Friendly Advice

Posted on Sun Feb 23rd, 2025 @ 12:57am by Lieutenant Connor Turner & Lieutenant Jason Beauvoir PhD

2,518 words; about a 13 minute read

Mission: Mission 5 - The Cold War Ends
Location: The Crown Inn
Timeline: MD01 - 1300

As they left the briefing room, Connor tapped Jason on the shoulder. The engineer knew that Jason was new here and was out of uniform. However, he rebounded well with getting the captain a drink. "Hey, do you want to get something to eat?" the engineer asked in a distinctly British accent.

"Sure, Mr. Turner. What did you have in mind?" Jason said.

"There's an English styled pub on the promenade called, 'The Crown Inn.' Can catch a real beer there and at this time probably a good burger, if that's alright by you."

"Sounds great, I hope it comes with pommes frites, fried potatoes, I believe you'd call them chips.

"What pub would be a pub without chips?" Connor asked with mock offense. "So, what else would you be interested in?" he asked as he continued walking towards the promenade.

"Do they do, sweet pastries?" Jason asked. "Romulan desserts are a little bland for my tastes."

"I don't think they have anything Romulan there," Connor answered. "I only remember having puddings or crumbles when I feel the need for a sweet."

"An apple crumble with whipped cream, would go down well." Jason said.

"I hope that you will enjoy it." He finally stopped in front of The Crown Inn. It was a charming and atmospheric English-style pub, nestled on the bustling promenade of the starbase. The exterior of the pub exudes a warm, inviting aura, with its traditional Tudor architecture—dark wood beams, white plastered walls, and a quaint thatched roof. A large brass sign hangs above the entrance, depicting the iconic crown symbol, illuminated by a soft golden light. The pub is framed by flower boxes with vibrant, colorful blooms, bringing a touch of Earth’s countryside to the sterile, high-tech environment of the station.

Inside, the pub feels like a timeless escape from the sterile corridors of the starbase. The wood-panelled walls were adorned with old-world British memorabilia: faded portraits of monarchs, antique maps, and banners of long-gone football clubs. A massive stone fireplace crackles with a simulated fire, adding both heat and a cozy atmosphere. The floors were made of worn oak, covered by dark green and maroon rugs, and low, intimate lighting casting soft shadows across the room, creating a space perfect for conversation.

The long, polished mahogany bar takes center stage, with an impressive array of Earth-origin beers, ales, and ciders from across the galaxy. It is tended by a barkeep who serves up everything from traditional British pints to more exotic brews. Shelves behind the bar are stocked with glass bottles and exotic liquors, including some rare varieties from distant planets in the Federation.

Scattered around the room are sturdy wooden tables, where patrons can enjoy hearty meals like fish and chips, shepherd’s pie, and bangers and mash, as well as a variety of lighter fare. The faint sound of classic Earth folk tunes music can be heard from somewhere.

"So, what do you think?" Connor asked walking into the Crown Inn.

Jason looked around taking in every detail. Finally he said. "I love it, very cozy." A smile crossing his lips.

"Brilliant. So, let's get a table and have ourselves a chat while we eat, right?" Connor found a table towards a corner and sat down. "So, now you have met Captain M'Mira..." he started.

Taking a seat, Jason said. "You want to know what I think of her." The Science officer thought for a moment. "She appears rather precious, I felt that my neglecting to compliment her hair or nails was more important to her than my tardiness and being out of uniform, and that she saw the latter as a personal attack against her. I think I best stay out of her way for the next few days or months."

Connor chuckled politely. "Probably not months. I've been working with her for eight years, so I thought you might want some insight on her. Oh, and by the way, she is vain but not insufferably so."

"I've dealt with vain COs before." Jason said. "One of them even demoted me to Lieutenant jg."

"M'Mira's nothing like that," Connor tried to explain as a waiter came over. He had short brown hair and brown eyes. His expression seemed bored and he held two PADDs in his hand. "Menus for you sirs. Can I get you anything besides some water?"

"I'll have a pint of stout, thank you, my good man." Jason said.

Connor said, "English breakfast tea, and please remember the milk."

"Right," the waiter answered before disappearing.

Connor smiled until all the holo screens turned on and displayed Candy Templeton and her news report. "Good afternoon, my name is Candy Templeton and I am bringing you the Sweet Truth." Candy pursed her lips into a small kiss shape before continuing and Connor sighed heavily as she did so.

