S6 E4 - The Dead and the Gone

[Ardyn Jaeger - Wu]

[As Oyari Sedaya]

Sedaya picked up a drink - it looked like punch of some kind - as she listened around.  She wasn't sure, but did  it seem like she and the Security Chief were... dating? She wasn't 100%sure and really didn't want to make any judgments so far. But she really didn't know the relationship dynamics outside of the medbay. That's where she holed herself up most days. Med school was rough even when you weren't actively on duty.

She gave a nod to Tora for the advice. She never thought she would be hanging out with a Cardassian, but she seemed like she had great advice, and at this point in her life, she needed as much as she could get.

"I appreciate it a lot. Thanks." she smiled.

Coming closer to Tora, she whispered, pointing subtly at Zhuk; "Ummm, forgive me , but are you two... a thing?" Her curiosity got the better of her.

Seeing her colleague, Zemi, someone she actually somewhat knew, she waved her over as well. "Hey there. You're here too? I figured you'd be on duty too with all the..." She stopped herself before talking about dead bodies. Thank the Prophets she didn't embarrass herself further in bringing that depressing subject. That was the worst part of it all.  She still had to process that .

[Calindra Hejaran]

[Deep Space K7 | Lounge 2B]

Aarwendil was walking toward the bar, feeling conflicted with his emotions. They had been successful in defeating the Kinshaya, securing the safety of the Federation and its allies against a possible great threat. However, some colleagues died during the process. It was usual, people died while on duty, but the Betazoid couldn't avoid lamenting about them.

After all, he was a sentient. Sadness was something normal. The only thing was that he couldn't allow it to dominate him.

This was why he decided to come to the bar, arriving right on time to see Officer Lahr livening up the party. Aarwendil smiled, some stuff never changes. He walked toward the bar, stopping next to an Ensign right on time when  a tankard of ale was left there. He would avoid something that strong at the moment.

"Aren't you going to try it?" he asked the blonde woman.

[Deep Space K7 | Lounge 2B]

Calindra looked at the lieutenant's dark curls and resisted the impulse to muss it up, and ended up deciding to clench the tankard with both hands so that her hands would not stray. She did however give him a smile from behind the cup of ale, "I thought it would be rude of me to start drinking before the person who provided the drink shared a toast, no?" She looked towards the Andoran and then turned to consider her interlocutor. There was a twinkle in her eye, as if she were considering him: "Name's Calindra by the way, latest Ops addition, fresh from the boat. What about you? Why aren't you getting a tankard?"

[Kyan Mackenzie]

"Huh... Lahr seems to be in splendid spirits. I assume that is the same for thee, Commander?"

Kyan nodded, glancing over at the Andorian Chief. He knew a diversionary tactic when he saw one, but if Zhuk didn't want to tell him he wasn't going to pry. This is why Kyan preferred to hang around people his own age, physiologically anyway. Kids were more honest. Sure it was a double edged sword, but at least you didn't have to expect the constant subterfuge like with grups. Take Zhuk here. A perfectly upstanding individual and a pretty likeable fellow. And Kyan DID like him; probably more than any other grup on the ship. They'd battled Jem'Hadar together, and Cardassian soldiers, and etcetera etcetera. And he had the whole Shakespearian thing too. What wasn't to like?

Well, he was always on the prowl (Kyan had to force himself not to laugh at his own thought pun.) for girls. But that wasn't a fault per se, it was just something that grups did. Or guys if that was their thing, or both, or aliens... whatever happened to get them spun up. In fact, it was Kyan's sincere belief that if grups weren't busy with work, or eating, or asleep, or doing something else unrelated to the taking of a mate within his line of vision, then they were trying to get "lucky" as he'd heard it called. He considered it the opposite. In his estimation it was like playing Russian Roulette or smoking cigarettes. Eventually it was going to end up bad for you.

He'd seen it happen time and again. A grup, usually of the male variety, would go out in search of a partner for the "no pants dance" and find one. And then they'd either A) be disappointed, B] Not be disappointed, but the other one would get bored of them and find someone else, or C] (the worst one) catch some space std and have to go to sickbay. And there were so many of them! Some made you really sick. Some made your parts turn a different color. And some were actual insects that just waited around on people's naughty bits til they could jump on someone else, like an army trying to conquer the galaxy! It was crazy! And he could never get one of the doctors to tell him, because they lied too... but he wondered if the cooties ever fought the crabs? Or what about all the alien ones? Or did all the STD bugs live together in harmony, only attacking the genitals of whomever their host happened to fall upon? Like some disgusting alliance of grossness?

