Shakedown #142"
By: Patia Zoei, Chief Counselor, [PC]
Miranda, Lounge Manager, [RNPC]

Stardate: 58202.28 1900

Miranda’s

Ensign Zoei walked into Miranda’s. This was her first time to come to the bar. As she entered, she noticed the place was relatively quiet tonight. She must have arrived during the period of time when the supper rush is over and before the crew comes in that is more concerned about unwinding than eating.

Miranda, herself, was standing behind the bar. Zoei chose a seat near the end of the row of barstools. She settled herself comfortably on the stool and smiled at Miranda.

“Good evening, Ensign, how may I help you?” Miranda asked.

“Considering the yellow alert, I suppose I should stick with my staple, raspberry iced tea. Are you still serving food, or am I too late?” she asked.

“It’s never too late for food,” Miranda replied. “I am Miranda, by the way, what would you like to eat?”

“It is very nice to meet you, Miranda. I am Ensign Patia Zoei. Please, call me Patia. What do you recommend?” Zoie asked. “This is the first time I have been here.”

“I have just the thing for you,” Miranda turns and walks to the replicator. A few minutes later, she returns with a tall raspberry iced tea, with two fresh raspberries, and a bowl of Chicken and Broccoli soup. She sets it down in front of Zoei. “Try this, it is my favorite.”

“Thank you, Miranda. I haven’t had soup like this since I lived at home.” Zoei sampled her first bite of the soup. It was better than her mother had ever made. She would be sure not to mention that in tomorrow’s letter home.

Miranda noticed Patia seemed to be enjoying the soup. “Long day today?”, she asked.

Patia smiled. “Considering we are at yellow alert, it wasn’t that bad. Is this your first voyage on a sovereign class ship?”

“Yes, this is my first trip on a sovereign class ship. However, I have been on many similar types of ships,” Miranda replied. “How about you?”

“This is my first journey on such a large ship. My last deployment had been on a cargo transporter. Definitely not the same type of operation, I have to say,” Patia chuckled. “Are you enjoying running this lounge?”

“Oh, yes! How couldn’t I? It is a very well equipped facility.” Miranda added.

Patia glanced at her bowl. Surprisingly, it was already empty. “Thank you for the wonderful soup. It was like a trip down memory lane. My mother used to make this for us on cool, winter days while my father was located on Earth. I hadn’t realized how much I had missed it.”

“You are certainly welcome, Patia. I am glad you enjoyed it,” Miranda replied.

“I must be getting on to my quarters, Miranda. Work will come early in the morning. Thank you, again.” Patia rose from her stool, grabbed her PADD from the bar, and smiled again at Miranda.

“Have a good night, Patia,” said Miranda.

Patia smiled and nodded, then walked to the door. It had been a productive day, but it was definitely time to rest.