After Hours

Posted on Sun Jul 28th, 2019 @ 4:21am by Captain Wilkan Targaryen & Captain Nathan Bishop & Commander Nathan Hawkins & Commander Sherwin Porter & High Commissioner Jasmine Haynes & Lieutenant Commander T'Lisha "Hawkeye" Bishara & Patton O'Sullivan & Daeren Iril & Secretary Jonathan Grayson of United Earth & Civilian Jeyson Zarland
Edited on on Thu Jan 2nd, 2020 @ 5:18pm

4,064 words; about a 20 minute read

Mission: Atlantis
Location: Arboretum, Starfleet One
Timeline: 2429-12-02, 21:00

Admiral William Teagarden stepped through the doors to the large arboretum of Starfleet One and was instantly amazed by the view before him. Another large portion of the vessel, the Arboretum was a combination parkland and scientific research laboratory for the crew to use during their missions. While the science division did investigate new plant life and similar things inside the ship's park, the crew often used it for recreation as well.

Starfleet One's Commander was quickly joined by Galatea as he walked along the pathway, "I thought you were monitoring the Bridge."

"I do have one iteration of myself doing exactly that, Admiral," the hologram answered. "I wanted to let you know that I have arranged for the party exactly as you requested. The Lounge has been instructed to bring picnic foods and synthol as asked. I have also monitored and real alcohol has also been provided. I did not think that you would mind."

"I don't," he answered honestly. "I would've minded more had it not been brought. Anything I need to be aware of before I sign off for the night?" He noticed that some were swimming in the artificial lake as he walked toward the picnic area.

Galatea walked along, "All is as it should be. We're on course for the alien world at Warp 6 as requested. We should arrive tomorrow at approximately 10:00 hours. If you would allow me to engage the Coaxial Drive we could be there in about twenty minutes."

William shook his head, "I'm fine with the change of pace, Commander. Anything else?"

"No Sir," she answered dejectedly.

"Good. See you in the morning," he answered as he joined his crew for the party.

Jasmine strolled in, at first she did not want to attend. She use to attend functions like this with John. She was trying not to let her ghosts haunt her. She knew she needed to get back out there. And live her life again. Jasmine walked over to the Admiral. "Good to see you again, sir." She said with a big smile on her face. Fake it, till you make it. She told herself, over and over again. Hoping it would stick.

Patton wandered into the party. He had weighed the pros and cons and decided this was good for him being new and all. He would be able to meet some of the crew here and what did he have to do but hang out in his quarters. What was the fun in that.

William saw the others that had arrived and greeted them, "Nice to see you Jasmine and Patton. We're the early birds to the party."

"Appears to be the case, I was always told to arrive early. Mainly to get a chair to sit down. Standing all night, could be hard on the knees." Jasmine said, as she looked to the Admiral.

"You have a very good point, Miss Jasmine," he had to stop himself from calling her by her rank. This was a social function, not a formal one, and he needed to get away from the dangers of not knowing his crew. "Feel free to mingle with your shipmates, though. These people are amazing to get to know."

First name basis thought Jasmine. When did this happen? "I'll try, but I have a tail following me, around." She said, with a big grin. As she looked over to Patton and then back at the Admiral.

Patton almost smiled but he held it back. “I could have had any one of my people watch your back but I decided it had to be me, Jasmine.”

Jasmine looked at him, and inside her thoughts she said to herself. 'Ya I bet you want to watch my back'. She said, to herself. Which brought a chuckle to her face. "Well, I appreciate that." She said, not sure, how she really felt about that idea.

“It is my duty,” Patton replied but his eyes held something else. He wanted to say it was his pleasure but that would be inappropriate.

"I think that the two of you are getting along swimmingly already," William commented with a smile. His El-Aurian senses didn't need to be kicking in to tell him anything about the two of them. "I enjoy seeing that the officers aboard the ship can develop such positive, protective relationships." He thought about killing the grin but didn't. "But feel free to mingle - we've got a lot of people on this ship."

