STF

Side Sim - A Much Needed Vacay

Posted March 28, 2023, 6:09 p.m. by Lieutenant Cara Esmé O’Farrell (Counselor / Education Specialist) (Jennifer Ward)

Posted by Lieutenant Commander Gravel Mardusk (Chief of Security) in Side Sim - A Much Needed Vacay

Posted by Lieutenant Cara Esmé O’Farrell (Counselor / Education Specialist) in Side Sim - A Much Needed Vacay

Posted by Lieutenant Commander Gravel Mardusk (Chief of Security) in Side Sim - A Much Needed Vacay
Posted by… suppressed (32) by the Post Ghost! 👻

(snap)
The area should have started looking familiar, Cara had spent a lot of time there. Soon the cab pulled up in front of a riotous conglomeration of neon lights and the sound of loud music coming from inside:

Mike’s Place San Francisco.

The bar was the lower level and basement of an old four story warehouse building. A row of windows showcased the interior of the upper floor: bar, tables, a few booths, and a crowd of people. The lower level was the stage and music venue, also with its own bar. Gravel climbed out and held his hand out to Cara, grinning.

Gravel

“Hell Yeah!” Cara may or may not have used his hand to propel herself as she bounded out of the car. Cara kissed him making him either have to bend down or pick her up, and in such a way it drew attention.

“NO! Absolutely not. I know that hair. It haunts my nightmares! Cara O’Farrell get your hands, lips, and eyes, and everything else off that man. You are going to cause a riot before you ever have a drink.”

Cara looked up at Gravel, every inch of her eicked and mischievous. She turned to look at the bouncer who had taken on a very serious stance and a look that prayed he wouldn’t die. “Aw now Kjoiv, he brought me here. I haven’t started anythin’.” She brushed her hair over her shoulder. “Besides it’s a punk bar, there is gonna be riots.”

The man shook his head, “By the stage! Not in the parking lot because of…of well you.” He laughed, “I thought you left Earth.”

“I did. I’m in vacation.” The look in Kjoiv’s face made her laugh. “I swear we are havin’ a good night.”

“Then I just made it great.”

“You will pay for all damages caused because of you.” Then he looked up at Gravel.

Cara

Gravel stuck out a hand. “Good ta see ya. Been a bit.” Kjoiv shook it and said “Really? She’s with you?” Mardusk laughed and said “Oh hell no… I’m with her. I’m the brains. She’s the muscle.” and the big half-Klingon laughed. “Of that I have no doubt. Good to see you.” and he looked down at Cara. “Keep. It. Civil.” and he smiled a half smile.

“I am always civil. People love me.” He growers at her, “That’s the problem.” He held the door open with a muttered ‘Good luck’ to Gravel. Cara laughed the whole way to the bar.

Gravel led her in and made a beeline for the bar. There, as in every one of Mike McKenzie’s bars, was a large stool with a simple brass plaque on the bar in front of it: ‘Reserved’. Gravel walked to the stool, picked Cara up and set her on the stool next to him, and then sat down.

“Seat’s taken!” barked a voice from behind the bar and a Tellerite head poked up and then grinned. “Mardusk! You’re here!” and the the squinty porcine eyes caught the red hair and they said “Aw, sh!+. Its you.”

Gravel

“Tugm!” Cara cackled. This was fun. She grabbed ahold of him and pulled him half way across the bar top and left a friendly kiss on his cheek. “I missed ya!” Which made the man sputter and glower and curse. “Well I have NOT missed you she-devil! Off with you! The bar still has gouges in it.” He looked at Gravel, “Keep away from her. She’s trouble. I know she gorgeous be she is not worth it.”

“Awww Tugm, ya DID miss me.”

Cara

Gravel just shrugged and said “Well, we will have to see about that, now won’t we?” He leaned over the bar, grabbed a pitcher, and put it under the tap in front of his stool. As the amber liquid began to flow, a recognizable voice said “And just how did I know you two would end up here?” and Serchena walked up and smiled at Gravel and gave Cara a half-hug. She looked at Tugm and said “Hey. The usual.” Tugm sighed heavily and said “You too? The gods hate me.” and he turned and began making drinks.

Gravel

“They do not. They sent us ‘cause they know how much ya love ta complain. They are just givin’ ya what will make ya happy.” She grinned at Serchena and winked. “Tugm ya better give me the good Iriah whiskey. Ya know what happened the last time ya tried ta give me water on the rocks.” His squinty little eyes went wife. “Yeah…ya I had to buy 10 new chairs for the bar cause of you.”

“I did no break those.” Cara laughed as he poured her drink and tried to decide if he would give it to her. “Damn I need more bouncers in here tonight.” He looked from Cara to Serchena to Gravel. “You are responsible for these two.” He set the dri ks on the bar and walked to the other end, wiping the bar as he went.

