In reply to Shione (msg # 12):

" It's nothing," Rai lies baldfacedly to Lieutenant Leiliri. She sits stony faced, sipping her water through pursed lips.

Upon Shione's offer, Rai's facade cracks, and she can't help but let a few choice words slip.

" Thank you, Lieutenant, but I'm afraid I haven't the stomach for alcohol tonight. Nor indeed for killer targs, hunting animals for sport, or smiting my foes with sky-lightning."

Realizing she's said too much, Rai stands, straightens her uniform and addresses her commanding officer.

" Apologies, Lieutenant Dul, I'm afraid I'm not feeling very well. I think it's time for me to call it a night."

In reply to Prashanthi Rai (msg # 16):

"Well, have a good evening. Do have something to eat before you hit the bed, Lieutenant," M'Rel says as she leaves. "As should we all. Who's for pizza?" he asks.

A furry head pops out from behind the doorway. "Hah! You said my middle name!" - The voice comes from a strange creature about the height of Tal, covered in dark yellow-tan fur. The face which adorns the head of the odd-looking alien has a long snout with nostrils on the end of the velvety nose and a shock of unruly hair between a pair of donkey-like ears. Strangest of all is the complete lack of eyes beneath the bristly brows, although the being moves as if it can see. "Hey, who're your friends?"

In reply to Lt. Commander M'Rel (msg # 17):

Tal groans. "You don't have a middle name." To M'rel he snaps, "You had to mention the one word capable of summoning him, didn't you?"

In reply to Lieutenant (j.g.) Tal (msg # 18):

Bern sighs, "Ladies and gentlemen, may I introduce Gurrrps." The name sounds more or less like an extended belch. "He seems to have adopted us and follows us around. Gurrrps, I thought we left you back at Freeman's Island."

In reply to Lieutenant (j.g.) Seth Bern (msg # 19):

"Hiya! Pleased ta meet'cha. So where's the pizza? Deep-dish double anchovy for me!" The odd creature has an overly familiar manner that makes M'Rel seem positively shy by contrast. He wears no clothing over his furry form and alternates between bipedal and quadrupedal means of walking. He grabs a flute of champagne and gulps it down, the sneezes violently. "Ooooh, bubbly!" he sniffs.

[OOC Gurrrps somewhat resembles the character ALF from 1990's TV, with the exception of eyes. He has the same loud vocal mannerisms.]

In reply to Ensign Sosal (msg # 4):

"I picked up a taste for it my first year on the Ackerman," Gian tells the Saurian. "The Centauran alcohol industry never really recovered after we started trading with Earth, so we don't have anything like this back home."

Lieutenant Rai strides out of the lounge, too wound up to even attempt to feign politeness. She stalks the halls of the starbase, ruminating. Is this what Starfleet has become? she wonders, ruefully. Brutes and cowboys, making a game out of violence and bloodshed? Have we still not moved beyond this? Perhaps the Dominion won and we haven't even noticed. Destroyed our way of life, torn down the ideals which we have worked so hard to exemplify. Her heart is near beating out of her chest and, ironically, she feels the need to punch something.

At times like this she realizes how much she misses her dad. She can imagine him in his cottage in Wheatley, sitting by the fireplace going on about how the great philosopher So-And-So might have said something relevant about this or that, and suddenly whatever had gotten her in such a twist would all of a sudden start to make sense in the grander scheme. She considers hailing him on hyperchannel, but if he's not asleep, then he's preparing the syllabus for the spring semester.

She instead finds her way to the nearest holodeck. She's been so buried in preparation for her new posting that she's had scarce time for recreation, and she's got some allotted time built up. She finds a vacant deck and steps inside. The Human species has seen periods of conflict, strife and turmoil before, and it's always transcended tragedy to build a brighter tomorrow.

" Computer, run program Rai-1968," she says. All around her, the sights and sounds of a packed Wembley Stadium materialize, with her on an empty stage. To her right is a fretless bass, perched upright on a metal stand.

" Computer, replace bass with a Gibson EB-3, scaled to 90% size."

Slinging the instrument over her shoulder, she ponders the empty stage.

" Vocals, Mick Jagger. Lead guitar, Lou Reed. Drums, Keith Moon."