“Yes Sir,” Patton smiled. He turned to Jasmine. “Feel like introducing me to some of the crew? Or I could buy you a drink.”

"Trying to get the boss drunk, are we Mister O'Sullivan?" Jasmine said, in her strong accent. She took a small sip from her drink. She practically jugged, half the glass down, with her second sip.

“Am I succeeding,” he teased her, not at all serious as he drank from his glass of water.

"Not yet Romeo, but perhaps down the road." She said, trying to not to let him down so harshly.

“I am persistant,” Patton grinned. “And patient.”

"Will see about that." Jasmine said, trying to hold back the smile she had on her face. She liked the fact, he was not afraid, to show how he felt. They barely knew each other, but there was something about him, she liked.

Bishop entered next, he by nature was a loner. Catlin was the one who loved parties. She loved to dress up and meet people. Her smile could light up a room and her laugh was like the tinkling of bells. Not that he didn't like and mix with people but ever since Catlin's death, these sort of functions reminded him even more of her passing. He closed his eyes and put the ghosts of the past away at least for a few minutes as he entered, a smile on his face. It wouldn't do to be a downer.

“It looks like it will be fun,” Patton offered as he looked around. “It’s been a while since I have been to one.”

Bishop looked over at Patton, "Yes, yes it does. Been quite some time for me as well." He answered quietly.

“Why is that,” Patton asked. “If it isn’t being too personal.”

"No, not too personal." Bishop answered, "Catlin my wife. loved these. She loved to get out and mingle, meet the crew. Be able to show off the new outfit she bought. She had a smile that could light up the room and laugh that was like the tinkling of bells, it was contagious." He smiled a bittersweet smile at the memories.

Patton wished he hadn’t asked but Bishop seemed both sad and happy at the memory. “I’m sorry for you loss.” He glanced over at Jasmine then back at him. “She sounds special.”

"Thank you." Bishop replied. "Special?" He repeated. " Yes she was. Catlin was special in every sense of the word and I miss her very, very much."

“Sounds like you were one of the lucky ones,” Patton murmured. “I’m here if you need someone to listen.”

"Yes, yes I was." Bishop answered without adding anything more. He didn't want to ruin the other officer's evening by him going on and on about Catlin.

Daeren Iril walked into the ship's arboretum, and his eyes widened at the profusion of plants growing in the area. It was even more impressive than the one on the Nagasaki. He wandered along the path, dressed in a casual tunic and black slacks, wondering if he would see anyone he knew. The best way to stop feeling so odd and out of place was to mix with the crew, he'd decided. Get to know them, let them get acquainted with him if they wished.

It was far better than staying holed up in his spacious suite, reading a book all night.

Jasmine walked in a short time after Daeren. She was now in full security mode. She had enjoyed the festivities, earlier in the night. But she had a mission to do. And she was not going to let anyone down.

“We are never off duty,” Patton said from behind her. “One of the reasons I am not that party animal you stereotyped this Irish man as.” He was smiling as he spoke.

Jasmine thought to herself, he is so sensitive. "You need to let that go, besides I am right." She said with a little hint of a tease in her voice. What in the hell was she doing? Firting? Really? Oh no no no. She thought to herself.

Patton was relieved to see her let go a bit, loosen up. “What are you right about?” He asked. “I am not partying.” He held up his glass. “Drinking water at the moment.”

"Come on Patty, not even one glass for me." She said in a soft, yet seductive voice. She wanted to see how much influence she had over him.

Patton gave it some serious thought.”One drink.”

Jasmine thought to herself, The man can be persuaded, good! She thought to herself, as she got two clouded guinness for them to drink. She placed the beer in front of him, and took a sip out of her drink. 1/4 of the glass was downed.

Patton picked up and took a swallow. One beer would be his limit. “This is good, nice and cold.”

