Lieutenant Commander Christopher Caldwell: The Gathering - Part 1
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Chris M
Aug 5, 2025, 3:31:12 PM8/5/25
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((Caldwell’s Quarters, Deck 9, USS Astraeus))
The invitation had been light on details beyond the time and the place. He sighed as he looked at himself in the mirror, adjusting the collar of his dark civilian jacket as he did. He knew this was going to be uncomfortable, a social tightrope walk he wasn't well positioned to navigate.
As a newly minted Ensign, he'd enjoyed the Pagrati Lounge. It had been a place to decompress, to trade stories with his fellow pilots over a drink, a place where the senior officers were a distant, formal presence. As a senior officer himself, he now felt like one of them—a figure of authority who couldn't truly relax, keenly aware that every word was weighed and every action observed. He had to set a good example.
Tonight felt like a social Kobayashi Maru. He was faced with a no-win scenario where he'd need to be the professional, unimpeachable Second Officer, a pillar of calm for the crew. At the same time, he had to be the approachable colleague, sufficiently "fun" so as not to dampen whatever festivities were planned. The two roles felt utterly incompatible, it was the worst of best worlds.
He gave his reflection one last, critical look, smoothing the front of his jacket in the hopes of ensuring his appearance adequately balanced him being approachable but authoritative. It wasn't like a delay would be an issue, the Pagrati Lounge was conveniently only a single deck away. It was a convenience that was mostly psychological; the turbolift network capable of depositing him at almost any location aboard the ship in a matter of seconds. He squared his shoulders and stepped out into the corridor to find out what awaited him.
((Pagrati Lounge, Deck 10, USS Astraeus))
As the doors to the Pagrati Lounge opened he quickly headed towards the assembled officers, introducing himself just with a simple nod.
Alentonis: Well, well. What have we got here? Another Brew Continuum Spectacluar, Dr. Skyfire?
C. Skyfire: Nothing quite so formal this time, professor. Just a little sortie for the crew.
Veylek: Thank you for the invitation, Commander. The event looks beautiful.
Ral: It looks fabulous.
Shortrith: Indeed it does.
Wright / Tovaan: Responses
Caldwell: Indeed, thank you for the invitation, certainly an impressive turnout for... whatever it is we're here for.
His social duty momentarily discharged, he subtly made his way closer towards the bar.
Mei’konda: Response
S'Rorr: Hear hear.
Tam: The flowers are beautiful. Thank you for bringing us all together.
Munshi: Responses
Rosek-Skyfire: ::smiles:: Thank you, everyone, for coming. Please help yourself to some food and drink. Chythar and I will be sharing our announcement shortly.
oO Perfect. Oo
With permission granted he quickly made his move, giving way to Wyatt who ordered himself a Saurian brandy before deciding to order the same for himself.
Tam: What is the this? It is delicious.
He leaned against the bar, content to observe for a moment as he listened to the chatter, catching Tam's enthusiastic comment.
Shortrith: It looks like some Earth blossom, but I'm not sure.
Wright / Tovaan: Responses
Caldwell: So, what is everyone thinking we're here for?
He hated to admit that he was as in the dark as he suspected the others were but he was curious.
S’Rorr / Mei’konda: Responses
Munshi / Tam: Responses
The invitation had been light on details beyond the time and the place. He sighed as he looked at himself in the mirror, adjusting the collar of his dark civilian jacket as he did. He knew this was going to be uncomfortable, a social tightrope walk he wasn't well positioned to navigate.
As a newly minted Ensign, he'd enjoyed the Pagrati Lounge. It had been a place to decompress, to trade stories with his fellow pilots over a drink, a place where the senior officers were a distant, formal presence. As a senior officer himself, he now felt like one of them—a figure of authority who couldn't truly relax, keenly aware that every word was weighed and every action observed. He had to set a good example.
Tonight felt like a social Kobayashi Maru. He was faced with a no-win scenario where he'd need to be the professional, unimpeachable Second Officer, a pillar of calm for the crew. At the same time, he had to be the approachable colleague, sufficiently "fun" so as not to dampen whatever festivities were planned. The two roles felt utterly incompatible, it was the worst of best worlds.
He gave his reflection one last, critical look, smoothing the front of his jacket in the hopes of ensuring his appearance adequately balanced him being approachable but authoritative. It wasn't like a delay would be an issue, the Pagrati Lounge was conveniently only a single deck away. It was a convenience that was mostly psychological; the turbolift network capable of depositing him at almost any location aboard the ship in a matter of seconds. He squared his shoulders and stepped out into the corridor to find out what awaited him.
((Pagrati Lounge, Deck 10, USS Astraeus))
As the doors to the Pagrati Lounge opened he quickly headed towards the assembled officers, introducing himself just with a simple nod.
Alentonis: Well, well. What have we got here? Another Brew Continuum Spectacluar, Dr. Skyfire?
C. Skyfire: Nothing quite so formal this time, professor. Just a little sortie for the crew.
Veylek: Thank you for the invitation, Commander. The event looks beautiful.
Ral: It looks fabulous.
Shortrith: Indeed it does.
Wright / Tovaan: Responses
Caldwell: Indeed, thank you for the invitation, certainly an impressive turnout for... whatever it is we're here for.
His social duty momentarily discharged, he subtly made his way closer towards the bar.
Mei’konda: Response
S'Rorr: Hear hear.
Tam: The flowers are beautiful. Thank you for bringing us all together.
Munshi: Responses
Rosek-Skyfire: ::smiles:: Thank you, everyone, for coming. Please help yourself to some food and drink. Chythar and I will be sharing our announcement shortly.
oO Perfect. Oo
With permission granted he quickly made his move, giving way to Wyatt who ordered himself a Saurian brandy before deciding to order the same for himself.
Tam: What is the this? It is delicious.
He leaned against the bar, content to observe for a moment as he listened to the chatter, catching Tam's enthusiastic comment.
Shortrith: It looks like some Earth blossom, but I'm not sure.
Wright / Tovaan: Responses
Caldwell: So, what is everyone thinking we're here for?
He hated to admit that he was as in the dark as he suspected the others were but he was curious.
S’Rorr / Mei’konda: Responses
Munshi / Tam: Responses
==========/\==========
Lieutenant Commander Christopher Caldwell
Mission Specialist & 2nd Officer
USS Astraeus, NCC-70652
A240101CC1
Lieutenant Commander Christopher Caldwell
Mission Specialist & 2nd Officer
USS Astraeus, NCC-70652
A240101CC1
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