Candy continued, "The Raeyan Sector Block has been in a state of tension for the last 8 years while the Falteans have blocked nearly all access to their planet. However, is that going to continue to be the case? This morning a new detachment of elite marines called the Kingsmen have arrived at Faltan Station. Just an hour ago, Captain M'Mira had a full briefing with her Chiefs of staff. Is this a sign of coming military action by the Federation? Or are they preparing for an attack by the Falteans, Union, or Raeya? Whatever the case may be, it does appear that something has changed and those on Faltan Station should brace for it. Of course, I will continue my coverage of these developments and give you the Sweet Truth. This has been Candy Templeton reporting."

Any levity that Connor had was gone, including his soft smile.

"A friend of yours?" Jason asked noticing Connor's change in demeanor.

"Long story, but ex-girlfriend," Connor answered. "If it is newsworthy, she'll figure it out and report it. She's quite dedicated to her job."

"So, she used your relationship to get info for her stories?" Jason asked. "So much for journalistic ethics."

"Um, well, that's not completely accurate. It also is not completely inaccurate either." He sighed. "As I said, it is a very long story that stretches about a decade."

Seeing that Connor didn't really want to talk about it, Jason changed the subject. "So, Mr. Turner, what brought you to the Station, in the first place?"

Connor gave a short chuckle. "Ah, that's part of that complicated history. It was trying to prove to her, well someone else that I did not realize was her, that I could be brave and not stuck at home."

"The things we do for love." Jason said. "In my late teens I once asked out a Klingon girl. Her brother wasn't happy, said I dishonoured his House, and challenged me to a Bat'leth duel." He took a deep breath. "Luckily, my sister, Yvette intervened and declared herself my champion. The Klingon backed out, claiming he wasn't going to fight an alien child. I think he was just scared of her."

"How old were you and your sister at the time? And what happened to the Klingon girl?" Connor asked somewhat intrigued.

"I was almost 18 and and Yvette was 14. But she's always had an interest and weapons and combat, she even created her own martial arts." Jason said. "As for GrilaH, the Klingon girl, she joined the KDF and died a warrior's death during the Dominion War."

"I see," Connor answered with downcast eyes. "I'm sorry. I did not know. I should not have asked."

Jason patted Connor on the shoulder. "It's okay; I brought it up. She did her House, her family, and her people proud. She will be remembered in the Hall of Heroes, and songs will be sang of her and her deeds." The Science Officer absently wiped a single tear from his check.

"So, you still love her," Connor answered, observing the tear. "Have you been able to move on? Have relationships after that?" He paused before adding, "I'm not a counselor, I just know my dating life has not been spectacular after my relationship officially ended."

"Yes, she was my first love." Jason said. "I have had other relationships, one led to me having a daughter, and I was even engaged to be married once. They all ended in tragedy."

Once again, Connor felt ashamed that he asked anything so uncomfortable for Jason. "I'm so sorry." He cleared his throat, hoping that he could change the tide of this conversation. "So, as I was saying about M'Mira, she's really just a big kitten."

"Really? maybe I can distract her wish a large ball of string." Jason said, with a laugh. "By the way, things aren't that bad, my daughter, Jena is in Starfleet, she's a science officer, like both her parents."

Chuckling politely, Connor answered, "I don't think that a ball of string will quite work. However, she's kindhearted and although she would be offended by the analogy, her bark is worse than her bite." He put his hand to the side of his face conspiratorially. "She really despises dogs. Like I said, just like a cat."

"So, what you're saying, is that I should get a dog?" Jason teased.

"Probably," Connor replied with a laugh.

At that very moment, the waiter came back and said, "Stout for you, sir," and placed it before Jason. Then he imitated a proper post London accent and said, "Tea for you, sir. Anything to eat?"

"I'll have the beef burger and chips, and can I have mayonnaise instead of tomato sauce for the chips?" Jason said. "Thank you."

"Burger and chips is fine, thank you," Connor added.

With that, the waiter disappeared, presumably to take order to the chef. "So, as I was saying, take heart with M'Mira. Ask me anything you want. I'll try to help."

"So what does M'Mira do for fun?"

"Most of the time, her hobbies involve naps and dressing up pretentiously," Connor answered. "I have heard that she is a mean fencer, but I have not personally watched. I'm not much into physical activity."