"Was that so hard?" Jasmine asked him, as she raised her glass to him, and took another swig from her drink. Before placing it down.

“Not at all,” Patton smiled easily. “I’m glad you talked me into it.”

"Now don't go all tipsy, we still have protect our delegates." She said, with a big grin on her face, as she finished down her beer.

“It takes a lot more than one for me to feel any affects,” Patton said half serious. “Back in the day I could drink most under the table.” He thought for a moment. “Not anything to really brag about.”

"Still trying to get me drunk, huh?" She said completely playfully. She could not believe, she was lightly flirting. This surprised her.

“I don’t think it is possible to get you to do something you don’t want to,” Patton said with a laugh. He took another drink. “You are strong willed.”

"Sucking up now, are we?" Jasmine said with a grin. She loved twisting his words around. Now she was laying on her irish humor, with a splash of flirting mixed in there.

“Is it working?” Patton grinned widely. He liked how she never gave an inch with him.

Jasmine started to lean in for a kiss, she felt her body get closer to his. She started to think about John, and stopped him, by placing her hand on his chest. To keep separation. Jasmine had a scared look on her face. "I need another beer." She said, as she motioned down the bartender.

Patton waited while she got another drink. He waved the bartender off, having not finished his yet. “You want to talk about it? Sometimes it helps.”

"I'm good." She said in an upbeat tone. Deep inside, she was very defensive about it. She smiled as she went on. "We should probably, get back to our assignment." She said, as she slammed down the second beer. She did not feel anything.

“We’re off duty.” Patton smiled, reminding her. “At the crew party. Try again, Jasmine.”

"Never off duty." She said, as she flagged down the bartender, and slapped the table to suggest she wanted another beer.

Patton finished his off. “One more please.” He called to the bartender. “After that I’d like a coke.” He smiled at Jasmine. “Long time since I felt comfortable anywhere.”

"I see, well I am not wrong. Security is never off duty." She said, trying to rebuild her personal barriers. She could not believe, she almost let her guard down. She thought about kissing for a brief moment. But only a minute. She was not ready to move on yet.

“It is okay to have a friend Jasmine,” Patton added. He noticed she seemed to stiffen. “I think I mentioned I could use one.” He finished his drink. “See, two drinks and I am done for the night, I am no where near a danger to anyone or my job.”

Jasmine was no fool, she knew he wanted more than a friendship. Could she even offer him one. Her heart felt like it was back on that station with John. She was not sure, she could let Patton in. Then she started to think back to a few minutes ago, when she almost kissed him. "Maybe, but I am little torn." She said, as she took the rest of her beer and slammed it down. The bartender noticed her empty drink, she nodded yes to getting another one.

“One day at a time,” Patton nodded at the bartender for a coke. “You worry too much, we have time to take whatever this is or could be slowly.”

"Given up already on the beer?" She said, as her next round came in. She was curious just how far, she could manipulate him. She got him to drink a beer earlier.

“I have,” Patton nodded with a smile. “Two is my limit, for tonight.”

Jasmine decided to test his resolve. If he failed, and caved in. She knew he would not be a good potential partner. She needed someone with a mind of his own. "But Patty, how can I be with a man, that can not drink like an irish man?" She said, laying it on a little think. She needed to know for sure, before she left her guard down.

“That is your choice,” Patton returned. “I admit I do like you but I am not giving up on my principles, something this important.”

"I'm sorry to hear that, but I was hopeful." She said, as she slammed down her drink and left the bar. This was his last chance to fumble this up. Would he tell her to wait, or allow her to leave.

Patton watched her as she left. He took a drink of his coke and shook his head. If it was that important to her that he get wasted then he had been wrong about her. Turning back to the bartender he smiled. “Looks to be a quiet night for me.”

Jasmine was a little surprised that he was not leaving as well. She started to head out the doorway, she debated about going back. But she did not want to appear to be weak. She stopped for a moment, outside the door, and out of sight. Thinking to herself, did that really happen?