Cara

“The f~<k I am.” Gravel said and lifted the pitcher and took a drink. “Besides… I’m on vacation.”

And then it began.

The first to try their luck were three cadets from the Academy. One human and two Rigellians. The human slid up to the bar and smiled at Cara and Serchena. “How would you ladies like me to buy you a drink or three?” and he flashed pearly white teeth at them. Serchena smiled back and looked at Cara. “Hmmm… what do you think? Think we should let these fine Star Fleet specimens ply us with alcohol?” Gravel snorted and mumbled just loudly enough for the three cadets to hear. “Oh… you boys really need to not do that. Not a threat, now… but those two are more crazy than you are looking for, I think.” One Rigellian looked at him and said “Thanks, bud. But I think we have this. We are Star Fleet, after all.” The other smirked and then put himself between Gravel and Cara so the two women were between him and his human friend. “So how about that drink, beautiful?” he asked Cara and Serchena. Serchena smiled and said “Admiral.” The three cadets looked confused for a moment and then she said “You asked wrong. You should have said ‘So how about thst drink, Admiral?’ Technically, you should have also added ‘Lieutenant’ to the question you asked of my friend here. Oh, and it should have been ‘But I think we have this, Commander.” and she smiled a brilliant bit wholly predatory smile at them.

Gravel didn’t look away from straight ahead, but just said “Told ya.”

Gravel

Cara looked at Serchena and then back to the human was still leaning in with that stupid not yet an adult swagger that alwas irritated Cara. “Naw, Admiral, these fish are ta young.” She looked the three over, “2nd year cadets.” She turned to the one between her and Gravel. He exchanged a look with his friends, they weren’t wearing their rank pips so how did she know? “Oh dear boy, ya see first years, they’re ta scared ta come out, third years know better than ta try and mingle with the crazies. That’s ‘cause they were second years like ya’ll and learned. So keep yer stipend.” Then she grinned at him and leaned it and dropped her voice, “But I’m gonna do ya a favor. I’m gonna laugh like ya are the funniest man I ever met. No no donna look at her, that young lady in the window seat. That’s what she wants. Yes it is more than obvious she broke yer heart and ya are hung up on her. Stop lookin’ like a lost puppy. I’m gonna laugh, buy ya and yer friends a beer, and yer gonna walk away. You are gonna never look at her again. Finish yer beers, and stop tryin’ to heal yer heart ache on the attention of a one night stand. Yer Star Fleet, yer better than that.”

She laughed loudly, with full amusement, which got attention. “Tugm! Three beers for my friends here.” She looked at the young cadet, “Go on now and…” she leaned in and with deadly intent, “never again get between me and him. Understood Cadet?” He swallowed, nodded, took his beer and left.

Cara

Tugm looked at Gravel after the three left and said “And so it begins…” Gravel just nodded silently and drank his beer. Serchena laughed and looked at Cara. “Well done! I am suitably impressed. Now make that big green beer guzzler buy us dinner!” and she laughed again.

Gravel

Cara shrugged, “Tha’ impressed you? That was easy.” She lifted her glass to her lips. “Well I suppose if ya wanta eat you’ll have ta ask him ta order. See at Mike’s Place only the most exclusive patrons get ta order food. I long since lost that privilege.”

“You stay too long when you eat, O’Farrell. I’m not serving you food,” Tugm grunted.

An distinguished looking Cardassian, by the name of Boska, who was sitting at a table near the bar, stood with a chuckle and walked over, on the other side of Serchena. He wore dark slacks and a hunter green shirt. The collar of his shirt was close to the neck but wide on the shoulders in order to show off his neck ridges, and he had the cuffs rolled up almost to his elbows. Despite the more formal tone of his attire he seemed to fit in the punk bar. He set his empty glass on the bar and Tugm took it. “If you will excuse the intrusion, Admiral, but if your,” he paused considering the massive male Orion. Boska could hold his own in a fight, but he really didn’t think he wanted to tangle with someone who had a permanent reserved seat at the bar. A permanent one that until that night Boska in his 4 years coming to this establishment had never seen anyone sit there. He picked up the smokey glass Tugm set on the bar top. “If your companion doesn’t want to order for you, it would be my distinguished pleasure to do so.” Cara smirked at Serchena, this one was all hers.

