A Little Splash (Open)

[Lt. Cmdr. Joseph Munroe]

Joe loved taking a swim in the pool whenever he got the chance. Walking into the pool, he felt the rush of warm air brush his skin and he smiled. 

"Now this is the life," he murmured to himself, moving to a bench and dropping his towel on the floor. With space technology the way it was, there were not many opportunities to actually use real water. The onboard swimming pool was truly a luxury and was often frequented by many of the crew. 

Joe missed the fresh water swimming from his days back on Berengaria, his homeworld, but at least the pool gave him a feeling similar to what he would have had back home. Swimming on the holodecks on some ships had been okay, but when you got out of the water, it wasn't real, not like this pool. 

Moving over to the side, Joe stuck his toes in the water and smiled again. "Ah, pure bliss." Then taking a few steps back, he moved forward and dove into the water with hardly a splash. 

He swam underwater quite a while like a sleep fish, before finally bursting free through the surface with a gasp. Joe was happy here. He glanced around and noted a few others in the pool area. He nodded to them, but otherwise kept his own peace as he began to swim a few laps. 

Tag Any

[Ensign Liam Townsend]

After reporting in, Liam had settled into his room before exploring the ship. He was still in awe of the sheer size of the Nike and by the fact that he was part of its crew. The shock had yet to wear off.

His tour around the ship lead him to the pool. He wasn't much of a swimmer, but as he stood there gazing at the other swimmers present he decided to take a dip himself. Changing into swim trunks, Liam made his way toward the water.

Quite a few people were swimming laps so he decided to do the same. Wasting no time, he dived into the deepest part, allowing the pressure of the water to push him back to the surface. Unfortunately as he neared the top he emerged right beneath another officer. Bumping into the hard form scared him a bit and he inhaled while still underneath the water. Clinging to the closest thing to him, which happened to be the other officer, Liam pulled him down with him in attempt to reach the surface.

Drowning on his first day...yeah, that seemed like something he would do.

Tag: Joseph, anyone

[Captain Xian Chen]

**All Hands Whistle Sounds**
//“’By order of Admiral Lara Rell, flag officer of the United Federation of Planet’s Eighth Fleet: Command of the United Federation of Planet’s galaxy-class starship, USS Nike (NCC 71268) is hereby transferred to Captain Xian Alexis Chen as of stardate 85498.12.’

“I hereby assume command of this starship and accept all duties and responsibilities herein.

“I won’t waste time with long speeches. We are about to embark on a potentially dangerous mission. Let’s prepare for departure. We leave for Quo’nos in an hour.

“Chen out.”//

[Lt. Cmdr. Joseph Munroe]

He'd made a few laps around the pool, hardly noticing the people around him or when any of them got in or out of the water. Joe felt at home here. Swimming was a pastime he'd loved as a child. It was something he excelled at no matter where he was. His hardest task had been passing the tests to guard and save in ocean waters. It was an accomplishment he was proud of, however. 

He'd just dipped around one end of the pool by pushing against the wall, and started to come up for air when he was suddenly dragged under. His eyes opened underwater in a mild panic, wondering what could have grabbed him as he fought to break free from the surface and breath air. Joe was strong and pulled against the force until he gasped a breath and got pulled under again. In an instant he saw the other man gripping him in panic. His lifesaving skills kicking into full gear, Joe reached for the other man, grabbed him under the arms and pushed to the surface pulling him with him. 

They both broke free and Joe gasped in a breath, turning the man so he was floating on his back, he immediately checked to see if he was alive and breathing. Others meanwhile had started to swim to the pair and were gathering on the side of the pool to offer assistance. 

"Are you okay?" Joe asked still holding the man to keep him afloat. 

The captain's words didn't even register in his mind as he dealt with the more serious situation of the moment first. 

Tag Liam/Any

[Ensign Liam Townsend]

The water flowed into his lungs, setting his chest on fire. He choked and coughed, sucking in more water as he struggled to make it to the surface. His hands gripped at the flesh of the person above him. He was unaware that he was causing the other man distress as well. He was too concerned with his well being; his own survival.

As if lifted by an angel, he felt a tug beneath his arm and he was pulled to the surface. He gasped, pulling air into his lungs and coughing up the water that had threatened to claim his life.

The pressure from the water muffled his hearing but he heard the tenor of the voice close at his side.

"I...I'm fine." he said, coughing up the last of the water. His chest still burned, but he could feel the pressure easing. He stared up at the ceiling and then closed his eyes.

