beer. "That sure is and I agree it tastes great." He set his glass down and looked across at Cyrus. "Thank you for the invitation for beer and pizza. It is most welcomed."

"With you and I being in some departmental head area, you being the XO and my being the CMO, we tend to not really take the time to relax. Today was definitely an indication that we needed to take a breather. Enjoy a simple glass of beer, eat something that tastes good and just enjoy some good company. And today was an eyeopener. Heck we've been in the same area, faced some daunting events and we've not spoken much. When we go out there and we're on the same ship, its always nice to have a connection, as it helps to build a cohesiveness of a team."

Nathan leaned back and looked at Cyrus, not saying anything for several seconds then he spoke. "So near and yet so far, eh? You are right thou. We are shipmates, department heads and yet we've never actually talked outside of ship business. This is a good idea, to spend some down time to connect and get to know people outside the ship. A day like today brings that home with striking clarity. I'm for anything that builds a good team, a team and people, who you can count on.

"First things though before we continue on, I'd like to table our ranks for starter, if that's okay with you. Here goes, Hi I'm Cyrus Marner.." the doctor remarked with a hint of laughter in his eyes. "And you are?" holding out his hand to shake Nathan's hand. Cyrus was trying hard to hold a straight face but the corners of his mouth was twitching. He was doing this out of some good natured fun.

"I thought that tabling our ranks was a given." Nathan quipped. "And yes, it is perfectly fine with me. I'm Nathan Bishop and it is nice to meet you Cyrus." As he gripped Cyrus's hand in a firm handshake. marking the beginning of a new friendship. As he smiled across the table at him. "What do you do Cyrus?" He asked keeping up the playful banter.

"Well Nathan I'm a doctor but I am more than that. I like to spend time on a slow day, lazily fishing on a small boat in the middle of a lake." Cyrus answered, his own grip firm, "How about you? What do you do?" giving a chuckle.

"Well Cyrus, I am the executive officer of the USS Enterprise, so I have a whole ship's crew to watch over and ride herd on. In my spare time which isn't often I like to do white water canoeing. You should try it. It is quite exhilarating. It really gets the blood pumping."

Cyrus picked up his beer and took a drink from his glass, thinking over what Nathan has mentioned. "You know, that sounds like something I'd like to try. Should make some time for you to introduce me to that. I'm of the mind to experience that. What else do you like to do? I for one, like to do sketching so if there is an opportunity to do some sketching with the program I'll be right there as well."

"The next time I have ample free time, I'll be sure to call you. I'm sure you will have time to sketch the surrounding scenery as well as our soaking wet selves." Nathan joked, "We can even get in some fishing in either before or after our trip down the rapids." He finished waiting for Cyrus's reaction as he reached for his own glass of beer and took a sip.

"Sold, I am all for that. I have heard that there is some fabulous scenery that can be seen in doing white water rafting." Cyrus flashed a smile. "Speaking as a medical officer. I think you will need to make time for you to indulge in your recreational program. "

Just then the server brought over the blooming onion and the wings, the steam can be seen rising from the food.

"That is looking good there." Cyrus exclaimed.

He looked at Nathan," So where are you from?"

Nathan had a piece of the onion in his mouth as Cyrus asked his question. He swallowed it quickly, savoring its taste. "A little town just outside of Boston Massachusetts. Medfield. Grew up there, went to school there. Parents still live there. It is close to Boston but far enough away not to have to deal with the aspects of the big city. I loved and still do love it. What about you Cyrus? Where are you from?"

"Well funny that you have asked." Cyrus responded picking up a piece of the blooming onion and taking a bite of it. "I don't suppose you have heard of the town called Vidalia, its a nice little town in Georgia. And yes, its known under another name. Onion Town." giving a broad smile before he popped the rest of the onion piece into his mouth. "Now this is a really good onion."


Bishop chuckled, "Believe it or not. I know of Vidalia, Georgia. I have friends in Macon. So, I have heard of it." He picked up another piece of the blooming onion. "Darn right it is good. I wonder if we could program the replicators to produce this. I think the crew would really like this. Don't you?"

