So there I was…

Posted on Sunday 1 May 2016 @ 22:46 by Lieutenant Commander Gregory Alein

Mission: Old, New Ship
Location: En-route to the Merlin
1320 words - 2.6 OF Standard Post Measure

:: One Year Ago ::
:: Deep Space 7 ::

So there I was… those where famous last words, even more famous if your name was Gregory Alein. That line had been followed by more bar fights, trips to the brig, and formal reprimands than most Officers in all of the Federation. And yet here he was, sitting in some Ferengi’s bar on a random station in the middle of nowhere. With a drink in his hand pointing at the lady sitting across from him, he leaned across the table spilling his drink, “So there I was…”

His speech slurred ever so slightly, clearly indicating he’d had too much to drink. But he didn’t care, this wasn't his station and he was on vacation. Right? He smiled as he stopped speaking to watch his extended finger in front of him. “Wow,” he stated.

“Bar Keep,” he tossed the glass down to the floor shattering into pieces, “ANOTHER!”

Greg Alein was a man of extreme contradiction. A gifted and dedicated Officer, he could go weeks if not months without a drink. And yet given the chance he’d jump back into the bottle with little to no warning. He considered himself to be a controlled alcoholic, if there was such a thing. It was this behavior that had stunted his career for so many years, still a Lieutenant at almost 40 and showed no signs of moving up.

He watched as the bartender brought his another drink, “This is your last one HEW-mon,” the Ferengi hissed, “I can’t afford more glassware.”

Greg smiled, “Don’t worry, my friend… my buddy is the station Commanding Officer,” he patted the Ferengi on the back rather roughly, “He will cover anything you need.” The Ferengi left the table sending a message to the Station’s Operations Center, if the Captain was this men’s friend then he wanted payment for this drunk.

Several minutes later Neil Harrington stepped into the Ferengi’s establishment, and it didn’t take long for the Captain to see the source of his grief. The two men had a long, somewhat interesting relationship. Both of them had been there for each other in some of their own darkest hours. And even though they rarely ever saw each other, they had the unique ability to pick things up as if no time had passed.

Neil approached Greg attempting to figure out how he was going to get him out, when he overhead something that made him smile. “CORNY,” Greg shouted over the crowd.

He was one of the few people in existence who could get away with that, even though Neil totally hated that nickname. “You've been on my station less than a week and already causing problems,” the Captain smiled, as Greg embraced him.

Neil put his arm around the man, “You’re drunk.”

Rising his finger to his mouth, Greg smiled, “shh…. It’s a secret,” he belched.

“Not from anyone here,” Neil started to walk to the door, “Come on let’s see what trouble we can get into it.”

Sometime later Neil had replicated a farm setting in a nearby holodeck and currently was holding Greg’s head under water. It wasn't the first time the two men had been in a setting like this, and it certainly wasn't going to be the last either. Neil knew there was more modern ways to handle this, but sometimes old fashion techniques worked. And it was way more fun, too.

Greg reached up tapping the side of the horse troth three time, signaling he wanted up. Neil released him as Greg came up with a loud breath, “Enough...” he coughed spitting out water, “I am fine.”

Neil put his arm around the man’s shoulder, “Greg my friend I doubt this will be the last time. You do know you report to your new assignment in two days’ time. I think getting arrested on Deep Space 7 would be rather hard to explain to your next Commanding Officer.”

“Arrested,” Greg scoffed, “How could I get arrested, my bestest friend wouldn’t allow that,” he said patting the man in the chest, almost punching his. “Besides, I have to be good and controlled with this new assignment if I ever plan on getting somewhere. So I came here for one last hurrah.”

“Greg, Greg, Greg,” Neil smiled. “I would join you if I could.”

Greg smiled leaning over, "Not my fault you ran off and got married then popped out a kid, Corny. You ruined this,” he motioned to the both of them, “but it's ok I still luv ya," he stated over dramatically. He grabbed Neil on both side of his head and kissed him on the forehead.

Neil grabbed the back of his head, and forced Greg's head under the water. He knew the man wasn't that drunk, but it was more fun than listening to his emotional rant. "Good to see you again," Neil joked as Greg fought back. "We should do this more often," Neil added letting him help.

Greg splashed up a giant handful of water, "Asshole..." he blurted out while coughing. "You could have killed me."

"My friend," he patted his shoulder, "If I wanted you dead, I would have done it your second year at the Academy..."

Greg held up his hand, “no ... no we are not discussing that again. For heaven’s sake, dear god no.” Greg looked the man in the face as if a nonverbal conversation was taking place. “It’s not my fault”

Neil snorted, letting out a belly laugh

“Come on how I was supposed to know she was a twin,” Greg replied almost pleading his case.

“I did,” came a short reply.

Greg desperately wanting to change the topic, “So Commanding Officer, what happened Star Fleeting running out of qualified Officers?” Greg stood up but fell over, still feeling the effects of the booze. He belched as he hit the ground.

Neil slid out of the way, as Greg hit the ground. “Same could be said about you. Does your Commanding Officer know about your past? Do I need to contact him?”

“Oh hell no, you already know too much about me,” he snorted, “Whoever the Captain, he is doesn't need to know a damn thing about me, trust me." Greg lifted a finger but passed out on the floor of the holodeck.

Neil looked over the man, “Welcome to DS7, Lieutenant,” he joked as he walked off and left him there.

:: Current Time Frame ::

Duffle bag slung over his shoulder, Greg took in a deep breath as he looked the door to other side. He’d left Deep Space 7 after a year of service. While the situation involved in his departure had taken their toll on the man; he was still glad for every experience there. He had been able to use DS7 to straighten things up and get his life back on track. However, like all good things it had come to an end. And now he was headed to Starbase 212 for a new assignment.

However, fate had a way of toying with Greg Alein once more, and now he was standing outside the airlock to the USS Merlin. His transfer orders in hand he couldn’t help but wonder about this new post. Was he Security, or Tactical? Did Neil have anything to do with this? And why wasn’t his position listed in these orders?

Whatever the assignment, he knew that every change had been given to him. He’d worked on his problems and for the most part felt better about himself. Better then he’d felt in a long time. He sighed, one last time then taking a deep breath he forced a smile. “Well Gregy boy time to meet the staff and get settled in.” Moving the bad to his other shoulder, Greg started off to find the Security Department.