Saratoga Mess Hall

Kirk glanced around the room. After the formal induction, he and his new senior staff had headed to the Mess Hall for
the reception. Located on Deck 2 it served both as a dining room for the crew as well as a place for social gatherings.
Filars had informed him that due to the smaller size of the Saratoga there was no Officer's Mess.

"Delphis class ships are small and don't have a lot of amenities, so we're a lot less formal. There's no Officer's Mess,
just the Mess. No Officer's Lounge, just the Lounge. Everybody from crewman to Captain eats and relaxes together."
She'd smiled. "I've always liked it."

Kirk found he liked it too. There was a tiny Captain's Dining Room, located behind the Mess but he'd already decided
that the only time he'd use would be if he were entertaining important guests.

And now he found himself gazing into the eyes of his new First Officer.

"Welcome, aboard, Captain," the Andorian said quietly. "I am Commander Thelin th' Valrass. I will be both your
First Officer and Chief Science Officer. It is my honor to serve under you."

"The honor is mine, Commander," Kirk answered. He had looked up the background of his new First Officer:
Andorian/Aenar hybrid. Brilliant scientist with a focus in climatology. Calm natured but born of a warrior race and
so a skilled fighter. As Kirk looked into his eyes he also sensed integrity and no small amount of warmth.

As the reception continued there were other introductions.

The tall powerfully built Japanese male bowed solemnly to him. "Kon'nichiwa, Captain. I am Lieutenant Haruto Akari,
Chief Helmsman. I am honored to serve you."

Kirk bowed back. "The honor is mine, Lieutenant."

"I'm Lieutenant Shiboline M'Ress, Captain," the Caitain female said in a soft purring voice. "It's a pleasure to serve
under you."

Kirk looked into the golden eyes of his Chief of Communications and smiled. "The pleasure is mine, Lieutenant."
And I didn't even have to go through a lot of effort to learn your first name, he thought.

"Greetings Captain. I'm Lieutenant Arex Na Eth. You may remember me."

Kirk grinned at the Edosian. "Yeah, I saw you at the Academy a few times. You're supposed to be one of the best
navigators in the Fleet."

"According to some, sir. I am simply here to do my best."

"Captain." Filars came up to him and handed him a dish of steaming meats and vegetables. "Try this, you're not
eating enough."

"Yes, Ma'am." Kirk grinned and took the plate. From the moment they'd met, his new Chief Engineer had developed
a maternal streak toward him. "Hmmm. This is delicious," he commented as he began to eat.

Filars smiled. "Get used to it. Our Chef, Petty Officer Gavor, is a Tellerite. He lives to complain but he is one great cook."

Kirk glanced around the Mess Hall again and noticed two girls, about twelve and eleven, chattering with a nine year old boy.
Delphis class ships generally had safer missions and so crewmembers were permitted to bring their children on board with
them, something rare on other Starfleet vessels. He'd found out that there were seven kids on board the Saratoga.
While he wasn't really used to being around kids, he was sure that having them around would keep things interesting.

He smiled internally. If nothing else it'll keep Bones on his toes.

The chef is one great cook, he thought as he took another helping. And I have a feeling that this will be one great ship.


Note
Kon'nichiwa
is Japanese for 'Hello'