[sb118-ops] Ensign Ray Sutter - In for a Penny
rce597
((Akoram Memorial Hall, Bajor))
Ray sat down at a nearby table with Anie as Alora returned with a plate full of food and some water. He wondered why Alora did not have wine. Maybe she was waiting until after she ate, or maybe she did not like wine. If it was the former, Ray could relate. He was not much of a wine person. He preferred beer, but regardless of the alcoholic beverage of choice, Ray did not like drinking it with food. For some reason, he always associated drinking alcohol with socializing before or after a meal, never during.
As Alora took her seat, Ray addressed Anie.
Sutter: So, Lieutenant Sherlock, how long have you served on Starbase 118?
Sherlock: Let's see, I believe it was about six months ago that I transferred.
DeVeau: Has it really been that long?
Sherlock: Yup, it still feels like I'm settling in.
Sutter: Well, if you’re still settling in after a transfer ::slightly leaning into it::, then I have my work cut out for me being both a new academy graduate and new to the posting. ::smiling:: Things have moved so quickly since my graduation that it feels like my feet have yet to meet the ground.
And it was true. Since graduating, things have felt non-stop even if they have been very exciting.
Any: ?
DeVeau: Time flies. Speaking of time, how did you spend yours while on Bajor?
Ray watched Alora take another bite of her food, and his stomach began growling at him. Yeah, it was time to get some food, but he did not want to interrupt.
Sherlock: We went to a market, drank some springwine. I ::beat:: bought a dress.
DeVeau: Oh really? It’s a shame this called for dress whites. Perhaps you can show it off at another event. You know, I feel really weird being the only one eating.
DeVeau: Why don’t you two get something and join me? I’m sure the marble’s not *that* dangerous. Besides, don’t you want to know what the prize is? Just watch out for the reporters. They might ambush you.
Sherlock: Agreed. ::turning to Sutter:: Ensign, join me.
Finally!
Sutter: You don’t have to ask me twice ::standing with gusto::
The two made their way to the nearest table of food. Ray picked up a plate and evaluated the spread before him, unsure what to get. As he was thinking, Sherlock spoke up.
Sherlock: So, Ensign Sutter, this being your first formal event after graduating, you must be pretty nervous?
Sutter: Why would I be nervous, Lieutenant?
Sherlock: What with having to give a toast and all.
As Ray was reaching for a roll, he froze.
Sutter: Uh, toast? ::giving Aine a side glance::
Sherlock: It's expected that Ensigns, at their first formal event after getting posted, give a toast to their Commanding Officer.
Sutter: ::a look of disbelief on his face:: you can’t be serious.
Sherlock: ::nodding seriously:: It's a big deal. I remember mine. We were on Vulcan after a particularly tough mission, at a dinner at an Ambassador's house no less. My Captain was actually out with a medical issue so I wasn't sure what I was going to say. Luckily, they made a last second appearance, ended up not being quite so awkward...aside from the public speaking part anyways.
Crap! He didn’t know anything about this, and so he had nothing prepared. Of course, the Lieutenant could be messing with him. After all, hazing ensigns fresh out of the academy was not unheard of. He needed to be smart here.
Sutter: Hmm.. Well, I didn’t know anything about a toast, but I’m sure I can come up with something ::playing it cool. oOI can’t let Aine see me sweat.Oo
Even with that thought, his body temperature just shot up ten degrees as he finished making his plate and grabbing a glass of water. He had to think of something and fast.
Sherlock: Well, I'm sure you'll come up with something to say. It's better to get it done early too.
Ray and Aine returned to their seats, and as Ray’s mind was racing, Aine grabbed a glass and fork and mimicked tapping the glass with the fork while staring into Ray’s soul.
Ray could not be sure if Aine was serious, but if she was messing with him, she was good. He would have to watch out for her.
Hiding his uncertainty, he smiled at Aine and took a drink of water. He wasn’t going to give her the satisfaction of tapping his glass. No, if was going to embarrass himself, he was going to do it right.
Sutter: ::wiping his mouth with his napkin, Ray stood, looking at both Aine and Alora:: If you’ll excuse me. ::leaving the table taking an empty wine glass with him::
DeVeau / Sherlock: ?
Sutter: ::making his way through the maze of tables and avoiding bumping into people as they ate, Ray grabbed an open bottle of wine from a table on the edge of the open area::
Sutter: Thanks! ::not bothering to see who he had just stolen wine from::
Sutter: ::He entered the center of the hall and stepped up to the lectern holding his stolen bottle of wine in one hand and his glass in the other.:: May I have everyone’s attention please! ::projecting his voice over the clatter of cutlery and conversation::
The chatter died down, and all eyes looked his way. Well, it’s now or never, Ray.
Sutter: ::filling the glass as he spoke:: My name is Ensign Ray Sutter, and it has come to my attention that ALL ensigns new to a post must toast their Commanding Officer at their first formal event. ::he found Aine and looked her dead in the eye:: Now, one might think ::setting the wine bottle on the ground:: this is a bit of hazing, taking advantage of a fresh eager ensign willing to do anything to prove themselves. But, regardless of that, and now that I have your attention ::smiling::, I’ll give my toast.
Ray scanned the room until his gaze fell on Commodore Taybrim. The Betazoid stared directly at Ray, his face emotionless. If this didn’t end Ray’s career, he was in for one hell of a dressing down.
Sutter: ::holding his glass high:: It is both my honor and my privilege to serve under your command, Sir. May I only prove myself worthy of your respect. To the Commodore. May you lead with your heart, your faith, your wisdom, and the knowledge that we will gladly follow wherever you take us. ::Ray lowered his glass, took a drink, smiled and returned to his seat::
Sutter: ::to Aine, grinning:: There’s your toast.
DeVeau / Sherlock: ?
Any: ?
tags/TBC
--
Ensign Ray Sutter
Science Officer
StarBase 118 Ops
O239908RS4