Ensign Tholin ch'Clex – A good drink in the garden

[johanssonted]

((Awards Ceremony, Rooftop Garden Patio, Soldotna))

Tholin ch’Clex made his way onto the rooftop patio after stepping out of the same lift that had carried several other attendees. Dressed in his formal Starfleet Dress Uniform, he was acutely aware of his own posture, wanting to convey a calm and respectful demeanour. The atmosphere of the awards ceremony struck him immediately: warm evening air, softly lit standing tables, and an expansive view of the station’s skyline that took his breath away. The arrangement was, by all accounts, beautifully orchestrated.

 

As he approached the bar, Tholin noted a handful of other guests already chatting and sampling drinks. The airy hum of conversation floated across the space. Before he had the chance to order, he saw Ensign Jackson Tanner, a fellow JOPA member (or soon-to-be, officially), heading his way with a beer in hand.

 

Tanner: Ensign ch’Clex, how are you?

 

Tholin inclined his head, antennae giving a subtle twitch as he acknowledged the human.

 

ch’Clex: ::quietly, with a small smile:: I’m well, thank you. The view up here is… impressive. Hardly feels like we’re on the same station when you see it from this vantage.

 

Tanner: It really is a lovely spot for an award ceremony. This will be your first, yeah?

 

Tholin looked around at the gathering crowd, noticing many faces that were still new to him.

 

ch’Clex: ::politely, antennae tilting forward:: It is, yes. I only transferred aboard recently, and I haven’t had the chance to attend anything quite so formal. It’s good to see everyone in a more relaxed setting.

 

Tanner: And where was home before this? Or, is this your first posting?

 

Tholin recalled the journey he’d taken growing up on Andoria, then traveling to Earth to attend Starfleet Academy before heading straight to Denali Station.

 

ch’Clex: ::folding his hands loosely in front of him:: I was raised on Andoria, then attended the Academy on Earth. Denali Station is my first official posting since graduation.

 

While Tholin and Tanner spoke, other officers began arriving. Tholin’s gaze shifted over Tanner’s shoulder, catching sight of Ensign Rian and Ensign West making their way to the bar.

 

Tanner: Ensign Rian and West! Nice to see you here. ::Moving aside to make way at the bar.::

 

West/Rian: Respond

 

Tholin acknowledged both ensigns with a polite nod, his antennae angling toward them as they exchanged pleasantries.

 

ch’Clex: ::with calm warmth:: It’s good to see you both. We certainly picked the perfect night for this event. The rooftop is spectacular. ::glancing around the rooftop, antennae subtly swiveling as he surveys the bustling crowd:: I’ve only been aboard Denali a short time, but I can already see how strongly the crew pulls together. It’s… refreshing, to say the least.

 

Tanner/Rian/West: Response

 

Tholin responds to their reactions with a slight nod, his expression reflecting quiet satisfaction.

 

As they chatted about the station and their recent experiences, a figure in his dress uniform entered the periphery of Tholin’s vision. Stepping along the garden paths, he appeared to be making quick notes on the flora. After a moment, the officer stopped by the bar to retrieve a glass of fruit juice, then moved closer to their group.

 

Kettick: Gentlemen. Ensign Tanner.

 

Tanner/West/Rian: Response

 

Tholin turned, noting the man’s faintly insectoid features clearly the Remmilian lieutenant commander. He inclined his head in a polite greeting.

 

Kettick: Chief of Engineering Kettick, pleased to meet you all. And welcome to Denali Station. I hope you enjoyed your stay on the Ring so far.

 

Tanner/West/Rian: Response

 

Kettick nodded, taking a sip of his fruit juice.

 

Kettick: Quite. It would seem that you have joined us during interesting times, as you humans would say.

 

Tholin recognized that reference to the ongoing changes in command. He shifted his antennae with quiet curiosity.

 

ch’Clex: ::bowing his head slightly, keeping his tone formal:: Lieutenant Commander Kettick, sir. I only arrived recently, but I’ve found Denali Station quite welcoming. Ensign Tanner and the others have been very helpful in getting me acclimated.

 

Tanner/West/Rian/Kettick/any: Response

 

Tholin offered a polite smile to match the respectful dip of his head, reflecting his gratitude for the warm reception he’d received so far.

 

TAG, TBC

 

--
Ensign  Tholin ch'Clex
Tactical Officer
Denali Station
D240112TC4