Come to Quark's, Quark's is Fun!

Posted on Mon Mar 27th, 2023 @ 11:37am by Lieutenant JG Rrawran & Lieutenant JG Anzai Sulu & Lieutenant Commander J'Lena G'Rall House of Morlag & Lieutenant Commander Serena Rush & Lieutenant Dylan Blake & Lieutenant Elysian "Elly" Clarke & Crewman Melly

4,012 words; about a 20 minute read

Mission: Short Treks
Location: Quark's Bar and Gaming House, Deep Space 12
Timeline: 2431-05-30, 20:00

Located in the center of Deep Space 12, Green Sector was one of the most unique parts of the entire DS12 compound. An essential component of the station's lifesupport grid, the entire structure of Green Sector contained a massive terrestrial enclosure that perfectly simulated the surface of a Class-M world. Divided into zones, such as arts/culture, parks/nature, residential, sightseeing, and recreation; attractions within the Habitation Sector include museums, gardens, restaurants, nightclubs, shops, and bars that supplement those of Orange Sector. It was one of the most popular sites aboard the entire station because, while there, you could forget that you were in the middle of space.

Or that you were lost in it.

Lieutenant Anzai Sulu had gone to Green Sector as soon as the Enterprise returned from its patrol trying to forget the stresses of what happened during the final moments of their patrol. The new Security Chief had been overwhelmed by the entire situation and, worse, she had felt like she was ineffective in the face of the danger they faced. If she kept this up the truth was that they would kick her off the ship or, worse, kick her out of Starfleet entirely. She wished she had stayed at the Helm of the Enterprise. Truthfully, she still questioned her own internal logic for transferring to Security. She had been happy at the Helm. Why did she do this?

Absently, Anzai had wandered around the Habitation Zone and found herself in Quark's Bar and Gaming House. It wasn't really a surprise to her that she'd managed to find her way there because all the buildings inside the damned Green Sector looked alike anyway. Each of the clubs aboard Deep Space 12 were large, two-level buildings that served different types of beverages to their customers. Typically, the clubs served a variety of synthale drinks; however, some provided genuine alcoholic beverages too. Anzai had thought that she had wandered into Cafe Nervosa, instead she'd found herself somewhere far different.

Perhaps the most popular clubs on Deep Space 12, Quark's Bar and Gaming House was a buzz with activity as the Lieutenant stepped inside. Established in 2399, Quark's was unique in some waysthat it is the only club aboard DS12 to combine the Arcade and Club aesthetic as the original Quark's on Deep Space Nine was pretty much the same, only inverted. While the original Quark's had the arcade on the upper level, on DS12 the arcade was the main floor and the lounge overlooked it on the upper level. Wandering through to the Bar, Anzai was quickly greeted by Quark himself - well at least a hologram.

"What'll you have, Lieutenant?" Quark asked while polishing a square shaped tumbler.

Anzai looked at the menu, "How's the local synthale?"

"You won't like it," Quark said as he sat down the glass. "Even though New Vulcan's such a melting pot of different cultures, they make a dreadful ale. Unification of the Romulans and Vulcans may've made life much more interesting, but Romulan spirits have really gone down hill." The replica Ferengi poured a sapphire blue colored liquid into the cup and pushed it forward, "Why don't you to try this for me?"

Sulu picked up the glass and studied it, "What is that?"

"A local delicacy," he answered. "Take a sip."

"I don't know," Sulu replied as she sniffed the drink, the pungent aroma tearing at her nostrils. "I thought you said the local spirits weren't what they used to be?"

Quark flashed a toothy grin, "Come on. Aren't you just a little bit curious?"

The Enterprise's Security Officer sighed and took a quick swig of the drink. She instantly regretted it. The drink, while flavorful, hit her like a shuttlecraft breaking the Transwarp threshold. She slammed the glass on the bar, "That's vile."

