New Faces

Posted on Mon May 31st, 2010 @ 2:29am by Lieutenant JG Nava & Major Leroy Mangalia

1,257 words; about a 6 minute read

Mission: Transitions
Location: Lounge
Timeline: Prior to Mission Start

On:

Nava walked into the lounge and sat down with a glass of Ferengi wine and watched the people coming and going. She was still finding her footing aboard the Orion and while sure of her skills as a diplomat, her social skills were still under development. Thinking that the Lounge would be a good place to meet people, Nava headed there once her duties were completed for the day.

Walking in, Leroy looked around and shrugged. No marines, but that was nothing new. Throwing his head left, then right, he felt the bones crack and he continued to walk in. He didn't mind meeting people, but he could be gruff some times. It was the way he had been taught since a little boy, and something that he enjoyed doing to other people. The looks on their faces were priceless. Sitting at the bar, he ordered a stiff drink, only to find it sythetic. With glass in hand, he spun around the seat and looked out into the lounge, seeing what could be seen.

Nava looked up and saw the Marine. Picking up her glass of wine, she walked over "I'm Ensign Nava, the Diplomatic officer aboard the Calypso." She said as she extended her hand a wide grin on her face. Nava was used to shrewd business men and could hold her own in a negotiation. Meeting people was just another negotiation.

"Mangalia," Leroy said, sipping his drink, and ignoring the given hand. "What can I do for you Ensign?" He hated diplomats, something that wasn't going to change any time soon. They always got in the way in a good fight, and never let him or his men have any fun. "Besides trying to ruin another Marines day that is. You guys are rather good at that if you don't mind me saying."

Nava smiled and lowered her hand "I understand that we tend to interfer in a good fight, however I for one believe that a show of force. I will endeavor to not take away all of your fun."

Taking a sip of her wine "As for my purpose of coming over was simply to introduce myself. And now that I have done so, I will leave you to your drink."


"Nice to meet you," Leroy said as he downed the drink. Tapping the bar, another one soon came around. "Question, whats a diplomatic officer doing on a ship so far out here? I thought you guys liked to stay close to home."

Nava thought for a moment before answering "You never know when a diplomat might be needed." She said "Besides I requested a deep space assignment." She said as she took another sip of her wine "The Diplomatic Corp is wanting to see what is out here and work on improving or making new relations."

"You really want to know whats out here Ensign? Death. War, and unfriendly units. If you'd like a little practice with combat techniques, I think I can help you out with that." Shuddering a little he drank down his second shot. Another appeared before he could even tap the bar this time. It was a little odd, but he didn't care. "Sorry for my views, but I think I'm just a little jaded."

Nava laughed "Death is a business proposition." She said "We just can't pick the bidder on it." She said "I am definately out of practice on my combat techniques and I would appreciate the opportunity to learn from you and your team." She said as she finished her wine and motioned for another glass

"As for your views, they are your own, you have been at this a lot longer than I have and have had more experiences and have a different take on the things that happen out here." She smiled at the bartender "All I can do is learn and put into practice what I have learned and try to make a difference in the lives of the peoples that we meet and hopefully put us ahead of the game."

"Do you really find this a game Ensign?" Leroy asked looking over at her, down the next two shots without breathing. "You may be out of touch with your fighting side, but a day with the Marines is a day in hell for most people. We don't play nice. Also, I've heard info about a unit that I may be switching too, something to give me that edge that we may need anywhere at all. It's up to my CO of course, but I know that it'll put me far ahead of the 'game'."

Nava's eyes narrowed slightly and her smile faded "Contrary to what you may think Lt. I take my fights and my job very seriously. I do not see this as a game. Any decision made out here can be life or death. I take that seriously. My jovial nature often belies my true feelings." She said "As for a day in hell, try spending a day trapped in a conference room with an Andorian and a Vulcan."

"I see this as a challenge and want to spend a day with your marines." Nava finished her glass of wine "Name the day and time. I fail I make you your favorite dinner." She said "I win, you make mine."

Leroy shrugged. "Seeing as how my favorite dinner is a ration, that shouldn't be too hard." Sitting back, he smiled. "Three dyas from now, my men have a test to take, then a long hot day in the holo deck. We start early Ensign, 0600. And I see where your coming from, some people have to find something to laugh at, or their life is meaningless. The stress takes hold and the spiral down into a bleak abyss. I keep from the downward spiral in a different way. Some would call it alcoholism, I call it... well the same thing." Downing his last shot, he stood. "If you need anything, I'm sure you can find my quarters. They're small and cramped, but I'm sure a second person could sit in there for some talking."

Nava smiled "I'll be there in three days." She said "I look forward to working out with you and your men." She finished her wine "As for calling it alcoholism, I call it relaxing with a good drink and occasionally companionship." Nava said "A ration I can handle. Think on it and if you want something else then I'll make it." She said as she extended her hand "Three days from now. Holodeck 0600. I'll be there."

Downing his next shot, he took her hand, and wasn't drunk yet. "I call it more than a few. I'll think about what I want to eat. You do the same. But I do warn you, I'm not the best cook in the world." Bending down he kissed her knuckles then went back to his drink. He didn't like the fact that some people would never learn that fighting was the only way to survive in the universe.

Nava nodded "Deal." She said as she finished her glass of wine "I'll see you in three days then." She said and headed out of the lounge.

Leroy watched her leave and shook his head. Nothing like meeting new people to sour one's day. Leaving the next drink that he had ordered on the bar, he also left, it was time to get some sleep.

OFF

Ensign Nava
Chief Diplomatic Officer
USS Orion

1st Lieutenant Leroy Mangalia
Marine XO
USS Orion

 

RSS Feed