Walking into the Golden Apple once again, Elias thought to himself, “Hays, I’ve been coming to the Golden Apple far too much this month.“ 

With the science division being busy with the colloquium that is currently going on, Every science officer is busy with their own little projects. Elias himself might even do a project himself. Thinking to himself, “Hmm, I have not finished it yet. Might finish it within the next week or so?”

Preston had finished squaring away his belongings and checked in with Sickbay, and now it was time to take in the local sights. He wasn’t one for large social gatherings, but stepping outside his comfort zone was a goal. Ok, it was his only goal at the moment. Stepping into the Golden Apple, he was impressed with the decor. “I wasn’t expecting this,” he stated. 

“Excuse me, Sir,” he stepped past the Lieutenant.

Looking at his back to see who it is, Elias then saw an Ensign in teal uniform. “Ah, my apologies, Ensign.“

“I need to apologize, Sir,” Preston maintained a formal stance. Having just graduated from the Academy, that life was still ingrained in his behavior. “Just hoping to have a drink and unwind before, well,” he wasn’t sure how to finish the sentence, “all of this happens.”

He paused, offering a hand, “Ensign Preston Roberts.”

”No need to apologize, Ensign. Pleased to meet you, Ensign Roberts! Lieutenant Junior Grade Elias Comescu at your service! You have certainly come to the right place! The Golden Apple is the best place to unwind for the night and socialize and make some new friends.“ said Elias.

“Since I’ve only been on the station a few hours, friends are in short supply.”  He decided to take a chance,  pointing to the bar, “Care to join me, Lieutenant?”

”Sure, I was just planning on getting something myself. Fancy a cocktail, perhaps? Nothing alcoholic, of course.” said Elias, slightly laughing at it.

Preston approached the nearby bar, “Moscow Mule, none alcoholic, please.” Looking over to the Lieutenant, “Sir?”

Looking at the barkeep, Elias said, “Negroni, non-alcoholic, if you would.”

Looking back at the Ensign, Elias said, “Please drop the sir, I’m also a Junior officer like you.”

Preston smiled, “Sorry, Elias,” it was odd, but he understood. “Academy life is hard to give up., I’m sure you remember. For the last four years, everyone was Sir and Ma’am. It’s a hard habit to break.”  Preston picked up his drink, tipping the glass slightly, “Here’s to leaving the Academy behind.”

Raising up his glass, Elias tipped it and also said, “to leaving the Academy days behind.”

”I hope you find yourself home at Starbase Bravo. After shifts, you could go out and explore the whole place. It’s big I’m telling you, really big.” said Elias.

“Starfleet does have a way of making sure big and flashy is the goal,” Preston laughed. Taking another sip, “So how long have you been stationed here,” he asked. Preston was grateful for the group of Ensigns who had traveled here with him, but it felt even better that he was branching out. Perhaps Bravo could be a good home.

“I’ve been at Bravo for like only a few months. I‘ve grown into it, it’s my home now.” said Elias. “Anyways, it’s almost time for my shift. I’ll catch you later?”

Preston nodded, “It’s nice meeting you, Elias; perhaps in time, Bravo will become a home as well.”  He smiled as he thought that a few more chance encounters like this and it would be. As Professor McCandless said, build a support network. He picked up his glass and took a final swallow.