4. Mike's Bar
May 19, 2020 20:53:28 GMT
Post by Admin on May 19, 2020 20:53:28 GMT
Posted May 19, 2020, 4:48 p.m. by Civilian Michael 'Big Mike' McKenzie (Bartender - Mike's Place) (James Sinclair)
Posted by Lieutenant Auleraine Brison (Engineering Officer) in Side Sim - Mike’s Place Bar - Arrival of the Man (Open to Anyone)
Posted by Civilian Michael ‘Big Mike’ McKenzie (Bartender - Mike’s Place) in Side Sim - Mike’s Place Bar - Arrival of the Man (Open to Anyone)
Posted by Lieutenant Auleraine Brison (Engineering Officer) in Side Sim - Mike’s Place Bar - Arrival of the Man (Open to Anyone)
Posted by Civilian Michael ‘Big Mike’ McKenzie (Bartender - Mike’s Place) in Side Sim - Mike’s Place Bar - Arrival of the Man (Open to Anyone)
The space was empty except for the basics: bar, stage, some assorted and not new furniture stacked to the sides,and more than a few crates. The man looking over it was obviously not Star Fleet. A large human man, he was dressed in faded bluejeans cuffed at the hems, old style combat boots dyed oxblood red, a studded black leather jacket with a tshirt underneath. His head was shaved, but he sported a thick black mustache and goatee.
When he boarded, he had been met personally by the Security Chief and the two exchanged a long hug. They then separated and the human came here. He stood in the silence of the space, hands in his jacket pockets, and just… looked.
Mike McKenzie
Aulerain moved towards the new bar, toolbox in hand. She’d come to enjoy the jaunts out of engineering. This time, a section of the ship had been outfitted for a bar and entertainment place. Lera was curious just what it was about. And askng the shift leader about going to lend a hand had done the trick.
Her brunette hair was neatly coiled at the base of her neck, and her uniform jumper was clean and presentable as she stepped into the club and let out a low whistle of appreciation. “Wow! Nice place you got here,” she said, looking at Mike and hoping she wasn’t putting her foot in her mouth on first impression again.
Lt Aulerain Brison
Engineer
Mike didn’t budge or turn, he just said “It will be. Need to get it fixed up first.” and then he turned and looked at her. “Mike.” and he extended his hand.
Mike, Bartender
“Lera… Auleraine, actually. But Lera is easier on the tongue.” She laughed took his hand. One thing she knew was how to shake hands. “A pleasure. So I’m from engineering and was sent up to see what you needed by way of specifics.”
Mike took her hand firmly and said “Easy. Sound system for an auditorium with a capacity of three hundred. CO2 lines from the chiller to the bar where the taps are set. Power outlet over on that wall, one reciprocal only, standard outlet. And…” and he walked over to one of the packing crates makes with a weird splatter of spray paint and slapped a hand on it, “… all if these stickers put up… eveywhere.”
It was odd. He asked for a specific sound system, but there was no way the space would hold half of that number of patrons. Maybe a third, if they were packed in like sardines…
Mike, Bartender
Lera looked as he pointed. Most of the items were reasonable. “Ummmm....” Except for one. “You DO realize you cannot fit 300 people in here at once. Right?” She glanced around the room. Then at the crate. “And you expect ‘me’ to put all those stickers up? Surely you aren’t serious.” She crossed her arms and cocked her hip out in indignation. Sure, she was the new person. But even that seemed a bit extreme.”
Lera
Engineer
Mike chuckled. “Lera, is it? Listen Lera. I am sure you are a badass engineer. But I am guessing you dont much about punk music. See, this is a punk rock club. A place where people can let loose; yell, scream, fight, fornicate, and feel free. My first rule in here: No rank. That’s the deal I struck with the Man when they asked if I’d put my club here on the ship. So… The system needs to be loud… like… really loud. I’ve experimented with all kinds of amplifiers, acoustic baffles, synth and reverb systems… nothing just generates raw volume. So yeah, I know I cant fit three hundred in people in here. But I damn sure will fit that much music.” and he laughed out loud.
“And as far as the stickers go, naw. That’s not nothing you need to do unless you just wanna add your own touch to the place. You can go with spray paint, if you’d rather. That’s in one of those other crates.”
Mike, Bartender
She couldn’t have been more shocked if he had stripped naked and sun thru the ship screaming her name. “I don’t know about… bad ass engineer,” she laughed. “But I will do my best. May have to add some acoustical reinforcement to handle the noise without the vibration becoming an issue to connecting spaces.” She was shaking her head, looking around.