Patton stood up. “Thanks!” He said to the bartender and headed out the door. He stopped when he saw Jasmine standing there. He debated on whether to speak. “You okay?” He asked her. “Or were you waiting for someone?”

Jasmine did not say a word, she reached for his head, and pulled him close to her. She started to passionately embrace him. After a moment, she stopped. "Ya that's what I thought." She said quietly, as she started to walk off, with a smile on her face.

“Hey!” Patton said following her. “What was that all about! You can’t just kiss a guy like that and leave!”

Jasmine continued to walk ahead of him. She was curious to see if he would follow her. Now that she really got his attention.

Jonathan entered and stopped in awe at the sight before. "Really gone all out." He said to himself as he took more steps into the arboretum. He was dressed in a garnet red shirt and Khaki slacks. He looked around and saw Daeren but no one else he knew beyond a simple introduction. Now he surmised was a good time to change that. To mingle with the crew, let them see that he and Daeren weren't some stuffed shirts.

William maneuvered over to the bar area and picked a bottle of Elysian Ale from the choices. Pouring it into the glass he looked to see that Ambassador Iril was nearby. "Nice to see you."

"Hello, Admiral," Daeren said. He walked up to the bar. "Do you happen to have any Kronenbourg 1664?" he asked the bartender. "If you don't, a Vulcan brandy or something similar would be fine."

He motioned toward the bartender who moved off to fulfill the order. William looked at the Ambassador, "How are you finding your time aboard the ship?"

The Bolian bartender returned a short while later with a glass of the requested beer. "Here you are, " he placed it upon the counter top. "Not very often I'm asked for one of these." He smiled. "Enjoy your evening."

"Thank you," Daeren said. "I thought it was a long shot that you would have any, but since I've been living in Paris, I've grown to like it." He raised his pint glass to the bartender and then took a sip.

William nodded to the bartender as he listened to Ambassador Iril's answer.

"I was debating how to answer you, Admiral," Daeren replied. "I would have to say I've found it unsettling to be a guest instead of part of the crew. I'm unused to being regarded as delicate cargo who must be carefully watched over when I'm on a Starfleet ship." He shrugged. "But that is simply the price of the position and something I must get used to. I suspect your transition to admiral must have had its awkward and nostalgic moments, too, but your progress to high rank at least occurred within the same sphere of service. Going from Starfleet officer to civilian has left me feeling at loose ends here."

"If you ever want a Bridge assignment while you're aboard I'm certain that it can be arranged," Teagarden said with a smile.

T'Lisha strode into the massive arboretum wearing a flowing blue and yellow chiffon blouse and pants outfit. She did not look anything like a Vulcan except for her ears which showed through her hair as she moved her head slightly as she walked. She clearly showed her emotions which at the moment were totally apparent in her greeting. "Oh my God this place is wonderful Admiral! It's like being on a real beach but it's actually flying. I am impressed," she said walking up to the Admiral.

The Admiral turned away from the Ambassador, "Thank you, Miss T'Lisha. You can call me Will or William in here though. No formality is needed, everyone is equal in here." He motioned toward the Trill to his right, "Have you met Mister Iril?"

"It's good to meet you, Miss T'Lisha," Daeren said.

Sherwin Porter entered as the party had begun. It had been along time since he had been to a party, and he wasn’t really sure how to get back into the swing of things. Ever since he had started back on the enterprise, he had just been working for the most part. Now is the time for him to try to mingle with the crew and meet new people.

Since it had been a long time, Porter decided to go to the bar and grab a drink first. He thanked the bartender, took a huge swig and a deep breath, and then turned around. Seeing a group of people nearby he had it over to them. “Hello,” he introduced himself.

"Great to see you, Sherwin," he motioned toward the Helm Officer, "Have you met T'Lisha?" He put a hand on the Medical Officer's back as he said it, slipping an isolinear chip into the Commander's pocket with a message about their earlier discussion.

