Posted by Ensign Ruth Rutherford (Nurse) in New Acquaintances: Come All, Come Meet The Marines in the Crew Lounge

Posted by Major Shinzo “Oni” Honda (2IC, Air Group) in New Acquaintances: Come All, Come Meet The Marines in the Crew Lounge

Posted by Lieutenant Colonel Krin “Hannibal” Lardel (Commander, Air Group (CAG)) in New Acquaintances: Come All, Come Meet The Marines in the Crew Lounge
Posted by… suppressed (30) by the Post Ghost! 👻
It was a casual event, Keitah was in her usual teal green pant uniform as she moved around the lounge with other NE crew preparing it for the gathering. There was a variety of dishes. She took care to determine the species of the Marine fighters and replicated food or dishes that were native to their homeward. Although she knew replicated dishes were not the same as the authentic dish she prayed it was at least tolerable for she wanted the event to feel welcoming. Keitah was also relying on the psychology of connecting food and memory. For some species, food could be an effective trigger of deeper memories of feelings and emotions, and internal states of the mind and body. She hoped none of the food evoked bad memories but only memories of joy so that a sense of community could be developed at the event.

Deidre, a science NE helped her arrange the food on the tables. One row of dishes on either side of the table in a buffet setup. Keitah looked at the time and said, “Our guests of honor should begin arriving at any moment now.”
NE Harper strolled through the door of the lounge in a smooth strut holding his oboe high in the air and flashing a big smile. “Where do you want me?” He Keitah as he approached her.
Keitah smiled and grabbed the hand that wasn’t holding the oboe, pulling him behind her as she led him to a small raised platform. “You will be here.” She turned around and placed both hands on his shoulder to position him right in the middle of the stage.
“Alrighty then.” He looked over at the food on the table. “Can I grab a bite before everyone gets here?” he asked.
“Of course,” she said waving her hand in that direction. “Help yourself. Just don’t forget to play music though.”
“I won’t, I won’t,” he said chucking as he headed for the food.

Naisyr, Counselor

These were the type of events Spartacus disliked. He wasn’t the social butterfly. But, he was the head of the department; so he should at least make an appearance. Spartacus entered the lounge hoping that he could simply blend in the background.

Neidell

Keitah noticed the CSO as soon as he arrived. “Lieutenant Neidell, welcome!” She was cheery and upbeat, which may be off putting to those who didn’t share the same demeanor, but by all means it was her job to maintain a happy persona even if no else did. She interlocked her arm with his and lead him to the bar. “I am surprised you are the first one to show up. How about a drink?” There wasn’t much about Spartacus in his profile which made him mysterious and this was intriguing to LeKeitah.

Naisyr, Counselor

“Me too.”he replied. “I guess I’ll take one. I usually try to come a little later to blend in. I’d rather be digging up artifacts than doing these kind of events”

The door slid open and the Zakdorn CAG walked in. He was in his duty uniform, but not full dress. He looked around and made his way over to the Counselor and CSO. “Evening. Counselor… this is quite the spread you have come up with. Thank you for helping us feel welcome.” His words were professionally polite and he held a hand out the CSO. “Lieutenant Colonel Krin Lardel. A pleasure.”

Lardel, CAG

After the Colonel walked into the lounge, Keitah called out his name “Colonel Lardel…uh Hannibal! Over here!” she waved her hands in the air to make sure she got his attention.
When he approached her and the CSO and complimented her on the set up she said, “Oh yay! I am so glad you like it. I didn’t do it all by myself. I had some wonderful NE’s to help me out.” She quickly looked around the room and got her eyes on NE Harper. He was stuffing his face and flirting. His instincts must have warned him that Keitah had her eyes on his, because he made eye contact with her, and she squinted her eyes at him. Nonverbal communication that he better be ready at the appointed time. NE Harper gave Keitah a nod and did a quick salute to ensure her that he wouldn’t let her down. “I have a surprise for you too. But please help yourself to some food.”