“And ummm.... not sure I would even know what to do with the spray paint.” She laughed and moved to the wall. The outlet would be the easiest. There were plenty of panels that could support an external t junction. “What all do you need the outlet for? Need to know for rating and if we should perhaps break it up along the wall versus a single outlet.” She was looking around. This was the longest and barest expanse without a plug and it troubled her to think of his grandiose plans coming down to a single source of power.
Lera
Eng
He walked behind the bar and took off his jacket and tossed it on the bar. “Jukebox. You know what that is?” he asked as he started looking in cabinets and drawers.
Mike, Bartender
She turned and looked a him as she made a couple wall marks about 10 feet apart. “No idea…” she looked embarrassed and sheepish about her ignorance.
Lera
“No worries.” he said with a grin. “Most folks dont.” and he slammed his hands on the bar and vaulted over it with the ease of many years of practice. Walking over tot the jumble of crates, he found one that was upright. In doing the latched on the sides, he swung it open. Inside was a colorful glass and plastic machine. He slowly rolled it out and gestured for her to give him a hand. They rolled it over to where he said the power outlet should be. He stood up straight and said “Jukebox. Back in the day, these held records or CD’s. You press here..” and he showed her a row of buttons with letters and numbers, “… and enter the ID of the song you want and it gets played. The only modern touches I put in this is all the ‘pages’ you flip through are holographic, and of course the library is tied to the computer onboard.” He then snapped his fingers. “Almost forgot. This space will need to be flagged for moderate power draw. There will be all our normal systems plus the holographic projectors on the stage.”
Mike, Bartender
She was impressed by his counter leap, but probably because she would have done something similar, though certainly not as cleanly. The Engineering Chief was always mad at her slipping over railings instead of walking around and leaping from the half deck around the warp core instead of coming down the small lift.
She helped him roll the jukebox over and marked where he wanted it. “So each of those,” she pointed to the pages, “was a title to a song. So if it wasn’t in there, you couldn’t hear it? Seems very limited.” She laughed. “I guess it was more of a personal device, huh?”
At his mention of holographic projectors, she nodded. “That shouldn’t be a problem. This portion of the ship is well capable of dealing with the power fluctuations. As long as it’s not a bigger draw than any other single holodeck space. Do you want the holo walls in here as well? Or simply project on to what is here?” She was trying to imagine where his holo programs would run. And what they were.
Lera
Eng
Mike said “I like you and all, but I’ll be the one doing the gear for that.” Mike said. “And I’ll tell you what. You get that outlet ran and I’ll let you pick the first song to get played in here. Deal?”
Mike, Bartender
Lera laughed. “I like you and all, but I’m the engineer.” Removing the panel from the wall, she smiled. “But seriously, I’m sure you know what you want for this place,” she waved her hand to encompass the space, “but engineering, myself because apparently I’m the one helping you right now, needs to know what energy levels and facilities you desire to maintain.”
He walked over to her and dropped an actual piece of paper in her hand. “There you go. Power draw for every piece of equipment I’ll have in here. Shouldn’t be too much of an issue.”
She started working on an outlet as the talked, sitting cross legged in from of the junction panel. “And as for picking the song… I wouldn’t know the faintest thing about archaic tunes. Probably best if you recommend something.” Her laughter bounced off the walls and echoed in the empty space.
Lera
Engineer
“Well, I can do that. And if you are ever lost about a sing while you’re in here and I’m not around, as the massive green brick of a Security Chief you all have. He’ll more than likely be in here, and he knows more about it than I ever will.” and he laughed as he walked behind the bar again. <e>
She laughed as the paper fell in her lap. “Paper? Really? You couldn’t just dump it on a PaDD and upload it to me?” She folded it after a second of looking at it and leaned sideways to stick in her pocket. “Ok, I’ll look at it tonight and bring it back tomorrow.” She laughed and went back to her work.
At the mention of Mardusk, though, she went entirely too still for the comfort of most folks. “You and the Chief are friends, huh?” The words were curious but with an edge to them. She went back to working, but her back was a little stiff.
Mike laughed out loud. “So you’ve met him, have you?” and he laughed again. “Yeah… seen that reaction to his name more than once, doll. And yeah, we’re friends. In fact, he’s the closest thing to family I got.” and he grew slightly more serious. “But dont let that throw you. I still call him out when he’s being a jackass… which is not uncommon.” and he laughed again. “So what’d he do to get under your skin? And dont tell me to guess, hun. The list of ways he pisses people off is far too long…”
Mike, Bartender
She shook her head. “He’s not ‘under my skin’ as you so eloquently put it.” She snorted a half laugh. “If you guys are close, he told you about the arrogant crewman who came in slinging insults and questioning his chair? Perhaps angered him enough to slam his console almost in half?” She looked up at him to watch his reaction as he slowly put the pieces of her words together with whatever Mardusk had revealed about the encounter.
