Familiar Company

Kepler

Familiar Company

Lt. Cmdr. Greggory Griffith, XO

Lt. Cmdr Shirik Lektar, COO and 2XO

Stardate 58807.15 16h30

Location: Deck 1 XO Suite

Greggory had no reason to be nervous.  This was just a meal between two old friends
to congratulate one of them on their promotion. Of course, they hadn’t had time
to sit down together since the launch, and even that had only involved a quick
bit of small-talk to catch up. It had been a while since they had taken the
opportunity to set aside time for a more in-depth conversation.

He scanned his quarters one last time to make sure he had
everything neatly packed away. Right on schedule, he heard the chime of his
door as he crossed the space. 

“Enter.”

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Greggory Griffith Members Profile Send Private Message Find Members Posts Add to Buddy List Simmer First Officer Joined: June/27/2026 Location: Orangevale, CA, USA Online Status: Offline Posts: 48	Post Options Post Reply Quote Greggory Griffith Report Post Quote Reply Topic: Familiar Company Posted: September/20/2026 at 4:58pm
	Familiar Company Lt. Cmdr. Greggory Griffith, XO Lt. Cmdr Shirik Lektar, COO and 2XO Stardate 58807.15 16h30 Location: Deck 1 XO Suite Greggory had no reason to be nervous. This was just a meal between two old friends to congratulate one of them on their promotion. Of course, they hadn’t had time to sit down together since the launch, and even that had only involved a quick bit of small-talk to catch up. It had been a while since they had taken the opportunity to set aside time for a more in-depth conversation. He scanned his quarters one last time to make sure he had everything neatly packed away. Right on schedule, he heard the chime of his door as he crossed the space. “Enter.”
	Lt. Cmdr Greggory Griffith - XO Lt. JG "Scruffy" LeBlanc - Engineer

Shirik Lektar Members Profile Send Private Message Find Members Posts Add to Buddy List Admin Group Ops Chief Joined: February/24/2011 Location: Jacobsburg, OH Online Status: Offline Posts: 173	Post Options Post Reply Quote Shirik Lektar Report Post Quote Reply Posted: September/20/2026 at 7:43pm
	The door slid open and there she stood. Shirik was dressed casually, in black slacks and a deep purple sweater, one of her favorites. Her hair was out of its braid and in a loose ponytail instead. Her Kemla was sheathed at her thigh. She had resisted the urge to bring her PADD with her, which went with her nearly everywhere all the time. Instead in one hand she carried a small fabric pouch of some kind. As she stepped inside, her gaze automatically swept the room, taking in every detail and filing it away before coming to rest on him. "Hi," she greeted him, her expression, like her dress, a bit more casual than normal.

Greggory Griffith Members Profile Send Private Message Find Members Posts Add to Buddy List Simmer First Officer Joined: June/27/2026 Location: Orangevale, CA, USA Online Status: Offline Posts: 48	Post Options Post Reply Quote Greggory Griffith Report Post Quote Reply Posted: September/20/2026 at 7:55pm
	Greggory quickly looked Shirik over and welcomed her in. "Have a seat." He walked over to the replicator. "Computer: One cocoa and one water, both 45 Celsius." When the two drinks appeared, he carried them both over to the table, setting the water in front of her. "For your Klaas. I figured you'd prefer that to something more... festive," he said, gesturing to the fabric pouch.
	Lt. Cmdr Greggory Griffith - XO Lt. JG "Scruffy" LeBlanc - Engineer

Shirik Lektar Members Profile Send Private Message Find Members Posts Add to Buddy List Admin Group Ops Chief Joined: February/24/2011 Location: Jacobsburg, OH Online Status: Offline Posts: 173	Post Options Post Reply Quote Shirik Lektar Report Post Quote Reply Posted: September/20/2026 at 7:59pm
	She moved into the room, her movements precise and efficient while at the same time unconsciously graceful, and settled into a chair, placing the bag on the table in front of her. She smiled a bit at his thoughtfulness. "Thank you." She reached into her pouch for a fuzzy black pinch of Tasmos and sprinkled into the hot water. The acrid bitter smell began to waft from the mug. "I usually have some to wind down after shift."

Greggory Griffith Members Profile Send Private Message Find Members Posts Add to Buddy List Simmer First Officer Joined: June/27/2026 Location: Orangevale, CA, USA Online Status: Offline Posts: 48	Post Options Post Reply Quote Greggory Griffith Report Post Quote Reply Posted: September/20/2026 at 8:06pm
	He smiled at her, as well as the familiar acrid scent. "Can't wind down too much, unfortunately. Who knows what we're going to find when we get to the Kepler. But I thought it was important to take what time we can get to celebrate your promotion." He raised his mug and held it over the table. "A toast, to finally climbing beyond a department head. I know it's been a rough journey."
	Lt. Cmdr Greggory Griffith - XO Lt. JG "Scruffy" LeBlanc - Engineer

Shirik Lektar Members Profile Send Private Message Find Members Posts Add to Buddy List Admin Group Ops Chief Joined: February/24/2011 Location: Jacobsburg, OH Online Status: Offline Posts: 173	Post Options Post Reply Quote Shirik Lektar Report Post Quote Reply Posted: September/20/2026 at 8:10pm
	She smiled and raised hers in mirror. "Truth be known, this is my third appointment to Second Officer, but the others were so short lived I never really got to take the position and do anything. Hopefully that will be different here." She took a deep sip from the mug and closed her eyes as she enjoyed the hot brew searing down her throat to settle into her stomach. "I've been ready for it, preparation-wise, for a while. But I wasn't sure I'd ever get to make it AND keep it."