Shinzo came strolling in wearing his fatigue/duty uniform with all of his patches and badges on it. He thought that this would be easier for people to remember him since he rarely wore civilian clothing. Waving to Naisyr and Neidell. “Hello! I hope I am not too early?” Looking around he gave a long whistle. “Wow! Nice spread! You all have out done yourselves for this event and I will add that this ship has gone above and beyond in making all of us feel welcomed. I am Major Shinzo Honda, Bravo Squad Leader and second in command of the Marines here. How may I be of assistance?”

Shinzo “Oni” Honda, Bravo Sqd Ldr

“Oh, stop!” she said as she released the CSO’s arm playfully tapped Shinzo on his shoulder. “We are so lucky to have you all aboard. Don’t even think about lifting a finder. This is your party. Please help yourself to the food. Move around and mingle. I am sure the XO and the Captain will show up soon. Later on, I hope the Colonel,” She looked at Hannibal, “will be okay with saying a few words and giving a formal introduction to the team?”

Naisyr, Counselor

“When you deem it time, I will be happy to do so. Just give me the word.” Lardel said with a friendly, albeit professional, smile.

Neidell CSO

Shinzo smiled. “Very well then. I shall just try to enjoy myself.” He leaned in close to her and whispered. “Is everything here non-alcoholic? I don’t want there to be problem with some of the guests on both sides because they took in too much of the drink, if you know what I mean. Plus you never know when an emergency will arise and I don’t want the whole battalion drunk when it does occur.”

Shinzo “Oni” Honda, Bravo Sqd Ldr

“Oh” she said as she grimaced her face and pressed her lips together. “Almost everything here, besides the food, has alcohol. A human companion of mine once told me don’t even bother throwing a party if there are no alcoholic drinks involved.” She pointed to a sad lonely bowl at the very end of the table that held orange liquid, “That bowl there is full of orange juice. As you can see it’s still nearly full.”

“Oh well. It is fine. They know to behave.” He winked.

Ruthie Rutherford, the new nurse, walked into the meet and greet discreetly. She hated being seen eating or drinking in public, so instead, she would carry around an empty glass and pretend to sip from it occasionally. So she crept behind everyone, snagged a cup from the table, and stood in the corner unobtrusively.

-Ensign Ruthie Rutherford, RN

Keitah spotted the nurse as soon as she walked in.

Siraa had already done this. She had baby sat almost the entirety of the air group while they got a meal and settled in their quarters when they arrived. She made sure they kept their heads and their egos in check and played nice. Now they were doing it again. When this was announced she’d volunteered for flight deck duty. That had been great, until she was told all birds had been grounded for the duration of the party.

At exactly the time the event was supposed to start, Siraa entered the lounge. She might not want to party and “mingle”, but she was ordered to be there and she was. She made her way across the room, stopping to speak to people she’d met already. Marines grom the 29th marine battalion and the 214, as well as Fleet crew they had become aquainted with over the last few days. She grabbed a drink as she made her way over to where Lardel and Honda were standing, before Lardel could start shouting about where she was. She grinned an almost ferral smile. It wasn’t like Lardel didn’t have reason to worry. Social gatherings and Siraa were the reason she got the name IRIS.

Mar Cpt sh’Rharror, Delta SQLD

Hannibal looked at IRIS and said “About time, Captain.” and then he grinned at her. Oh, he knew exactly how much she hated these things. But he also knew it was her that told PFC Shal’na to make decaf coffee in Lardell’s office a week ago, so this was nothing but sweet sweet revenge. “Major and Captain. May I introduce the Chimera’s Counselor, Lieutenant LeKeitah Naisyr; and Chief Science Officer, Lieutenant Spartacus Neidell. Lieutenants, Marine Captain sh’Rharror, call sign IRIS. She is the squadron leader of Delta. And this is Major Shinzo Honda, call sign Oni, my second-in-command and squadron leader of Bravo.” He looked at Spartacus and said “You know, Lieutenant, the Captain here has been doing a lot of work on trying to anticipate metal fatigue in some of our birds. Perhaps you two could discuss best-practices in that arena?” He looked over IRIS’s shoulder and then said “Oh, excuse me. I wanted to grab some of those little hot-dogs.” and he walked away, a wicked and mischievous gleam in his eyes at IRIS.

