Vulcan Drink?

Posted on Sun Apr 9th, 2023 @ 10:15pm by Captain Xavier Carey & Commander Antonia 'Tony" Stoffels

Mission: Starship Side Quest
Location: Bar
Timeline: Backpost

Xavier sat in his quarters going over a few things, mainly the fact that his XO had been reassigned. Although it in the end was the right call... officially. It didn't make him feel any better. This was one of those decisions that his former CO had told him would come. Making tough calls. It had been a while since they had talked, so he tapped the combadge.

"Commander Stoffels, please meet me in the bar." He replied as he tapped his combadge. Being onduty, was probably not the best meet up. So he figured somewhere where they could relax, hopefully.

Tony tensed when she finally heard from the captain. She was still not back on duty but met almost daily with Sky to work on her mental health issues,working through the grief and what had happened to her and the doctor saw her almost daily as well to make sure she was not doing worse. It was no fun walking with a ticking time bomb in your body. Tony still felt very tired with everything she did, but she was getting used to it and her mind was clear now.

In her civvies she walked to the bar to meet the captain. He had not come to visit her in sickbay or at her quarters when she was recovering and she did not take that to be a good sign. "You wanted to see me, sir?" She said flatly.

"Sit down Commander," Xavier replied using rank, hoping it would remind her that she still was a Commander.

Tony sat down, she had no idea what to expect. If this were the ax would fall for good.

"Ive received a visit from your several people regarding my reassigning your duties." Xavier replied as he leaned back. "Not everyone is thrilled that I did what I felt was necessary at the time."

"You basically fired me Xavier without giving me a chance." Her voice was still very flat.

"I reassigned you, now after the doc found poison in your system, which could be the culprit of your behavior. Along with your family situation. It is clear that you were not of right mind. Which brings me to the conclusion that it is beyond your control. You have people here that know you. Know that this was out of the ordinary, even those who are new to you have noticed something odd." He gave a reassuring smile. "You are still the first officer, however we do need to figure out how exactly this is happening, and by who."

She was still uncertain. "It hurt me the way you did it, sir. I was doing the right thing taking a step back when I felt I could not give my best and you questioned that."

"Perhaps the delivery wasn't how it should have been. This as you know is my first command, and I never thought I would have to do it in the first place to anyone, Let alone to the one person who is responsible for me getting this far in the first place."

"It was not what I intended either." She snapped, then sighed. "Sorry, I am not completely back to normal."

"There is no need for an apology Tony. We will get to the bottom of this." He assured her. "If you would like I can assign some bridge duties for you. Kind of ease you back into it while we figure this out."

She nodded. "If the doc is ok with it. And |I really need to find out what is happening on earth with the rest of my family."

"Then, I think that should be your top priority, your job will be here when you are back to full health."

"Good evening Commander," The Vulcan came up. "Will you be having your usual drink?" He asked as he brought the glass over.

"Yes please." Tony said. She liked the vulcan bartender, he seemed so much more relaxed than other vulcans and had made a point of getting to know her habits.

"Usual?" Xavier replied as he raised an eyebrow. "How come I don't have a usual."

"I apologize Captain, your first officer is here every night. You are only here sporadically."

"No alcohol." Tony assured him. "But he has been so helpful in my recovery. He mixes a special drink for me and it tastes heavenly. You should have him make something for you as well. Now that I sometimes don't have the energy to come he even brings it to my quarters. Such dedication."

Xavier paused, looked at her drink. "Don't drink that Commander." He replied reaching over.

The vulcan raised an eyebrow. "Is there an issue Captain?"

Tony gave the captain a curious look.

"Just things we need to work out. Commander." He brought the drink over. "I will have Doc RJ look over this drink... see if there is something... we are going over everything that the commander here has consumed."

The Vulcan nodded, "A wise decision. Now if you will excuse me."

"You don't think he..." Tony started. "Nah, I don't believe it."

"Anything is possible." Xavier replied as he placed the drink to the side