Post 120: It's Finally Open!

Posted on Wed Oct 23rd, 2024 @ 4:14pm by First Star Admiral Dakota Olvera & Admiral Christopher Bradley & Commander Jordan Haines & Lieutenant Commander Michael McMahon & Aurelia Steele
Edited on on Wed Oct 23rd, 2024 @ 9:24pm

2,024 words; about a 10 minute read

Mission: Obsidian
Timeline: Prior to the away team leaving

Chris had told Dakota that he wanted to go to the opening of the new Mexican restaurant that was opening and because she liked Mexican this was a perfect chance to enjoy themselves. And in doing so, he invited his nephew and Jordan to join them just for an evening out so he could forget everything else that was happening.

“This is going to be a fun evening.” Dakota said with a smile. “I am glad Mike and Jordan were able to join us.”

"Yes so am I. " he said grabbing a drink from a person who walked by them offering them to people.

Mike came up behind them. "Drinking already Uncle Chris?" as he walked over to his Aunt Dakota and gave her a kiss.

Chris laughed. "Why not?"

Jordan smiled at them as he walked up. “I’ve been looking forward to some good Mexican food. I hear this place is that and more.”

"Yes I can't wait." Mike said. "I love Mexican food."

Chris nodded. "Hopefully Ms Steele will come shortly and offically open so we can check out the menu." He said finishing his drink and grabbing another. "What do you guys want to drink while we are here"

Aurelia had noticed Admiral Bradley, his wife and the others when they had arrived. She started towards them having waited a few moments to check the two men with them. Jordan Haines she had heard of and seen him around the station but the man with him she had not seen before.

As she approached them, she called out a greeting. “We are open for business, please come in and have a seat “

Chris nodded. "Let's go inside." He said to everyone." He left the others walk in ahead of him as they sat down and found a seat.

“Your wife doesn’t disappoint me.” Aurelia whispered. “She looks feminine and fragile but if you look closely, you can see she has a strength mist overlook.”

Chris nodded towards Aurelia. “ Folks let me introduce you to Ms Steele. I met her when she was filling out some paperwork for the restaurant. This is my wife Dakota, Commander Jordan Haines, and my nephew, Lt Commander Mike McMahon. “ Chris smiled at his group. “We all love Mexican so we can’t wait. Keep the food and the drinks coming. Which reminds me I think I need another as this is empty.”

Mike raised an eyebrow at his Uncle and looked at his Aunf. They both looked very tired. He then looked at Aurelia and smiled. “ A pleasure to meet you “

The first thing that she noticed was his eyes. They seemed genuine and honest, as if he did not have a care in the world. Aurelia almost forgot where she was and what she was doing, she needed to watch herself around him, he was a little dangerous. “It is nice to meet you Lieutenant Commander.” She heard someone clearing their throat and looked to her right, remembering then that Commander Haines was there as well. “Welcome.” She said with a nod to Jordan. “I’ll have your drink refilled, salsa and chips are on the way.” Her eyes met Mike’s "let me know if you need anything.”

Jordan watched her walk away and a grin crossed his face. “I think she likes you, Mikey.”

Mike looked at Jordan. "What? Noo. " Mike watched her walk away. "She is good looking though."

Chris laughed. "Is this what we were like?" he asked Dakota.

Dakota laughed softly. “We didn’t have Jordan to play matchmaker…but yes we were.” She watched as the waitress set a glass in front of Chris and glanced over to Mike who gave her a questioning look. Dakota was determined this was Chris’ last drink. “I believe I am going to have the fajitas.”

Chris took a sip of the drink. "I'll have the Tacos al pastor. It looks good."

Mike checked out the menu. "This all looks really good. But I'll have the Chiles en nogada and a Orange Soda."

“I’m going for a wet burrito.” Jordan said with a grin. “The hotter the better.” He didn’t know where he got it from but he loved spicy food.” He winked at the waitress. “I think I’ll be coming around here more often.”

Mike laughed. "Well if I can see the owner each time - you can come with me."

Chris grinned. "You boys are good. Strong young men. It's a good thing to see now adays." He finished his drink and caught the eye of another waitress who started to prepare another one for him.

“Chris.” Dakota said quietly, “We agreed that two was the limit before we left home tonight .” She waited to see what he would say.

Jordan sat forward. He wasn’t one to care about how much someone drank but he could see that Dakota was a little upset and he didn’t like it when she was.

"I don't recall having that conversation dear. I'm just trying to relax a bit." Chris said.

Mike looked at Jordan. It was best that he not say anything unless he had to.

“I understand.” Dakota smiled. “But please make this your last one.” She was a little surprised he didn’t normally drink that much.

"Last one for dinner." Chris said eating a chip. He didn't know why he was drinking more than usual but he was feeling the effects. Something was telling him to keep drinking. But he would listen to Dakota while she was here.

“How does it feel to be back serving with Marius.” Dakota asked Jordan. She watched as he took a long drink from his glass.

Jordan turned and ordered a glass of water before answering her question. “Like I never left and yet we both have changed.”