Lardel, CAG

Iris gave a polite smile. “Lt Neidell, it is nice to see you again. I’m afraid the Colonel exaggerates my work. I asked our flight engineers about it. I wouldn’t mind hearing your ideas though.”

Keitah grabbed her hand enthastically, “Its an honor to meet you.” She said with a smile that showed almost all her teeth. “I hope you will stop by office for a chat.” She looked at Captain sh’Rharror and Major Shinzo Honda.

Siraa looked confused. She had already reported for her eval. “I already have, counselor.” Then she grinned, “I guess that’s good when they don’t remember you.”

“Ah…no. I would have remembered if you visited me.”

Siraa turned a dangerously neutral expression on her. “Then you must have a twin, Lt. I suggest you ask her for my evaluation then. I came in a few hours after the Colonel.”

Shinzo could have won an Oscar for keeping a straight face when the Colonel did what he did to IRIS. He bowed slightly at the CNS and CSO. “Pleased to meet you both. And Oni means demon in the Japanese language in case you all were going to ask and yes. I am one, to answer the second question.” He smiled and bowed again. Then noticed a lady sitting all by herself in the corner. He kept an eye on her and only hovered around a moment to answer any questions. “If you all would excuse me. I think I see someone not having a good time.”

Siraa glared daggers at Shinzo’s back as he walked away. But he was always good at these events. He made everyone welcome. He had the best untentions and people seemed to realize that right away. He had certainly helped her a great deal when she made the transition to the Marines.

“I was headed that way too.”

He left after answering questions and made his way over to Ensign Ruthie Rutherford. Approaching her. “Hello. It appears to me that you are not having a good time. Would you like to have some company madam?” He said as he bowed slightly.

Shinzo “Oni” Honda, Bravo Sqd Ldr

“Thank you, I–” Ruthie said. Her already-large eyes widened. She was used to the controlled chaos of Sickbay, where she wielded her own kind of knowledge and authority, and the energy of this room was a little overwhelming–not in a bad way.

As they both approched the woman and before she could respond to his offer, Keitah, flew past Shinzo and said, “Welcome.” As she approached the woman she said, “I know almost every face on the Chimera and I have never seen yours. You must be one of the new recruits. Come join us. Let me introduce you to our Marines. You know we are one of the few ships in the fleet to have them.” She said as she urged the woman to follow her back to the group, “Everyone, I have someone to introduce too. This is our new nurse! Ensign Rutherford.”

Naisyr, Counselor

Fixing split

“Excuse me,” Ruthie said toward Honda, feeling her cheeks grow hot as she felt compelled to follow the raven-haired Betazed woman instead.

“I am Nurse Ruth Rutherford, just got here from a tour on Starbase 375 in the Kalandra sector. I’ll be the one on the other side of the dermal regenerator, should any of you need patching up,” she said, summoning up all her bravado for the room of rambunctious Marines.

-Ensign Ruthie Rutherford, RN

“The Kalandra section? How long were you there? I heard, from a friend who was stationed on the Leviathan, that serpent like creatures live on the asteroids in that sector and they have been know to attack ships that get too close. Of course I don’t believe it.”

Ruthie’s already wide eyes widened even more.