Lera
Eng
Mike picked up two glasses and set them on the bar. “C’mere. I’m gonna tell you a secret.” and he waited till she came over. He pulled a bottle up and poured two shots of whiskey.
“Gravel didn’t say anything to me about anybody. Well, not yet, anyways. But when he does, it’s usually only those that have made an impression on the boy.” and he cocked his head slightly to the side and looked at her as if seeing her clearly for the first time… and a grin spread across his face. He lifted the shot glass to his lips, but before drinking it said “Want me to let you know if he talks about you, doll?” His tone was clear, as was the smile on his face.
Mike - Bartender
Lera sighed and set her tools down before walking to the bar to accept the drink. When he mentioned he hadn’t heard anything, it kind of surprised her. To find out Mardusk only mentioned those who made an impression, she wasn’t sure whether to laugh or run to his office and make an impression he’d never forget.
She chose to merely shrug. “No big deal, honest. I’m guessing if I make an impression,” she paused a moment. “I guess I’ll hear of it, myself.” She took the shot in single gulp, then let out a short whoop before setting the glass down. “Mmmmm now that’s not synthahol. She laughed and licked her lips, one finger running over her lips as she watched him.
Lera
Eng
“Nope. Never in my place. And you didn’t answer my question. If he mentions you, want me to let you know?” and he poured one drink for himself. Looking at her empty glass, he said “You still have a plug to install, and it wouldn’t do for you to electrocute yourself while drunk at my bar, now would it?”
Mike, Bartender
Lera smiled. She felt the liquor. But she had tasted worse and been forced drunk. A shot, no matter how strong, wasn’t going to toss her. “I’m fine… I assure you.” She moved back towards the wall. “I suppose if it’s an interesting enough mention, I wouldn’t mind hearing it. But somehow I doubt I will ever pique his interest if I haven’t by now.” She laughed and shook her head before sitting cross legged before the wall again.
Lera
Eng
Mike downed another shot and looked intently at her back. He was quiet a moment, and then said “Oh ye of little faith.” and he put the glasses in the sink.
He walked around the bar and said “By all the gods in heaven, have you got that damn plug in yet? We need some music in this place!” and he went to the crate of stickers. Opening it up wide, he grabbed a handful and just started sticking them everywhere.
Mike, Bartender
That was the cue she had been looking for. Suddenly the box fired up and lit up like a Ferengi holosuite light announcing pleasure girls. She leaned back, the results shocking her, and she laughed. It was a high and nice sound. It didn’t screech like some women, and if he saw her cover her mouth at the outburst, he would she it wasn’t a normal thing for her. “BINGO! I think....” she shook her head and moved back.
Looking at him, her eyes shining. “I was kind of curious how patient you were. I’ve been ready for several minutes.” She shrugged as if that was apology enough for leaving him chomping at the bit.
Lera
Eng
He laughed and said “Yeah, you and me are gonna get along just fine, I think.” and he clapped her on the back. “Ok… first song. This is the christening, so we gotta get it right. This is where the soul of this place will come in. So is it happy? Angry? Sad? Rebellious? What?”
Mike, Bartender
She laughed and shrugged. “I don’t know… ummmmmm a retreat? I guess… so not angry… And definitely not sad or rebellious. Ummmm....” She walked around in a small circle a moment as she tried to imagine it with the designs he had showed her. “How about…” she turned to look at him with hopelessness on her face. “Ummmmm homey? I mean, I know it’s a hard word to make sound exciting. But it’s the place you feel comfortable. Everyone knows you, you don’t have to say anything to get your point, or your mood, across. Does that make sense?” She was laughing at herself and bit her lip. She sounded stupid to her own ears. “Just a place to let loose with no judgement, I guess.”
Lera
Eng
Mike nodded slowly and said “Yeah… yeah… HELL yeah. That’s flippin’ perfect. I got it.” and he looked at the jukebox and, as if from memory, tapped a code. Scant few seconds later music began and a voice started singing:
Hear ye, hear ye, friends and Romans, countrymen.
Hear ye, hear ye, punks and skins and journeymen
Hear ye, hear ye, my sisters and my brethren.
The time is coming near.
