The Morning After - Part 1

Posted on Thu Apr 23, 2026 @ 9:44am by Commander Richard Fitzsimons & Commodore Kate Banninga

954 words; about a 5 minute read

Mission: S03E01 - Something about Tribbles
Location: Langley Station - Adminstration Deck - CO's Office
Timeline: MD03 - 09.15 hours

ON:

Kate almost ran into her office. Her head was killing her and all the noise was only making it worst. Even the sound of the vibrations was making her sick. Once the door of her office was closed at least the majority of the sounds were muted. She went to the replicator and ordered a smoothie with spinach, blueberries, banana and ginger. A secret recipe she's learned from her grandma. She could have done it at her quarters, but she was late getting up and had really needed that actual shower.

She walked to her desk and put the smoothie down when the doorchime sounded. Instead of saying "enter" she said no instead. She wasn't ready jet to meet anybody.

Richard had wanted a few minutes this morning to review some reports from department with Kate, in advance of further meetings with the Tellarite trade guild. It seemed like this would be their only oppertunity ahead of what was showing itself to a being a probable extremely busy day.

As he came to a stop outside of the Commodore's offices; the executive officer pressed the door chime to alert to his arrival. He did wonder if he should have sent a message ahead of time but he was sure that it would be fine. As the moments ticked by and the door didn't open, he began to wonder if he'd heard things when he'd checked on Kate's location earlier. "Computer, please confirm Commodore Banninga's location."

After milliseconds, the female voice chimed from his commbadge. "Commodore Banninga is located in the commanding officers offices on the administration deck."

Frowning further at the still closed door; Richard's hand moved to press the chime again. Worry starting to push in a little as he knew this was uncharacteristic behaviour for the woman and his mind wondered if something had happened.

When she had said no to the door, she knew it was not gonna work. She plopped down with the smoothie and a black dark coffee and sat down, before saying "enter,". she hoped she didn't look as awful as she felt.

As the door finally slid open, Richard moved in brisky as his eyes darted around the room until they found Kate. A momentarily feeling of relief moved through mind as he was reassured she was actually ok; allowing his body to relax after the momentary panic. "Ka...Commodore. Apologies for the interruption. Is now a good time?"

"Thank God it's you," she said as she released the breath she'd been holding and put her hand back at her head. "Please, close the door and don't shout. I cannot handle that at the moment." She looked at the drinks in front of her, deciding with which one she'd better start with. Eventually deciding to start with the coffee.

Richard raised an eyebrow as he moved into the room, the door sliding shut behind him but staying where he was until he established if he was staying or going again.. Whatever he has expected to find here; he wasn't quite sure what to think. It almost seemed like Kate wasn't quite herself. Her body language and words were a big contradiction to the officer he was used to dealing with. "Ah...are you ok? Do you need me to call a Doctor?"

She glared at him for a second. "No, no doctor needed. I just need a moment, then we can go that meeting for the tellarites. Just need this headache solved." She now switched from the coffee to the smoothie.

Richard leaned his shoulder against the doorframe, giving the woman space as he crossed his arms across his chest. Something wasn't quite right but he still couldn't quite put his finger on it. "Did the Tellarites cause problems after their arrival yesterday? The reports from Drevas and Kincaid seemed to be ok. The delegates were argumentative but certainly nothing that they couldn't handle. Gralik certainly has a way about his words."

"I have a headache, ok." she answered. "I had a few drinks too much last night. My sister in law dropped by, and well." She purposely didn't mention Caoimhe's presence since she and Richard still didn't get along.

The penny finally dropped as at the same moment Richard dropped his head in order to try and hide the smile; not sure it would go down well now he understood her condition. He wasn't sure that he had ever seen Kate drunk, nor the after effects on her of overindulging. Seems that mood and a shortened patience were the top two after effects. "Fiona? If she's anything like your brother David I can see now what the problem is."

"Oh, she is way worst," she answered and then continued on the coffee. A little later she continued, even though she wasn't sure this was the right time to bring it up. "I've heard all about you and my brother meeting." She looked at him to see his reaction.

Richard kept his eyes turned down for a moment more in order to give himself a moment to recalobrate. He knew at some point Kate would find out he'd met her brother and they'd talked but he guessed he hadn't thought she would confront him so quick.

Taking a breath, the officer tilted his head back and allowed his eyes to move to Kates; holding the stare. The nerves showed in his eyes as he wondered, just how much David would have told his sister. "I'll admit, even looking back it was abit bizarre. Would you believe that three men randomly walked into a bar, started talking and drinking and well...ye."

[TBC]

Commodore Kate Banninga
Commanding Officer
Langley Station

Commander Richard Fitzsimons
Executive Officer
Langley Station

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