“We don’t talk about the Levi, honey.” She crossed her hands across her crest in an X like a soccer coach calling a foul. “Weird things follow that ship, or should I day, that ship follows weird things. Asteroid serpents are the least of its worries. “

Shinzo was still standing there blinking his eyes like in a cartoon wondering what just happened. Raising himself up from his bow he looked over at CNS introducing the nurse to everyone. He knew she felt awkward in these situations just by the way she was standing and trying not to be noticed and his tact was to talk to her and let her gain some confidence and then if she waited, go mingle at the party. He was just trying to be a good Wingman to her, nothing more. But how could the CNS not see that and now that poor nurse is even more terrified. “Mental note. Do not go to that counselor.” He said quietly. Adjusting himself, he moved back to the party to where the nurse was.

“Oh, you’re going.” Lardel said quietly from directly behind his back with a broad grin.

Shinzo turned to him. “I swear you’re like that Batman fellow I’ve read about.” Smiling.

“Whatch your six when you do,” Siraa whispered right before she took a drink of the orange juice.

“Going where?” Keitah asked with a grin. “Major Honda are you leaving the Chimera?”

“Ah. No ma’am. Inside joke joined with orders. Nothing for you to worry about.”

“Hello again Miss Rutherford. Before I was interrupted…”and he glanced his eyes towards Naisyr then back to Ruthie…”I am Shinzo Honda. My offer still stands if you wanted company. May I get you a drink?”

Shinzo “Oni” Honda, Bravo Sqd Ldr

“Interrupted?” She said looking around the crowd for the culprit. “I sure hope no one is being rude to you. This is your party after all.” She had a serious frown on her face. Then she smiled at how gentlemanly Mr. Honda was being to Ruthie, also how he was making her feel welcomed.

Shonzo put his hand out to tell Naisyr to stop but then Ruthie spoke.

“I’m okay,” she said. “Just put on some chapstick.”

She smiled, pointing at her lips with a finger. “But it’s nice to make your acquaintance.”

“Is nice to meet yours as…” He was cut off again by the CNS.

“Awww…how sweet. Are you sure that Major Honda can’t get you at least some food? I really think he wants to. She said with a raise of her eyesbrows.”

“Ma’am. I can do this myself. Thanks.”

IRIS put a hand on his arm and gave a gentle squeeze. The woman was clueless or doing it in purpose. She hoped the woman was just that clueless.

“I’d be careful around Major Honda, Ensign. He may look harmless, but he has way of growing on you… like a nail fungus.” and he grinned at Oni.

Lardel, CAG

He sighed. “Not helping!”

Keitah grinned, “Well we will have to make sure he grows to his full potential.”

“We can treat a fungus. in Sickbay.” Ruth said.

Was that a slyness in her eyes or just a trick of light?

-Ensign Ruthie Rutherford, RN

Siraa grinned widely, her antenna waving in amusement. “I’m Cpt sh’Rharror. It’s nice to meet you Nurse Rutherford.”

“And you as well, Captain!” Ruthie squeaked.

“We all appreciate the medical staff. We tend to give you folks a lot of work so I am sure we will get to know each other.”

“And when it comes to the Major he will be treated with nothing but kindness.” Keitah said, a grin still plaster on her face. “Nurse Rutherford will see to that.”

Naisyr, Counselor

“Ma’am. I was a Special Forces Commander. I don’t need this kindness and I don’t need you patronizing me in front of guests. You’re not a very good Betazoid if you can’t tell I’m really annoyed right now. All I was doing in the first place was trying to be a good Wingman by setting this lady…” points to Ruthie…”All by herself and was going to give her company. Then you swoop in and act like I was trying to get with her. And now you’re making me look like an idiot here. I know I’m not helping myself out either but cut it out.”

“Indeed, Counselor. The Major rarely needs help looking like an idiot.” Lardel said, but he clapped Oni on the shoulder and then pulled him close. “Easy, buddy. They’re just weirded out by the ‘mandatory fun’. Take a breath, get a drink, and reset Major. You’re good.”