Cara

Gravel looked at Tugm and said “Do they ever learn?” Tugm looked at Gravel and said “No, not really.” He looked at Serchena and said “Admiral Mardusk, Saed Boska.” Boska smiled a brilliant smile and Serchena said “Saed Boska. Cardassian Embassy. Attaché for Cultural and Artistic Exchange.” She turned to Gravel and said “Refresh my memory. What is that code for?” Gravel took a drink, still looking straight ahead. “Spy.” he said firmly enough to convey his thought on that particular profession. “Right. Spy.” and then she turned away from the bar and yelled “Hey everybody! This guy’s a spy!” loud enough more than one conversation stopped and people looked at Boska. The Cardassian’s jaw set and he started to say something, but Gravel in mid drink held up a finger. He finished off the pitcher and looked at rhe Cardassian. “Before you say what you are about to, keep in mind that she is my mother.” Boska mouth remained open slightly as the wheels turned and then he said “My apologies. Good evening, Admiral.” Serchena giggled as he walked out the door and Tugm said “Great. He was a really good tipper. Thanks Admiral. A lot.”

Gravel

Cara shook her head. At least she couldn’t be blamed for that one. “He’ll be back. Maybe just no this week.” Cara lifted her glass, scanning the room, and suddenly set the glass down without drinking. “Thick Pups,” Cara growled out under her breath and spun off the stool. She made a bee-line to intercept the three cadets before they hit the door. She turned one around physically by the shoulders and then tucked her hands into the elbows of the other two and walked them all back to the table where they sat. Cara turned the chair around and straddled it, crossing her arms over the back. She sat there for several minutes with them. She took her combadge out and spoke into it; then Cara stood. She placed a hand on the human’s shoulder and then headed back to the bar.

Tugm cursed, “khrught. And that is why I can’t ban her permanently. Pain in my....” his voice trailed off as he stepped into the back. Cara slid back onto the stool and tossed back half her drink. “Academy should really focus more on reality instead a fillin’ their heads with heroics.”

Cara

Gravel looked at her for a sec and said “Do I really wanna know?”

“Probably no’. They decided they were goin’ ta redeem themselves and go spy on the spy.” Cara’s tone made it quite clear what she thought of that idea. “I summoned. Them a ride from Academy security.”

Tugm came out of the back and set two baskets of fried cheese in front of them. “Burgers’ll be out in a few minutes.” and he refilled Gravel’s pitcher.

Gravel

Cara looked at the fried cheese and shook her head. “How can ya be hungry?” She laughed and shook her head. She looked at Serchena, “Who do ya think is next?”

Cara

Next was a surprise…

A few minutes later a large tray was brought out and seven double cheeseburgers with fries and onion rings were set on the bar; one in front of Cara, one in front of Serchena, and five in front of Gravel. The big Orion grinned and grabbed one, lifting it easily in one hand to take a bite. As he did, a pair of very attractive young women walked up and smiled at him, seemingly ignoring Cara and Serchena.

“Hey. I’m Kimberly, and this is Madison. We were wondering if we could ask you a question?” Gravel didn’t turn, didn’t look, just said around the bite in his mouth “I’m eating.” The two moved a little closer and Madison said “It’s just a simple yes or no queation…” and giggled.

Cara looked at Serchena with a, ‘they are seriously going to do this,’ look and a whole lot of exasperation rather than disbelief.

Gravel sighed, swallowed, and said “If I answer you, will you go away and let me eat?” Both girls giggled and nodded emphatically. Gravel set the burger down and turned to face them. “Fine. What is it?” Kimberly leaned in and said “We have a bet with our girlfriends over there.” and she indicated a large table of about ten women. “We are betting that… well… we want to know if everything is…” and she glanced down for a long moment, “… is everything proportional?” and she and Madison started to giggle. Gravel grinned and just said “I dunno. Why don’t ya ask my girl? She’s rhe one standing behind ya trying to figure out if kicking your asses will mean I don’t get to finish my dinner.” and he turned and went back to eating.

Gravel

They turned and blinked at the redhaired woman that was uncomfortably close. Cara smiled, and it made her look more feral than civilized. “Now, I’m no goin’ ta answer yer question ya crass immature chips. First I’m goin’ ta give ya a small exoanatomy lesson. He is typical of an Orion male,” Gravel was not but the gutls didn’t need ta know that, “Orion females,” she jeeked a thumb at Seechena, “Are on average ta human females. And that lady is his mother. Second if ya think that mama bears are protective, ya ain’t seen nothin’. Lastly, and most important,” Cara stared down both girls till they squirmed where they stood, “ya ate goin’ ta apologize ta him, to her and then walk away and NEVER do anythin’ like this again.”

“You can’t make us. It’s just a question, he agree…” Kimberly tried to look like she knew what she was saying.

Cara put a finger over her mouth. “See what ya have done is called sexual harrassment, and it’s illegal. Mike’s has security better than most star ships so we got evidence of what ya have done. I will be at the trial and I will make sure ya get maximum penalty. And ya cane spend ya wedding night starin’ at yer groom through a force field. Then when ya get out, you’ll have a new label- sexual preditor.”

