Seafood Nachos Cure All

Posted on Fri Mar 11th, 2022 @ 3:11pm by Lieutenant Commander Diane Doctrine & Lieutenant Sky Jansen-Carey

Mission: Free write
Location: Quarters
Timeline: Prior to dinner

{ON}

Sky was glad to be home, her home with Talsi and Xavier that was. She had indeed conceived Talsi’s child but being a full blood child of Talsi’s race the pregnancy hadn’t gone well. Sky had lost her child and was now recuperating where she felt most at ease.

As one of the senior officers on the ship, Diane felt it was her duty to check on crew members that may be having a tough time. She wasn't trained as a counselor but if anyone needed someone to talk to, she'd be there. She approached the door to Sky's quarters and rang the chime.

Looking towards the door Sky called the visitor to enter. She offered a warm smile as Diane walked in the door. “Commander, please come in and make yourself at home.”

"Thanks." Diane walked in and looked around. She didn't know exactly what to say and decided to just do what she usually did. Just rip the band-aid off and get to it. "I um... heard about what happened. I'm sorry."

Sky motioned Diane to take a seat. “Thank you Commander. To be honest I was warned that my pregnancy might not carry to term. The baby was Talsi’s and as much as I would have loved to give Talsi and Xavier a child it obviously wasn’t meant to be.”

Diane took a seat on the end of the couch. "Be that as it may," she said quietly, "Anyone who knows what's transpired will sympathize. I just dropped by to see how you were doing. Is there anything I can do for you?"

Sky paused. “I err... I’m not sure. I keep trying to convince myself that maybe it wasn’t meant to be, but at the same time I wanted, and still want, to give Talsi and Xavier a child. What if I can’t do that? What if it’s me?”

Diane, being the type of person who relies on facts and evidence, tried to give an earnest answer, "Let's take a look at a couple of things. Talsi's biology is very different than Xavier's. I have a feeling they'll need to consult a genetic counselor for a conception that will include both of their DNA. That has nothing to do with who is carrying their child. I don't believe it's you at all."

Sky nodded. “I feel like it’s me! Like it’s my fault!” She paused. Up until now she’d kept her feelings to herself.

Diane had an inkling of what it was like to feel blame for something that was not her fault. It had taken her a long time to get over it. "I'm not a counselor or anything close but, believe it or not, I know a little of how that feels. I know, kind of, why you feel like it's your fault, but it's really not your fault. It took me a while to realize what happened really wasn't caused by me. Absolving yourself of blame is hard thing to do, but it can be done."

Sky nodded and offered a smile. “I am the Chief Counsellor and you know what they say about medical personnel being the worst patients!” She paused. “Thank you for trying to help, I do appreciate it. I guess it’s just going to take me some time.”

"Of course it will," Diane replied tenderly, "In the meantime, if you need anything, or just someone to listen, let me know."

Sky nodded. “I appreciate that you’ve come to visit me. I’m a bad host, can I get you anything?”

Diane thought about that a moment, "I could use a drink... not that I'm promoting alcohol to solve problems but... I could use a serious drink. How about you?"

Sky nodded. “I could do with a stiff drink” she moved to get up. “There’s some Saurian brandy stored away in the kitchen. It’s part of Xavier's private stash!” She grinned. “I’ll get us a glass each.”

Diane allowed a slightly mischievous smile to cross her lips, "I don't think he'll mind. Should we replicate a snack to go with it? Are you hungry?"

Sky nodded. “Would you grab us a snack while I get the drinks please?” Heading to where Xavier’s brandy was kept she put out two glasses and brought those and the bottle to the coffee table. Once she was sat down again she poured out two drinks.

Diane went to the replicator and thought a moment. "Seafood nachos with queso, recipe number sixty-seven," she requested confidently. A large platter materialized with nachos chips topped with queso, shrimp, crabmeat, scallops, with some jalepeno peppers on only half. Diane wasn't sure if Sky would like jalepenos.

“Seafood? I love seafood!” Sky grinned. “Reminds me of times on holiday, visiting the beach in the sun!”

"I'm glad I made the right choice then," Diane set the platter down on the table. "Wasn't sure if you liked the hot peppers or not so they're only on half."

Sky shook her head. “Peppers are not really a favourite, I can stomach them in small quantities if I have to. Thank you for only putting them on half.”

"Hey, no problem," Diane answered waving her hand. She tried the brandy. "This is good, any idea what year it's from?"

