Toast to the USS Oberon - Part I

Posted on Thursday March 31st, 2022 @ 12:31am by Lieutenant Commander Curzon Bennett & Lieutenant Commander Jennifer Miller

Mission: EPISODE 1: SHAKEDOWN
Location: Ambassador Destrek Office
Timeline: MD04 1900

::ON::

Placing the different bottles of alcohol out on the table. Destrek looked at the three he was not sure what some of his guests would like. There was a 100-year-old bottle of scotch, Klingon Blood wine, Andorian ale, along with a bottle of Romulan Ale off to the side as a backup. Destrek had arranged the round table so no one would look more important than the others and could sit where they wanted.

After he had set up some snacks on the table things from different cultures, Ambassador Destrek stepped back and was happy with what he had done. Now for the guests, thought Ambassador Destrek. It was later in the evening and knew his guests should be off duty. He had warned them that he would have them come to the conference room for drinks a day before. Destrek had a small conference room attached to his quarters as most VIP rooms did.He activated his comms panel.

"Ambassador Destrek to Lieutenant Commander Bennett, Captain could you come to my conference room."

'I'm on my way,' Bennett replied in a warm, if clipped tone.

"Ambassador Destrek to Lieutenant Commander Jennifer Miller, XO could you come to my conference room."

'Of course, I’ll be there shortly Ambassador. Miller out.'

"Ambassador Destrek to Lieutenant Trensu could you come to my conference room."

"Lieutenant Trensu here on my way," the Security chief answered. Trensu knew what this was about. Trensu and Destrek had a tradition of a few drinks a toast to a new assignment new ship, and the new Captain and XO this time. It was something they had done since they had met on Trensu's Cadet Mission. He looked forward to this every time they could do it. Trensu wondered if it was Ambassador Destrek who was behind some of his assignments. They had over the years been assigned to the same place many times. Trensu never really questioned it or asked. He was fine either way.

As the guests arrived Ambassador Destrek greeted them at the door. He asked them to make themselves comfortable and take a seat at the table.

Miller walked into the room and smiled at the random delights that lay on the table in the middle of the room, begging to be eaten. She was suddenly glad that she’d skipped breakfast this morning. She then saw the Scotch Whisky and her smile appeared again. Perhaps she’d partake in a glass once she had eaten something. She had always attributed her love of fine Scotch to the fact that her great-grandfather hailed from Findrassie in Scotland, a historic Whisky producing area. Moving gracefully towards the table, she took a seat and interlocked her fingers on her lap.

Arriving moments later, Bennett stepped into the Ambassador's small conference room and quirked an eyebrow at the gathering. Breaking into a smile, he nodded at the rest of them, and took a seat at the table. Taking off his glasses, he wiped them down with a cloth, then peered at the delights at the table. 'Is that hilrep fruit, Ambassador?' he enquired politely, crossing one leg over the other.

"Yes, It is I like to have fresh fruit if passable," answered Mr. Destrek.

Trensu was the last to arrive. Walking through the door he saw Ambassador Destrek, looked past him seeing the Captain and XO seated. "Excuse my tardiness. I had to make sure the shift was set before leaving my office. Captain, Lieutenant Commander Miller I am glad you made it to Ambassador Destrek's and I's drink tradition," said Trensu smiling.

Destrek smiled "nice to see you old friend," Destrek said to Trensu. "In here right drop the Ambassador," Destrek said turning to everyone as Trensu walked to the table. "All of you can just call me Mr. Destrek or Eiban. I prefer you all drop rank and titles and just relax. But that could be uncomfortable and understanding the Captians and XO position. So I leave it up to your discretion," suggested Mr. Destrek. Walking over to a seat and picking up a bottle of scotch and pouring it onto each of the glasses Mr. Destrek lifted his. "A toast to the USS Oberon to the crew and the Captain. May all our voyages be successful."

Bennett raised his glass, and echoed the toast, 'may all our voyages be successful, Eiban!' He, however, took no drink, placing the glass apologetically back on the table. 'I'm sure the Scotch is of an excellent age and taste. My apologies for not partaking but you see,' he reached for a leather necklace around his neck and produced a gold coin with an elaborate design framing the number ten on it, 'I am a recovering alcoholic, and I recently celebrated my tenth year sober.' He tucked the necklace back under his pullover. 'A gift from my wife, you see.'

"How did that information slip by," said Destrek giving Trensu a look. Destrek smiled "My apologies", Destrek walked over to a cabinet and pulled out another bottle of red-orange color fruit juice. Picking up a short glass Destrek poured some in. Then set the bottle on the table next to Captain Bennett with the glass. "Then try this" suggested Destrek. "Don't ask I forgot the name but it is nonalcoholic I call it Sun Juice. The fruit is from across the federation it is great as a mixer for drinks," stated Destrek.

Destrek turned to Trensu, "ok for your mishap you give the next toast," instructed Destrek.

[To be Continued ...]

::OFF::

Lieutenant Commander Curzon Bennett
Commanding Officer
USS Oberon

Lieutenant Commander Jennifer Miller
Executive Officer
USS Oberon