Ensign Arlo Zara - How to bribe the Medical Department

[Arlo Zara]

((The I’vish Gallery, Shi’Kahr District, Starbase 118))

Wethern: Ah sounds like you have been UP to a few things. Oh look who it is?

Arlo had chosen a bad time to go in for a sip of soup. At the doctor’s intimation, they reacted half with shock and half with laughter. They managed not to lose any soup in the process, but it was a near thing, necessitating bringing a hand up to cover their mouth as they chuckled silently.

Kel: ::teasing lightly:: Careful, Zara, we’ve only just arrived. Would hate to see you go out in a blaze of broth before the ceremony even begins.

Arlo muffled a laugh behind their hand, setting the soup aside with exaggerated care.

Ryden stepped in closer, clasping Wethern briefly on the shoulder before settling into the small circle they’d made.

Kel: So... projects, snacks, and near-death experiences with soup? Sounds like I picked the right table.

Arlo: ::recovering:: Ah, yes sir. I met the other ensigns as well. We’ve, uh, started working on a project together.

Covert skills were not something on Arlo’s resume. They knew, of course, that Doctor Wethern was aware of the shenanigans the ensigns were up to, he had been the one to let them know about the list, but Arlo still made an attempt to maintain the appearance of discretion (ineffective though it may be).

Ryden: ::clearly play coy... clearly involved:: Already conspiring, are you? I like it. That’s how the best things around here get started.

Despite attempting to look innocent, a small smile crept on Arlo’s face as they changed the subject.

Arlo: Anything look particularly good to you from the snacks?

Kel: ::pointing:: Those. I don’t care what ceremony or quadrant we’re in, if someone brings cannoli, that’s where you’ll find me.

Arlo: Ah yeah, I tried that while I was on Earth, is it a favorite of yours?

Arlo noted that down mentally, hoping they would remember to transfer it to a paper note at some point lest it be forgotten. It was always good to know what snacks to bribe someone with, especially someone on the medical team.

Kel: Favorite? That’s too small a word. They’re a survival strategy. Long day in on duty? Cannoli. Mission gone sideways? Cannoli. End of mission celebration? …well, you get the idea.

Despite Kel’s adamant praise, Doctor Wethern went for a salty snack over the cannoli.

Wethern: Oh no too sweet for me. I think I'll stick to the savoury.

Arlo: My go-to for relaxation is usually iced deka tea, but after that endorsement I’ll have to try cannoli again.

Kel:: Trust me, it works better than coffee. Well… almost.

Corey looked in mock disdain. 

Wethern: Nothing is better than coffee. If I ever hear anything to the contrary you'll find yourself on a rotation of Klingon physicals. 

Corey smiled at the end to indicate he was kidding. 

Arlo: ::Arlo laughs:: Wow, I didn’t realize things in the medical department were so high-stakes. Next time I have a checkup maybe I’ll bring in cannoli and coffee, just to be safe.

Kel: That’s why you make friends in sickbay first. ::glancing at Corey:: Preventative diplomacy.

Wethern: Yeah I've learned don't any anyone that can patch you up, feed you or transport you somewhere. 

Arlo: Hmm, well given that we live in space, engineering is at least partially responsible for all three of those. ::Arlo smiles with joking confidence::

Kel:?

Wethern laughed.

Wethern: Sounds like you'll go far if you keep that mindset. 

Arlo: ::Arlo laughs:: Appreciated. And let me know if your replicator ever acts up. I made a lot of friends in the academy by fixing up dorm replicators before maintenance could get there.

Kel: ?

The room started to stir a bit, and Arlo followed people’s gaze to one side of the room where a small stage was set up.

Wethern: Ooo looks like something is happening time to stock up and find some seats. 

The Doctor started to gather snacks onto what was probably a plate before looking at Arlo and Kel.

Wethern: Trust me you'll want snacks. 

Arlo: Aye, Lieutenant, don’t need to tell me twice!

Kel: ?

((OOC - See you in the main scene!))

~~~

Ensign Arlo Zara

Engineering Officer

StarBase 118 Ops

O240208AZ2