Serchena almost chocked on her drink and had to cover her face with a napkin quickly. Gravel just shook his head and smiled slightly.

Maddison leaned in, a little more bravado than her friend. “Who do you think you are?”

Cara leaned in and whispered very quietly, their faces going from shock to sickly white. Cara stood up straight, “I know who I am.”

Both women nodded several times then looked at Gravel, “We are very sorry. That was totally inappropriate, and we wouldn’t like it if someone asked us a question like that. We shouldn’t have done that. We are sorry.” They swallowed and looked at Seechena, “We are sorry, ma’am.” Ans they hurried away. “And make sure ya tip Tugm more than yer bill!”

Cara

Gravel just waved and said “Its a bar… crap like that happens from time to time. Lesson learned.” Serchena looked at Cara and said “Very well done. Although I think I inhaled more of my drink that drank. Tugm? Another, please.” Tugm looked at Cara for a long moment, then at Gravel, then at Cara. He leaned forward and put his face quite near hers and said “Time not so long ago you’da been the one gettin’ drunk and hittin’ on fellas. And then hitting on fellas if they tried anything.” He looked at Gravel and then back. “What’d this great green ox do to ya?” and he grinned.

Gravel

Cara grinned, “He gave me back my sense of humor.” Cara downed the last of the whiskey and pointed at Tugm, “And ya known d@mn good and well how I lost it.” He set a glass in front of Cara with so.ething purple that was strong enough to knock Runa on her backside. “‘sides that was no flirtin’. That was just disgusting and crass.” She looked at the jukebox. “It still on there?” Tugm grunted and Cara made her way to the far wall and started flipping through selections.

Cara

Gravel and Serchena both looked at Tugm. “Spill it. What was she talking about?” Serchena said softly.

Gravel

Tugm grunted and shook his head, “I’m surprised you don’t know, Admiral. She never talked about it, and I’ve never heard Cara confirm it, but people talk. You remember that big take down of the Confederation of the Pious. Almost 2 years ago now. Huge gang that ran the streets for awhile?” He wiped the counter down in front of him. “Don’t know how Cara got involved, but what I’ve heard was she was part the undercover that helped take it down. I don’t know if it’s true, but I know after it was over, she wasn’t the same.” He tossed the rag over his shoulder. “Used to come in, life of the party. Everyone liked her, flirted a lot, but never too far, just had a good time. After…all she did was pick fights.”

Rise Above by Black Flag started to play as Cara made her way back to the bar.

Cara

Tugm moved away to help someone else and Gravel looked at her for a moment. “Hey… wanna go for a walk for a bit?” he asked and then looked at Serchena. “We’ll be back in a bit.” and he stood up and took Cara’s hand and led her outside.

Cara gave Tugm a look as he walked away. Big mouth. She really didn’t feel like taking a walk, but apparently they were going anyway. Cara settled her hand into his and followed him out the door.

They walked away from the bar and Gravel slowed his pace and said “So… wanna tell me who they were? The one that you ended up turning in during the bust that you were undercover on? The one you feel guilty about. And that I didn’t know about until now?” and he stopped and looked down at her. “And I’m not mad… I just wanna know what happened.”

Gravel

Cara blew out a breath and walked over to a stack of crates between two of the warehouses and sat, one foot propped and her arms resting across. She looked up at the strip of sky that could be seen, now dark and dotted with stars. “The Confederation of the Pious. Sounds like a bunch of monks dedicated ta peace, don’ it? They were anything but that. They started out as a nuisance, typical gang BS. Recruiting people, initiations of petty theft and muggings. It escalated quickly. They went from harassin’ people in the neighborhood they wanted ta control ta targeting high school kids. From private boarding schools ta small rural ones. Then it stopped. About a month later they showed up with weapons. Stuff like the police and the Academy use in training. Investigation turned up a things missin’. They had turned their sights on targeting college kids, including Star Fleet Academy and the SFPolice Academy.” Cara shrugged. Same old story, different days. “They were tryin’ ta recruit too. Medical was inundated with patients, beat like they were being tenderized in a butcher shop. Anyone who didna cooperate.”

Gravel tooka seat and held her hand, but remained silent… he just listened.

“I was counselin’ a bunch of the victims. Made me a target. First they tried ta intimidate me, then bribe me. When tha’ didna work they tried ta beat submission inta me. I gave ‘em a worse beatin’.” Cara rubbed her thumb over her opposite knuckles like she could still feel the impact. “One thing led to another and we were waitin’ for them ta try again. It took awhile, but what we weren’t expectin’ was Zaiden Spencer, the most pious of them all, ta approach me himself. He was charming, well dressed, funny, doting, and imminently terrifying. Apparently I impressed him and he decided he could control the situation better if he dated me, and I wouldn’t figure out who he was or what he was up to.” Cara shrugged. “It was a long dangerous game, Gravel. We were…a few days away from taking the whole thing down. Weapons trafficking that lead all over the quadrant, drugs, medical black market, you name it. Then the kidnappings started.”

