A friendly drink

Posted on 14 May 2023 @ 6:10pm by Lieutenant Cassandra Higgins-Stevens & Lieutenant JG Riley Ames & Lieutenant JG Oliver Stevens

Mission: R&R - Styx Outpost 2
Location: Medusa's Head
1257 words - 2.5 OF Standard Post Measure

Riley wasn't one who always drank, he knew when to indulge and when not to indulge. After having a talk with Counselor Ezio, and having had an emotional storm, so to speak, it was time for a drink or two. A real drink. He had been on DS21 and decided he'd go to Medusa's Head, sort of keep close to home. He arrived, the red haired, blue eyed engineer having a half smile upon his lips and looked around for a spot to sit. After getting some of the real stuff that was available, he looked once more around. He gave a sigh, there were memories here, pleasant ones, thoughts of the good times he, Michael and Desmond had. He sat at the bar for the time being, having a drink already poured, and sipping at it.

The doors parted and a tired and mentally exhausted Cassie entered, she had pulled the zip down on her teal undershirt so it wasn't hugging her neck so closely as she approached the bar, noticing the small crowd that seemed to be sticking close to home. She had agreed to meet Ollie here so they could catch up but she had managed to conclude her meetings earlier than anticipated so she had decided to arrive early and grab a bit to eat.
"Could I have a black hole and a bowl of veklava please!" she asked of the server as she pointed at a table that was vacant, indicating she would be sitting there looking out through the expansive windows at the front of the mess hall.

Riley noted the woman when she ordered her meal and drink, he recognized her being at the two funerals of those that were lost and also at the other meetings before they got to their proper universe. "Hello, Lieutenant Higgins, Lieutenant Ames, just in case you didn't remember my name. You look exhausted, would you mind some company whilst you eat?" Riley realizing he needed to get something to eat to offset what he's drinking.

"A bowl of lamb stew and a couple of buttered rolls please, plus some lemonade." Riley asked the server, before turning back to Cassandra.

"Our new Chief Engineer, Lieutenant Ridley Amies?" she asked tentatively unsure if she had his name correct just as her meal arrived along with her Ferengi beverage.

"Riley Ames, I know I've been in the background." Riley giving a slight smile. "I was unofficially Michael's right hand man." He raised his eyebrows in a questioning manner. "I won't sit down unless it is alright with you if I join you at your table. My mother would be horrified if I forced myself at the table of a lady." his voice was quiet and calm.

"Your lucky I'm no lady then. Sit, please!" she smiled lopsidedly at the young man. "How are you settling into your new role given whats happened?"

"You are a true lady, and not an uppity snob." Riley taking a seat. "Its really strange and surreal, but the engineering crew are all busting their behinds in making certain the ship is ship shape. The only difference with where I am at now, I won't be seeing Michael walk in and greet everyone like he used to do. However can feel his presence from time to time offering encouragement." he took a bite of his stew before he continued.

"How are you doing? You've had a lot to deal with. i can see it in your eyes." Riley giving a look of sympathy, but not one of pity.

"I have my challenges, I'm not going to lie but I have something in place!" she said only slightly cryptically still not wanting to let on to the crew that their senior mental health specialist was not in the best of conditions.

"If you ever need to blow off some steam, the theater group gets together and we do dancing and karaoke. Or even go play a few games or even plot out a possible play. Or just get drunk." Riley giving a laugh. "Rip roaring sloshed, nine sheets to the wind."

"Not really my thing but I appreciate the offer" she smiled back sensing without needing to be an empath that Ames was looking for some form of connection to the senior staff. She understood his difficulties having only recently joined the command staff herself.

"What about how you are with the new position... Its a huge adjustment for you that came about very rapidly".

Riley ate another bite or two of his stew, as he thought over an answer, then he said. "I could be very flippant and say, I've got it made in the shade, and I can handle it like I've done already. However, yes it is a huge adjustment to be tossed into the midst of being in charge of the whole ship so to speak. All I am going to do is just adjust step by step, day by day, maybe even moment by moment. Its all I can do, and that is what me mum had said as well. She told me that I can't grab a magic wand and wave it in the air to make things all better. Of course I have to agree with her. She's a wise woman and has a lot of good advice." he grinned, even though there was a slight touch of sadness to it. " As for you, if that isn't your cup of tea to come hang out with a bunch or rough and ready ones." giving a wink, " What do you do for blowing off some steam."

"Horse riding... I've not been for a long time though. I need to fire up the holodeck I suppose".

It could be just what she needed, or at the very least she would when she and Ollie got back from their little trip.

"That is a marvellous idea, I have heard from a counselor friend in my past, that going back to things you've not done in a long while that gave you sheer joy, is a good thing." Riley offered the advice that was given to him. "She had said that reconnecting to things you love to do, helps out."

"Hi guys. Sorry I'm late," Ollie said joining them. "Eddie jumped me on the way down. Asking about girls," he said with a bemused look.

"Hi Oliver, nice to see you again." Riley spoke with a smile. On several occasions he'd seen the transporter chief and had also worked on the transporter systems with him, plus he was there during the mission meeting as well.

Cassie leaned in, cupping Ollies chiselled jaw, feeling the rough unshaven skin toucher her palm. It was electrifying, possibly because she was letting him near for the first time in a while. She savoured the kiss, wanting nothing more than to... Well those thoughts were inappropriate when in a public place. Instead she whispered 'I love you' just loud enough for him to hear before letting him go.

"How quickly can you pack?"

"Why where are we going?" he asked.

"Thats for me to know and you to make sure you only bring your speedo's!"

Riley could only smile slightly and with them both being caught up in their own little world, he quietly picked up his bowl of food and moved elsewhere to finish up his food.

END

LTJG Riley Ames
Chief Engineer
USS Andromeda

Lieutenant Cassandra Higgins
Ships Counsellor
USS Andromeda

Lieutenant Oliver (Sexy in speedo's) Stevens
Transporter Chief
USS Andromeda (PNPC Reynolds)