Meeting the new bar keep

Posted on Tue Oct 31st, 2023 @ 12:25pm by Captain Lukas Fredricks & Keira McLachlan

1,535 words; about a 8 minute read

Mission: Mission 1: To Catch a Thief
Location: Ship's lounge
Timeline: MD2 -1930 Hours

After another quite day on board the Britannic, Lukas thought he'd inspect the ship's newly refitted lounge area. He had heard good things about it from various members of the crew so had decided to see what the fuss was about.

Fredricks was well known for mainly being a recluse during his off hours, generally preferring the comfort of his quarters with a good book and some soft jazz playing in the background.

The crew that had served under him for a while came to respect this and didn't see it as a problem as the Captain always has a door open policy to anyone on board the ship.

The doors to the lounge slid open as Lukas approached revealing a softly lit area with various of tables, chairs or sofas dotted around with several crewmembers enjoying their off hours. This made Lukas smile as he approached the bar area and perched on a bar stool.

So far, Keira's new job was going well for her. She'd surprised Faith by turning up on Britannic unannounced, reuniting the two sisters for the first time in years. They had a lot to catch up on. As Keira finished serving another customer, another approached the bar. It was always the way. It was a bar. Keira didn't recognise the man, initially. She approached Lukas to take his order. "What can I get you?" she asked, with a smile.

Lukas considered what the bar tender said as he looked at the various different bottles of sprites on the display. "What have you got that's interesting?"

Keira thought for a moment, then she looked at Lukas. Yes, he looked like he'd enjoy this particular beverage. She raised her right index finger. "Yes, I know just the thing." she said. After Keira had found what she was looking for, she poured a sample glass for Lukas to try.

"See what you think."

Lukas picked up the glass and took a sniff. The aroma was strong and warm. It instantly took him back to his childhood when vacationing in a log cabin and the only heat was the log burning fire. He then took a sip. Again the warmth filled his mouth, it was a nice warming sensation and then bang the alcohol hit the back of his throat as he swallowed. It felt like lava was running down his oesophagus.

His eyes went blood shot as well as filled with water. It took a few moments for the sensation to pass. He puffed a few times. "What...was...that?" He asked slowly, his voice was hoarse.

Keira picked up the bottle, examined the label, then showed it to Lukas. This was her Dad's favourite tipple, so Keira kept some in stock. Not that he was likely to visit Britannic. Maybe somebody else will like it, she thought. "It's a home brew whisky. Made by a friend of mine, actually." she said, pouring herself a shot glass, tapping it on Lukas' glass.

"Cheers." she said, before drinking it.

"Are you trying to get me drunk, miss..." Lukas asked but not knowing the barkeeps name.

"McLachlan. But, Keira's fine." she replied, putting the glass back down. It was good stuff, but she wouldn't drink it all the time. She preferred a nice rum. "Wouldn't dream of it. But if it's too strong for you, I'm sure I can find something else?" she suggested.

"A pleasure to meet you, Keira. I'm Captain Lukas Fredricks." He said with a smile. "No, the drink is fine once you get used to it but it does have a kick."

Ah. That was awkward. Had Keira known, she'd have been a little less informal. Only slightly. Still, at least she knew who she was talking to now. "Likewise, Captain." she replied, smiling. Keira was glad Lukas liked the drink. "Would you like the same again, or would you like to try something else?"

"Same again." Lukas smiled as he pushed his glass towards Keira. "And please call me Lukas."

First name terms with the Captain already? Wow. Keira would take that. She re-opened the bottle, poured Lukas', then her own. The measures were slightly larger this time.

"Lukas it is." replied Keira, sliding a second glass over. She didn't usually drink on the job. But, she made an exception this time. "Cheers." she said, raising her glass. Just high enough to still keep it away from prying eyes. This whisky was for special customers only.

"Cheers." Lukas said before raising the glass in the barkeeps direction then necked back the latest round. The warmth that went down his throat was more comfortable and actually quite relaxing. "So, how are you find things on Britannic? Have you done much bar work on starships before?" He asked as he placed the empty back on the bar.

Keira shook her head, downing hers in one. This was her first starship. Her last job was in a bar back home. She fancied a challenge, but also, she needed to be near Faith. To be there for her younger sister. She and Keira had both experienced loss in that damned war. "First job on a starship, but I like it." she began. It was quiet, so she poured another glass each.

"To be honest, I took this job to be there for my sister. We kinda need each other right now."

"Sister?" Fredricks asked a little confused. He couldn't remember another McLachlan onboard but there were plenty of new faces.

"Faith Hawkins." confirmed Keira. She'd married, whereas Faith hadn't. She hadn't been Keira Hawkins for several years. "McLachlan is my married name. My husband isn't with us any more, but I still love him. Our girls are McLachlan too, obviously." she continued, looking into her glass. "He was a good man, a great husband and an amazing Dad."

"Oh." Lukas replied now seeing the family resemblence before changing his tone to a more sombre one. "I'm sorry to hear that, was it recently?" He asked, wondering if it was related to the Dominion War.

"Yes. He was the Tactical Officer on USS Arundel. It's a wonder Faith got out alive, or anyone." said Keira, quietly. Pensively. As Paul, other people died, Faith battled to stop everyone else dying. "The Dominion threw everything they had at that tired old ship. Faith...all the other engineers. They stopped everyone else on that ship dying. They didn't let their ship die."

Keira didn't blame Faith for Paul's death. The Dominion killed him. Gravely wounded, he refused to abandon his post. He gave his last breath defending his ship. Faith being there meant he didn't die alone. "Being out here makes me feel closer to him."

Lukas nodded his understanding. "I lost my sister during the war. She was on the Belfast when she went down at the start of the war. I know what it's like to lose family. This mission to Chin'toka will be hard on the crew."

"I'm sorry to hear that, Lukas." said Keira. She knew this mission would be hard for a lot of Britannic's people. Faith hadn't said much, but Keira could tell it was uncomfortable for her sister. Deeply uncomfortable. "Maybe we could do something to lift some spirits. A get together, perhaps?" she suggested.

Fredricks considered what the bar keep said, it wasn't a bad idea. "What are you thinking?"

Calling it a party seemed a bit excessive. Definitely not a party. Calling it an ice breaker seemed more appropriate. Yes, that's what Keira was going to call it. "Maybe a buffet, some drinks. That sort of thing. Could call it an ice breaker I suppose." said Keira, putting her empty glass away. That was enough for now.

"One of the engineers wants to host a themed night. Ensign Baker, if I remember correctly. Maybe that, or something similar."

"I'm open to that. Anything to keep spirits and morale up during a difficult time." Lukas said nodding.

"Sounds good." Keira made a mental note to speak to Willa next time she saw her. "Care for a top up, Lukas?" asked Keira, looking at the bottle of whisky on the counter.

The Captain put his hand over the top of the glass. "No, thank you. If I have many more it'll be embarrassing to have some of my crew carry me back to my quarters. I think ive found my new tipple."

"If I've got any more in stock, I'll bring a bottle up to your quarters when I get a chance." replied Keira, retrieving the empty glass. She put it under the counter with the bottle, which she'd put away properly later. "If not, I'll order some more and let you know when it arrives." she concluded, a smile on her face. Keira's mood had improved slightly. She had a get together to plan.


"Thank you." The Captain said with a smile. "I would very much appreciate that." He added before slowly removing himself from the bar stool. "It's been a pleasure to meet you, Keira." He said with a curt and polite nod.

Keira returned the nod. "Likewise, Lukas." she replied. "Any time you need to talk, just say the word. I'm here. Well, usually anyway."

 

RSS Feed