Mike, Bartender
She laughed as he all but jumped up and down. When the song began, and he turned it up. She shook her head and listened. Soon her head was nodding to the tune and she found herself almost dancing, slightly, towards the panel to begin her clean up. “It fits… I don’t have any clue who or what it is… but I think I like it.” She laughed and hummed with it, her voice sometimes managing to keep up with the refrain here and there. Her laughter as she messed up, ringing in the empty space.
Lera
Eng
“Frank Turner, early 21st century!” he almost yelled over the volume. When the song finished, he smiled at her and said “GREAT choice, chica. Spot on.” and he looked around the space and smiled. “Yeah… this is gonna rock.”
Mike, Bartender
She laughed as she finished picking up the tools and stood to go. “I can come back after shift and help put up stickers if you want me to. I don’t know if I can manage the whole box… but my suggestion, keep 25% for the crew to put up as they come to visit. Let it become a ship thing. Put most up, so the ambiance is here. But then let the rest of it happen how it happens.” She leaned on the bar and watched him move around the room. It was calming. To watch someone who didn’t know her, or her past, or care…
Lera
Eng
He looked at her and said “Solid plan. Maybe I’ll do half. There’s a crap ton of them anyway. But yeah… good idea. And you are welcome anytime, doll. You’re solid. I dig solid people. They are few and far between.” and he nodded. Just as he finished, he said “Oh hey! Can you help me with one thing? Damn thing is too heavy to move by myself.” and he went to another crate and popped it open. Inside was a single massive bar stool. “Three guesses who it’s for and the first two dont count.” he said with a laugh and started to try and slide it to far, short end of the bar where there was only space for three seats.
Mike, Bartender
“Easy, babe…” she laughed and went to help him. “You’re gonna end up in traction before your opening.” She helped him move the stool and she imagined Mardusk sitting there at the end, a drink in his hand. Watching her without her realizing it. How she ‘wouldn’t’ realize it, she had no idea. Her smile broadened and she suddenly laughed.
Lera
Eng
“What? You find the idea of me interaction funny?” he asked with mock indignation as the chair went into place. “Thanks. That dude is too big for my own good.” and he laughed. “But it never hurts having a battlecruiser on legs as a friend, let me tell ya.”
Mike, Bartender
“I’ll take your word for it.” She said and held her hand up at his concern. “No, you in traction is anything but funny. I was imaging him sitting here. Having a drink, and whoever he was looking at not being aware of it.” She shook her head. Seems like an impossibility, doesn’t it?” She leaned on the counter at looked at the space. It had potential and she could see herself in a dark corner having a drink on occasion.
Lera
Eng
He laughed and poured two shots. “If you think that is impossible, then the impossible happens with that guy a lot. S.O.B. can read people like nobody. Not just physical. Mental, too. Do not play poker with him. You’ll lose your ass. And he can sense how people are feeling… it’s weird. You know, I saw him sit in that very chair…” and he pointed to the stool, “… and drink all night. Guy came in, seemed happy and normal, ordered a beer. Gravel looks at the guy and says ‘Don’t do it. You’re worth not doing it.’ Just like that… outta the blue. Guy just looks at him and starts shaking and crying.” and he pounded the shot. “Reaches in his coat and pulls out the bottle of pills he was gonna wash down with the beer. Hands ‘em to Gravel and the two just talk the rest of the night.” and Mike shook his head and smiled. “Guy’s married now. Has a kid… named him after Gravel.” and he poured another shot. “I always tell him ‘Why? Jackass is a horrible name for a kid.’” and he laughed and pounded the shot back.
Mike
Lera laughed but a chill went down her spine. She’d have to be careful around Mardusk. If he was that good…
She took the offered shot and downed half. “Somehow I doubt he named the kid ‘Jackass’.” She laughed and looked at him a long moment. “I’ve met him… I’m the one she broke his console over.” She looked down and dragged her finger round the rim of the shot glass. “I went into Security, blabbing off my mouth. No idea what I was talking about and jumping to conclusions I had no right to.” She looked up and shrugged. “He slammed his hands down on the table.”
She shot the other half of the drink and tipped it up to tap it on the bar upside down. “So you see, Mike… I ‘have’ made an impression on him. The fact you haven’t heard of it means it was an insignificant impression.” She smiled and patted his hand. “No fears… I’ll still come drink. That,” she tapped the upturned bottom of her shot glass, “is worth it in spades.”
She moved from the bar and headed for her tool pouch.