Cyrus had picked up one of the wings that had arrived, and had taken a bite of the more zesty one, his eyes closed in enjoyment. "Oh this is good," and he looked at Nathan, "We will have to do some taste testing to make certain it has the right flavor." wiping off his mouth.

Bishop grabbed for a wing and took a bite. As he chewed a happy, satisfied smile came to his face. "This is a barbeque one but good. It isn't overpowering. A nice smoky taste. Very good. I think you picked a winner in choosing this place Cyrus."

"I think so, and ohh look there our pizza is coming to us as well. Now some people say that a doctor shouldn't get into food like this saying it is bad for you. I say at times you just can't worry about that anyway. This is a treat in and of itself." moving the plates of the blooming onion and the wings for the pizza to set down.

"I remember as a boy, going out for the treats such as this, and just enjoying the flavors. Comfort food is good." Cyrus finishing up his wing.

As the pizza was set down, Bishop waited a few seconds allowing it to cool slightly. He then took a slice, placed it on a plate and took a bite. For a few seconds he said nothing then a brilliant smile spread across his features. "You aren't going to believe this but the pizza is better than the wings and the onion. Try a slice."

Wiping off the sauce from the hot wing, Cyrus pulled a slice off the pan, watching as the cheese strung from the pan and wrapped the cheese around one finger then took a bite. Oh the flavors burst in his mouth, dancing along his taste buds. He emptied his mouth and remarked. "I haven't had a pizza this good in a very long time. I am definitely going to come back here." he then picked up his glass of beer and took another drink.

"Say do you like to watch sports?" Cyrus asked Nathan.

Bishop gave an exasperated sigh, "I'm the executive officer of the USS Enterprise not some country doctor lounging around all day. When I get the free time, I watch sports." He replied teasingly.

Cyrus had just set his glass down and was in mid bite down of his pizza when Nathan made is comment. He cocked up his right eyebrow, then slowly deliberately chewed his bite of pizza. Taking another swig of beer he languidly drawled out, "Well now, I must have quite the cushy job don't I ." then he gave a bit of a grin. "But when you do have the time, what sports do you like to watch?"

Bishop chuckled at Cyrus's reaction. "Looks I unintentionally struck a nerve. I was only teasing Cyrus. No offense intended." He took another bite of his pizza and followed it with a sip of beer. Wiping his mouth, he replied. "Baseball, I love baseball."

"No offense taken, maybe..." Cyrus teased. Another bite of his pizza then he remarked, "Baseball, that is a sport I can get into watching. And fun to play in the summer. I take it you played baseball?"

Bishop leaned back, resting against the padding of the booth. "I couldn't agree more. It is fun to play and yes, I played. Was quite good at it." He stopped and looked across at Cyrus. "Sorry, that sounds like bragging."

Cyrus just waved a hand towards Nathan, "Nah , I don't call that bragging, that was something I call speaking with confidence. Now, though, we've got to indulge in that sport, as well. Can't say I am really good at it but I can hold my own. There is just a satisfying sound when the ball is hit solidly with a loud crack and the white sphere to ripping through the air. Just that sensation of running to the bases especially during a homerun."

"Very kind of you to say, Baseball is pure and simple. You hit, you catch, you throw and run. Using wooden bats, none of this aluminum bats garbage. I haven't played in years, so I know I am good and rusty. But I don't think I would embarrass myself. Maybe we can get a game up with some of the crew. I think they would enjoy that."

Cyrus nodded rather enthusiastically at Nathan's remark about wooden bats vs aluminum bats. "I despise the metallic sound of the aluminum bats. Just... give me the shivers. A good solid hit using a wooden bat is a better sound." another bite of his pizza then remarked. "I think it would be great to get up a team from the crew and play, probably some good interaction with them. Might be just what the doctor orders." giving a jovial smile and a wink.