“Erm... no clue!” Sky grinned. “Have a look at the bottle it might say. Just don’t be surprised if I get tipsy! I’ve never had this before.” She sipped her drink stifling a cough with another sip. “Wow! That’s good stuff!”

Diane grinned, "Just take it easy, this stuff'll sneak up on you." She took a generous sip of her own and grabbed nacho full of cheese and shrimp. "I haven't had a chance to get to know many people on this ship yet. How long have you been here?"

“Not that long actually, a few weeks I’m actually the new Counsellor onboard.” Sky smiled. “I haven’t met everyone yet but I’m getting there slowly but surely.”

"I've only interacted with the people who were on the away teams to Mentar," Diane answered, "I haven't even had time to get my onboarding physical."

“That was my first mission aboard the ship.” Sky grinned. “Looks like we’re two newbies together.”

"Mine too, cheers!" Diane offered a toast.

“Cheers!” Sky grinned and sipped her drink trying to slow down on the alcohol intake.

"Where have you been before serving here?" Diane asked. She had read most of the crews files since coming aboard, but it was nice to hear personal histories told by the people that lived it.

“Well after the Academy I spent a year aboard the USS Pegasus, followed by a year aboard the USS Washington. After that I was assigned to the USS Palatine before moving to the USS Wildcat. I’ve gotten used to being aboard ships as I’m sure you can tell.”

"I see," Diane hated to admit she was a bit envious, "I've not spent a whole lot of time in the field. Most of my career was on Jupiter Station until getting sent here. I do see the appeal of not serving in a stationary setting."

Sky smiled “I’ve never had the chance to serve aboard a station, so I guess that kind of makes us even.”

Diane blinked at that while chewing up a nacho, "Hmm ... okay, I guess that makes sense," She answered after swallowing. "I'm finding I like the moving around. It took a bit to get used to the stars always zipping by the window." Then suddenly she asked, "Is there anything to do in the way of entertainment besides running holodeck programs?"

"To be honest, I haven't found that one out yet. There is the crew lounge where people gather in their off hours."

"I've heard some ships have karaoke nights, dart board leagues, poker tournaments, and other things," Diane thought out loud, "It's something we might look into."

Sky nodded. “That’s a ... very good idea.” She paused. “Sorry ... I think the err ... alcohol just kicked in!”

Diane chuckled warmly. The alcohol hadn't started affecting her yet, "Alcohol or not, it's a good idea... it would definitely help out crew morale."

“Uh huh” Sky nodded as she slouched her seat and grinned. “Could be err ... a great idea! Maybe more of this stuff should be ... made available too!”

"Maybe even something as simple as a movie night," Diane posited ignoring the apparently drunk Sky. "Toby would like that a lot," she said quietly.

Sky looked at her glass before putting it down. "Whoa, I seriously need to take a hypo. This stuff goes straight to your head."

"Is there a need for that? Really?" Diane asked. She hadn't finished her first drink yet. "The ship is docked. We're not going anywhere."

"I guess but hangover's are seriously no fun!" Sky grinned.

Diane blew a sigh out her lips, "Yeah, can't argue with that. I'm almost ashamed to admit I've had my fair share... and they suck."

Sky grinned. "I've only gotten drunk a couple of times before, I'm normally pretty reserved."

"I used to drink more... after Rick died... but I gradually learned to deal with the grief... and eventually stopped," Diane explained while wondering to herself why her private thoughts were coming out her mouth. No, she knew. She just didn't want to admit it now.

Sky nodded seemingly less drunk now her head had cleared a little. “I can understand that, there are times I think about what we lost and I ...” She shook her head. “It’s going to take time to come to terms but I’ll get there.”

"I'm sure you will," Diane smiled at her.

Sky blushed, she wasn’t usually so open with her own feelings. “Thank you for cheering me up.”

"Not a problem, I know you'd do the same for me," Diane drained her glass and picked up another cheese laden nacho. "It seems like we're all somewhat new to this ship. It's nice that we're started to gel together as a crew."

Sky nodded. "It is indeed. I'm not sure what the crew will make of my relationship with Xavier and Talsi though, being the third partner in a relationship is unusual to some races, though not all."

Diane shrugged, "If they don't like it, they'll just have to deal with it. Only primitive cultures have hang-ups about other cultures' relationships."

Sky smiled. "I knew I liked you the first time I set eyes on you. Thank you for that."

Diane nodded a 'you're welcome'. "I'm just being honest," she shrugged.

"I know but I appreciate it nonetheless" Sky grinned. "Now how's about we finish off this food?"

"I think we'll need something to wash it down with ..."