Gravel’s teeth ground together. If there was one thing he hated, it was kidnappers.

She looked over and up at him, “There is no one I feel guilty about turning in. They were trying to break into the sentient trafficking market. They took a 4th year male Caitian cadet, Mr’iia. They had collared him, chained him to a wall. They had given him nitroclaw. He was out of his mind…” Cara shook her head and looked away. “I can’t…describe what it was like in that cell. I didn’t find him quick enough. He didn’t make it.” Cara was quiet a long time, before she wiped her cheeks. “He was my intern. He was 2 weeks from completion and graduating. He took over some of cases because I was … Spencer took him to stop him from helping the others.”

Cara

Gravel nodded. “I’m sorry, Cara. That… that just sucks. So what happened? Where is Spencer now?”

Gravel

“Prison. Serving out 4 life sentences. Along with 9 of the top members of Pious. The others are servin’ various other sentences. The trial was kept closed and the witness list kept secure. I don’t know where the rest of the investigation went, and I don’t want to know.” She waved back toward the bar. “I’m sure Tugm gave ya some spiel about he suspects but donna know for sure. He knows. I ended up hidin’ in his kitchen one night. Several of the Pious didna like my influence,” Cara snorted, “over Spencer. They ganged up on me, eight of ‘em. I’m no that good. I had a data disk on me, and I couldn’t let ‘em find it. They beat me worse than most of the kids I was helpin’ in the hospital. I got away, but d@mn Gravel, I was lost, had no idea where I was. Broke inta a back door, and by luck it was Mike’s Place. I have never been so excited ta see that smelly, booze drenched, squinty eyed, PITA.”

Cara

He squeezed her hand and said “I’m sorry, Cara. But I’m glad you made it.” He took a deep breath and then said “So how long did you go to your therapy sessions?” It wasn’t him prying, and it wasn’t him belittling the need. It was asked by someone who had a solid grasp of what it would take to move through and out of the situation.

Gravel

Cara squeezed three of his fingers, “Me too.” She glanced back up at the sky. “I was in the psych ward for 2 straight weeks after. Mostly they wanted ta know I was competent and stable enough ta testify. Then at one point they thought group therapy would be good. Problem was it made the others uncomfortable. They felt like they had no right ta complain or feel sad or angry or anythin’ because I went through similar but chose ta and helped save people. My pressence was detrimental ta their recovery, so I quit. I went every week to private sessions, even after the trial, till they decided I was mentally stable. I was already back at work and helpin’ others so I didn’t need it.” Cara barked a derisive laugh. “Everything was classified and locked up, I couldna just go ta anyone.” She looked at him, “Why I was so mad about people no gettin’ care when I first arrived on Atlantis and all those stupid security clearances. I’ve been there.” She sighed, “In all I think I did about 7 months. I had a collegue with the right clearances. He fit me in as often as he could.”

Cara

Gravel nodded. “I get it. Sometimes I think there is more beurocracy in security than is needed. And sometimes I like it ‘cause sexy red-heads come and try to yell at me about it.” and he chuckled, scooping her up and giving her one of the hugs he gave her that almost made it so she couldn’t breathe.

Gravel

“And sometimes it let’s me yell at a dead sexy imposin’ security chief and tha’ leads ta uninterrupted hours locked in his office.” Then there wasn’t enough breath to laugh, but that was okay. There was enough breath to just be. Cara pressed her face into his neck with her arms around him. Cara didn’t mind how tightly he held her, it was warm and comforting.

“I’m alright, Gravel. It won’t ever leave me, but I’m okay.”

Cara

“I know.” he said and stood up, setting her down gently. “Now… let’s go get drunk.” and he held out his hand to herband grinned.

Back in the bar, Serchena was now surrounded. More than a few drinks sat in front of her, and the attention of both the masculine and feminine persuasion was a sight to behold. Tugm looked up as Gravel and Cara walked in. Gravel took a deep breath and said “I got this. Get the drinks ready.” and he stepped to the back of the small crowd.

Cara laughed when they walked in. She made her way to a clear spot at the bar, “Tugm, line ‘em up. We’re gonna play who can keep up with Cara.” Tugm’s beady little eyes bored into her. “Can you really keep up?” Cara looked at him, “Have ya seen the size of my current drinkin’ partner?” Tugm laughed and set a row of 10 shot glasses in a line down the bar.