Lera
Eng
Mike just said “I’ll hold ya too it, doll. See ya.” and he watched her grab her pouch and leave. As the doors closed behind her, he mumbled “Insignificant… right.” and he chuckled and grabbed more stickers.
Mike
Posted by Lieutenant Auleraine Brison (Engineering Officer) in Side Sim - Mike’s Place Bar - Arrival of the Man (Open to Anyone)
Posted by Civilian Michael ‘Big Mike’ McKenzie (Bartender - Mike’s Place) in Side Sim - Mike’s Place Bar - Arrival of the Man (Open to Anyone)
Posted by Lieutenant Auleraine Brison (Engineering Officer) in Side Sim - Mike’s Place Bar - Arrival of the Man (Open to Anyone)
Posted by Civilian Michael ‘Big Mike’ McKenzie (Bartender - Mike’s Place) in Side Sim - Mike’s Place Bar - Arrival of the Man (Open to Anyone)
The space was empty except for the basics: bar, stage, some assorted and not new furniture stacked to the sides,and more than a few crates. The man looking over it was obviously not Star Fleet. A large human man, he was dressed in faded bluejeans cuffed at the hems, old style combat boots dyed oxblood red, a studded black leather jacket with a tshirt underneath. His head was shaved, but he sported a thick black mustache and goatee.
When he boarded, he had been met personally by the Security Chief and the two exchanged a long hug. They then separated and the human came here. He stood in the silence of the space, hands in his jacket pockets, and just… looked.
Mike McKenzie
Aulerain moved towards the new bar, toolbox in hand. She’d come to enjoy the jaunts out of engineering. This time, a section of the ship had been outfitted for a bar and entertainment place. Lera was curious just what it was about. And askng the shift leader about going to lend a hand had done the trick.
Her brunette hair was neatly coiled at the base of her neck, and her uniform jumper was clean and presentable as she stepped into the club and let out a low whistle of appreciation. “Wow! Nice place you got here,” she said, looking at Mike and hoping she wasn’t putting her foot in her mouth on first impression again.
Lt Aulerain Brison
Engineer
Mike didn’t budge or turn, he just said “It will be. Need to get it fixed up first.” and then he turned and looked at her. “Mike.” and he extended his hand.
Mike, Bartender
“Lera… Auleraine, actually. But Lera is easier on the tongue.” She laughed took his hand. One thing she knew was how to shake hands. “A pleasure. So I’m from engineering and was sent up to see what you needed by way of specifics.”
Mike took her hand firmly and said “Easy. Sound system for an auditorium with a capacity of three hundred. CO2 lines from the chiller to the bar where the taps are set. Power outlet over on that wall, one reciprocal only, standard outlet. And…” and he walked over to one of the packing crates makes with a weird splatter of spray paint and slapped a hand on it, “… all if these stickers put up… eveywhere.”
It was odd. He asked for a specific sound system, but there was no way the space would hold half of that number of patrons. Maybe a third, if they were packed in like sardines…
Mike, Bartender
Lera looked as he pointed. Most of the items were reasonable. “Ummmm....” Except for one. “You DO realize you cannot fit 300 people in here at once. Right?” She glanced around the room. Then at the crate. “And you expect ‘me’ to put all those stickers up? Surely you aren’t serious.” She crossed her arms and cocked her hip out in indignation. Sure, she was the new person. But even that seemed a bit extreme.”
Lera
Engineer
Mike chuckled. “Lera, is it? Listen Lera. I am sure you are a badass engineer. But I am guessing you dont much about punk music. See, this is a punk rock club. A place where people can let loose; yell, scream, fight, fornicate, and feel free. My first rule in here: No rank. That’s the deal I struck with the Man when they asked if I’d put my club here on the ship. So… The system needs to be loud… like… really loud. I’ve experimented with all kinds of amplifiers, acoustic baffles, synth and reverb systems… nothing just generates raw volume. So yeah, I know I cant fit three hundred in people in here. But I damn sure will fit that much music.” and he laughed out loud.
“And as far as the stickers go, naw. That’s not nothing you need to do unless you just wanna add your own touch to the place. You can go with spray paint, if you’d rather. That’s in one of those other crates.”
Mike, Bartender
She couldn’t have been more shocked if he had stripped naked and sun thru the ship screaming her name. “I don’t know about… bad ass engineer,” she laughed. “But I will do my best. May have to add some acoustical reinforcement to handle the noise without the vibration becoming an issue to connecting spaces.” She was shaking her head, looking around.