The three luminaries of classic rock and roll materialize around her, instruments at the ready.

" Alright gentlemen, All Along The Watchtower, on four. One, two, three..."

In reply to Gian Seingalt (msg # 21):

"But I thought Alpha Centauri was a Human colony..." Sosal seems puzzled.
This message was last edited by the player at 12:19, Tue 19 July 2016.

In reply to Prashanthi Rai (msg # 22):

Leiliri stands and says, "If you'll all excuse me, I have something to attend to..." She speaks briefly to a server, collects a small package and leaves the O-Club.

Several moments later, Rai is interrupted by soft applause from the wings. Standing there is Leiliri, a covered plate in her right hand. "I'm sorry to intrude. You're very talented. Bern - Lieutenant Seth - is also quite interested in mid-20^th century popular music." She lifts the cover on the plate and reveals a number of small triangular pastries. "I took the liberty of bringing some... er, 'comfort food'. I believe these are popular in your culture," and passes her a samosa.

She settles a buttock on a stool at the edge of the stage. "I must apologise for my comrades. They are sometimes a little self-absorbed and fail to see what is right before them. I did not mean to 'peep', but your mental radiation was overwhelming. You were distressed by our companions attitudes. Would you like to 'take a load off', as they say?" The samosas smell like a touch of home.

In reply to Lieutenant (jg) Aquaal Leiliri (msg # 24):

" Computer, remove audience and musicians," Rai says. The stadium is suddenly vacant, save for her and Leiliri.

" I've been in Starfleet nearly my entire adult life. I joined because I believed in its foundational principles; I still do. Discovery, the promotion of peace and diplomacy, the promise of progress. My first posting was to the Cochrane. It was an Oberth-class science vessel, with a smallish crew. We were tasked with conducting planetary surveys to help relocate a species on the verge of extinction. It was noble work."

" Years later, the Dominion comes pouring out of the Bajoran wormhole, and that modest little science vessel is drafted into military service. I'd transferred to Starbase 21 by then, but many people I'd come to see as friends had stayed on. Time after time, engagement after engagement, the Cochrane flew into the breach, and time after time it limped back to port with fewer and fewer crew than it had left with."

" So perhaps you can appreciate why I don't take well to casual talk of violence."

In reply to Prashanthi Rai (msg # 25):

"I am truly sorry for your losses. On the other hand, we all react differently to loss. I can't speak for Mac, who comes from a violent society where war is the norm, but as for the crew of the Lena, we too have lost friends and colleagues. Seth himself died in the Kapecki attack but Dr. Adonidas managed to revive him before permanent brain damage was done. Much of this banter is to mask pain - to numb it. Trust me, they do not take death lightly. You Humans have a saying, 'Laughing in the face of Death'. This is what they are doing, and it is not meant to trivialise suffering, but to blunt what a great Terran poet called 'Death's sting'." She nibbles delicately at a samosa. "Think of it as a celebration of Life over Death. I know that won't remove the hurt of your loss, but it may soothe it." She gives a small smile and continues, "Besides, sometimes I think it's a side effect of testosterone poisoning - from a medical point of view, of course. If you'd like, I'll leave you to your music and thoughts."

She stands and calls, "Computer: arch."

Arriving on time and in her uniform, Cassy fortunately doesn't stand out in the crowd.   Then when Max suggests Champagne?  An earth drink.   After an unfortunate accident with Jalara Fire  she's generally avoided all alcoholic beverages (even synthahol as it has the same effect on her mind!) When called to toast, she does so, joining in though never actually drinking despite raising her glass to her lips.

At Prashanthi Rai's (rather small) outburst, Cassy will simply watch things unfold and as the Lieutenant makes her excuses, she'll nod and offer her a small smile.  While Cassy can't be sure, telling the truth would have been preferred to making an excuse but then keeping the peace between the team members would always be a delicate thing, "Sleep well Lieutenant.  I'll see you in the morning."   She does keep an an eye on the woman as she strides away and makes a mental note to speak to her later.

"Oh, it's not nearly that simple, my Saurian friend," Gian replies, taking a sip of his drink. "We're very much alike, they and we, and it's hard to tell us apart without a tricorder. Humans began to arrive in droves around the end of their 21st Century, and it seemed like they brought the entirety of their culture with them.