Large green hands fell heavily on shoulders, and one by one people were grabbed, lifted, moved backwards, and set (or dropped) to the floor. “Ok ok, yeah yeah yeah she’s a looker. Move. Move!.” “Back up. Let her breathe will ya?” “You. Scoot your ass.” “Lady, back up or get backed up. Now.” “No she isn’t my girlfriend, sicko! Thats my mother!” “Oh, I’m glad you like it rough, but I’m not being rough yet.” “Go. Out.” “You wanna what? No. Therapy, get some.” “I’m not copping a feel, I’m moving a perv. Seriously, who hurt you?” “Out. Go. Leave.”

Gravel

As they were moved away from Serchena their sights feel on Cara, and the swarm landed around her at the other end of the bar. They talked and garbbled and fauned and struted and made a lot of noise. “No, no no no. See how can I possibly choose?” Tugm snorted. “This is what we’re gonna do, we’re gonna play a game. Tugm? What is the current cost ta play?”

“100 credits up front and then a thumb print to charge if they go over.”

Cara nodded and hopped up to sit on the bar. “Alright, so if ya wanta play then ya pay up.” She passed Tugm her credit chip. “This is called take a walk. Ya line up next to a glass. We all drink at the same time. If at any point ya think someone is ta drunk to survive ya’ll call them out. Then I’m gonna walk the bar from one end ta the other and back. Then they are gonna do the same. If they fall, knock anything off the bar, hold onta anyone or anything to keep their balance, while gettin’ up, down, or walkin’, they are out. They get in a cab, go home, and sleep it off. Whoever is still walking at the end, gets a kiss.” 20 credit chips were passed over to Tugm. He muttered, swore and called a carpenter while takin’ care of the payments. Cara laughed and winked at Gravel.

Gravel filled four pitchers and held two in each hand and began to walk to the other end of the bar.

Tugm started fillig shot glasses. He looked at Mardusk and the Admiral, “You two playin’?”

Cara

Gravel nodded and said “Well, if there is a kiss involved how could I not?” He looked at Sechena. “Ma? You in?” She laughed and shook her head. “Oh, I think I’ll just play catch when a few of these strapping figures try to fall off the bar.” and winked. Gravel nodded and looked at Tugm. “My credit good?” and he snorted. “Like you pay.” Gravel laughed once and then looked at Cara. “If I win, this kiss better have tongue.” he said loudly. A few eyes went wide and he looked at them.. and grinned.

Gravel

One of the women from the bachelorette party called loudly, “I’ll give you all the tongue you want!” The women all giggled until Cara’s green eyes locked on them like laser pointers. “Ya want it babe, pay up and play. I promise if you win, it will be worth it.” Cara winked at her and the woman turned several shades of red which made everyone else laugh. Cara turned to Gravel and gave him an obvious once over, “Oh I promise it will be more than ya can handle.”

Tugm looked at the pitchers and set a glass on the counter in front of him. A Gravel sized shot glass, “No beer, only shots.”

“Like I’m not drinkin’ both, c’mon…” Gravel said with a smirk and a chug from one of the pitchers.

“Admiral!” Cara called to Serchena, “Tugm may need an extra judge. Anyone who doesn’t take their shot or tries ta physically interfere with the walkers, gets disqualified. You handle that as ya see fit.”

“Done and done, sweetie. I got you.” Serchena said with a laugh.

“Do we get to call you out to walk?” That was one of the guys half way down the bar. Cara nodded, “Yep, but ya gotta walk too. Now pay up.” Tugm poured the first round. Cara picked up the glass, “Sláinte!” and downed the shot. They went 5 shots before anyone called a challenge. Cara lifted herself onto the bar and stood. She made it look like walking down the street. 3 of the 5 called out, didn’t make it onto the bar. They weren’t drunk, they just were too busy trying to show off getting up there and slipped on the wobbly stools or on the wet bar top. The fourth made it to the end of the bar, decided to act up a bit, faked a hair toss and spun in place…and fell right off the end to a chorus of laughter. The 5th, one of the ladies named Julie, was already drunk, got up there, realized how difficult the task was while drunk. She made it back without falling. She looked like she might be sick once she got down though.

Tugm lined up the next set of shots.

Cara

Gravel was watching and enjoying the show. He never called anyone out… and no one called him out… at least until shot number seven. A few people had fallen out by then, but there was a strong core of contenders for the promised reward. “The Orion! He’s hammered!” called one contestant and Gravel looked at him like he’d lost his mind and grown a third eyeball on his chin. He didn’t say anything, he just shrugged. He downed some more beer and walked over to the bar. Using a stool as a step he simply walked up onto the bar, which creaked alarmingly at the weight, walked from one to the other, stepped down and then slammed three shots back to back to back. He looked at his ‘challenger’ and said “Your turn… make it and your three shots down, though.”