And that was just the actual bugs. The viruses were far more sinister. There had been a whole class about it in school, and another one at the Academy. He'd worn gloves and a EVA helmet around the dorms for a whole week after that class.  He'd even tried to get reassigned to a new roommate. He'd requested a Vulcan, because apparently they only needed to get "lucky" every seven years or so.

Yes. A Vulcan. It was that much of a concern.

He glanced over at Kyan, deciding to engage in some conversation so that he wouldn't suspect too much of how he truly felt. Throw him off his scent,

"Say, who is the newcomer? A new individual in the Challenger? I fail to recognize her from the records..."

Yup.

She's here five minutes. Still got her Starfleet issue duffel bag on her shoulder and he's already doing reconnaissance. Poor Zhuk. Kyan really did feel sorry for him, and for all the grups.

"Oh her? Uhh.. she's in Ops." He replied flatly. "She's from Earth. British I think."

Coming closer to Tora, she whispered, pointing subtly at Zhuk; "Ummm, forgive me , but are you two... a thing?" Her curiosity got the better of her.

Out of the corner of his eye, Kyan noticed another one talking to Tora. One of the medical cadets whose name he couldn't remember. And she was pointing at Zhuk too. Kyan instinctively made the invoking pentagram and silently asked Brigid to keep the  bugs, germs, and whatever else away. But he also figured that something had gone down with either her and Zhuk, or Tora and Zhuk, or maybe all three of them, given the fact that Tora was raised on Risa and thus prone to all manner of debauchery. Although he was impressed by Zhuk's tactics. Most male grups could only get one girl to like them, if that. Here Zhuk was in his green tuxedo with two of them!

Of course he was a tactical officer so he was good at strategy. In fact, Kyan was sure that he'd probably developed some sort of devious tactics to use when he was trying to get girls to like him, like all tactical officers did. And that was probably why they got more dates than engineers or pilots, even though pilots got to wear cool jackets and sunglasses.

But then another notion hit him. What if they were pointing at Zhuk because something had happened and they didn't like him? And that was why he looked sick! Maybe he was depressed? The more he thought about it, the more it made sense. Maybe they were allergic to cat fur or something....or he scratched one of them. Either way, he had to take Zhuk's side. That was the rules. Brothers before mothers! Or whatever the saying was.

"Welp." He offered finally, then raising his voice to be heard by those two and whoever else might need to know, "I guess I'll see ya later Zhuk, since you have that date with those three FASHION MODELS ya be getting to!"

He gave the Caitiin a wink. Then only where Zhuk could hear him. Dinna worry, I got yer back mate! Just don't catch any nasty bugs!"

[ShranLahr ch'Verret]

CPO ShranLahr ch'Verret
[Deep Space K7 - Promanade - Lounge 2B]

[Ensign Calindra Hejaran | Passing by Lounge 2B | DS-K7]

As Mackenzie explained where he came from, Calindra observed an Andoran walk into the causeway's railing. His antennae seemed agitated. Hopefully the Commander wouldn't notice, but Calindra took precautions to ensure he was looking the other way when the Andoran pushed past her and into the lounge. They followed him in just as he declared himself.

She thanked the commander for meeting with her and then headed towards the bar. "I can't say I ever had Klingon ale, thank you," she said as she stepped up to the bar waiting for the bartender to fill the Andoran's order. She turned her back to the bar, leaning back as she took in the others in the room.

She noted the Commander was talking to a Caitian; she found another Andoran -- a female this time; and ahh, there was the Cardassian talking to a nervous looking cadet who then moved on to engage the Andoran woman.

Her thoughts were interrupted by a tankard of ale being placed next to her shoulder, which she took and raised in thanks at the Andoran male.

Lahr took his tankard and raised in salute first to the bartender, then to the pretty blonde who was first in line to partake of his charity.  But after a moment he frowned and leaned in close.  "Hey.. the drinks are for Challenger crew only." he accused.