"It really is," he said taking the glass from the bar top. Holding the large sifter in his hand he showed it to her, "New Vulcan Ale, it really does pack a punch when you drink it. You know the really scary part? If you drink it enough, you begin to like it," he motioned to three tables where the customers were drinking away at the New Vulcan Ale. He picked up a fresh glass, "It's Happy Hour, Lieutenant, this one's on me." He slid it across to her and walked away.

Anzai Sulu stared at the glass before her, her mind racing as she thought about all the different scenarios that they could face within the next few hours. Her mind went from possibility to possibility, but the truth was they wouldn't stop their onslaught. She downed the new glass and stared at the open void.

She really was beginning to like it.

Crewman Melly of Miri felt a bit relaxed after her day on duty. To be honest every moment for her would be on duty as she was Admiral Targaryen's personal yeoman. Adjusting the gold outfit she wore she timidly entered Quarks Bar. She was safe now, very safe. Still some crowds startled her so she kept on guard. Walking up to the bar beside the Lieutenant she raised up on tippy tip toes to see over the bar to wave her arm up above her head so 'Quark' would see her.

Walking over the Ferengi raised a eyebrow seeing what appeared to be an eight year old human child but noting the uniform and crewman pips he did not make assumptions. "What'll it be?"

Melly put her arm down, only the top of her strawberry blonde hair could be seen over the bar counter. "Root Beer please, no ice, with a shot of Aldeberan Whiskey." Her voice almost made 'Quark' chuckle as he fixed the drink and slid it over then sighed and reached over to move it closer. "On the house... for the entertainment value."

'Thank You', she said in Ferenginar before she look her drink and sipped happily. After one sip she put it on the bar and stood in attention beside Lieutenant Sulu and saluted, "Crewman Melly of Miri, a pleasure to meet you Sir!"

J'Lena walked into Quark's bar and looked for the Fenengi behind the bar. Finally seeing him, she bellowed,"Quark give me a tankard of 2135 blood wine!" Quark nearly dropped the tray of drinks. 'Oh no, she's back' he thought. "Coming right up J'Lena" he said hurrying to give the drinks to the patrons. Getting her tankard and filling it he brought it to her quickly. "Here you go commander," he said. G'Rall took one sip and grabbed Quark by the throat and spit the wine out, "You call this 2135 blood wine? My father has a better brew. You've been hiding that 2135 bottle under the bar since the last time I was here! Now get it and fill this up with it," she said letting Quark go. Shakily Quark pulled the bottle from under the bar and gave it to her. Taking it she found a seat and savored the golden liquid.

"And of course the infamous Quark's," Lieutenant Blake announced matter of factly as he gave Lieutenant Commander Serena Rush from the USS Valhalla a station tour. Deep down he was both proud and relived they'd made it here after only two wrong turns. Perhaps at last he was finally starting to learn his way around.

The Counsellor and Diplomatic officer looked around the bustling bar with a look of displeasure as if it bought unwanted memories. "An upgrade from Starbase 419 I suppose," she murmured, then with an audible sigh she turned back to the eager Lieutenant Blake. "You know this is just one of many establishments that shares the Fenengi's name, right?"

Dylan's face dropped at the question and the look of displeasure on the guest's face. Perhaps he'd been wrong to end the tour here - most people loved it - the lights, gambling thrill and strange conversations that took place here. The Commander however wasn't easily impressed. "I - am -" he struggled for a reply.

Then, suddenly Rush laughed. "Don't worry Dylan I'm only playing. I'm sorry you remind me of myself a long time ago - timid and frightened of my shadow. You need to try and loosen up and embrace every moment. Enjoy the smooth going while you have it - the rough I can tell it can be utterly miserable."

Blake nodded mutely feeling both confused and relived. Was she hinting at her own personal history and service record? Commander Hawkins had wanted to take her around himself before he was called away, it was one of the few times he'd seen his superior look generally disappointed. Perhaps they'd served together, or judging by the way she could catch the eye of every man they past the two of them had a romantic encounter previously. Dylan hoped it was the latter, poor Hawkins every broody could do with pretty women to perk him up.

"Come on," the guest waved Dylan over. "After that I owe you a drink."

