An Evening Like Any Other

Posted on Tue Feb 16th, 2010 @ 5:01am by Lieutenant Commander Mark Anderson

Mission: Metronian Diplomacy
Location: Anderson's Quarters, USS Endeavour
Timeline: MD 12, 1920

ON: [[Anderson's Quarters, USS Endeavour, MD 12, 1920]]

Music played softly in the background in the Anderson quarters as the Endeavour continued on course for the rendezvous with the Metrons. Outside the viewport, the stars streaked past in the familiar pattern of a vessel at warp. For all intents and purposes, it was an evening like any other.

James (NPC) was nestled to one side of the couch under the viewport, studying a large PADD. Since Commander Byrne had granted his request for a specialized study routine, James had been spending a lot of his time with members of the different departments. In addition to the hands-on learning portion of the routine, there was the homework that went along with the program. Schematics, terms, events, and individuals all had to be researched and studied so that he would be ready for each of his lessons.

Meanwhile, Mark was still reviewing department reports. He'd been trying to keep up to date with all the information flowing in about ship's systems, given that the Endeavour was only on its first mission out of drydock. There were still a few minor kinks to work out and they were getting the chance to see how she really held up under actual conditions, as compared to simulations and trials. Bringing work home wasn't something that he wanted to make a habit of, and he was hoping that he'd be able to use some of the time en route to the rendezvous to catch up on the influx.

Mark set aside the PADD he had been reviewing and leaned back in his chair. His gaze drifted over to where James was still working on his homework. Neither of them had said a word since Mark had gotten off duty. With a single tap, he deactivated his desktop terminal and sighed, causing James to look up.

"What is it, dad," the young man asked.

"I think I've had enough of reports for today," Mark replied, folding his hands behind his head and leaning back slightly, "How about you?"

James glanced back down at his work for a moment. A smile slowly crept across his face and he looked back over toward his father. "I could probably finish this in the morning," he said, "before my lesson tomorrow."

"Just make sure you do," Mark told him, knowing full well that his son would have his work done on time. If there was one thing he had taught James, it was the importance of a good work ethic. Being able to accomplish what one sets out to do, especially if they have given their word to do so, was an important trait to have.

Rising to his feet, James crossed over to his room and disappeared inside for a few moments. He returned without the PADD and paused before his father's desk. Mark leaned forward so that he was looking across the desk at James and frowned. "I suppose this means we should figure out what to do for dinner, doesn't it," he mused, "Any ideas?"

"Chinese," James suggested, looking to see what his father's reaction would be. Judging by the look on his face, James figured that it wasn't going to happen. He thought for a moment, then tried, "Italian?"

"Italian sounds good," Mark agreed, "We haven't had that in awhile. In fact, I can't remember the last time we had Chicken Parmesan..."

"You always get that dad," James said, rolling his eyes. The young man pushed off the desk and started for the replicator on the far wall to place the dinner orders.

"Because I like it," Mark replied, shaking his head in bemeausement. Slowly, he rose to his feet and moved towards the table. While James was working at the replicator, Mark began to set out two place-settings for dinner. The faint hum of the replicator told Mark that the food was materializing in the slot. A moment later, the smell of marinara sauce and Italian seasoning reached his senses. It was then that Mark realized just how hungry he was.

Together, the two of them sat down at the table, their dinner plates before them. Mark unfolded the napkin and placed it on his knee. Next, he lifted his fork and knife from the table to begin cutting his chicken. The first bite was as delicious as he remembered it. So it was that father and son enjoyed an evening like any other.

OFF

James Anderson (PNPC)
Crew Family Member
USS Endeavour

Played by

Lieutenant Commander Mark Anderson
Executive Officer
USS Endeavour