"Fencing?" Jason asked. "I'm not a bad fencer, and have my own sword, maybe we could bond over that."

"Perhaps," Connor answered simply. "Her feline agility does give her a significant advantage, so my computer simulations have said."

"I have the height advantage, and my Vulcan physiology make me more nimble than the average human of my height and build." Jason said. "Also, I don't mind losing to a more skilled opponent." He added taking a large sip of his beer.

"Honestly, if it is not about football, I really have no use for sports," Connor answered with an apologetic shrug. "I prefer my computers."

"Ah, Football, Stade Rennais is my local team." Jason said. "As for computers, I'm sufficient in Starfleet and foreign operating and programing languages." He smiled. "Klingon is the simplest."

"I cheer for my local Exeter team. They're rubbish but if you cannot support your home, then what can you support?" Connor asked as if it was the simplest thing in the world. When the conversation turned to computers, Connor laughed brilliantly. "Klingon is always simplest. They do not think very complicatedly and their passwords are the simplest to hack, but you did not hear that from me. What I can tell you is that you might think that I'm crazy, but computers and I have an understanding. I find them a lot easier to understand that people. They're just so honest and straightforward. There's no hidden meanings. No games. Everything is logical. Maybe I should have been a Vulcan?"

"Maybe, but, as Ambassador Spock would say 'Logic is the beginning of wisdom, not the end,'" Jason quoted.

"Yes, but emotions are terribly complicated and unclear. It is a guessing game for all parties."

"Indeed." Jason said. "We could talk all night about emotions, and still not even scratch the surface."

"And I'm not very good at it," Connor admitted just as the food arrived. Burgers and chips for both parties but mayonnaise for Jason.

The waiter said, "Enjoy," and promptly departed.

Connor then asked, "So, is there anything else that you would like to know about the station? Make things easier for you?"

"I'm a trained field medic, do you think Station Medical would be interested?" Jason asked.

"Maybe," Connor replied with an apologetic shrug. "Perhaps you should contact the Doctor?"

Jason took a bite of his burger, chewed it and swallowed before continuing. I know you're into computers, but what do you think of books?"

"I can read them on computers or have the computers read them to me. They're entertaining. Is there a genre that you prefer?"

"My father introduced my siblings and I to Ancient English Literature, Austen, the Brontes, Shakespeare, Chaucer, Wells, Orwell, Bradbury, etc. And a few of the works of his countrymen; Dumas, Verne, and Voltaire."

Connor had started to eat while Jason was talking. He stopped when Jason did and then responded, "Well, those certainly are proper English works," Connor admitted. "I appreciate them but reading them once was plenty."

Jason laughed. "Well, they're not everybody's cup of tea."

"You would fit properly in the posh parts of London, that's certain," Connor replied equally jovially.

"You really think so, my good man?" Jason asked adopting a posh English accent.

Connor nearly choked on another sip of his tea. "Well, I think you would need some crumpets or at least a scone and be drinking my tea."

Jason laughed. "My Father did teach me a brilliant scone recipe."

"Been too long since I've had a decent scone." Connor clasped his hand over his mouth, the moment those words escaped. "You heard nothing," he told Jason with wide eyes.

"Don't worry. Your secret is safe with me," Jason said, taking another bite of his burger.

"So, is there anything that you want to know about the station to get you up to speed?" Connor asked before politely placing a chip in his mouth.

"Is there a place on the station that I can get some non-replicated ingredients?" Jason asked.

"Of course," Connor answered. "Level 15, has Regulus Marketplace. Should be plenty of fresh ingredients there. It is a bit of a farmer's market."

"Sounds great, I'll let you know when I make a batch of the baked good, you're not supposed to like." Jason said.

The Acting Chief Engineer, realizing what Jason was saying, blinked twice and then shook is head. "You needn't make a fuss over me, though I appreciate the offer."

"Oh, it's no bother." Jason said. "After all, what are friends for?"

"Thank you. We will have to try one of my holo programs, as well. I have lost track of how many I have, but I'm certain that we could find something that we would both enjoy."

"Sounds good." Jason said. "Thanks for lunch and the advice, Connor. I best make myself known to the CMO." He said. "We'll get together later, once I've made the baking goods we-will-not-name."

"I will look forward to that."

 

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