“And ummm.... not sure I would even know what to do with the spray paint.” She laughed and moved to the wall. The outlet would be the easiest. There were plenty of panels that could support an external t junction. “What all do you need the outlet for? Need to know for rating and if we should perhaps break it up along the wall versus a single outlet.” She was looking around. This was the longest and barest expanse without a plug and it troubled her to think of his grandiose plans coming down to a single source of power.
Lera
Eng
He walked behind the bar and took off his jacket and tossed it on the bar. “Jukebox. You know what that is?” he asked as he started looking in cabinets and drawers.
Mike, Bartender
She turned and looked a him as she made a couple wall marks about 10 feet apart. “No idea…” she looked embarrassed and sheepish about her ignorance.
Lera
“No worries.” he said with a grin. “Most folks dont.” and he slammed his hands on the bar and vaulted over it with the ease of many years of practice. Walking over tot the jumble of crates, he found one that was upright. In doing the latched on the sides, he swung it open. Inside was a colorful glass and plastic machine. He slowly rolled it out and gestured for her to give him a hand. They rolled it over to where he said the power outlet should be. He stood up straight and said “Jukebox. Back in the day, these held records or CD’s. You press here..” and he showed her a row of buttons with letters and numbers, “… and enter the ID of the song you want and it gets played. The only modern touches I put in this is all the ‘pages’ you flip through are holographic, and of course the library is tied to the computer onboard.” He then snapped his fingers. “Almost forgot. This space will need to be flagged for moderate power draw. There will be all our normal systems plus the holographic projectors on the stage.”
Mike, Bartender
She was impressed by his counter leap, but probably because she would have done something similar, though certainly not as cleanly. The Engineering Chief was always mad at her slipping over railings instead of walking around and leaping from the half deck around the warp core instead of coming down the small lift.
She helped him roll the jukebox over and marked where he wanted it. “So each of those,” she pointed to the pages, “was a title to a song. So if it wasn’t in there, you couldn’t hear it? Seems very limited.” She laughed. “I guess it was more of a personal device, huh?”
At his mention of holographic projectors, she nodded. “That shouldn’t be a problem. This portion of the ship is well capable of dealing with the power fluctuations. As long as it’s not a bigger draw than any other single holodeck space. Do you want the holo walls in here as well? Or simply project on to what is here?” She was trying to imagine where his holo programs would run. And what they were.
Lera
Eng
Mike said “I like you and all, but I’ll be the one doing the gear for that.” Mike said. “And I’ll tell you what. You get that outlet ran and I’ll let you pick the first song to get played in here. Deal?”
Mike, Bartender
Lera laughed. “I like you and all, but I’m the engineer.” Removing the panel from the wall, she smiled. “But seriously, I’m sure you know what you want for this place,” she waved her hand to encompass the space, “but engineering, myself because apparently I’m the one helping you right now, needs to know what energy levels and facilities you desire to maintain.”
He walked over to her and dropped an actual piece of paper in her hand. “There you go. Power draw for every piece of equipment I’ll have in here. Shouldn’t be too much of an issue.”
She started working on an outlet as the talked, sitting cross legged in from of the junction panel. “And as for picking the song… I wouldn’t know the faintest thing about archaic tunes. Probably best if you recommend something.” Her laughter bounced off the walls and echoed in the empty space.
Lera
Engineer
“Well, I can do that. And if you are ever lost about a sing while you’re in here and I’m not around, as the massive green brick of a Security Chief you all have. He’ll more than likely be in here, and he knows more about it than I ever will.” and he laughed as he walked behind the bar again. <e>
She laughed as the paper fell in her lap. “Paper? Really? You couldn’t just dump it on a PaDD and upload it to me?” She folded it after a second of looking at it and leaned sideways to stick in her pocket. “Ok, I’ll look at it tonight and bring it back tomorrow.” She laughed and went back to her work.
At the mention of Mardusk, though, she went entirely too still for the comfort of most folks. “You and the Chief are friends, huh?” The words were curious but with an edge to them. She went back to working, but her back was a little stiff.
Mike laughed out loud. “So you’ve met him, have you?” and he laughed again. “Yeah… seen that reaction to his name more than once, doll. And yeah, we’re friends. In fact, he’s the closest thing to family I got.” and he grew slightly more serious. “But dont let that throw you. I still call him out when he’s being a jackass… which is not uncommon.” and he laughed again. “So what’d he do to get under your skin? And dont tell me to guess, hun. The list of ways he pisses people off is far too long…”
Mike, Bartender
She shook her head. “He’s not ‘under my skin’ as you so eloquently put it.” She snorted a half laugh. “If you guys are close, he told you about the arrogant crewman who came in slinging insults and questioning his chair? Perhaps angered him enough to slam his console almost in half?” She looked up at him to watch his reaction as he slowly put the pieces of her words together with whatever Mardusk had revealed about the encounter.