[Deep Space K7 | Lounge 2B]

This was why he decided to come to the bar, arriving right on time to see Officer Lahr livening up the party. Aarwendil smiled, some stuff never changes. He walked toward the bar, stopping next to an Ensign right on time when  a tankard of ale was left there. He would avoid something that strong at the moment.

"Aren't you going to try it?" he asked the blonde woman.

[Deep Space K7 | Lounge 2B]

Calindra looked at the lieutenant's dark curls and resisted the impulse to muss it up, and ended up deciding to clench the tankard with both hands so that her hands would not stray. She did however give him a smile from behind the cup of ale, "I thought it would be rude of me to start drinking before the person who provided the drink shared a toast, no?" She looked towards the Andoran and then turned to consider her interlocutor. There was a twinkle in her eye, as if she were considering him: "Name's Calindra by the way, latest Ops addition, fresh from the boat. What about you? Why aren't you getting a tankard?"

Her words to the pretty boy who intruded answered his accusation.  "Ops huh? Well if you ever need any advice... I'm your guy.  I had that department in the palm of my hand for 3 years!  Key thing to remember is that the Cap'n love his bagpipes. Scotland the Brave... you gotta play in fer every battle. And it's gonna be the traditional song... he doesn't like the remix versions.. I know I tried them all... he gets surly when you mess with the music."

Lahr paused at this point to take a drag from his overly large mug.  The ale was bitter and strong and Lahr couldn't help but grimace... Roozh! The stuff was going to rot out his stomach... but it hit hard and the buzz lasted a good long time, so the taste was worth it.

"Chief Petty Officer ShranLahr ch'Verret...though friends just call me Lahr."

[Neva Cordon]

[ACEO Neva Cordon|Lounge 2B|DS-K7]

"-And when she looked up, she had this broad, proud grin on her face. There she sat in her diapers, covered from head to toe in her father's Wheat Flour from the kitchen area. She then points at the walls and said "I paint for you! I make pretty!" Aunt Gilda explained between bouts of laughter to the crew that sat with Neva and her family.

Neva put a hand to her temple looked down, her cheeks beyond red. Aunt Gilda had been regaling the group of Neva's childhood shenanigans for a while now, despite Neva's attempts to end the embarrassment. Her cousin had even joined in at points to clarify some points! Her crew would never look at her the same again, much less listen to her at this rate.
p
When she heard Lahr's call that the round was on him, Neva practically vaulted from her seat to join him at the bar. With a thankful smile she asked him. "Thank you for the drink! May I get drinks for my Aunt & Cousin on you as well? If not, no biggie. I've got it." She set her beer mug on the bar and smiled. "If I hear one more embarrassing story told, I'll have to transfer to another ship. No one will respect me!" Neva laughed in spite of herself.

[ShranLahr ch'Verret]

CPO ShranLahr ch'Verret
[Deep Space K7 - Promanade - Lounge 2B]

[ACEO Neva Cordon|Lounge 2B|DS-K7]

"-And when she looked up, she had this broad, proud grin on her face. There she sat in her diapers, covered from head to toe in her father's Wheat Flour from the kitchen area. She then points at the walls and said "I paint for you! I make pretty!" Aunt Gilda explained between bouts of laughter to the crew that sat with Neva and her family.

Neva put a hand to her temple looked down, her cheeks beyond red. Aunt Gilda had been regaling the group of Neva's childhood shenanigans for a while now, despite Neva's attempts to end the embarrassment. Her cousin had even joined in at points to clarify some points! Her crew would never look at her the same again, much less listen to her at this rate.
p
When she heard Lahr's call that the round was on him, Neva practically vaulted from her seat to join him at the bar. With a thankful smile she asked him. "Thank you for the drink! May I get drinks for my Aunt & Cousin on you as well? If not, no biggie. I've got it." She set her beer mug on the bar and smiled. "If I hear one more embarrassing story told, I'll have to transfer to another ship. No one will respect me!" Neva laughed in spite of herself.

The arrival of ACEO Cordon thanking him for the ale and asking if her relatives could be given a round, prompted a smile and his antennae perked momentarily.  He missed the Betazoid being in charge.  She at least let him get out of the support area once in a while.  "A round fer yer family?  Of course!" he answered loudly, easily heard by the bartender and her family.