The pair weaved through the bar area and drew level to the familiar fellow behind the bar: "Hello Quark," Serena addressed the hologram.

"What'll you have," the hologram's eyes shimmered a moment, "Counselor Rush?"

"Good to see your matrix hasn't lost it's edge with facial reignition," she smiled. "I'll have an Orin's Belt please, and Dylan?"

"Ummm," he looked at the extensive list overheard in a panic. "I'll have a Cardassian pale please."

"Coming right up," the hologram answered as he went to work behind the bar.

Elly Clarke had been stuck on this gods-forsaken deep Space station for a few weeks. Her last posting had dropped her off, and her new ship was here now to pick her up. Her new CO had sent word that she'd onboard the following day, but she was invited to join some of her crewmates at Quark's for a drink and games and chat. She couldn't pass up a reason to visit the bar, and though she'd been frequently in the past couple of weeks, she still like the atmosphere-and the mix of people who came through, particularly if they were cute. Dressed in a pair of jeans, a t-shirt, and a hoodie that read "San Francisco" across the bust, she entered the gaming house, and sidled up to the bar. Seeing the returnee, the Ferengi behind the bar asked if she'd have her usual. She nodded. Her usual was Terran gin, with some tonic and lime, no ice, shaken, though. She took her drink and sidled up to the young kid. "Do your parents know you're here? Do you need help finding them?" She asked.

Stopping her attention as she heard the other lady address her Melly reached up and took her drink from the bar that was so tall or she was so short that only the top of her head could be seen. Taking a big drink of the root beer she let the whiskey hit her before she placed it back. Turning she smoothed down her uniform and looked the lady right in the.. thigh really based on her height. She then put her hands on her hips and looked way up at the woman before saying, "My parents are dead, I'm old enough to be your great great great grandmother, but the concern is heart-warming and appreciated. Do your parents know your here young lady?" Melly gave the sweetest smile before identifying herself. "Crewman 3rd Class, Melly of Miri, Personal Yeoman to Admiral William Targaryen. At your service."

"She's a lot older than she looks," Quark commented as he handed off drinks.

Anzai Sulu couldn't help but laugh from her seat, having wondered why a child was in the bar herself. Maybe it was just the ale talking though.

Elly blushed a little, but nodded. "Alright. Carry on, then. My apologies." She looked at Melly. "Did you say Targaryen? That's my new CO. I am the new Asst. Chief Science Officer." She held out her hand. "I've never met a crewman who looks like a child, though!! That's cool. And yes, my parents do, but they, luckily, don't know what I do during R&R because I am sure they'd disown me." She cracked. Elly was a bit of a chatterbox and lacked the filter that made most people polite, a result of the fact that she simply didn't care what people thought of her. "Can I sit by you?" She didn't wait for Melly's reply, and instead, took a seat. She looked at Quark. "Can I please order some food? A burger, fries, and another one of these." She waggled the glass around.

Melly waved to 'Quark', "and some slave nutri-goop please." Turning to look to Elly, "I'm an Only, a race discovered by Jim Kirk. We age one month per one hundred years from the time the prolonging sets in which for me was eight. I'm currently two hundred and sevenity years old. As for the Admiral he is a good and wonderful man, you are safe with him. Do not worry." A odd thing to say, expressing someone is safe with a person but she smiled dangling her feet in the chair.

Elly nodded. "I see. That's very cool. THE James Kirk. The man, the mystery. My older brother is, like, his number one fan." Elly rolled her eyes. Tommy had always been a little strange, though, of the Clarke children. "My twin brother and I have always made fun of him for it." Elly smiled when the Ferengi placed her food in front of her. "Thank you! Man, I am hungry!" She took a big bite and prattled on. "Anyway, Melly, what do you do on the ship, anyway??"