Greggory Griffith Members Profile Send Private Message Find Members Posts Add to Buddy List Simmer First Officer Joined: June/27/2026 Location: Orangevale, CA, USA Online Status: Offline Posts: 48	Post Options Post Reply Quote Greggory Griffith Report Post Quote Reply Posted: September/20/2026 at 8:29pm
	He savored the rich cocoa and let the warmth relax his shoulders. "I'm confident you can do the job, and I think you've shown your capable of avoiding your previous transgressions. Obviously, the captain agreed." He leaned forward, resting his arms on the table as he smiled at Shirik. "Ur k'dum mila panelt. Ur k'chiv mila, kroshar."
	Lt. Cmdr Greggory Griffith - XO Lt. JG "Scruffy" LeBlanc - Engineer

Shirik Lektar Members Profile Send Private Message Find Members Posts Add to Buddy List Admin Group Ops Chief Joined: February/24/2011 Location: Jacobsburg, OH Online Status: Offline Posts: 173	Post Options Post Reply Quote Shirik Lektar Report Post Quote Reply Posted: September/20/2026 at 8:41pm
	She raised an eyebrow as she inclined her head. "An interesting way to say it. The phrasing does sound very Rennari. 'To having more power'...." she smiled a bit. "You've been practicing. Technically correct, but the k's arenot necessary in this context, it makes it sound formal, or like you're a beginner." Her smile grew a bit at that. "But you're improving. I am curious, though, as to what 'previous transgressions' you're referring to."

Greggory Griffith Members Profile Send Private Message Find Members Posts Add to Buddy List Simmer First Officer Joined: June/27/2026 Location: Orangevale, CA, USA Online Status: Offline Posts: 48	Post Options Post Reply Quote Greggory Griffith Report Post Quote Reply Posted: September/20/2026 at 8:46pm
	He nodded gratefully at her compliment on his progress. "The problems that kept this position from you and the incident on DS9 that resulted in your, fortunately temporary, demotion. I haven't heard of you getting 'disproportionately aggressive' in a while," he said with a wink.
	Lt. Cmdr Greggory Griffith - XO Lt. JG "Scruffy" LeBlanc - Engineer

Shirik Lektar Members Profile Send Private Message Find Members Posts Add to Buddy List Admin Group Ops Chief Joined: February/24/2011 Location: Jacobsburg, OH Online Status: Offline Posts: 173	Post Options Post Reply Quote Shirik Lektar Report Post Quote Reply Posted: September/20/2026 at 8:51pm
	Her smile faded. "That unfortunate incident was a result of my experiences in the Mirror Universe. As long as I never see that man again there won't be a problem." She sighed and took another sip. "My aggression is never disproportionate to the situation. Except in that case, and even then... I had no way to know he wasn't that Hadek."

Greggory Griffith Members Profile Send Private Message Find Members Posts Add to Buddy List Simmer First Officer Joined: June/27/2026 Location: Orangevale, CA, USA Online Status: Offline Posts: 48	Post Options Post Reply Quote Greggory Griffith Report Post Quote Reply Posted: September/20/2026 at 9:09pm
	"You've gotten much better at socializing since you came aboard the Constellation, making more of a positive impression with your fellow officers. Don't get me wrong, I doubt many would call you 'friendly,' but you aren't as harsh, even with your juniors in Ops." He gave a bit of a smirk, "Still the perfectionist I remember working with, though, which has served you quite well. You're looking as fit as ever."
	Lt. Cmdr Greggory Griffith - XO Lt. JG "Scruffy" LeBlanc - Engineer

Shirik Lektar Members Profile Send Private Message Find Members Posts Add to Buddy List Admin Group Ops Chief Joined: February/24/2011 Location: Jacobsburg, OH Online Status: Offline Posts: 173	Post Options Post Reply Quote Shirik Lektar Report Post Quote Reply Posted: September/20/2026 at 9:17pm
	"I have been told many times in the past that if I want to move up I need to learn how to interact with my crew and earn their loyalty and respect. I'm still working on it. Back home respect was simply expected by your title. You didn't really need to earn it. At least I hope they're not calling me a bitch behind my back any more. Not that it matters to me, as long as they do their jobs well." She nodded. "That has been work as well, but I'm satisfied with my fitness level now. I am also working on my mental discipline and expanding my weapons training."

