Lt Jg Karen Stendhal - A nice experience with a good drink

[K4RN3 ST3NDHL4]

((Writer’s Room, Deck 8, USS Octavia E Butler))

The conversation with the young engineer was going swimmingly. Karen had to admit that it was much more pleasant to chat at the bar than to deal with thousands of smelly, agitated, and even some angry and slimy shapeshifting refugees.
Josh was very perceptive and charming. Karen was genuinely at ease and her eyes sparkled as a result, it was naturally difficult for a Betazoid to hide her emotions.
 
Herrick: (nodding) The commodore left a fine crew for the new Captain; she did well. It’s my first time undergoing a command change and I’m glad it was less disruptive than I was expecting. Also, I think in a large part to you. You seem to have quite the flair for deescalating situations.

Stendhal: (nodding too) I haven't met the Commodore yet, in fact, I've only met the CO once and she seemed very competent. I'd say we're in good hands.

Karen looked around. The place was filling up and seemed somehow different from the quiet place she had seen the last time she was there. It was a significant part of her experience in that place since it was only the second time she had visited.

She was decidedly uncomfortable in crowded places as she empathetically received the thoughts of those present, even if only in part. It could be annoying in some cases. Fortunately, people came to that place to relax and therefore their thoughts were generally happy and their influence was positive.

Waiter: Can I get anything for the two of you?

Herrick: I’ll take another root beer, if you don’t mind. ::looking at Stendhal:: Feel free to get something stronger.

Stendhal: Yes, I'd love to have a drink. I'll have a non-alcoholic one too. What was it called? Almond milk? No, it was a drink with the flavor of bitter almonds, vanilla, and orange blossoms. Orzata! My grandfather used to make it for me on Earth when I was a child. It's wonderful with ice.

Herrick: (looking at the waiter) Actually, I’ll try that out as well.

Karen watched lazily as the waiter walked away with their orders.

Herrick: oO Don’t stray off the path, no bad thoughts Josh. Oo

Stendhal: (slightly smirking) Do you often have bad thoughts? ::beat:: Sorry, just kidding!

Karen watched Josh's hand gesture with a curious smile.

Herrick: I’ve just… experienced a lot of life lately. ::looking around the room:: But, I suppose, so have they. There’s a lot of adventure in Starfleet, but it comes with risk and danger.

Stendhal: To hide your thoughts.. Think of something loudly funny! Imagine a hilarious scene from a movie, a funny story you know, or a silly joke.
Or... Focus on a happy memory. Recall a time when you felt joyful, accomplished, or loved.

Herrick: Looking back, Ad Astra Per Aspera, is rather apt.

A flash of Caden Voss in the turbolift flashed in his mind, and he pushed it down.

Herrick: Does it taste the same as you remember?

Karen closed her eyes as she sipped her orzata, which had been served to her in a tall cylindrical glass. A couple of ice cubes floated dimly visible in the cloudy white liquid.

Stendhal: Yes, it's almost perfect. Let's just say that all that's missing is the hot summer and the stifling heat of a June day in southern France to complete the picture. The taste of orzata is unique in the whole galaxy, I believe. In the end, it's just syrup in cold water, but the flavor is something solid. Sweet and bitter at the same time.

Herrick: (nodding) A fair facsimile, but somehow it can never truly replace the real thing. ::looking between the two drinks:: So, I heard that you'd been posted to 118 before coming here — what was it like?

Stendhal: Oh, yes, Starbase 118! It's truly a remarkable place, believe me! It's vast; I don't think I've seen every corner, and I only know about 20% of it. It's a bustling metropolis in space, brimming with opportunities and adventures, but also a bit overwhelming, let's say. I must admit, I miss it a bit, and I miss the people too, at least some of them. Dr. Marsh, for instance, is like a little sister to me, and by some inexplicable coincidence, we resemble each other like two peas in a pod, even though we're from different species.

Karen smiled, reminiscing about Madison.

Herrick: ?

Stendhal: I believe that working on a spaceship offers more opportunities to make a real difference. Before Station 118, I served on the USS Columbia, but well... let's just say it didn't meet a good end, that ship.

Herrick: ?

Stendhal: May I ask who Caden Voss is? I randomly catched that name, sorry, but he must be important to you.

Herrick: ?

Tags/TBC

--

=================================

Lt Jg Karen Trisha Stendhal
Counselor  
USS Octavia E Butler

ID: C239604KS0
=================================

#######################################

https://wiki.starbase118.net/wiki/index.php?title=Karen_Stendhal