Lera
Eng
Mike picked up two glasses and set them on the bar. “C’mere. I’m gonna tell you a secret.” and he waited till she came over. He pulled a bottle up and poured two shots of whiskey.
“Gravel didn’t say anything to me about anybody. Well, not yet, anyways. But when he does, it’s usually only those that have made an impression on the boy.” and he cocked his head slightly to the side and looked at her as if seeing her clearly for the first time… and a grin spread across his face. He lifted the shot glass to his lips, but before drinking it said “Want me to let you know if he talks about you, doll?” His tone was clear, as was the smile on his face.
Mike - Bartender
Lera sighed and set her tools down before walking to the bar to accept the drink. When he mentioned he hadn’t heard anything, it kind of surprised her. To find out Mardusk only mentioned those who made an impression, she wasn’t sure whether to laugh or run to his office and make an impression he’d never forget.
She chose to merely shrug. “No big deal, honest. I’m guessing if I make an impression,” she paused a moment. “I guess I’ll hear of it, myself.” She took the shot in single gulp, then let out a short whoop before setting the glass down. “Mmmmm now that’s not synthahol. She laughed and licked her lips, one finger running over her lips as she watched him.
Lera
Eng
“Nope. Never in my place. And you didn’t answer my question. If he mentions you, want me to let you know?” and he poured one drink for himself. Looking at her empty glass, he said “You still have a plug to install, and it wouldn’t do for you to electrocute yourself while drunk at my bar, now would it?”
Mike, Bartender
Lera smiled. She felt the liquor. But she had tasted worse and been forced drunk. A shot, no matter how strong, wasn’t going to toss her. “I’m fine… I assure you.” She moved back towards the wall. “I suppose if it’s an interesting enough mention, I wouldn’t mind hearing it. But somehow I doubt I will ever pique his interest if I haven’t by now.” She laughed and shook her head before sitting cross legged before the wall again.
Lera
Eng
Mike downed another shot and looked intently at her back. He was quiet a moment, and then said “Oh ye of little faith.” and he put the glasses in the sink.
He walked around the bar and said “By all the gods in heaven, have you got that damn plug in yet? We need some music in this place!” and he went to the crate of stickers. Opening it up wide, he grabbed a handful and just started sticking them everywhere.
Mike, Bartender
That was the cue she had been looking for. Suddenly the box fired up and lit up like a Ferengi holosuite light announcing pleasure girls. She leaned back, the results shocking her, and she laughed. It was a high and nice sound. It didn’t screech like some women, and if he saw her cover her mouth at the outburst, he would she it wasn’t a normal thing for her. “BINGO! I think....” she shook her head and moved back.
Looking at him, her eyes shining. “I was kind of curious how patient you were. I’ve been ready for several minutes.” She shrugged as if that was apology enough for leaving him chomping at the bit.
Lera
Eng
He laughed and said “Yeah, you and me are gonna get along just fine, I think.” and he clapped her on the back. “Ok… first song. This is the christening, so we gotta get it right. This is where the soul of this place will come in. So is it happy? Angry? Sad? Rebellious? What?”
Mike, Bartender
She laughed and shrugged. “I don’t know… ummmmmm a retreat? I guess… so not angry… And definitely not sad or rebellious. Ummmm....” She walked around in a small circle a moment as she tried to imagine it with the designs he had showed her. “How about…” she turned to look at him with hopelessness on her face. “Ummmmm homey? I mean, I know it’s a hard word to make sound exciting. But it’s the place you feel comfortable. Everyone knows you, you don’t have to say anything to get your point, or your mood, across. Does that make sense?” She was laughing at herself and bit her lip. She sounded stupid to her own ears. “Just a place to let loose with no judgement, I guess.”
Lera
Eng
Mike nodded slowly and said “Yeah… yeah… HELL yeah. That’s flippin’ perfect. I got it.” and he looked at the jukebox and, as if from memory, tapped a code. Scant few seconds later music began and a voice started singing:
Hear ye, hear ye, friends and Romans, countrymen.
Hear ye, hear ye, punks and skins and journeymen
Hear ye, hear ye, my sisters and my brethren.
The time is coming near.