The Chief Medical Officer bowed slightly. "It is wonderful to see you," he smiled.

The Admiral's combadge chirped, "Bridge to the Admiral."

Before he realized it he rolled his eyes, "If you'll excuse me for a moment."

"Alas, the CO's work is never done, Will," Daeren said with a nod of understanding. He turned back to the other group so Teagarden could have some privacy.

William stepped to the side away from the guests to the party. He tapped the communicator a single time knowing that, if he didn't answer soon, Galatea would probably appear. "Teagarden here. Report."

"Incoming transmission for you from Starfleet Command," Galatea answered.

He smiled at the information, if only briefly. "Who?"

"Rear Admiral Gregory Coulson."

The smile faded, "I'm occupied, Galatea. Take a message."

"Yes Admiral," she answered. "I am registering an increase in hormone levels. Are you well?"

"I'm fine," he snapped back. "Please place me on do not disturb aside from genuine emergencies for the rest of the evening. Or my wife. Out," he double tapped his communicator to close the channel before she could say another word and walked toward the pond, alone.

While the others spoke softly among themselves Commander Hawkins arrived at the bar area and smiled polity at Jeyson behind the counter. The arboretum was amazing, like displaying mother nature at its best, offering a vast variety of beauties to enrich the minds and souls of the crew. It felt a like a small slice of home, therefore it was perfect place to host this off duty gathering putting everyone at ease.

"Good evening Com - I mean Nathan," barman Jeyson corrected himself. "Since you're all off duty it would be incorrect to address you by your rank." he explained. "What can I get for you, another Bermuda Rose?"

"No thank you, not this time." Hawkins smiled. "Maybe something less punchy and less pink."

The Bolian smiled also as if sharing a private joke and passed him a chilled beer instead. "I hope this is more suitable for your liking."

Bishop walked to the bar arriving he saw Hawkins already there. A smile creased his face. "So what are we drinking today? I can see it isn't pink." He teased his friend as he sat down next to him.

"No not this time, though I'm sure Zarland would gladly whip some more up in a flash," Nathan chuckled as his friend joined him. "Though, maybe over the course of the evening we could test out his selection of colourful creations."

"That is a distinct possibility." Bishop agreed. "One that might need looking into."

"This is a great setting, good to see the crew relaxed after everything recently," Hawkins continued taking a sip of the his beer and lazily shooed away a passing fly. "A stroke of genius really."

"Yes." Bishop answered as he looked around. "The Admiral certainly had a good idea when he arranged this. He waved Zarland over, "I'll have what Nathan is having if you please." He gave Nathan a sideways glance. "Start off slow and work our way up." He grinned.

"Depends on what's your target," Hawkins smirked. "I'm not repeating Kor's stag night if that's your thinking."

"True enough." Bishop answered with a smile. "Neither am I. So no worries."

O'Sullivan and Haynes actions caught Nathan's attention before they vanished from sight. Of course it was entirely their business how they conducted themselves and so long they could both perform their expected duties on board he had no quarries. Though it did made him think of Carla, he hadn't seen her arrived yet and had hoped she'd be able to make it before too long.

In the meanwhile he turned back to Bishop who'd now been armed with his larger. He held his forward to toast: "To new missions and wonders ahead."

Bishop clinked his bottle against Nathan's. "To continued friendships as well as building new ones."

His friend nodded, "I'll drink to that."

Bishop smiled, "An excellent idea Nathan. One I can whole heartedly support." As he lifted the bottle to his lips.

The Admiral walked toward the doors, glancing back over his shoulder at the group as they enjoyed the time of one another away from the craziness of the Bridge. They were a good group, one of the best that any could ever hope for, and the Admiral was for the first time excited for what the future had to hold.

Turning back he stepped through the door and returned to the 25th Century world wondering what tomorrow may hold.

 

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