He hit a nerve by fixing is lips and presuming to know what kind of Betazoid she was. Keitah cleared her throat for a moment to compose herself. It wasn’t his fault, he was upset. Her grin faded for a moment then reappeared as she said, “I admire that you expressed your feelings just now. I also want to apologize for making you feel patronized. It wasn’t my intention. It was just friendly banter. Obviously a bit too much. I will tone it down.”

He looked at Ruthie. “My apologies to you and to everyone for my outburst. I’ll be in the corner over there or the brig, nursing a beer. Good day.” With that he walks by the CNS, grabs three beers and heads over to a corner table.

Shinzo Oni Honda Bravo Squadron Leader

Lardel looked at Naisyr and said “And this is when things typically go downhill. I’m just sorry it was my team… this time.” and he chuckled.

Lardel, CAG

“Well you certainly did warn me. I feel I might have instigated the situation…just a bit.” She made the bit indication with her fingers.

OOC: This is a popular thread! Fixing split

After he left she widened her eyes then said, “I inadvertently embarrassed him. My personality can be a bit much sometimes. I was elated that he was willing to make you feel welcome.” She smiled at Ruthie. “It was sweet. However, I shouldn’t have teased with him like that. I have to remember that Marines have way different personalities from the Chimera crew. Live and learn.” She kept her eye on him. When she thought he’d cooled off she was going to approach him. “I will give him space then be sure to try connect with him later and make sure he is okay.”

Naisyr, Counselor

Siraa was watching the back and forth. Forced socialization never ended well, and she had never seen Oni lose his cool like that. She turned and grabbed a water and followed him. She slid into the seat next to him. “Well…I guess I just lost my nick name. I don’t think I can top that one.” She bumped his shoulder with hers. “Man did she have that coming.”

Mar Cpt sh’Rharror, Delta SQLD

He smiled a little and downed a beer. “I guess but that is not like me. I do not know why I just lost it. Maybe it was the straw that broke the camels backs or something. I have been keeping or holding a lot of stuff in lately. She didn’t deserve any of that. No one did.” He opened the second one and took a drink.

“You list it because she is more worried about her own ego than letting people be people. This is a battle for her that she intends to win by making it a success. These things never go well.” Siraa couldn’t belive Lardel agreed to this.

Ruthie followed sh’Rharror to where Oni had gone–she’d been kinda froze in all the action of the moment and just had to remind herself–she was a nurse, she was a Starfleet officer–these were just new people and breathe.

She took a chair and nudged Oni. “You mind if I take one of those beers after all, soldier? Sorry about that earlier. I guess i can put on more chapstick later. I kinda have a thing about people watching me eat sometimes.”

-Ensign Ruthie Rutherford, RN

He looked up and saw Ruthie and put his head down then raised it back up handing her the last beer. “Good timing. I’m almost done with this one.” He chuckled. “Look Ruthie. I am sorry for my outburst. I am better than that but that lady really got under my skin just then. That is no excuse though. I will sit here for a moment and apologize to her later. And the thing about people watching you eat…I get that. I should’ve left you alone. I am sorry.”

Ruthie took the beer and, taking her hand to cover her mouth, discreetly drank from the bottle, managing not to smudge her lips.

“You put a bunch of people in a kettle drum, get them hot, and things happen,” she said. “I appreciate the apology. I had to take a minute and get straightened up. So, how long you been on board?” she asked.

Siraa liked this woman. No nonsense, but that was her impression of most doctors she knew, no matter where they served. “We arrived less than a week ago. Still getting settled, or we were trying to.”

NE Harper strolled up beside Keitah and said, “Sheesh!” He snickered, “You definitely didn’t deserve all that.” He held a small plate of food in one and fed himself with the other. He shook his head. “It’s a party, he…they all need to calm down. Also he took the last three beers.” His face had a frown on it.