“I got cuter.” Mike said. “I’m so happy to be serving with these guys again. It really is a family.”

Chris stood up. “Excuse me a moment.” He walked away from the table and out of sight.

Mike watched as Chris walked away and looked at Dakota. "What's going on?"

“His nightmares are back.” Dakota said her voice filled with concern. “He isn’t coming home at night until very late, if at all and as you have seen, he is drinking a lot.”

Mike leaned over and held her hand. "What can I do? This isn't like him."

“I don’t know.” Dakota shook her head. “He won’t go to counseling and he doesn’t want to talk about it at all.”

“I could have a talk with him.” Jordan said seriously. “For all I say he scares me I don’t mind at all. He might need a man to man chat.”

Mike nodded. "He calls me his favorite nephew, but I don't know if he'd talk to me. If talking to Jordan doesn't work, maybe you and Admiral Talbot? I know he's very good friends with him. If we knew where General Jackson was I'd suggest him as well." he said to Dakota.

“We are deeply concerned about him.” Dakota said quietly, “There has been no sign of him and his family hasn’t heard a word either.” She took a deep breath. “Let’s try Jordan first.”

Mike nodded as he noticed Chris coming back to the table. "Sorry for that." Chris said slowly sitting down. "I hope food gets here soon. I'm hungry."

“Everything okay?” Dakota asked him. She waited to see what he would have to say as he sat down.

"What? Me? Oh yes. " Chris said lying. "So boys, what have you two been up to lately?" he asked directing attention away from him.

“Same old same old.” Jordan replied. “Where”d you go?” He was curious what he would say.

"Oh just thought I saw a new recruit I had assigned to the base." Chris said. "I was wrong." He lied again but he wasn't about to tell Jordan that his nightmares are staring to affect him during the day.

“A new recruit?” Jordan continued. “Are you expecting some to be coming on board the station?” He could see Chris was edgy.

"What? Oh yes. New security agent. Derek Harker. " Chris said looking around. "I was not sure if he arrived yet or not."

“I see.” Jordan murmured. He looked up as their food arrived. Jordan watched as their plates were all set down. “Would you mind bringing us a couple pitchers of water. We won’t be needing anything more from the bar.” He glanced at Mike and Dakota and then Chris, waiting to see what he would say or do.

Chris looked at Jordan but said nothing. He looked to make sure everyone got their food. Once he saw that they did he started to eat his.

Mike watched the table. Something was going on. His uncle was acting strange. But he wasn't sure why. He took a bite of his food. "Wow this is good. Real good."

Jordan was relieved that the Admiral didn’t argue. He wasn’t certain what he would have done had he insured on another drink. “It is really good!”

Chris nodded. He kept eating and looking around but otherwise was behaved for the moment.

After they finished eating with good conversation about families and work, Chris stood again. “I am going to get the bill and take care of it. And then check on a few things. Jordan and Mike can you both walk Dakota back to our quarters.”

“Mike.” Jordan looked to his friend. “You walk your Aunt home, I have something to discuss with the Admiral.”

Mike nodded. “Come Aunt… Admiral Dakota. Your escort awaits.” He said holding his arm out.

Chris looked at Jordan. “Well follow me then. What can I do for you?” Chris walked over and paid the bill as he waited for Jordan to speak.

“I just wanted to check in with you.” Jordan said in a laid back easy manner. “See how it’s been going settling in on our station.” He kept it low key, he didn’t want Chris to suspect he was checking to see if he was okay.

“Oh yes it’s good. It’s nice to be on a station again. And this place does bring… “ he almost said something he didn’t want to so he changed what he was going to say. “This place does bring the family together. Plus free cookies are close now.”

Jordan grinned. “You know me and your wife’s cookies.” He leaned against the counter. “I’m here if there is anything I can assist you with or if you need an ear of confidence.”

"I appreciate that Comman... Jordan. I do. " Chris said. "All will be well. Now, you go figure out how to get Mike and Ms Steele together. And I'm going to head out and take care of a few things."

Jordan grinned. “Mikey needs some game. She is one hot mama.” He grinned at Chris and headed on his way.

Chris watched as Jordan walked out of sight. He made sure no one else that would question him was around and walked over to the bar and sat down. He felt his hands shake a bit but ordered another glass of whiskey. Something wasn't right but he couldn't figure it out.

Two hours later Chris stumbled back to his quarters. He ended up having a few more drinks with some crew members. He tried to keep quiet as he walked in. He went into living quarters they had which was on the other side of the bedroom so as not to wake Dakota, so he thought.

Dakota heard Chris come in. She could smell him a mile away with the alcohol. She would leave him for now. But something had to be done. She was worried.

OFF:

Fleet Admiral Dakota Olvera
Fleet Admiral
Starbase Obsidian

Admiral Christopher P. Bradley
Director of Research and Development/ Director of Intelligence
Starbase Obsidian

Commander Jordan Haines
Executive Officer
Starbase Obsidian

Lt Commander Mike McMahon
Chief Operations Officer
Starbase Obsidian

Aurelia Steele
Civilian...

 

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