Then he her gave what was supposed to be her a sympathetic pat on the back, but in reality was more like he was leaning into her cause he couldn't stand straight.  "Don't you worry," he slurred waggling a finger in front of her face (nearly poking an eye).

Lahr could tell he was drunk because his words sounded wrong to him more and more often causing him to repeat words trying to find the one that fit best. "Youll... yule??  Yewl?... You will always have the respect of your piers.. pee-ers... your shipmates."

[Calindra Hejaran]

CPO ShranLahr ch'Verret
[Deep Space K7 - Promanade - Lounge 2B]

Lahr took his tankard and raised in salute first to the bartender, then to the pretty blonde who was first in line to partake of his charity.  But after a moment he frowned and leaned in close.  "Hey.. the drinks are for Challenger crew only." he accused.

Her words to the pretty boy who intruded answered his accusation.  "Ops huh? Well if you ever need any advice... I'm your guy.  I had that department in the palm of my hand for 3 years!  Key thing to remember is that the Cap'n love his bagpipes. Scotland the Brave... you gotta play in fer every battle. And it's gonna be the traditional song... he doesn't like the remix versions.. I know I tried them all... he gets surly when you mess with the music."

Lahr paused at this point to take a drag from his overly large mug.  The ale was bitter and strong and Lahr couldn't help but grimace... Roozh! The stuff was going to rot out his stomach... but it hit hard and the buzz lasted a good long time, so the taste was worth it.

"Chief Petty Officer ShranLahr ch'Verret...though friends just call me Lahr."

Calindra thanked the Andoran for the beer and listened attentively to his suggestions for the smooth running of the operations section: "Really... bagpipes. Huh! You don't say! Then you will have to show us your expertise with them! Do you have them with you?" She smiled as if tossing the Andoran a chanllenge, 'next thing he's going to ask me for is some 50 foot of shore line,' she thought with a grin before taking a swig from her tankard.

[ACEO Neva Cordon|Lounge 2B|DS-K7]

When she heard Lahr's call that the round was on him, Neva practically vaulted from her seat to join him at the bar. With a thankful smile she asked him. "Thank you for the drink! May I get drinks for my Aunt & Cousin on you as well? If not, no biggie. I've got it." She set her beer mug on the bar and smiled. "If I hear one more embarrassing story told, I'll have to transfer to another ship. No one will respect me!" Neva laughed in spite of herself.

Calindra extended her own tankard in greeting to the latest arrival. "Pleased to meet you," she said as she prattled off her name and took another sip of the Klingon Ale.

CPO ShranLahr ch'Verret
[Deep Space K7 - Promanade - Lounge 2B]

Lahr could tell he was drunk because his words sounded wrong to him more and more often causing him to repeat words trying to find the one that fit best. "Youll... yule??  Yewl?... You will always have the respect of your piers.. pee-ers... your shipmates."

"You'll," Calindra corrected, "that's the one you're looking for," she added with a smile. "I'm just glad my parents aren't here to provide their own stories," she added sympathetically to the other woman.

[Ian Galloway]

[Bridge - USS Challenger]

Deep Space K-7 began to recede on the viewer as the Challenger moved to where she could go to warp. Their 72 hour stay had passed far too quickly for everyone, except for maybe Ian who couldn't wait to leave. After his indiscretion, he'd spent the rest of his leave in his quarters, his ready room, or the bridge keeping himself busy with data work to not dwell on what happened. As soon as they went to warp, Ian opened his log.

"Captain's Log, Supplemental. We are now en route ta the Talinos system near the old Neutral Zone, but a portion of the Zone that is fully active as it borders the remnant of the Romulan Empire. Talinos IV is unexplored but data from a routine survey conducted after some seismic activity has uncovered evidence of a long buried civilization. In addition ta the ruins, the planet seems ta be emittin' higher than usual background radiation.

"Our mission is ta investigate the ruins, the radiation, and ta see if the rump of the Empire is up ta no good. After last mission's heavy combat, it will good for all involved ta have a regular scientific task. End log."

[ShranLahr ch'Verret]

CPO ShranLahr ch'Verret
[Deep Space K7 - Promenade - Lounge 2B]

Calindra thanked the Andoran for the beer and listened attentively to his suggestions for the smooth running of the operations section: "Really... bagpipes. Huh! You don't say! Then you will have to show us your expertise with them! Do you have them with you?" She smiled as if tossing the Andoran a challenge, 'next thing he's going to ask me for is some 50 foot of shore line,' she thought with a grin before taking a swig from her tankard.

