LtCmdr Kettick: Oh, they have real industrial solvents?

[Darwin Awkward]

((Federation Headquarters Ballroom, Bolarus IX))

Braya: Whadda’ ya’ make o’ that new one?

The Acamarian woman tipped her glass in the direction of their newly-appointed diplomat before drinking from it again.

Letek: Hard to say. I haven’t heard much about her yet. But given our luck, it might not be a bad idea to have a diplomat on board.

That was a sentiment Kettick could only agree on.

Kettick: Quite. I suspect that between us, the new addition to our crew would have to pull double duty. I only wish we had a diplomat onboard before that whole Alomian mess.

Braya: Or just anyone with one ounce o’ -

She stopped abruptly, and masked what sounded like a near-slip of the undiplomatic sort with another pull of her drink.

Letek: In any case, it can't hurt to have someone with diplomatic skills on board.

The Remmilian shrugged.

Kettick: No offence meant to the Envoy, but I would rather we have a new Chief of Security first.

Braya: :: With a wince :: I ain’t ‘eard who’s takin’ ‘is place. ch’Clex, maybe.

One of the waiters came over and brought Braya another glass of the strong liquor. The Chief Engineer cocked his head sideways pensively, without commenting.

Kettick: Possible. Security would either be folded into a joint Sec/Tac department, or an integrated Ops department under myself. We were discussing cross-department collaboration with mister Williams just before he transferred, ironically enough.

Before the discussion could continue, Letek decided to interrupt his shore leave and don his doctor hat for a minute.  

Letek: I get the impression that you’re not drinking for the pleasure of it, but rather for the effect. Maybe... we should take it a little easier until dinner?

The insectoid eyed the Lieutenant's glass with puzzled suspicion.

Braya : Response?

Elor raised his hands in a dismissive gesture.

Letek: I didn’t mean that as an attack, Braya. You’re my friend, and I don’t want you to get yourself into trouble. We can totally get drunk together before the next mission, but this isn’t the best time for it.

Kettick: ... I thought that they only served synthethol?

Braya / Letek: Response?

Kettick: Have you ever considered a posting as quartermaster? Your ability to procure restricted substances in an unfamiliar environment is astonishing.

The Remmillian was perfectly sincere, although his usual monotone would have been perfectly  suited to deadpan sarcasm.

Braya / Letek: Response? 

Kettick: I wouldn't know. But in this case, I agree with the doctor's assessment. I seem to recall a similar situation during a past Awards ceremony, and I believe you do not deserve the flak that would result. 

Braya / Letek: Response? 

Kettick: :: Cocking his head sideways :: My one and only foray with psychoactive substances did not leave me much in term of good memories... or memories, period. :: And sadly, the videos had been erased by a freak EMP spike. Really tragic and unexplainable. :: What's the appeal, if you do not mind me asking?

Tags/TBC

--

Lieutenant-Commander Kettick

Chief of Engineering

USS Eagle-A

G239107LR0

Your Engineering department kindly reminds you that you are supposed to read the flakking manual.