Gravel

“Yeah, but you took the shots after you walked.” The man lifted himself up on the bar, walked the bar and back. His feet hit the rail of a stool he thought was steady…and landed face first on the floor in a tangle of wood and legs. “Yeah yeah I know,” Cara looked at Tugm, “I’m payin’ for the stool.” The man groaned, “I need those shots to numb my fassssse,” he slurred slightly.

A pair was watching Cara like a pair of buzzards. They were watching her watch Gravel walk the bar and then as she matched his three shots in quick succession. One started to call her out, but the stopped him with a quiet, “Let the shots hit her first.” Tugm lined up 3 shots for everyone else. Time for them to play catch up. A Bolin sitting next to Cara, who thought because he could eat anything, he could drink anything too, suddenly stood up, with a glazed eye and happy-go-lucky grin, “I’m drunth. My thurn!” He rolled onto the bar and then pushed up to his hands and knees and started to crawl down the length.

“No no no! Youzzz gotss to walk!” His friend yelled at him. The poor man stood, Cara was impressed he actually made it to standing, but when he took a step…he keeled over sidewise. There was a flash of light as Tugm hit a button and a forcefield caught the Bolin and he rolled down it and landed on the floor with a snore.

Cara

Serchena watched as the bouncers carried the figure out and then smiled and said “And he’s out. Next round.” As she was talking, Gravel made his way to the pair. “I see you scoping out the red-head. You think you two have a shot with her if you can win this thing?” he asked quietly with a conspiratorial grin.

Gravel

Of the pair was an Andorian and a Deltan. The Andorian, with their quick metabolism was exceptionally drunk. He was going to pass out before anyone called him to walk. His only comment was, “All that color. It’s glorious.” As he swayed on the stool. The Deltan picked up his next shot and laughed. “Not even if I was the last male in the universe. However, trying to have a shot with her will probably be one of the most memorable moments of my life.” And he tossed back the shot and called, “I think your drunk, Lady. Let’s see you walk the bar.”

Cara set her glass down, pulled her feet up to the top rung of her stool, stood, twisted and sat on the bar. She pulled her feet up and then stood. She walked the bar like she was a Risian runway model. Half way down the bar, on her way back, Cara stopped dead still. Her head turned ever so slowly and then looked down at an arm whose hand she couldn’t see behind her. She pivoted to face the very very lecherous looking Romulan. She slowly removed his hand from her derriere, knelt down, giving him a most dazzling smile, and punched him with the other hand. His nose folded like an accordian, his eyes went crossed, blood splattered everywhere, and he flew off his stool, the stool clattered to the floor and he landed hard on his back. “Hands ta yerself.”

Cara stood and finished her walk, and hopped off the bar. Tugm threw a wet towel at her. Cara looked at the Deltan, “Go on, get up there. Let’s see what ya can do.”

Cara

“Time out!” Gravel yelled and the whole bar went quiet. He went to the Romulan and helped him up. He asked Tugm for a towel of ice and held it to the Romulan’s nose as he slowly walked him to the door. He bent down and whispered something to him, and the Romulan went pale and took off like he was shot out of a torpedo tube, dropping the iced towel and fleeing into the dark. Gravel shrugged and turned around. “Okay… game on.” and he waved his hand above his head to continue and the music started up again and the conversations resumed. He walked up to the bar and said “Ok… where are we at? Who’s up?”

Gravel

Cara jerked a thumb at the Deltan who had paused half way onto the bar when Gravel called Time Out. “We’re waitin’ ta see if he makes it.” He did, and Cara wondered if Deltan’s could use their healing ability on themselves to negate drunkenness. After there were several more rounds of shots. Two more slid down the force field, and another called Cara out. Claiming she couldn’t possibly be drinking. Tugm took exception. “Come onnnn Tu…Thugmmmm…She’s not even tipsy yet.” Cara laughed walked over and patted the man on the shoulder, “Didnya know? All that alcohol goes inta the red hair…it’s what keeps me from goin’ grey.” She laughed and hopped onto the bar. This time…she was showing off…she danced the whole way down and back, and took her time doing it too. Gravel knew, she wasn’t tipsy, Cara was drunk.

She slid off the bar and grinned at the man. “Yer turn.” He stood from the stool and promptly fell down as his body decided to not handle his liquor and he passed out. That left Gravel, the Deltan, the Andorian, and one more.