Melly thanked the Ferengi for the food and took a fork to dig into the slave food, "He was a sweetie. He held me while giving one of his Kirk speeches. I saw him again the two times he returned to planet Miri to fix the left over messes of what came from first contact. Ya know second and third contact. But he was very nice. As for what I do? I am not on a ship, I'm on the station here. I do paperwork and scheduling for Admiral Targaryen as well as his coffee and errands. I act as a messenger and go between. I used to be a Lieutenant Junior Grade and a Peregrine starfighter pilot. But I am a lowly crewman now after the 'incident'. But I am content and happy, I do not think I could harm someone again if I wanted to." She continued eating her slave food and looked to everyone gathered around with a friendly smile.

Elly settled in. "I see. I refer to everything as a "ship", it's a Terran thing, I suppose. Admiral's personal yeoman? Wowee, that's a big job." The Engineer would *not* want to do that. Just the paperwork alone would give her a headache. "But important. The station doesn't run if we don't have notices and things. I am an Engineer, I couldn't sit still like that. Classes at the Academy that were lectures were the WORST." Elly ate some more, and went on. "A peregrine pilot? Nice. I kinda considered being a pilot, but my vision isn't good." She shrugged. "What "incident?" Elly was many things; stupid wasn't one.

Melly looked down to her slave nutri-goop. "I stabbed an Admiral, forty one times. I was convicted. Stripped or commision and awards. Thats why I am a Crewman not a Lt JG. I was sent to the Tantalus penal colony but after six months a nice lady had me released to come here. The same day I arrived a slave catcher came for me. But they were stopped." Melly took a big drink of her whiskey and root beer after explaining.

Elly made her eyes wide. "Damn, 41 times?? That's impressive." The woman didn't LOOK like she could wield a knife that long. "What'd he do to deserve that?" Elly made a face. "You don't stab someone that many times without a good reason." Not that she would know because she's never stabbed anyone, but still.

Melly took a big drink of the rootbeer and whiskey and then slid her plate of slave nutri-goop infront of Elly. "He forced me to be his slave." She then looked up to the woman with a look of 'don't ask'.

Elly was talkative and sometimes missed or ignored social cues, but she didn't miss Melly's look to her to not push the topic anymore. She shut up, and then recycled her glass, asking for some water. No need to embarrass herself by overdoing the gin.

"You must have seen some things in your travels, Crewman," Commander Serena Rush interrupted to change the topic onto something more pleasant. "It's not very often I have the pleasure of meeting an Only." The human smiled joining the two women. "Though I do hope the Admiral doesn't give you too much trouble. I know from first hand experience how demanding that man can be."

Meanwhile over the Commander's shoulder Lieutenant Blake looked perplexed: "She's a what?" he asked softly before returning back the point. "Wait, you know Admiral Targaryen?" he asked the station guest.

Serena's eye narrowed over the rim of her drink: "Very much so," she replied darkly. "But enough about him I want to hear more about you Melly and the exciting things you must have seen."

Melly looked away listening to the woman and took a big sip of her drink before placing it back down. "Yes Lieutenant Commander. I could tell you about the time I latched onto a Klingon ship while inside its shield bubble to cause them to blow themselves up, or skindancing inside a Borg cube with a Peregrine, I would prefer not to speak of the last few years...", she seemed to glum a bit speaking of that. "Or the penal colony of six months before coming here. I have many stories Ma'am, just pick your preference."

Melly seemed to slink in her chair a bit, so unused to being the center of commotion.

"Please call me Serena," the counsellor waved aside the use of her rank as it always sounded too formal for her liking. "You don't have to tell me anything if you don't wish to Melly. I'm sorry if I over stepped my place and made you feel uncomfortable."

"Yes Ms Serena and you are fine do not worry.", Melly smiled as her food and Elly's food was delivered. Digging into her slave food she looked up, "The last bar I was in Ms Serena. When station security arrived I was clung to a Gorn's shin similar in fashion to a Terran koala and biting his knee. I was not making much headway but said Gorn appreciated my tenacity. Maybe you should pick a topic? As for the Admiral... He means a lot to me, I served him on the Enterprise as a Peregrine pilot before my much televised misfortune. I am a open book on topics, maybe you or the new Assistant Chief Science Officer could select a topic and I will tell you all a story?"

