Brief as the Lightning...

Posted on Sun Oct 20th, 2024 @ 2:35pm by Lieutenant Commander Kelly Kerrigan & Lieutenant Commander Dr. Henry McEntyre, Ph.D & Lieutenant K’Var & Lieutenant Adrianna Baciami

893 words; about a 4 minute read

Mission: Stars Around the Well
Location: Starbase 2 | Observatory Lounge

The K-Class Starbase 2 was securely in Federation space but was within reasonable distance of the Klingon Empire, earning it a peppered history of being seasoned over the years, a primary place for wartime operations and notable incidents of being raided by Orion pirates. In the near panoramic view of the 'windows' patrons of the starbase's Observatory Lounge were enamored by the spacial phenomena of the horizontal streaks of lighting dancing across their view. The flashes of indigo, crimson, and magenta were a spectacular yet haunting sight.

"Silent," Kelly commented to the companion walking a steady pace at his side. He was accompanied by Lieutenant Adrianna Baciami, Chief Communications Officer of the starship Arcadia. There was no sound in the vacuum of space and the lightning did not provide an objection to that. It produced no audible sound but subspace waves rippled with each flash causing the mildest of shaking of the station. "Like being on an old sailing ship" he added.

"Often the loudest noise: silence," Baciami commented, running her fingers through her hair, shaking her curls out.

The two were looking for a man. "Ah over there," Kelly said gesturing to a man with what appeared to be lengthy sideburns, mutton chops perhaps. The man Doctor Henry McEntyre, a scientist in Starfleet and the latest procurement to the Arcadia's manifest. He was of course watching the lightning but unlike the other patrons, with a scientific curiosity. He was leisurely studying it.

"Drinks?" Kelly suggested to Adrianna as they headed closer to the bar.

"No good story starts with salad," the Italian commented with a slight smirk. She got to the bar and ordered her usual: a triple grappa, Baciami branded and smiled as she saw her family bottle being poured.

"Look at us," Kelly proclaimed cheerfully. "Your family on bottles all over the quadrant and me the son of a bureaucrat, and Commanding Officer of a Constitution class starship."

Kerrigan had ordered a Scotch neat. He picked up the glass of amber liquid that would give him a burning hug on the way down.

Adrianna couldn't help but chuckle, "si, it's the only grappa worth drinking." She inspects it, admiring it as if it were art before questioning, "remind me-- what are we celebrating or commiserating?"

Kelly raised his glass toward the science officer "To him" the Commding Officer said. He proceeded over towards the science officer.

"Doctor McEntyre?" Kelly called out to grab the man's attention.

Henry had been fascinated by the lightning storm outside of the station. The whirling miasma of light, colors, the streaks of the lightning weaving through the nebula clouds. It made for a perfect inspiration for a painting. Though for now, his thoughts had been broken by the call of his name. He turns his head to the direction of the voice.

"Commander Kerrigan." Henry greets with a warm smile for his old student. "It has been too long, tell me, are you keeping up with your Xenoarcheology?"

Kelly smiled warm from the whiskey and from the greeting from an old mentor. "Professor," Lieutenant Commander Kerrigan addressed him just as he would back at the academy. "Not nearly good enough, Sir. I'm afraid time in the Captain's chair has kept my nose out of the books. Afraid I'm a bit rubbish."

"Not to worry, there will be plenty of time still to hit the books." Henry replied just as warmly.

Kelly gestured to the lieutenant "Lieutenant Baciami, my Chief Communications Officer."

Henry extended a hand in greeting.

"Lieutenant, a pleasure to meet you."

Adrianna smiled and shook his hand, "you too. I've heard good things."

"I'm looking forward to serving with you, my old student especially. One of my best, believe it or not." Henry smiles. "So, I read briefly about our current assignment but I'd love to get you insights into it, to hit the ground running, as they say."

Kelly nodded. "One of your best students, but surely did not prevent you from avoiding giving me an A, Professor" he stated.

"If this lightning phenomena is a harbinger of anything, this mission is going to be something. It's all a rather bit peculiar I must say."

"Omen or not," Adrianna sipped her drink, "at least we have a fully stocked bar to be able to celebrate, commiserate or sulk."

Kelly looked around. "Adrianna, go lay claim to that larger table over in that corner. This place should be suitable for a relaxed mission briefing. I'll call in some of the others."

Adrianna nodded. Just as she approached some lowerdecks crew went to sit down. She whistled loudly and gestured for them to shoo. The woman could be terrifying at times. Many had read her file or reports, some had even heard rumours about her time undercover and so felt the need to fear her. She sat down at the now empty table and grinned back at Kelly.

Lieutenant Commander Kerrigan looked at McEntyre "She has amazing people skills, I assure you" he said and smiled. He fetched the communicator from his waist.


"I have impeccable people skills," Adrianna defended before shaking her head, "when I'm on shift and working, that is."

"Kerrigan to K'Var, mission briefing in twenty. We're on the Starbase in the Observatory Lounge. Please get the others."

"Understood sir" the Lieutenant made her way over to retrieve Baciami and Lieutenant Alexander."

 

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