Calindra extended her own tankard in greeting to the latest arrival. "Pleased to meet you," she said as she prattled off her name and took another sip of the Klingon Ale.

"You'll," Calindra corrected, "that's the one you're looking for," she added with a smile. "I'm just glad my parents aren't here to provide their own stories," she added sympathetically to the other woman.

Lahr took another swig of his ale, as the woman replied back.  It took a moment or two for the new Ops ensign's words to filter through the buzz from this pub crawl efforts.  Wait?! She thought he actually played the instrument?

Lahr shook his head.  "Nah.. not the actual bagpipes... but an audio file of them.  I kid you not.  Come battletime, the Captain'll ask for it; so you better know the right audio file to broadcast - and the louder- the better."  The Andorian nodded sagely.

He looked over to Tora, knowing from the invite he'd received about the party that she was looking for people with talent to entertain.  "Sorry, I didn't volunteer this time round to DJ.. Knew I was gonna be a little tipsy. " he grinned a wide smile. "Next time..." he assured her.
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[71 hrs later..]
[USS Challenger - Deck 12 - Upper Engineering Support]

His pub crawl to all the drinking establishments on DS K7 had taken two days.  Four the first day since he kinda passed out after drinking the last dregs of his Klingon ale; and five the second day.  His third day off was spent recuperating.

He still had a bit of headache and solid food wasn't settling too well with him.  How much of that was because all the alcohol had thrown his blood sugars out of whack? Lahr didn't really know.  He probably should have gone to Sickbay before his shift, but knowing Chloe was likely working the Alpha shift deterred him.  He'd rather suffer from a mild hangover than listen to her harp on him for over-drinking again.

"You'd think we were still dating." he grumbled quietly to himself, as he watched the tertiary flow regulator.  All the values were in the proper range.

He popped in his earbuds - gifted to him by the ship's former XO, Nira Said - and listened to some 1980's Earth pop songs on low volume to keep himself from nodding off out of boredom.

[Calindra Hejaran]

[USS Challenger - Somehwere]

So. It ends up that taking that Klingon Ale was a Tribble i-idea; Calindra had taken one sip and then suddenly three days go by and her memory of those last 72 hours are a complete blur. Did she tussle that lieutenant's hair? Did she dance on the speakers? Did she kiss a girl? Was that really cherry chapstick? Did she like it? Did she pass out against one of the bulkheads?

She didn't know the answers to any of these questions.

"How did I get here? What was I doing again?" the young ensign pinched her forehead and opted to head back to her crew quarters -- she was sure she had those -- to make sure she was dressed up to code.

"Computer, please indicate the way to my quarters. Please and thank you."

"You are already at your cabin."

"Well, then computer, please open the bloody door to my cabin, please and thank you," she asked, hoping she was pointed in the right direction and would enter the correct door. When she heard the door behind her hiss open, she turned around and stumbled in the darkened room. "Lights..." she mumbled before wincing in pain when the computer complied, "lights at 30% intensity" she blurted not daring to open her eyes just yet, but opening them one at a time in case she was being interrogated by Cardassians and there were actually five lights shining on her.

That was better, in the low-intensity light she groped her way to her sonic shower, put her old clothes in the replicator and turned on the shower.

[Kyan Mackenzie]

[Commander Kyan Mackenzie | XO's personal broom closet, USS Challenger]

Seated on one of the three bean bag chairs surrounding the round coffee table/desk in his "office" between the tactical console and the head, Kyan had finally decided to get caught up on department head reports from the past several weeks. The song list that Max had made before leaving for Earth played on his music player as he trudged through the various padds. Of course Sunik's was the longest, and most detailed, and most boring.

Ensign Jones was two point three Yes. Point. Three. minutes late today, which is an increase from two days ago when she was two point two six minutes late.

There are concerns among some in engineering about Chief ch'Verret's leisure activities, specifically the imbibing of spirits during or shortly before his duty shift. I have not yet addressed this issue with Chief ch'Verret.

That one was eyebrow raising. Kyan remembered seeing Lahr at the party back on K-7, where he was definitely sauced. And if he was drinking enough that there were people talking about it, then it was only going to become a bigger problem, especially if he was drunk when he was working. Then again, maybe it was nothing. Lahr was a fun-loving type of grup without drinking. So maybe it was just people assuming.