Greggory Griffith Members Profile Send Private Message Find Members Posts Add to Buddy List Simmer First Officer Joined: June/27/2026 Location: Orangevale, CA, USA Online Status: Offline Posts: 48	Post Options Post Reply Quote Greggory Griffith Report Post Quote Reply Posted: September/20/2026 at 9:27pm
	"I'm sure you're excelling at those, too, or pushing yourself until you do." He took another sip of his cocoa, more than half the mug drained, and set it down on the table. "So, we're celebrating your promotion: what do you want to eat? I'll follow your lead."
	Lt. Cmdr Greggory Griffith - XO Lt. JG "Scruffy" LeBlanc - Engineer

Shirik Lektar Members Profile Send Private Message Find Members Posts Add to Buddy List Admin Group Ops Chief Joined: February/24/2011 Location: Jacobsburg, OH Online Status: Offline Posts: 173	Post Options Post Reply Quote Shirik Lektar Report Post Quote Reply Posted: September/20/2026 at 9:32pm
	She considered as she sipped from her mug, cradled in both hands. "I've always wanted to try pizza. Everyone talks about it so highly, and there seem to be so many variations of it..."

Greggory Griffith Members Profile Send Private Message Find Members Posts Add to Buddy List Simmer First Officer Joined: June/27/2026 Location: Orangevale, CA, USA Online Status: Offline Posts: 48	Post Options Post Reply Quote Greggory Griffith Report Post Quote Reply Posted: September/20/2026 at 9:34pm
	Greggory actually paused, blinking slowly as her words sunk in. "Do... do you have a flavor profile you want to try? That's one of the delights of pizza, you can do just about anything with it."
	Lt. Cmdr Greggory Griffith - XO Lt. JG "Scruffy" LeBlanc - Engineer

Shirik Lektar Members Profile Send Private Message Find Members Posts Add to Buddy List Admin Group Ops Chief Joined: February/24/2011 Location: Jacobsburg, OH Online Status: Offline Posts: 173	Post Options Post Reply Quote Shirik Lektar Report Post Quote Reply Posted: September/20/2026 at 9:38pm
	"I think, for my first time, I should go with something simple. Just the base pizza, maybe with some mushrooms?"

Greggory Griffith Members Profile Send Private Message Find Members Posts Add to Buddy List Simmer First Officer Joined: June/27/2026 Location: Orangevale, CA, USA Online Status: Offline Posts: 48	Post Options Post Reply Quote Greggory Griffith Report Post Quote Reply Posted: September/20/2026 at 10:00pm
	Greggory turned and, due to the complex specificity involved, manually entered the order. The replicator seemed to take a little longer than normal, but it soon finished producing a single-serve pizza, topped with three different mushrooms and a milder cheese profile. After Greggory transferred hers to the table, the replicator powered up again, producing a heavier pizza with a variety of meats and vegetables. He placed both pizzas in the middle of the table and then turned as the replicator made a couple of smaller plates and utensils, which he set in front of Shirik and his own seat. He nodded at the other pizza on the table. "If you feel adventurous after your first piece, we can have some of each."
	Lt. Cmdr Greggory Griffith - XO Lt. JG "Scruffy" LeBlanc - Engineer

Shirik Lektar Members Profile Send Private Message Find Members Posts Add to Buddy List Admin Group Ops Chief Joined: February/24/2011 Location: Jacobsburg, OH Online Status: Offline Posts: 173	Post Options Post Reply Quote Shirik Lektar Report Post Quote Reply Posted: September/20/2026 at 10:08pm
	She eyed both pizzas and sniffed the aromas they gave off. "It does smell good," she said, gingerly removing a slice of the mushroom pizza and placing it on her plate. She then cut the corner off and stabbed it with her for before popping it into her mouth. She chewed, experiencing the flavors. "I like it," she said. "What's on yours? Is it spicy?"

Greggory Griffith Members Profile Send Private Message Find Members Posts Add to Buddy List Simmer First Officer Joined: June/27/2026 Location: Orangevale, CA, USA Online Status: Offline Posts: 48	Post Options Post Reply Quote Greggory Griffith Report Post Quote Reply Posted: September/20/2026 at 10:17pm
	He transferred a piece of the combination pizza to his own plate, slicing a bite off and using his fork to keep any loose toppings from falling off. After swallowing his mouthful, he shook his head. "It's rich. The peppers are mild and give it a crispness that compliments the savory sauce. The meats have a little bit of a kick to them, but certainly not anything acrid enough to offend your palate."
	Lt. Cmdr Greggory Griffith - XO Lt. JG "Scruffy" LeBlanc - Engineer

Shirik Lektar Members Profile Send Private Message Find Members Posts Add to Buddy List Admin Group Ops Chief Joined: February/24/2011 Location: Jacobsburg, OH Online Status: Offline Posts: 173	Post Options Post Reply Quote Shirik Lektar Report Post Quote Reply Posted: September/20/2026 at 10:21pm
	"Klaas is more acidic than spicy I think," she said. "I seem to have a low tolerance for spice in foods. Maybe that's something else to work on," she mused as she cut off another piece of her pizza to eat.