Here For The Party
Posted on Sat Oct 25th, 2025 @ 7:16pm by Captain Edmund Merrick & Sergeant Andrew Shy
Edited on on Sun Oct 26th, 2025 @ 12:21am
1,332 words; about a 7 minute read
Mission:
Episode 17 - Going Home
Location: SS Enigma
Timeline: MD002 2000 hrs.
At the lock to go onto the SS Enigma, Edmund arrived dressed in civvies. His favorite comfortable jeans, which fit him nicely. A wine colored button up shirt, top button undone, it tailored to his body but not too tight, it did show his physique. He looked better than what he looked before. And definitely smelled better.
"Heya, I showed up." Edmund chuckled warmly, he was feeling the tingles of excitement of going somewhere new.
Andrew had dressed in a gold and black paisley silk long sleeve shirt that was buttoned to the neck, black pleated linen pants and loafers. He'd freshly shaven his head and used coconut oil to moisturize it and took in Merrick with a critical eye. "That's a good start sir," he said with approval. "That rabbit hole you fell down wasn't doing you any good." Falling in along side they made their way through the hatch to the SS Enigma, the purple liveried attendants greeting them with smiles and welcome aboard cocktails as they found their way into a slightly crowded lounge.
As they stepped in, a host in a purple and black suit greeted them. He was human with jet black hair and a swarmy smile. "Ahh. Mr. Shy and party. Greetings gentlemen to Chill. I am Alvari. Please follow me." The host led them across the lounge to a pair of seats in red leather at the bar and called over a dark haired Romulan woman who was dressed in black and cream livery. "This is Rhene. She'll get you started and direct your interests. If I can be of any service, don't hesitate to let me know. Enjoy your time aboard the Enigma."
As Alvari returned to his host desk, Rhene stepped up and eyed them. "Greetings gents," she said with a smile, I see you're still working on those Laser Beams." She said, tapping the drinks they'd been given. "In case you're curious, those have: bourbon, white tequila, amaretto, and a orange cognac liqueur. That's our special of the night, but I can get you nearly anything else you might desire. Once we depart the station, the other areas of the ship will open and you're free to wander and and explore. The Enigma room, our dance lounge is right through those doors," Rhene said, indicating a pair of currently barred double doors. She set two silvered baskets of salty snacks up and wiped down imaginary spots."
"We have an award winning dining experience if you would like food and other mysteries to make all your fantasies come as close to true as we can. Without the use of holograms. I'll swing back in a few minutes."
Moving to another party that Alvari was leading up, Rhene moved away from the marines.
Sipping at his drink, Andrew put nodded appreciatively and said, "That'll work for a starter." Looking around, he settled back further into the comfortable chair and took in the lounge as it filled. "I understand this is one of six, all opening into the dance floor when they've cleared the station. They like to make sure they control who gets in.."
Edmund listened to the background music that seemed to be a mix of old earth music and other styles. He sipped at the drink, enjoying the flavors and the warmth of the drink as it made its way towards his stomach, heating his belly. He let out a sigh of satisfaction,
"This drink is really good." lifting his glass towards Shy. "The atmosphere is--wonderful." was all he could come up with at the moment.
His eyes drifted over towards the barred doors, "A dance floor, sounds great."
He turned his gaze towards those who were gathering inside the lounge, catching sight of attractive women, all dressed in different styles of clothing. Some hardly wearing something it seemed. Typical sort of club wear. How long had it been since he'd been inside an establishment such as this? He couldn't remember off the top of his head. It had been way too long.
Sampling his own drink, Andrew caught Merrick's attention wandering. Grinning he said, "Sir. I see you're eyes wandering...maybe you should follow along? There's no use standing on ceremony. Or wait for a specific invite."
"Oh, I am not waiting for any special invite, just letting this atmosphere soak in. I'll go explore once I am finished with this drink. This needs to be savored." Edmund giving a lazy smile. "And to see if I'm a light weight or see if I still have the chops to drink a lot." his smile broadening into a grin. "Last time I got tipsy, was, when I first came to Empok Nor to join the Pioneer. had some of Azure Special Booze. Besides the other drinks as well."
"So," Andrew said, eyeing Merrick. "Not drink in the singular. Drinks plural, sir." The sergeant said, downing his drink and pushing the glass to Rhene's side of the bar as a signal to refill, along with a double strip of latinum he'd palmed from his pocket. '"And tipsy, sir? Really. Um, tipsy is going to go by the wayside in about ten minutes. I intend to aim past snockered but before liver damage or alcohol poisoning gets us before the Colonel does for following his suggestions too far."
Edmund tossed back the rest of his drink, moving his glass beside Andrew's. He gave the sergeant a piercing gaze. "Okay Andrew, before this evening goes further, don't call me sir, we're here to have some fun and unwind. I know habits die hard but this is something I am requesting. And you can call me, Ed okay Do I make myself clear?"
"Sir, yes sir," Andrew said deadpan. Then he grinned and said, "I was wondering how long it might take for you to turn that off, Ed. And then there's the question whether we'd have to tell the ladies to call you sir. Or maybe daddy. Same kind of range with the drinking." The sergeant caught Rhene's approach with their next drinks and he smiled, "I'd ask Rhene's opinion, but who want's to run down a trite path with a beautiful woman that's likely heard it all and then some."
"You've got that right bub," Rhene said with a wisened smile. "And the staff has a clause to only flirty semi-shamelessly with the guests. So, I will not answer that." She slid one glass in front of Andrew, then gave the sergeant a wink and slid the other to Edmund and said, "Here you go, sussta." She then did an artful toss of her long black hair and made her way back down the bar.
Merrick watched as Rhene walked away, admiring the toss of her long black hair, noting the play of the lights in her silken tresses. And the sensuousness of her movement along with her grace.
"She definitely commands attention." Edmund commented before picking up his drink. "She has beautiful eyes."
Another set of eyes came to Ed's mind, causing his eyes to crinkle up in a smile as he drank.
Downing a quarter of his drink, Andrew let the cold glass rest in his palm letting the heat help melt the ice as he caught Ed's eyes lightening. "Ahh. So, who's eyes were you comparing Rhene's to there Ed. And you better call me Drew."
A chuckle from Edmund, "Well Drew, that would be the beautiful eyes of Zhara, the ship's counselor. Dark hair, which fall just below her shoulder blades-" he stopped there, taking another drink from his glass, going silent as he thought of her.
A Joint Post By
Captain Edmund Merrick
Company Commanding Officer Officer, The Cure
USS Pioneer
Sergeant Tyrigus Fry
Rifleman, Team 1, The Cure
USS Pioneer
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