Cara

Gravel looked at the the three and said “I got a side bet for you guys.”He downed the rest of the last pitcher and took one of the shot glasses. He set the empty pitcher over the shot glass upside down, covering it. “So we match the credits that have been paid already. Each of us. Thats a hell of a pot. But the bet is this: Each of us drinks two shots, a pitcher, and two more shots. Including you, Red!” he said to Cara. Once we are done, we walk. Anyone who falls is out. Anyone who makes it past the walk has one shot to win the pot and the kiss. All you have to do is drink the shot that’s under there… without touching the pitcher first. Winner gets the kiss, or she doesn’t have to kiss anyone if she wins… and they get the pot. Tugm, how much would that be?” Tugm thought a moment and then said “Each of you covering what has already been paid? Thats… thats about seven hundred credits and change.” Gravel looked at the three and Cara. “So? You in or not? And remember… this is a punk bar. You’re either punk rock or you are a punk-ass. Pick one.” Inside, Gravel was laughing.

Gravel

Cara looked at Serchena and began to cackle. “I am so in!” Cara waved at Tugm, “Hurry up. When I’m done walkin’ I want my burger.” She was going to be so sick later. Emilia was going to stick her under bright lights in the middle of the busiest ER hallway of Star Fleet Medical.

The other three exchanged a glance. In their drunkenness they were banking on everyone else falling over…the Deltan, “Wait, what if she falls off?” Cara grinned, “Then you all get a kiss.” She snorted. She had already downed the first two shots and was working on the pitcher. The other three agreed and paid up.

The fourth man, made it through less than a pint before Tugm helped him outside to be sick. No one finished their pitcher as quickly as Gravel did. But as soon as she was done, Cara climbed back onto the bar. She rolled her shoulders back, stared straight at the wall and walked. “Hey Tugm.” The bartender looked up at her warily, “Yeah?”

“I hate this bar.”

He snorted, “It hates you too, you make it look ugly.” Cara snorted, made it back off the bar and leaned against the wall from her stool. The Andorian climbed onto the bar and weaved precariously down the bar. He stopped and looked at Serchena. He swayed and blinked. “Sorry madam, you should move, I’m going to get down now.” and he toppled off the bar.

Cara

Serchena was Orion, and as such possessed a physical strength higher than a human woman her size. As the Andorian toppled, she caught him and looked at Gravel and smiled. “He followed me home. Can I keep him?” and she laughed loudly as she carried to the front and very unceremoniously tossed him onto the sidewalk. Turning and dusting off her hands, she walked back to the bar. “And then there were two… three if you count Cara, but I’m pretty sure she is the one looking for the winner here.” and she laughed.

Cara laughed so hard she almost fell off her stool. “Are ya sure ya wanna do that? I donna think he is house trained.”

Gravel looked at the Deltan. “My turn.” He stepped up onto the bar and walked nonchalantly down the bar, hands in his pockets, and back. He hopped down with a singular THUD and looked at the Deltan. “You’re up.” The Deltan eyed him warily, but made his way up… slowly and carefully down the bar… and back. He climbed down and looked at Gravel. “Ok, big man. Now your little shot.” He looked at the shot under the pitcher, moved around it, looked at it from other angles… he went to reach for a towel to fashion a kind of rope with and Gravel said “Nope, thats touching it. You cannot touch the pitcher.” After a minute or two he looked at Gravel and said “Unless you are gonna transport it out of there, it cant be done.” Gravel looked at Cara. She shook her head and said “Nope. Go for it, Malachite.” and Gravel grinned.

He bent low under the bar and a sound came out… gulp, gulp, gulp. Gravel stood up and gestured at the shot glass. “There you go. It’s ben drunk.” The Deltan looked at the glass. It hadn’t changed in any way. “No it hasn’t. Its still right there!” Gravel laughed and clapped him on the shoulder. “No… it just looks like it is, It is actually quite empty.” The Deltan looked again. Now there was a crowd watching. Tugm was too. “Its still full. I can see it!” the Deltan said. Gravel just said “Nope. And if you don’t believe me? Just look.” The Deltan grabbed the pitcher and lifted it up…

As soon as the Deltan reached for the pitcher, Cara began to laugh. She laughed so hard, she cried. “We have ta do this on ‘Lantis....the bets we could win…”

And Gravel reached over, picked up the shot, downed it, grabbed Cara and gave her the single most intense and passionate kiss he had given her in months. He pulled back and said “I win.” and he reached in his pocket, knelt down in front of her, and showed her a sparkling green and blue crystalline claddagh ring with a deep red heart. “Cara… will you please marry me?”

Gravel

Cara kissed him, in a way that only Gravel could handle - exactly as she agreed when the game started. She giggled…yeah she was drunk. “Ya always win.” She watched as he knelt in front of her and was quiet and suddenly so serious she was sober. She looked at the ring and then leaned forward less than an inch away from him, arms draped across his shoulders, her green eyes dancing as she looked into his. “You sneaky green giant Sidhe, dinner with my parents is going to be so awkward if they aren’t happy we’re engaged.” She kissed him. This time is was soft but thorough and full of promise and love. “Yes, Grah-VEL, I’ll marry ya.”

Cara


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