Oni looked over at NE Harper. That son of a…

Iris knew where this was going. Everyine else heard it too. And the vibrations from the ripple of disgust that took the room made her antenna itch. Great…just great…

“Oh, I will go get more! Be right back.” Said Deidre, as she rushed off.
Harper grinned and said, “That’s my girl! Always on task.” He looked at Keitah and said, “You okay Keke? There is always one that ruins the party. Trust me. Don’t matter what kind either. I have been to many parties. I know. That Betazoid stuff, he said, was out of line too.”

NE Harper

“Yeah, maybe. I decided to be the bigger person and apologize for making him feel uncomfortable. Anyway I am already over it. Hopefully he gets over soon, too.” She said with a smile. “So when you hitting the stage? It’s time for music. We are anxious to hear you play.”

Naisyr, Counselor

Shinzo looked over at IRIS. “Back me up or film me if something goes as planned.”

“Oni…” she sighed and got up following him.

He got up and went over to get more beers. He looked NE Harper dead in the eye with his thousand yard stare and grabbed four beers by the bottle neck with each hand and got up real close to him and whispered in a flat tone. “I would suggest the next time you say something about someone, is to whisper it. You are lucky that I am a seasoned veteran because I could kill you with my hand to hand fighting, but since you are not a threat and wouldn’t pose a threat to me in combat, I will let you go with this warning. But next time, I will not. And know that I am not bluffing.” Then he smiled and in a normal tone; “So have fun my dude. See you around the ship.”

Harper looked at him then at Keitah and said, “Oh he emerged from his crying corner only to come over here and threaten me.”
Then he looked at Honda again and said, “I don’t care who you are. You can be the Captain of this ship, but don’t come over here threatening me with violence. I can say what I want and there is nothing you can do about it. I am not her.” He pointed to Keitah, “and I am not going to apologize to make you feel better. You lucky I am going on stage…dude.”

NE Harper

Shinzo turned up a wicked grin and clenched his fists then saw Ruthie sitting there…then relaxed and continued to walk away.

“Harper!” Said Keitah.
“Harper?” Said Harper, “Did you not hear what this....what he said to me?”

“Everybody need to calm down.” Although they weren’t that close, Keitah moved in between the two men. “Major Honda, I am sorry I made you feel uncomfortable. I am sincerely sorry. Now, can we put this behind us and enjoy the party?”

She bit her fingers and her eyes widened.

Shinzo stopped and walked all the up to them both and put his hand out to shake. “You both are quite right. I was in the wrong. I sincerely apologize to you Mr. Harper? Is it? I will not make excuses for my actions other than that they were wrong. Please forgive me?”

Oh thank God! “Y..yes of course.” She was shaky. She elbowed Harper hard, indicating he needed to accept the peace offering.
Harper was shocked in the change in the man’s demeanor. He reluctantly, almost in an untrusting way put his hand out. “Me too. Sorry..man. It must be the alcohol. I was in the wrong also.” He looked at Keitah.
“Okay,” Keitah said in a nervous high pitch voice. “See we can all get along.” She hurried and pulled Harper out of Honda’s reach. She had no doubt the Marine could take Harper in a fight and she didnt want to find out either, “Don’t antagonize him.” She whispered to Harper. Both her hands were up, palms facing him. “Just go. Go on up there.” She pushed him toward the stage.

Naisyr, Counselor

The man, Harper and the counselor were really lucky Shinzo was the real bigger person. An all out brawl was avoided because of him. And just where had Lardel and his speeches about Marine culture got to. She swore if he snuck off and left then here he wouldn’t even see decaf coffee for a year.

Harper sighed, “There you go. Alright..Alright.” He handed her his empty plate and made his way to the stage. “Ladies, gentlemen, and all other species and genders. Tonight I will be playing my Oboe d’amore. It has been a tradition, in my family, to play this instrument. My great, great, great, great......” he looked at Keitah who was urging him to hurry along with her hand, “Anyway, my family hail from Louisiana and I would often hear my father and grandmother play. It use to bring me joy. I hope it does the same for you.” He cleared his throat then continued, “Typically I do not play solo but as a favor to my friend, Keitah, I am making an exception and because she asked me so nicely and she wanted to impress the Colonel,” he said with a chuckle as Keitah’s mouth dropped open. Then she laughed. A taste of her own medicine, she took it in a lighthearted manner. “I will be playing three renditions tonight starting with What A Wonderful World, Fly Me to the Moon and finally, Mas Que Nada.”