"Are you okay?" he asked. The realization of what had just happened dawn on him. "I...I could have killed you...I'm so sorry."

Tag: Joe

[Alexandria "Alex" Kavanaugh]

With things settled in their quarters, Alex had decided she'd needed some alone time. She loved her younger siblings a lot, but they were rather whiny at the moment after the voyage and the transfer to the Nike. 

She'd wondered the ship, noting the changes that had been made since her dad had flown on the Nike in the past. They hadn't been there long, not like his other commands, but she recalled this ship with fondness. This is where her dad's life had started anew. After all he'd been through, the Nike had been like a rebirth for him, just like her name suggested. Now, Alex hoped it would give her the courage and confidence she needed to succeed on her entrance exams to the Academy. 

Having wondered through quite a few decks, she found herself outside the main pool doors. She smiled. She'd forgotten the Nike had a full pool onboard. Not many ships had had that. It was quite a luxury. 

Pushing open the door, she walked in and noticed many people enjoying the water already. She hadn't planned on a swim, and therefore just walked around the edge of the pool. 

The voice of the new captain rang out in the space, echoing in the large room. Alex tried to listen but her attentions were drawn to a scuffle of some sort in the deep water. Turning she watched for a moment until realization dawned. Someone was in trouble! She, along with a few others who were nearby, started racing to offer help. She slipped and slid on the wet surface, nearly falling herself as she made her way towards what she now knew were two men. 

"Is everyone okay?" She asked, breathlessly as she approached and noticed the danger seemed to have passed for the moment. 

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[Lt. Cmdr. Joseph Munroe]

Joe held onto the other man while he coughed, making sure to keep him afloat. All the while he was trying to steer him closer to the edge of the pool. With the water in this area nearly 10 feet, it was impossible to touch the bottom, and the effort of keeping the both afloat after the little incident was quickly draining Joe of his strength. 

"It's alright, everyone has a bad spell now and again. And thankfully, we're both okay," Joe replied, always the optimist. 

"Here we go," he pulled Liam gently towards the edge of the pool and the waiting arms of those who had come to help. Joe was grateful for their help, though he imagined the other man might feel a mite embarrassed. 

"Everything's alright folks," Joe told them, smiling to acknowledge their help. "Can someone go get him a towel?" He looked up and noticed someone dart off to the side. 

Moving in closer he said more quietly for just Liam to here, "Just hold onto the side for now and catch your breath. I'm Joe, by the way." 

Tag Any

[Ensign Liam Townsend]

"It's alright, everyone has a bad spell now and again. And thankfully, we're both okay,"

This words should have made him feel better, but Liam could only feel more ashamed. He prayed what happened didn't get around to his aunt. She wouldn't embarrass him in front of everyone, but she'd talk to him like his mother would and that was the last thing he wanted. He was an officer now; he could take care of himself.

Tell that to the officer who just saved your life...

Liam did as he was told and clung to the side of the pool. He no longer felt like his chest was on fire. That particular heat had moved to his cheeks which were burning with embarrassment. Everyone had gathered at the side of the pool and now gazed down at him like he was some sort of helpless kid. Perhaps he was. Maybe he should go back to England and let his mother baby him some more. He mentally chided himself for even considering that as an option.

"Liam" He said, glancing at Joe sidelong. The man wasn't looking at him like everyone else. There was no pity in his eyes, just concern. For that he was thankful. The tiniest of smiles curved his lips.

People began to whisper and gather. The pool hadn't been this crowded before had it? He wished everyone would just go away and leave him alone. He took a few deep breaths as Joe instructed; glad the man was at his side.


"Is everyone okay?"


"Yes, we're fine," he snapped even before he looked up to see who had spoken. A towel was thrust his way and he took it. Dabbing at his face, he eased himself out of the water and peered up into the face of a young girl as he took a seat at the edge of the pool. He immediately changed his tone

"I..I'm alright. Just need to catch my breath." His eyes darted upward to meet the girl's before quickly looking away. He draped the towel over his shoulders and brought one end up to wipe the water from his forehead.

Tag:Alex, Joe, anyone

[Alexandria "Alex" Kavanaugh]

Alex heard the command and looked around, turning toward the benches. She made her way over quickly and grabbed a towel, darting back to reach down and hand it to the people in the pool.