Either way, Kyan figured he ought to  get to it before Sunik did...or worse, Galloway. He'd probably have the Andorian scrubbing the hull or something. And then it would be a whole thing.

Nope. Better to fix it now if it was a problem. Kyan tapped his com badge. Mackenzie ta Lahr. Come ta me...uhh.. office the now.

Kyan tossed the padd back on the table and wondered exactly what he was going to say. It wasn't like he could relate, since he didn't drink adult beverages. It was stuff like this that made him wish he'd stayed at tactical and let someone else be XO.

[ShranLahr ch'Verret]

CPO ShranLahr ch'Verret
[USS Challenger - Deck 12 - Upper Engineering Support] (first day after shoreleave - ship still docked at k7)

[Commander Kyan Mackenzie | XO's personal broom closet, USS Challenger]

Mackenzie ta Lahr. Come ta me...uhh.. office the now.

Lahr was lounging in his swivel seat, watching the tertiary regulator for the EPS flow.  It was a dull job compared to what he did during a Red Alert as part of a damage control team.  But thanks to Nira, he had good tunes to listen to (on low volume due to the hangover) while doing nothing.  In his tiny out of the way alcove, that few rarely ever visited, Lahr could quietly sing along with the music playing on his ear buds.  His antennae swayed languidly.

"I've done no harm, I keep to myself.
There's nothing wrong with my state of mental health.
I like it here with my childhood friend..."

The 1980's song suddenly cut out at the incoming comm from Commander Mackenzie.  Despite just being on audio, Lahr was quick to sit up in his seat.

The Andorian acknowledged the comm with a tap to his commbadge.  "Aye sir.  On my way."   Roozh!

Lahr quickly messaged his superior informing of his being called the XO's office, and then signed off his station.  This would give notice to the person at the secondary EPS flow regulator station that they had no back-up.  The Chief Petty Officer then took a quick detour to the head closest to Engineering and splashed some water on his face, wishing he'd taken the time this morning to replicate some eyedrops to help hide his bloodshot eyes.  Oh well, maybe the Only wouldn't notice. He splashed some more water onto his hair and slicked it back.  His antennae, he flicked lightly to encourage them upright more, knowing that they were his tell for moods and poor health.  The end result had him looking a bit better - not his best grooming, but it would do.

Lahr then headed for the turbolift and took it all the way up to Deck One.  It had been awhile since Lahr stepped foot in the XO office.  Nira had never called him up, and the few times Ruth had back when she was just an XO, she had used the briefing room because the XO office was about really tight.  Maybe it suited the Only...

Arriving, Lahr chimed the door and then entered when called in.  The room was as small as he remember.  The furnishings - not at all the same.  He looked perplexed at the bean bag chairs placed around a ... coffee table?

As he stepped further into the room, allowing the automated door to shut behind him, Lahr cleared his throat slightly. "Chief Petty ch'Verret - reporting as ordered, sir."

[Kyan Mackenzie]

[Commander Kyan Mackenzie | XO's personal broom closet, USS Challenger]

The biggest advantage of being a small person in charge of bigger people, in Kyan's estimation was the shift in intrapersonal dynamics... or whatever the counselors called it. When he was an Ensign or a junior lieutenant, his superiors lorded over him. Subordinates did too, but it was to be expected when you're four feet five inches tall wearing shoes. When Captain Peer had made him Security Chief back on the Righteous, the old Trill had suggested getting smaller furniture for his office.

"That way you're comfortable and they're put off their pedestal." He'd explained at the time. So that's what he'd done. Literally at first, but later he'd decided to eschew the chairs he'd swiped from the school and make everyone sit as close to the floor as possible. That's how he'd landed on bean bag chairs. It was especially amusing to watch Capellans and Klingons try to extricate themselves from them. And on the rare occasion that an admiral showed up, it was hard not to laugh at their struggles. The added bonus was that they tended not to come back, especially if they were more rotund and had to go full hands and knees to get out of the chair and back to their feet.

As to the other decorations, pictures of his old family and friends, the little box they gave you for medals, and some action figures adorned the walls. It was fairly cramped by grup standards so there wasn't room for much.

