Ensign Alok Munshi - The Tragic End of The Froth Fraud
Alok Munshi
((Short Timeskip))
((Promenade - StarBase 118))
It took them a while to find a way out of the sub-sector without causing unwanted attention – Alok walked slightly behind the Commander, his internal diagnostics running a quiet post-mission sweep of his own cognitive functions. The transition from the oppressive, ozone-thick hum of Deck 402 back to the pristine, bustling environment of the Promenade felt like a sudden system reset. He mentally filed the entire operation under a new, highly specialized sub-directory: Anomalous Infrastructure Applications - Domestic Brewing.
When they stepped back into broad daylight, it felt like waking from a dream. Ross blinked, shielding his eyes from the artificial sun as he turned around towards Alok.
Ross: Well... I'm sure we both expected something else.
Alok adjusted his collar, his AR HID lenses auto-calibrating to the station's ambient lighting as he looked at the senior officer. He felt a faint, dry twitch of amusement at the sheer anti-climactic nature of their twelve-month investigation.
Munshi: Indeed, Commander. I spent the last three transit cycles calculating probabilities for plasma-conduit weaponization and syndicate smuggling nodes. 'Artisanal espresso enhancement' was notably absent from my predictive models.
Ross offered a grim, weary smile, the lingering tension of the stakeout finally dissolving into the bright air of the upper decks.
Ross: But when you think about it, it's actually my preferred version over some terrorist organisation lurking around in our sub sector.
Munshi: Statistically speaking, an unauthorized barista utilizing secondary waste-heat is a far lower security risk than a rogue faction blowing out the sector's main breakers. Though, by station regulations, his thermal dissipation routing is still technically a felony. I suppose we are letting the universe off with a warning today.
He smiled at Alok.
Ross: Either way, you did a great job, Ensign. It's good to know I can count on your work. ::beat:: I'm sure it's not the last time I'll call you in. Maybe next time it would be for a crime that was actually relevant.
Alok felt a warm, quiet spike of validation at the Commander's words. Working with Ross in the shadows had proven that his obsessive data-crunching and spatial mapping weren't just background noise—they were tools that actually mattered. He offered a crisp, respectful nod.
Munshi: Whenever the station's variables require a targeted debug, Commander, my PADD is synchronized and ready. Though I do request that our next clandestine operation involves something with slightly higher threat metrics than a single-origin roast.
Ross shrugged and nodded towards the coffee shop.
Ross: Guess I'll grab an iced latte, served freshly from our manifold's secondary waste-heat. Care to join?
Munshi: ::Alok looked toward the bustling café storefront, a subtle, sharp grin breaking across his face as he fell into step beside the Commander.:: Only if we can verify that the milk is properly frothed, Commander. After all, if we are going to compromise the station's structural integrity for morning refreshments, we might as well ensure the quality control meets engineering standards.
End of Scene.
(( OOC: Awesome sim indeed! Can’t wait for a “Ross and Munshi Returns”!😅😂 ))
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Ensign Alok Munshi
Engineering Officer
StarBase 118 Ops
A240204AM1