LtCmdr Connor Dewitt - Mr Kaplan

[Tim]

((Dewitt Residence, After the Ceremony))

Connor had shaken enough hands for one day. And although he thought it would not be possible in his world, he had even hugged enough people today. And then his mum had made him sit down with the guests that were only at the wedding because of his parents.

There were aunt Sylvia and Uncle Ralph, both well into their seventies, still acting like they were the most important part of every family gathering. As aunt Sylvia never seemed to have grasped the concept of boundaries, Connor had gone through a lot of cheek-pinching and long-winded, often incorrect, stories about family history. Uncle Ralph did his usual and entertained his table with tales about how shields were for cowards and back in his day, people were firing first and asking questions later.

Then there was Mrs. Henderson from the other side of the street. She had been Connor’s and Christine’s babysitter for quite some time. Instead of playing Starfleet holoprograms, she was convinced that children learn more from old Earth literature simulations. She even once had thrown out their self-made Starfleet badges since the kids should focus on a ‘real career’ instead of playing space Captain.

Henderson: So, do they all live on space ships, or do they have houses? ::gesturing around::

C.Dewitt: Part of the guests are from my crew, Mrs. Henderson. They currently live on a starship.

And then there was Mr. Kaplan, their next-door neighbour. When there was something existing in the world, Mr. Kaplan would sure find a way to complain about it. Whether they were playing in the front yard or they were just passing by on their bikes, Kaplan hated it. And despite living in a world full of technology that had eliminated poverty and disease, Kaplan hated it. He always said that pushing real buttons was better. Currently, he was at the end of the table, cornering one of his mums friends about Californian traffic laws, demanding to know why ground vehicles still have speed limits when “half of them don’t even touch the ground anymore.”

Connor took a deep breath when he decided to stand up again, knocking on the table to excuse himself. It was just too much. Thankfully, Nolen was with him.

Hobart: You’re not gonna vomit, are you?

C. Dewitt: I’ll make sure to do it at that table ::covertly pointing:: when it’s due.

Hobart: I’m not judging. I’m just saying, if you’re gonna vomit, just say I did it. I’m the XO, only person who can disagree is the Captain.

Connor chuckled, not quite sure if there was any time that his best friend did not judge.

C. Dewitt: I appreciate that… Can we keep that best man thing up past tonight? I come to cherish that… ::grinning, pointing towards bar:: Let’s get a drink.

The two men started walking and Connor was glad for every foot between him and the table of demons. He quickly checked for Ayemet, but was not able to find her when Nolen asked another question.

Hobart: Have you figured out how to answer the question, yet?

Didn’t he answer enough questions correctly today?

C. Dewitt: What question?

Hobart: “How does it feel?”

They fought their way through some mingling guests not yet sitting at their tables.

C. Dewitt: Ask me again in 50 years?

Hobart: Response

C.Dewitt: Well, she’s half El-Aurian. For all I know, she’s gonna dump me once I get old and wrinkly. You gonna have to be there for me then. ::chuckling::

The bar was not exactly a haven of peace, no part of the wedding really was. But at least it was away from them. Connor lead out a breath, rolling his shoulders back as he leaned against the counter.

Hobart: Response

C.Dewitt: More like a controlled evacuation…

Cain: Response

Connor smirked, and nodded to the bartender who provided two glasses of a local brew to Nolen and him before turning to the man he did not really know again. Some part in the back of his brain told him that he had seen him before talk to Mr. Kaplan. That poor soul. But somebody he did not know at this wedding could only mean a new face on the crew.

C.Dewitt: Is it that obvious?

Cain: Response

C.Dewitt: Well, for tonight there is no sir. It is Connor, Ensign…

Connor was looking for a name, but nothing came to mind and he put on an asking expression.

Cain/Hobart: Response

C.Dewitt: Right… So tell me, what’s worse, Starfleet Academy’s final exam or talking to my old neighbour, Mr. Kaplan, about his very strong opinion on 25th-century traffic laws?

Cain/Hobart: Response

TAG/TBC

LtCmdr Connor Dewitt
Chief Engineer & Second Officer
USS Khitomer
A239901CD3