When Lahr came in, Kyan gave the Andorian a once over while he was looking around. He'd no doubt been in here before when Nira was the occupant and probably before that too. So it was bound to be much different than he remembered. What he saw was that despite efforts to hide it (Who had wet hair in the middle of the day?) Lahr looked a bit off. His antennae were a bit droopy, which was a tell for Andorians.

As he stepped further into the room, allowing the automated door to shut behind him, Lahr cleared his throat slightly. "Chief Petty ch'Verret - reporting as ordered, sir."

"Aye Merry Met Chief. Sit down." Kyan had never been what one would call... tactful. Whether it was his own personality or just a product of his age, he usually got to the point without much delay. "So Mister Sunik seems ta think you been after having some bevies afore ye come tae work. I was after tellin him off about it, but I figured ta be asking you first."

[ShranLahr ch'Verret]

CPO ShranLahr ch'Verret
[USS Challenger - Deck 12 - Upper Engineering Support] (1st day back after shoreleave - still docked at K7)

[Commander Kyan Mackenzie | XO's personal broom closet, USS Challenger]

When Lahr came in, Kyan gave the Andorian a once over while he was looking around. He'd no doubt been in here before when Nira was the occupant and probably before that too. So it was bound to be much different than he remembered. What he saw was that despite efforts to hide it (Who had wet hair in the middle of the day?) Lahr looked a bit off. His antennae were a bit droopy, which was a tell for Andorians.

"Aye Merry Met Chief. Sit down." Kyan had never been what one would call... tactful. Whether it was his own personality or just a product of his age, he usually got to the point without much delay. "So Mister Sunik seems ta think you been after having some bevies afore ye come tae work. I was after tellin him off about it, but I figured ta be asking you first."

At the order to sit - yes the engineer recognized it as a full out order, not a friendly offer - Lahr looked to his options. Yellow on the left, red on the right.  Lahr went left and sat on the first of the yellow bean bag chair.  It was rather awkward, but he supposed it could have been worse.

The moment he sat, the Commander went straight to the point.  Lahr's expression turned a bit wry. "Yeah, of course he'd say that."

The Andorian looked to the First Officer directly, bloodshot eyes and all.  "I'm not drunk on shift, sir.  My last drink was over 30 hours ago.  Yeah, I'm feeling a bit off cause of the lingering hangover from the partying I did while on leave... but if I thought for a second I couldn't do my job, I'd have gone to Sickbay to get an anti-intoxicant shot. Chief Sunik doesn't know what he's talking about."

[Kyan Mackenzie]

The Andorian looked to the First Officer directly, bloodshot eyes and all.  "I'm not drunk on shift, sir.  My last drink was over 30 hours ago.  Yeah, I'm feeling a bit off cause of the lingering hangover from the partying I did while on leave... but if I thought for a second I couldn't do my job, I'd have gone to Sickbay to get an anti-intoxicant shot. Chief Sunik doesn't know what he's talking about."

He didn't know whether or not Lahr was telling a lie or just a half-truth. Either way Kyan could tell he was still feeling the effects of his drinking. Now that he could see his eyes that much was clear. And since he'd come to the party on K-7 by himself and already drunk, it looked like the Andorian had been drinking alone. Among humans that alone was a red flag. Klingons too now that he thought about it, and Ferengi. The Onlie didn't know how Andorians preferred to tackle the creature, but he'd have guessed it was in groups like everyone else did. And thirty hours, if true, was a long time for a hangover, especially in someone who hadn't yet had his thirtieth birthday.

Kyan didn't drink. He had been drunk before, but that was only a few times and because Klingons weren't selective about with whom they shared their blooodwine. He didn't like the taste or the effects. But he'd spent several lifetimes witnessing grups getting sloshed. Younger ones, like cadets did it for fun. Some older ones too. But they always did it with others. The ones who did it by themselves did it for other reasons, none of which were good.

"Well." Kyan answered after a few moments. "I canna say what Sunik kens or don't." He paused and put his feet on the deck. "But you do look like a right boozer ta me the now, the which you dinna look like before. An since yer not a cadet, or a crewman who is gettin arseholed wif his mates all da time...it's gotta be sommat else. An since yer not a crabbit ole wanker, I'd be after seeing ya not get in trouble so I would. So tell me what's the problem and we can be after fixing it."