"That's some strange looking soup," Blake commented into his drink as the two women tucked in with gusto. He made a mental note not to order from the food menu at Quarks anytime soon. His com badge pinged for his attention causing him to slop the beer down his chin in surprise. Cursing lowly and wiping himself down Dylan moved away from the ladies and bustle: "Please excuse me ladies," he said.

"Of course," Commander Rush smiled as the young man stepped away to attend to his duties before returning her attention to Melly and Clarke. "You were a Peregrine pilot, Melly? What's been you most exciting flight?"

She continued nibbling her slave nutri-goop, "I'd have to say the incident that got me the Star Cross.. well before the High Court removed my awards. I was sent out with Commander Menchi as squadron commander. We were attempting to stop a Klingon Raider and buy time for the Enterprise to arrive. The ship kept cloaking and uncloaking to fire. So I was able to speed in close when it uncloaked but before its shields raised. That way when they went up I was within there shield bubble and used a tractor beam to stay attached. They couldn't bounce me around in there shields and since I was attached if they cloaked I would know where. I then baited them into torpedoing me, but when they fired I dropped the tractor and upped my shields. It hurt.. a LOT. But they detonated a spread of torpedos inside there own shield bubble destroying themselves. We then limped back to the Enterprise."

"Sounds that was pretty dangerous," Rush remarked. "Yet remarkably brave, I'm sorry they took away your commendation."

"I deserved it. Or worse... I was taught to understand that.. but I am a good girl now. And will continue to be good.", Melly said trying to keep a brave face.

Lieutenant Commander Rrawran was still adjusting to wearing red instead of gold. The Rorworr Officer had been a member of the Enterprise's Security Team for almost a decade and now he was the Strategic Operations Officer for Deep Space 12 and the Enterprise's XO when the Admiral was away and Commander Tua was in charge. It had been quite a jump in responsibility, and with those changes had come new headaches.

Approaching the bar, he noticed Lieutenant Sulu. As Quark approached he waved the hologram away, instead going and talking with Lieutenant Sulu.

For one reason or other, J'Lena had her tankard refilled and sat there pondering why the sudden changes had taken place, why were the Cardassians were being such a bloody problem now. Growling, she brought her fist down hard and suddenly Quark's got very quiet. "J'Lena your going to pay for that table you know!" Quark yelled. Suddenly she realized she was the center of attention and if you could tell she was blushing you would never see it.

That brave face of Mellys failed hearing the slamming of the fist and she was under the table and then the chair in the blink of an eye.

Startled by the sudden sound somewhere behind her Serena turned to stare as the bar fell into a hushed silence. Satisfied it was nothing more than a hot headed Klingon - the memory of experiencing their emotional swings in more intermit setting bought a smirked to her lips. Turning back towards the bar she was surprised to see Crewmen Melly had taken shelter under the nearest table. "Crewmen?" she asked softly watching her small form retreat further away. "There's no need to be frightened."

Rrawran looked over at the Klingon woman, his security training emerging while Lieutenant Sulu remained with her ale. He pondered which issue to address first but, instead, got a different surprise.

"Yellow Alert," the computer announced, "All personnel report to assigned stations."

Melly quickly hopped up and saluted everyone as she turned in a circle once to be sure all were salute then darted out!

Rush reclined in her seat surprised at the Only's behaviour and scowled slightly at the condition announcement once again calling time on the crew's rest period. "Here we go again," she sighed taking a final sip of her drink before returning to the Valhalla.

Elly didn't need to be told twice, everyone in the Fleet knew that a yellow alert meant you hauled ass. She'd sort out her things later, and instead she stood up and followed the crowd out. She looked around for the young Crewman Melly, hoping the...woman would be nice enough to show her the way, but she had seemingly disappeared. She was able to figure it out quickly, though, and changed fast into the uniform she'd luckily stashed in her knapsack. She stowed the bag away with a security officer, and stood by for orders.

"Everyone remember to pay your tab!" Quark demanded.

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