Observations from the Bar
Chapter One – Nyota Uhura
"Good evening Nancy." Nyota took her usual seat at the bar, popping an Almond into her mouth from the small offering placed in front of her, her nails clicked together and she quickly licked the salt from her thumb and forefinger.
"Hello Nyota, how are you?" Nancy Englbrecht placed her PADD down that she had been furiously writing on, stuck the stylus into her hair and picking up a long stemmed glass she began polishing it in her hands. Placing it in front of Uhura she threw the towel over her shoulder and retrieved a bottle from the shelf behind her. Removing the stopper Nancy expertly decanted the wine into the glass, with a twist of her wrist she set the bottle down and pushed the glass forwards.
"Cheers Lieutenant."
"Thank you Nancy." Nancy had observed that Nyota Uhura was a creature of habit. She always had a glass of wine, just one and never more. Forty two minutes she would sit and enjoy her drink, never longer. She drank for pleasure. Uhura took a long satisfying sip of her drink, closing her eyes momentarily and humming to herself. Nancy couldn't help but smile.
"Good?" Uhura nodded in response.
"So, what's new Nancy?"
"Nothing much, it's been quiet the past few days. Not that I'm complaining, it's given me time to write up my notes." She jutted her head, indicating to Nyota her abandoned PADD.
"Most of the crew have been running ship wide assessments, the Captain has had us pulling double shifts."
"That'll be it then." Nancy knew when to leave the patrons alone and when they wanted to talk. She was a substitute Mother, Wife, Psychoanalyst, Doctor, Priest, and Rabbi.
Being able to listen, that was the key. Knowing when to shut up and let someone talk, not offering advice, or your opinion. Nancy knew there were times when that wasn't what they wanted. They just wanted to air their frustrations, wants and desires, drink up and leave. In other circumstances they wanted to be told what to do, they wanted the responsibility of their actions to be taken away from them.
Nancy found those scenarios trickier, there could be ramifications to her counsel and when you lived on a ship in deep space you couldn't just run from your problems. Nyota Uhura was one of Nancy's favourites though, she was incredibly smart, funny and never aired her dirty laundry. She was a 'put together' woman as Nancy liked to call her, easy going and friendly. What she found most interesting about her was the relationship she had with the Vulcan.
"Oh Nyota, a word of warning, a group of Ensigns from Engineering are having a get together here this time next week. I'd stay away if I was you!"
"Thanks for the heads up Nancy."
"You're always welcome." The women smiled at each other warmly, Nancy continued to polish some glasses and serve the occasional customer. Nyota sat and let her brain shut off for a while, enjoying the peace and quiet. "You're humming again Nyota." Nancy smirked, she could tell when the Lieutenant was in a good mood. She would hum her favourite song, 'Beyond Antares' and not even realise it. It let Nancy know that Nyota was fine, she was happy and content.
"Tell me a story Nancy." This happened more often than not to Nancy, she had gained a reputation of being a tremendous teller of tales. It wouldn't be unusual that on any given evening she would be asked by several different customers the same question that she was just asked, 'Tell me a story Nancy'. Nancy put a bottle of Klingon Blood Wine down and walked over to Nyota, in a conspiratorial fashion she leant against the bar and towards Nyota. As she always did.
"Maureen, an elderly woman walked into her local Bejoran temple. The friendly escort greeted her at the door and helped her up the small flight of steps. 'Where would you like to sit Madam?' He asked politely. 'The front row please.' Maureen answered amiably. 'You really don't want to do that,' the escort said, 'This Cleric is really boring.' 'Son, do you happen to know who I am?' Maureen inquired, looking directly at him. 'No.' he replied. 'I'm the Cleric's Mother.' Maureen announced indignantly. 'Do you know who I am?' He asked. 'No.' She said. 'Good,' He answered and disappeared." Nyota gave her a small round of applause.
"Where do you come up with them Nancy?"
"Oh that would be telling now wouldn't it."
"Good night Nancy."
"Always a pleasure Nyota, be safe."
LLAP ;-) XOXO I've got a number of these ready and waiting but if there are any characters you'd specifically like to see let me know and I'll try my best!