Location: USS Oakland, Mess Hall

Isabel was in the mess hall, it was after hours so they weren’t serving food. A few drinks were in order. They had managed to get the Oakland underway and now heading towards the Talvath System.

She decided to throw the crew a little shindig, Irish style. Most of the senior officers were there but most of them were also talking in their own smaller groups. She’d already given a couple of good toasts and now she was just waiting for the night to unfold as it should. Everybody seemed to be having fun the music was kind of loud and they were generals tomorrow’s on people’s faces which made her happy. The mess hall was a lively place tonight. In the ambience noise level was pretty loud.

Isabel looked around for a few minutes really take it in the vibe, she was proud of herself for planning this out. She had plotted in her mind where the main theater would be for tonight. She found a big table and a section of the bar that she wanted just for this party, with her influence at first officer she made it happen.

Isabel walked over to the bar area, and she started to pour a few rounds. When she noticed Andrea walking into the mess hall. “I promise nobody’s going into the galley and I already have a crew going to clean up this area before you show up tomorrow morning.” Isabel said with her strong Irish accent.

“I just came to join the festivities, but I’m glad to hear that.” Andrea said with the big warm smile on her face. Originally she wasn’t going to go, but then she started thinking about it why wouldn’t she go. She was just a chef at first she thought, but then she realized she isn’t she’s actually a part of this crew. Even though she had never considered herself to be part of the Starfleet crew she was technically part of the crew. And she deserve to be there just as much as anyone else.

“Have you now, I am happy to hear that.” Isabel said if she continued, she was happy to see that Andrea is willing to join them. She was still a little bit on the younger side so it made sense that she’d want to go and hang out with the crew after hours.

“I have commander, you have a really good crew here.” Andrea said, as she looked around to the others. She had either met most of them or at least serve them all food and they all were really nice to her and she appreciated that.

“That’s all because of your cooking, imagine how grumpy they would be if they had to eat replicated food on a regular basis.” Isabel said in a teasing manner, and then she put her arm around Andrea.

“Having you on this shift it’s truly life-saving, especially for our taste buds and mine.” Isabel said knowing she could be a little more open and friendly with Andrea said she was a civilian and not a direct subordinate.

“I think you gave me too much credit, but thank you.” Andrea said as she looked at Isabel. He really appreciated the affection the crew was showing especially the first officer. I meant that she was doing a good job in her eyes.

“That’s what I like about you, you’re modesty. I’m here to tell you though when a compliment comes your way, you should accept it graciously.” Isabel pointed out to Andrea.

“Oh trust me I’m taking a graciously and I’m really truly and deeply honored that you guys feel this way.” Andrea said with a smile on her face.

Stella walked over to Andrea and Isabel, and she had a big smile on her face and she said. “Chef, I’m glad you can make it. I’m glad you took me up on my offer.” Stella said with a big smile on her face, she was the one that invited Andrea to the party.

“Thank you for the invite Stella, I really appreciate it. Everyone is so nice here.” Andrea said that she looked around and then back at Stella and then in Isabel.

“I feel like I should be thanking you for coming more than you’re thinking me for the invite. If we’re being honest. I just want to show you how grateful we are to you.” Stella suggested to her. It could seem silly to an outsider looking in why was somebody be super grateful to somebody who just Cooks food for the entire crew. But they do more than that they’re all so part-time counselors, they’re good conversationalist there’s so much that is put on a show and beyond just simply cooking.

Andrea wondered maybe that’s why, she started thinking about it herself that why did she shoot Starfleet to cook for when she didn’t want to be coming officer with starfleet. But then she started realizing maybe it’s because of the conversations and the friendships that she’s building she still had no desire or anxious to serve and Starfleet but in a way she was kind of serving she was making sure that their crews were all fed and none of them had to eat that god-awful replicator food.

Isabel decided to chime in, she looked at both ladies put her arms around both of them this time. “Well ladies these drinks aren’t going to drink themselves” she said as she then kindly guided them towards the table she poured out a bottle and started pouring some shots for her and the rest of the senior officers.

“I have a feeling you two are trouble, but the good kind.” Andrea said with a big smirk on her face. She took a shot and then slammed it down feeling the instant warm sensation poured through her esophagus and down to her stomach. She jumped a little because it was stronger than she was anticipating. She forgot how strong the Irish can be with their whiskeys.

“It has a little kick.” Isabel said with the big gun on her face, she saw Andrea jump a little from the drink. She purposely didn’t tell her that it was a strong proof of whiskey. Where would the fun in that be, she thought to herself.

“You don’t say.” Andrea said trying to catch her breath after having such a strong drink go down her throat she coughed a little bit.

Stella was a little nervous, but she said what the hell and she took the shot to you and just like Andrea she coughed a little bit but she handled a little bit better.”

“There you both go, time to get this night started to correct way. If you need of you have a hangover in the morning then we didn’t do it right.” Isabel suggested, as a scene continued on with the three ladies drinking and socializing with the rest of the senior staff.

After about an hour and a half, Andrea had to call it a night she needed to get some sleep if she was going to cook in the morning. But the rest of the senior staff stayed for a couple more hors.

Stella did her best to try to keep up with Isabel but she was clearly no mad for Isabel’s drinking style. Man the Irish knew how to drink she thought to herself.

Isabel appreciated Stella’s attempt but she was no match for her and not when it came to drinking. The three ladies had a great time plus the other senior s

taff that they’re also allowed for an enjoyable night.