Joshua strolled into Brew and sat at a table. The night with N’Vea went off better than he imagined. It was hard to know if the thought was mutual, Vulcans were always difficult to read. She didn’t leave abruptly, so he chalked it up as a win. But was it a date? It was never described as-

“Good morning Dr. Bryant!” The cheerful hologram interrupted his thoughts. “We show your last order was…” the hologram flickered, “Pineapple Cream Dream Rapid Raktajino. Would you like that again?”

“What? Ugh, no!” Was he that tired the last time he was here? But the drink did keep him up after the all-nighter. “I’ll have a vanilla latte.”

“Very good, one moment,” and the hologram vanished.

“Man, who comes up with these drinks?”

“A person with a rich and creative mind that makes people like you and me think about it” A voice came from his left. Arwa took a sip from her drink and enjoyed it “It is quite amazing when a name is as surprising as its taste” She looked at him “Doctor el-Imam pleasure to meet you.”

Joshua nodded, “Joshua Bryant, likewise. It was certainly… something. I was half asleep the last time I was in here. I asked for something strong and heavily caffeinated. It was all of that and the tropics liquified. I’m not sure I could’ve pronounced that in the state I was in.” 

Overhearing the conversation from the nearby table, Pilk turned toward the two officers. “I’ve often wondered the same thing. Though from my experience it is not only humans that are creative with drinks. Have you tried the pumpkin spice double espresso Raktajino  made with Ferengi grown  beans at Quarks on DS9?” 

“I haven’t,” Joshua admitted. “And I thought Pineapple Cream Dream was an obnoxious name,” he laughed. “I’ve been meaning to make a trip to DS9, lots of history there.”

He looked between the two individuals. “You know what? Talking like this is awkward, why do you two join me? I have more table than I know what to do with.”

Pocking up the mug in front of him, Pilk got up and made his way over to the table. “ Lieutenant Pilk, nice to meet the two of you.” As he offered a hand to each of the two officers.

Joshua shook the proffered hand, “Joshua Bryant, it’s always good to meet fellow coffee admirers.” 

Taking her Andorian iced tea with her and taking a spot at the table with the two “It would be a pleasure, I am always in to get to know new people that work here at this large base.” Arwa sat down and smiled at them. “Especially when I just arrived here”

“Fresh off the boat… as it were?” Joshua asked. “Which admiral did you get on the wrong side of to end up here?” He smirked. “Seriously though, it’s a good place,” Joshua stretched. “A bit daunting at first, but it’ll come to you. I’ve been here a few months and I’m sure there are places I haven’t seen yet.”

Taking a sip of her drink “Well I came from Eos Station, so this place will do just fine” Arwa just has to mention the name, which should indicate enough of her experience thus far. “But I expect to explore the base and planet soon or when time allows it”

A server appeared with Joshua’s drink, “Your vanilla latte, Dr. Bryant. If you need anything else, please let us know.” The hologram vanished.

Taking a drink, he turned to Pilk. “What about you, Lieutenant Pilk? What brought you to Bravo?”

“I’ve been here for going on a year now. Originally I was hoping to fill a tactical officer slot on a ship, but with things being as they have it was felt I could be of more use here. Working in the Strategic Operations offices. Not quite exciting as being on a ship but it has its moments. Before that was a tactical officer/ Operations officer on a Raven.” as he took a sip from his mug.

“Ah, ship life is overrated,” Joshua replied. “I need room to breathe,” he emphasized with a deep inhale. “But coming from a Raven it must be one extreme to another.”

“Never really had life on a Raven before. How is it? I am interested to hear those kinds of stories.” Arwa showed interest by looking at them both. She slowly took a sip of her drink and enjoyed it, as shown in her facial expression of joy. 

“On a Raven? Life is busy. Small crew on a small ship that can be called upon at anytime to take on all types and of missions. I’ve heard tales of whole fleets of Ravens taking part in some pretty big operations. Quite a few took part in operation Sundered Wings. I’m willing to bet some of the higher ups have some stories to tell about their time on Ravens.” as Pilk day back in his chair and looked at his table mates wondering.

“It’s hard to think about admirals serving on such a small ship,” Joshua took a drink from his cup. “Everyone has to start somewhere. And you’re right about Ravens being the perfect ship for operational tasks. The ship can sneak past most defenses while the patrols look for bigger ships.”

Nodding about the shared experience, Arwa noticed the time. “Oh my, I have extended my stay here. I have to say it was a pleasure to meet you all and hear your experiences out there in ships like the Raven class.” Arwa stood up and gave a slight nod “Thank you for your time, and who knows, we shall see each other in the future.” WIth that said, Arwa departed to resume her duties.

Joshua waved as Arwa departed, “It’s been a pleasure.” He turned back to Pilk and continued the discussion about life on Starbase Bravo.