Mike, Bartender
She laughed as he all but jumped up and down. When the song began, and he turned it up. She shook her head and listened. Soon her head was nodding to the tune and she found herself almost dancing, slightly, towards the panel to begin her clean up. “It fits… I don’t have any clue who or what it is… but I think I like it.” She laughed and hummed with it, her voice sometimes managing to keep up with the refrain here and there. Her laughter as she messed up, ringing in the empty space.
Lera
Eng
“Frank Turner, early 21st century!” he almost yelled over the volume. When the song finished, he smiled at her and said “GREAT choice, chica. Spot on.” and he looked around the space and smiled. “Yeah… this is gonna rock.”
Mike, Bartender
She laughed as she finished picking up the tools and stood to go. “I can come back after shift and help put up stickers if you want me to. I don’t know if I can manage the whole box… but my suggestion, keep 25% for the crew to put up as they come to visit. Let it become a ship thing. Put most up, so the ambiance is here. But then let the rest of it happen how it happens.” She leaned on the bar and watched him move around the room. It was calming. To watch someone who didn’t know her, or her past, or care…
Lera
Eng
He looked at her and said “Solid plan. Maybe I’ll do half. There’s a crap ton of them anyway. But yeah… good idea. And you are welcome anytime, doll. You’re solid. I dig solid people. They are few and far between.” and he nodded. Just as he finished, he said “Oh hey! Can you help me with one thing? Damn thing is too heavy to move by myself.” and he went to another crate and popped it open. Inside was a single massive bar stool. “Three guesses who it’s for and the first two dont count.” he said with a laugh and started to try and slide it to far, short end of the bar where there was only space for three seats.
Mike, Bartender
“Easy, babe…” she laughed and went to help him. “You’re gonna end up in traction before your opening.” She helped him move the stool and she imagined Mardusk sitting there at the end, a drink in his hand. Watching her without her realizing it. How she ‘wouldn’t’ realize it, she had no idea. Her smile broadened and she suddenly laughed.
Lera
Eng
“What? You find the idea of me interaction funny?” he asked with mock indignation as the chair went into place. “Thanks. That dude is too big for my own good.” and he laughed. “But it never hurts having a battlecruiser on legs as a friend, let me tell ya.”
Mike, Bartender
“I’ll take your word for it.” She said and held her hand up at his concern. “No, you in traction is anything but funny. I was imaging him sitting here. Having a drink, and whoever he was looking at not being aware of it.” She shook her head. Seems like an impossibility, doesn’t it?” She leaned on the counter at looked at the space. It had potential and she could see herself in a dark corner having a drink on occasion.
Lera
Eng
He laughed and poured two shots. “If you think that is impossible, then the impossible happens with that guy a lot. S.O.B. can read people like nobody. Not just physical. Mental, too. Do not play poker with him. You’ll lose your ass. And he can sense how people are feeling… it’s weird. You know, I saw him sit in that very chair…” and he pointed to the stool, “… and drink all night. Guy came in, seemed happy and normal, ordered a beer. Gravel looks at the guy and says ‘Don’t do it. You’re worth not doing it.’ Just like that… outta the blue. Guy just looks at him and starts shaking and crying.” and he pounded the shot. “Reaches in his coat and pulls out the bottle of pills he was gonna wash down with the beer. Hands ‘em to Gravel and the two just talk the rest of the night.” and Mike shook his head and smiled. “Guy’s married now. Has a kid… named him after Gravel.” and he poured another shot. “I always tell him ‘Why? Jackass is a horrible name for a kid.’” and he laughed and pounded the shot back.
Mike
Lera laughed but a chill went down her spine. She’d have to be careful around Mardusk. If he was that good…
She took the offered shot and downed half. “Somehow I doubt he named the kid ‘Jackass’.” She laughed and looked at him a long moment. “I’ve met him… I’m the one she broke his console over.” She looked down and dragged her finger round the rim of the shot glass. “I went into Security, blabbing off my mouth. No idea what I was talking about and jumping to conclusions I had no right to.” She looked up and shrugged. “He slammed his hands down on the table.”
She shot the other half of the drink and tipped it up to tap it on the bar upside down. “So you see, Mike… I ‘have’ made an impression on him. The fact you haven’t heard of it means it was an insignificant impression.” She smiled and patted his hand. “No fears… I’ll still come drink. That,” she tapped the upturned bottom of her shot glass, “is worth it in spades.”
She moved from the bar and headed for her tool pouch.
Lera
Eng
Mike just said “I’ll hold ya too it, doll. See ya.” and he watched her grab her pouch and leave. As the doors closed behind her, he mumbled “Insignificant… right.” and he chuckled and grabbed more stickers.
Mike