Captain Bridget Fletcher - "Time Enough Later"
Amanda Nordstrom
(( Conference Room 04-118, Deck 4, Deep Space 14 ))
Commander Rouiancet was not more. In her place stood Captain Rouiacnet, afforded with the honours and privileges of the rank that had been bestowed upon her. After taking the opportunity to put the pip into place, Bridget lifted a hand to her brow and led the others in a salute. Then, with a stroke of her arm, she ended it, and once more her face broke out into a wide grin.
Fletcher: Now it’s time to party!
T’Valek: If we must.
Ho ho ho, was the Vulcan showing a bit of humour there? Bridget didn’t dare suggest that outwardly, but her eyes twinkled at the man even as V’Airu, who was half Vulcan rolled her eyes when the other wasn’t looking.
Rouiancet: Ha, well, you won't get a "no" from me.
Kruwii: I believe the traditional indulgence is fermented fruit drinks!
Fermented drinks was definitely one of the indulgences Bridget planned on taking advantage of, and she cast a knowing look at Rhyl who withdrew a satchel from beneath the table and set about handing out glasses as well as putting the offerings on the table. V’Airu made a show of not ‘noticing’ what came out from where, but when all was said and done, she began to imbibe herself.
Rhyl: We raided the bank and made sure we had the real stuff — becoming captain is no small feat! (pouring a drink) Officially, welcome to the club.
As Kruwii approached with a traditional sign for wishing one peace, and probably to get a drink as well.
Kruwii: Congratulations again. We need more Captains out here.
T’Valek: I agree with Captain Kruwii, and I belief they’ve filled the position admirably.
Rouiancet: I'll try my best to do as well. (beat; slight cheek) Though I may well try to do better. Fair warning.
Taking a glass of something for herself, a liquid she didn’t quite recognise, but since Bridget firmly believed in trying anything once, didn’t mind that she had absolutely no idea what was in her cup, she raised the glass.
Fletcher: Knowing you, that’s not surprising.
Kruwii: All in all, a good meeting of the Command Officers Promotion Association!
Rhyl: Hip, Hip… Hooray.
Giggling very much like a schoolgirl, Bridget only lifted the glass higher, that time in a salute.
Fletcher: Well done, and bottoms up.
Kruwii: Responses
Rhys: Have you got your next orders yet… Captain?
Rouiancet: Not yet, but I'm sure it'll be soon.
Rhys: Those number crunchers back at HQ (beat) sometimes I think they’re just making it up as they go along. I’ve been hearing rumours about the Zet starting to procure larger amounts of weapons.
Yes, they’d all heard that, and from what Bridget heard, it was one of Rouiancet’s officers that noticed some strange transactions. Signs pointed to something going on, though thus far, the Zet seemed removed from the other issue.
Rouiancet: (sighin) That tracks, unfortunately.
T’Valek: It has been (beat) reassuring to have more ships around lately (beat) although I’m sure we could have handled whatever came our way.
Bridget took a swig of the drink, some powerful stuff that burned mightily, but pleasantly as it trailed down. For the moment, she remained silently, twirling the glass in her hand.
Kruwii: Responses
Rhys: (shaking his head) I haven’t been able to substantiate anything yet… they mentioned that Starfleet Intelligence would ‘look into it’. I’ll be heading on a diplomatic run myself with a representative from New Bajor to establish another trade route. (motioning his glass to Lia) Kudos to your team for setting up one with the I-Kiyoan.
Rouiancet: (slight shrug) If our experience is any indicator, few on the ring will be displeased to see more Starfleet personnel in the future.
T’Valek: Yes, it seems the ‘Oumuamua crew and now the Butler crew have made a name for themselves (beat) very intriguing.
Bridget arched an eyebrow at the Vulcan, then cleared her throat.
Fletcher: Come on now, enough of this. We can talk shop some other time. For now, let’s focus on the good. I propose a toast.
Kruwii/Rhys: Responses Once again, her glass lifted up, Bridget’s smile returned and she set her attention fully on Rouiancet, the latest ‘recruit’ among them.
Fletcher: To Lia. To the OEB. And to the Flotilla. Here’s to us all.
For now, it was time to celebrate and take pride in what they had accomplished. For now, it was time to enjoy a chance to relax and indulge. For now, it was time to enjoy themselves. Tomorrow would bring enough of its own troubles.
[End for Fletcher![
-- Bridget Fletcher Captain USS Carol Marcus M239008AD0