Bishop nodded in approval of Cyrus's statement. "I can see and tell that you are someone that appreciates the tradition of baseball as well as its roots." Bishop paused grabbed another slice of pizza and placed it on his plate. "Maybe we can even have departments against one another. Flight control versus engineering. Something like that. We can even combine departments if we have to."

"That would be fantastic. I wonder if we could get ole Targaryen to get into the fun. Shake things up just a little bit and get him out of the old normal routine." Cyrus cracking a large smile. "There has to be a change of pace to spice life up just a bit." and he finished off his pizza slice and grabbed a spicy wing.

"Oh, I think with the proper motivation, we can get him to join us in having a game. Just need to find the right button to push." Bishop answered as he reached for another piece of onion. Then thought about it and got another piece to go along with his slice of pizza.

Munching happily on his wing, Cyrus mused for a moment or two. "Definitely need to figure that one out. Or i can just say, I have a prescription for you that you can't refuse? " he laughed, "It will be a fun challenge to get him to step out of his routine."

Bishop took a bite of his pizza and washed it down with a sip of his beer before replying. "The challenge to get him to agree might be better than the game." He pointed. "He's very routine oriented. Maybe we can enlist some outside help." He mused.

"I think that would be a good idea. His wife maybe or someone else? Do you have any ideas who we can use?" Cyrus getting a scheming expression in his eyes.

Bishop nodded, "Definitely his wife. As for someone else, what about Galatea? She knows him probably better than anyone except possibly his wife. I think we ask her as well to help."

"I agree, I think that plotting where Targaryen is concerned at least in the good way, is quite the entertaining thought." Cyrus giving a chuckle and a grin.

"My dear doctor. I could not agree more." Bishop said with a broad smile as he reached for a wing. He was thoroughly enjoying his conversation and time with Cyrus.

Cyrus had polished another piece of pizza and had poured himself another glass of beer. "You know this is the first time I've actually felt relaxed and taken the time to relax. Glad you decided to meet with me." Cyrus stifling a belch behind his hand. "You are good company."

Bishop was working on another slice of pizza and had poured himself another glass of beer when Cyrus made his comment. "I'm glad I decided to meet you as well Cyrus. This relaxing business is nice, I could get use to this very quickly." He said with a smile. "I thank you for taking the first move and contacting me."

"You are welcome, you know we've faced some harrowing experiences together as a whole as a crew but hey the personal connections are often needed the most." he looked at what was left of the pizza and the mostly demolished blooming onion. "If I don't watch it I may go into a food coma." he quipped. "I'm half tempted to divide the last bit of this between us and take it home. But after we finish off the beer."

Bishop nodded, "I feel personal relations are often the most important. They establish trust and confidence on a obviously personal level." He looked at the few remaining slices of pizza, the absolutely devoured blooming onion as well as the empty basket what was once full of wings. He laughed, "Can't let the beer go to waste and yes, let's divide the pizza. It can be a late snack some night."

The blonde haired doctor, gave a nod, drank the last of his beer. There was enough beer in the pitcher for one more glass each, he filled his and pushed the pitcher over to Nathan. "Pour the last glass and I want to make a toast." raising his glass towards Nathan. "Here's to what could very well be, a fine friendship. And to your health."

Bishop took the pitcher and poured the last of the beer into his glass. He raised his glass and extended it to Cyrus. "I like to propose a toast as well. To new friends. May our friendship remain strong with no ill will to ever darken our door." He then added, "To your good health as well Cyrus. May you always be blessed with it."

Cyrus smiled and clinked his glass against Nathan's then he leaned back against the cushion of the booth, as the song written by three classic country western songwriters, Lawrence, Chesney and McGraw, The song was titled 'You Find Out Who Your Friends Are' played in the background. He was feeling like Nathan would be that sort of friend, he smiled as the song played on.

Nathan was silent as the song played. He felt, rather he knew. He had made a good friend in Cyrus. One he was sure he could always depend on, no matter what the circumstances.

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