"Today, humans make up more than a third of our population, and, when you have folks like Zephram Cochrane and James T. Kirk* calling Centaurus 'home,' it's easy to forget real Centaurans exist."

* As depicted Crisis on Centaurus

In reply to Relic GM (msg # 26):

Rai turns to Leiliri as she's leaving.

" Lieutenant," she calls out.

" Meat or vegetable?" she inquires, holding up the uneaten samosa.

In reply to Prashanthi Rai (msg # 29):

"Vegetable - peas and potatoes. I try to err on the safe side."
This message was last edited by the GM at 05:08, Wed 20 July 2016.

In reply to Cassiadora (msg # 27):

Cassy notes Shione also watches Lt Rai leave,then gets up and moves to take a seat next to her

PM <Cassy?Please apologize to Lt Rai for me.I simply tried to make her feel more at ease ,but somehow managed to upset her!>

"You're not drinking I see.,it was a statement,not a question
I just sip a beer to avoid offending anyone.Never did exactly learn what attraction "Getting Wasted" has for some people.Stress relief I guess.

PM< I'd like to talk with you after we're done here if you have 5 or 10 minutes?>

Shione then continues small talk with those still at the table,but Cassy can see that she's still on her first beer even when the meal is finished

In reply to Relic GM (msg # 30):

Rai smiles, gratefully.

" I don't try to be difficult. I really don't. But I live by certain principles, and they are not subject to compromise. I've earned a reputation for being a bit contentious, and maybe that's deserved. But the reason I hold myself and others to a high standard is because I truly believe that we have the potential, and the responsibility, to be better. I hope you can respect that."

In reply to Prashanthi Rai (msg # 32):

"Oh, I do, believe me. On the other hand, not all of us can walk the same path. I do my best to live up to my own standards and let others do the same. You must do as you see fit. If you ever need someone to talk to, I'll be there for you. I pray you can come to terms with the others.

"So, I take it that you're a pacifist by inclination?"

As Gian chats with the others, he is minding the time (and making sure he paces himself...no need to be tipsy at 1900).
This message was last edited by the player at 03:43, Thu 21 July 2016.

In reply to Relic GM (msg # 33):

Rai grins.

" Growing up the child of a philosopher and a nature conservationist, you learn something about the value of life. That's not to say I oppose violence under all circumstances; better minds than mine have parsed the concept of just war for thousands of years on my world, and I recognize the necessity of being ready and willing to use force when all other options have been exhausted. But I also believe that, when the fight is over, it's time to put the damned phaser away."

Cassy gives Shione a a smile as she slides up next to her.   <"I will.  I'm not sure exactly what upset her but leaving the situation was her solution and we must respect that.">

"Duty...."  As if that's a suitable answer but considering she is still wearing her uniform it explains much.  "I'm sure they enjoy it or they'd not continue.   Maybe you can ask Lieutenant Gian?  He seems to like it."

<"What is the matter?">

In reply to Cassiadora (msg # 36):

 <Just a couple of matters related to Betazed and .....I'd rather talk privately.This environment isn't conducive to such a conversation> and yes Cassy senses some embarrassment and a touch of shame from Shione,which doesn't show on her face and is quickly controlled

"I'm not suggesting we leave now,but I think it's better spoken of privately"

In reply to Prashanthi Rai (msg # 35):

"I respect and admire your feelings. I'll leave you to your concert. Be well." With a smile and a wave, Leiliri exits the Holodeck.

She returns to the O-Club after her short absence. She takes a seat and orders a mineral water, four degrees Celsius, and says, "Lieutenant Rai is somewhat distressed by your martial fervour. She feels, whith no little justification, that it is time to put the War behind us. I must say, I sympathise with her views. Fighting for mutual protection is all well and good when needs must, but Starfleet is founded on the basis of peaceful exploration."

Passing by to grab something to eat, Gian hears his name. "Enjoy what?" he asks pleasantly.

"A drink, Lieutenant Gian.   Shione was asking about the 'practice' and I suggested she ask you about the finer points.  You seem to enjoy yours."  There is no teasing in her words, simply an acceptance that Gian is clearly far more knowledgeable on the subject of alcohol than she!