Day 12 - Mess Hall ((Open))

[secure_aid]

The first away team down on Bacchus II was missing, and a second away team was just now gathering to follow them. Aiden was not among it, not being a senior enough officer aboard the ship to warrant his participation. It galled him, being young enough and foolish enough to want to be in the thick of things, but there was nothing he could do except

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[transwarp_beam]

On entering the mess hall, Scotty made a beeline for the replicator he'd specifically programmed to produce excellent sandwiches. A few moments later he turned, food in hand, to scan the room. He spotted a free seat at the same table as a red-shirted ensign he recognised from...somewhere. And wow, he really was going to have to get better at peoples' names.

Wandering over, he cleared his throat and said diffidently, "Y'mind if I sit here, mate?"

[secure_aid]

Aiden had just taken a bite of a green piece of food when the voice spoke from across the table. It was probably comical, the wide amber green eyes the mouth full of food, looking up at the Chief Engineer standing there. Knowing that he wouldn't be able to chew down the bite in time to answer politely Aiden simply shook his head quickly and waved at the seat in what he hoped was a welcoming fashion.

Fucksticks he needed to get better at this whole social thing.

[transwarp_beam]

"Cheers," Scotty said, sliding into the seat. He took a bite of his sandwich and cast a glance at the young man sitting opposite him. Had Starfleet gone out of its way to recruit only the most attractive people possible? Why was the entire crew of the Enterprise ridiculously attractive? He charitably waited for the ensign to swallow before giving a self-depracating smile and saying, "I'm afraid to say I'm painfully bad with names. Help me out?"

[secure_aid]

Aiden grinned and shook his head, "No worries, sir. I'm Aiden, Aiden Garrovick. I'm a Security Officer." and he popped a small piece of red food into his mouth, chewing and swallowing before continuing on, "So how are you today sir?"

[transwarp_beam]

He cringed and waved his hands, "Ah, none of that! I'm the last person you should be 'sir'-ing." After all, a fortnight ago his career had been in the toilet. To say nothing of the fact that oh dear god being 'sir'-ed by a teenage security officer was making him feel his age acutely. He was starting to think he might genuinely be the oldest person aboard.

[secure_aid]

It seemed inevitable that after spending time on this ship that Aiden had picked up the universal quirk of the entire crew. His eyebrow lifted in surprise at Scotty and he swallowed his blue bit of food. "What should I call you then?" he said tulting his head to the side, "Being as I don't want to offend, or be presumptuous."

[transwarp_beam]

He noticed the eybrow and grinned - that little mannerism seemed to be highly contagious. He'd caught himself doing it a few times. "Scotty," he said firmly. "It's Scotty. And presumpt away." A wink. "I'm a hard man to offend."

[secure_aid]

Aiden chuckled softly drinking from his glass before replying, "If I was more competitive I would take that as a challenge si- Scotty." he caught himself before finishing the word and wrinkled his nose at himself.

[transwarp_beam]

Scotty just laughed and took another bite of his sandwich. He cast a suspicious glance at Aiden multi-coloured meal. "...what is that?"

[secure_aid]

"No idea!" Aiden shook his head, "I still tend to suck with machinery, so it really could have given me anything." he examined a round crunchy yellow object and then popped it into his mouth, "Relatively tasty though."

[transwarp_beam]

"Well if it's edible, I suppose that makes it a step up from Academy cuisine," Scotty said philosophically.

[secure_aid]

Aiden made a wholehearted 'Mmmmmhmmmmm.' of agreement, swallowing the yellow bit and smiling. "Much better." He looked over at Scotty's food and his mouth tweaked up a little into a smile. "Sandwiches hey?"

[transwarp_beam]

Scotty grinned. "Sandwiches," he agreed. "Finest cuisine known to man. Or woman. Or being of unspecified gender."

[secure_aid]

"I think everyone, be they man, woman or androdgynous being appreciates a good sandwich." Aiden said solemnly, green eyes dancing happily.

[transwarp_beam]

"I think this is the beginning of a beautiful friendship," Scotty said with a grin.

[secure_aid]

Aiden grinned and saluted the other man with his drink, "Cheers to that." he said, sipping with a smile.