It's Not the Life of Luxury

Posted on Tue Apr 8th, 2025 @ 6:16am by Michał Lipinski & Lieutenant Elias McEntyre

859 words; about a 4 minute read

Mission: Resistance is Necessary
Location: USS Jane Addams | Deck 8 | Lounge
Timeline: MD002 - 07:30

A Raisian luxury starcruiser the USS Jane Addams was not, but to crew the Federation starship had an ample amount of amenities and space. The eith deck aboard the massive starship housed a crew lounge and though Michał was not an officer, he was now crew. At least with accepting of the First Officer's offer to serve as Captain M'Raz's Yeoman. Even though the Jane Addams was not the celestial pleasure palace that his previous starcruiser had been, Michał knew he was safer aboard this starship. It had at least escaped its encounter with The Borg vessel even if it was barely. Michał could not say the same about the ship he had fled from. It was likely destroyed along with the souls aboard, but he survived. He had escaped.

Entering the crew lounge for the first time, part of the crew and without escort, Michał Lipinski found the food and beverage replicator. The starcruiser had them aboard too. Federation technology. He knew how to use it and did so with ease ordering himself an uttaberry smoothie.

There were plenty of seats available, but Michał had only ever known to socialize. Big burly Caitian male? Why not thought Yeoman Lipinski. His new boss was a Caitian and Michał didn't have that much experience with them as a species. They weren't exactly the sort to frequent Risa. He just approached the table, pulled a seat out and plopped his butt down into the vacant seat and sucked the straw bringing the smoothie up and into his mouth. He puckered a little at first and swallowed. Alright, replicated not as good as fresh. You expected that he reminded himself. "What are you up to?" he asked the Caitian.

The large Caitian stopped what he was doing, looking at the young man who sat down. Next to him, a small Caitian boy of about 5-6 who looked like he saw a ghost, a thousand yards stare as he picked at the plate of food in front of him.

“I’m trying to get my brother to eat, we have a busy day ahead of us.” He turns his head to the newcomer. “McEntyre”

"Lipinski," replied Michał who had not initially seen the small Caitian boy though was pleasantly smiling at the boy. "Does your brother tend to be a picky eater?" asked the Yeoman. He observed the smaller younger Caitian for a bit. Caitian did not frequent Risa but he was aware of their being an occasional one that was part of a group that had chartered the starcruiser. Chef usually had to make sure when they were at port to acquire authentic meat. Perhaps not fond of the replicator pondered Michał.

Elias pondered the answer. "He...We've been through a lot in the last few days. I don't quite blame him for not wanting to eat." Clay looked up at Elias as he shifted closer to his side, hiding his head.

"I imagine not, though you need to eat little guy to grow up like your big strong brother" Michał said direction his response to Clay. The Yeoman reached for a fork and jabbed a bit from the plate and started making a swooping motion with the fork.

He made some noises and proceeded to bring the fork closer to Clay. "Ah a Tarkalean condor and he's coming closer..and closer."

Clay looked up at Michal, hesitant but accepted the offered food, chewing softly. "First sign of progress I've seen from him since we left Earth." Elias commented softly.

"I'm not an expert on these things but kids like to play even with food, makes it interesting" commented Michał. "And you're Caitians, right. There's still a desire to hunt once in a while I'd imagine, got those claws for a reason."

"Not really. We were born and raised on Earth on a ranch. It had been in our family since the Third World War. Not much for hunting when there were replicators." Elias explained.

"I suppose not. I will need to get used to replicator food" stated Michał. "We had them on Risa and the starcruisers, but we indulged in fresh fruit and vegetables a lot as well." Michał continuee with hi routine of enticing the younger Caitian to eat. "You said the two of you had a busy day lined up?"

"Going to take Clay to see Dr. Pierce. Getting him checked out got lost in all the chaos of late." Elias explained.

Michał smiled. "Doctor Pierce," the Risian looked at the Caitian. "That man has a charming bedside manner. He's treated me for a bit of a concussion."

With another smile at the young Caitian and another at the older brother Michał thought it best not to overstay his time with them. "It was a pleasure meeting the both of you. McEntyre, make sure your brother continues eating. If you have any issues just find me. Lipinski. Michał Lipinski, L-i-p-n-s-k-i, and don't be a stranger" he said clearing his stuff from the table and leaving the two Caitians.

Lieutenant Elias McEntyre
Chief of Security
USS Jane Addams

Michał Lipinski
Refugee
USS Jane Addams

 

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