NE Harper

Ewwww the counselor was trying to ‘impress’ the Colonel? A party wasn’t gonna do it.

At the end of each performance, Ruthie clapped and whistled, a lover of those old Earth classics. She sipped her beer and started to relax, enjoying the company.

-Ensign Ruthie Rutherford, RN

Shinzo rolled his eyes at first while on his 5th beer, but soon it got to him and he started to enjoy the music.

Shinzo Oni Honda Bravo Squadron Leader

Shinzo Oni Honda Bravo Squadron Leader

Siraa reached over and grabbed his 5th beer before he finished it and gave him a water that she’d ordered from the replicator. “You need to hydrate a bit.” She downed her own water, wishing it was hot. “How long do you think we have to stay? I’ve already stopped Grumpy and his group from trying to sneak out.”

Mar Cpt sh’Rharror, Delta SQLD

Lardel stayed very quiet during the entire exchange, simply watching with a small smile here and there between scowls. When Harper finished playing, he clapped in a polite manner. He then went over to the Ensign and said very quietly “You play very well. And please don’t ever address a higher ranking officer like that again, Ensign. Right or wrong, you have to watch how you say some things in addition to what you are saying.” He nodded once and then walked away..

Lardel moved to Oni. He leaned in and whispered “Major, drink that water and then I think you should retire to your quarters. You were way outta line. And it reflects on the entire unit. Make your apologies again and excuse yourself. And tomorrow you make your appointment with the Counselor. Understood?” He didn’t wait for an answer, he knew the man knew an order when he heard it.

Oni nodded and took the water that IRIS gave him and drank it.

Lardel walked over to the Counselor and said “A word, if I may?” and moved to a relatively quiet spot and spoke softly. “I believe I may call it a night, Lieutenant. I might suggest we all do the same before anymore ‘discussions’ occur.”

Lardel, CAG

After finishing the water Oni stood up and bowed to Ruthie. “Goodnight madam and again, I am sorry for my display of bad conduct. I need to go to my quarters. I’ll be up for a very long time.” Turning to IRIS. “Goodnight my faithful WingLady! Again. I’ll be up for a long time if you need me.”

“Good night, and thank you for the beer and company,” Ruth said, tipping her bottle at the man. “It’ll be a new day in the morning for all of us.”

Walking over to Harper and the Counselor. “Well goodnight everyone and again, I want to apologize for my bad conduct.” Facing the CNS. “Counselor. I will be seeing you tomorrow. Good evening.” With that Oni left and went straight to his quarters.

Shinzo Oni Honda Bravo Squadron Leader

Ruth stretched her arms, suddenly full of adrenaline.

“Is everyone going to bed? I’ve had approximately one beer and I still feel like I’m learning everyone’s names!” she muttered at the table.

With the electric energy in the room, she felt as though she could stay up all night–maybe go to Sickbay and see if some sheets needed folded or something.

She glanced around the room to see if anyone looked interested in a little conversation.

-Ensign Ruth Rutherford

It was at that moment that everything went very, very poorly… or very well, depending on your point of view.

The Marines arrived.

Dozens of green-clad figures filed in and smiled and waved. It was the flight deck crew. Lardel looked over and said softly “Oh shit.” and he looked at IRIS. Of all the things that Marine aviators knew… it was that you never tried to ‘party’ with the flight deck crew. They breathed engine exhaust and bled plasma burst discharge. And they drank. Lardel tapped his comms and said =/\= Hannibal to Oni. Get back here. Flight deck just showed up. =/\=

Lardel, CAG