"Yes, we're fine,"

At first, she balked at his tone. Her lips curled down in a frown. She wanted to retort that there was no need to be snippy, but she held back. Then moments later, he'd pulled himself up out of the pool and gazed into her eyes. She froze. His blue eyes were very striking and seemed to capture her own and hold them for what felt like forever. Then, just as quickly the contact was broken. He'd sat down on the side of the pool. Alex had to shake herself awake, almost as though she'd been caught in a dream. 

"I..I'm alright. Just need to catch my breath."

His tone was much nicer this time. She gave him a small smile.

"I'm glad you're alright." She looked around, not certain what more to do. She would have sat and joined him, but she wasn't dressed to sit on the side of the pool. 

Just then another man came up and offered a hand to the man in the pool. Alex recognized him. He'd been on the Nike before when they'd been there. She couldn't place his name at the moment, though. 

The other man, looked to Liam after having helped Joe out of the pool and stated, "Looks like everything's okay here. Be careful next time buddy," and with that the man walked away. Many of the others began to disperse as well.

Alex felt badly for the man. Still standing, she spoke, "Trust me, I've gotten into worse scrapes than that over the years. Talk about embarrassing stuff." She snorted a bit. "You're lucky, at least you're not the daughter of the ship's captain. Cause trust me, when you are they talk about it even longer." Alex had had a terrible time back on the Crudaigh living down many of her escapades, especially the one when she'd fallen into the thank and the whole darn ship had had to search for her. Now that one was one that had been talked about for a long time. 

"I'm Alex, by the way," she added as an after thought, reaching her hand down to him.

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[Lt. Cmdr. Joseph Munroe]

Joe was grateful for the hand that helped him out of the pool. Liam seemed to be alright, just a bit of wounded pride, now. 

"Don't let them get to you, Liam," he stated, still dripping off. "Everyone has embarrassing moments in their life. It's how we pick ourselves up and carry on that really matters." 

He shooed a few more people away, letting them know that Liam was just fine now. Soon it was just he, Liam, and Alex. For while, she might not remember Joe's name, Joe couldn't forget hers. She'd been younger then, but one didn't forget an Admiral's daughter. 

"I'm afraid I'd best go dry off. Besides I believe I heard that we were launching soon. Best be about my duties. It was nice to meet you Liam." Joe didn't want to embarrass the younger man and felt it might be best to be on his way. 

"If you ever need to talk, come find me. I'm a good listener," Joe smiled kindly, then moved off to grab his things and head to the locker room to change out of the wet suit.

End Joe

[Ensign Liam Townsend]

"I'm glad you're alright."

Liam paused. His hand clenched the towel and he blinked. Just who was this girl anyway? Liam turned slightly to look back at her. He figured she'd leave like everyone else. Joe gave him some words of encouragement before he eventually left to get back to work. He knew he'd see the man again. Even a Galaxy class ship would feel small after a couple of months. He would thank the man again when he saw him. Perhaps one day he would return the favor.

The girl didn't leave, but moved closer. She looked too young to be an officer, yet her words carried a hint of confidence; confidence of someone with experience. With his hair no longer drenched and dripping into his eyes, Liam peered up at the girl, frowning at her words. So she was the daughter of a Captain. Well, that explained the confidence thing. She was trying to cheer him up and he couldn't understand why. When she extended her hand he looked at it, smirked and stood. Swimming trunks riding low and water dripping down his exposed chest, Liam looked a mess, but he didn't care. He gazed down at Alex, cocking his head to the side as he took in her petite frame. She looked young, too young perhaps to interest him, yet she held his attention longer than was probably appropriate.

"Liam Townsend. It's nice to meet you, Alex." He took her hand then, shaking it gently. When he pulled away his fingers stroked the length of her hand. "Thanks for the pep talk, but I think I've got it from here."

In the distance he could hear officers commenting on something the captain had said earlier. They were departing soon. That meant it was time to get back to work.

"Thanks for...you know." He gestured at the towel. He should really leave, but at the moment he didn't really want to.

Tag: Alex, anyone

[Alexandria "Alex" Kavanaugh]

"Thanks for the pep talk, but I think I've got it from here."

She felt a bit foolish. Of course he didn't need her encouragement. He was clearly older than she was. She was thinking perhaps that was her cue to take off, but then he added.

"Thanks for...you know."

"You're welcome," she replied. She wasn't sure what else to say. 

"Maybe we can talk again?" She asked. She wasn't sure exactly how old he was, but he wasn't too much older than her and it was always good to make new friends. 

"I hear we're launching soon. I'd love to go get a good seat to watch the launch. I hope we get to talk again soon." She smiled at him, turned and headed off to watch the launch.

End Alex