Upper Five (Ship's Forward Lounge)

[Akirapryde]

Stardate: 53834.05
USS Thunderchild, NCC-63549
Deck 5, The Lounge
Upper Five
Commander Bonham and Lt Jr Noonia

It has only been a few days since the USS Thunderchild has left Dry Dock and already the crew and ship have been pushed to their breaking points. First under Commander Bonham then under Captain Campbell. Like all ships of Starfleet, rumors have already started to fly as to what was really going on. Everything from another Borg invasion to a Coup within the Federation were being whispered among the crew. As word of the attack on the Repulse and her sister ships spread, the rumors continued to grow in complexity and in wildness. Regardless of what is going on, the crew were unified and determined to see this through to the end.

One of the only refuges for the crew is Upper Five, the ship's lounge. Located on Deck 5 Upper Five offered the crew a place to escape the duties and stress of the ship. From its large six windows that were facing forward flight operations can be observed from the launch deck below. Here the crew can unwind and relax as a number of games, food and drinks are offered. During refit, Commander Bonham knew that the over all design of the ship would require that space would become a premium aboard. With crew quarters moved and compacted to make room for the new expanded hanger deck, it was clear that places like Five Forward and her sister location near main engineering, Fifteen Aft, would be vital to crew moral. Normally Akira Class ships only had one lounge. Commander Bonham during refit asked for a second lounge be built at the aft section of the ship. This was directly due to the fact that many crew quarters were going to be cut in size.

Lower enlisted were required to 'hot cot' their beds with another crew member. This allowed for four crew members to share one space. Petty officers would share quarters with three other petty officers. Junior officers would share their quarters with another junior officer. Senior officers and Department Heads would be the only crew members with their own quarters. Because of the restricted space aboard, no family members were allowed aboard the ship during deployment. Because of the limited space, the ship's stores only allowed the ship to be under deployment for up to one year. This limited the type of missions that the ship could take part in. However the fact that she was a carrier also opened up the field to entirely new kind of roles never before thought of for a ship of this size.

Another change to the ship's over all design was the location of crew quarters. Normally quarters would be centrally located in one area on the ship. This area would be protected should an emergency occur and this section could be used as a life boat. After studies proved that in nearly every situation, these 'life boats' did not increase the survivability of the crew. It was decided during refit that the crew's ability to react to an emergency could increase the chances to avoid it all together. The location of crew quarters were set up to be close to area where the personnel worked. This could cut down on the response time to alerts and would help provide for the much needed increase in crew numbers. This meant that corridors would be more narrow and less wasted space as crew quarters would be spread out throughout the ship. An added safety feature was air lock style bulk heads would safely divide the ship in to air tight sections during crisis. This was added in addition to force fields and once in place required no additional power.

VIP Quarters were also cut down by half as the over all mission of the USS Thunderchild was not centered on diplomatic roles. The VIP Quarters were still on par with even the Galaxy Class starships, but they were fewer in numbers. It was Commander Bonham who had a mind for using space to its fullest. He came up with a way to help with Crew Moral. In answer to what he saw as a possible issue with moral, Commander Bonham created the Lottery. Any lower enlisted who showed sound responsibility to their duties and had no reports in their records for a month is automatically entered. The ten winners of the weekly drawn Lottery would get a rare chance to have their quarters moved to the five VIP Quarters for one week. While they had to share their VIP with another winner, it was a far cry from having to share their room with three others.

The Lottery was already a big hit among the lower enlisted, and thus bringing a sense of pride to the ship as no other Starfleet ship had such a Lottery. Granted, that the Lottery would only be in effect as long as there were no VIP's aboard and the winners must leave the VIP Quarters in the same way that they were given. The first ten winners of the Lottery came from across the ship and were already enjoying the luxuries of their prize.

Even with the Lottery, the quarter situation aboard the ship was clearly a moral issue that will not go away. However it has been seen by nearly the entire crew as a small price to pay to serve aboard the Federation's first official carrier. This prestige was enough to satisfy the crew in dealing with the quarters issues. The fact that unlike other Starfleet ships, the Thunderchild had two full service lounges and another 'unofficial' lounge on deck eleven (where the flight crews and flight deck personnel tend to hang out) helps the crew coup with the tight living conditions.

The scene in the Upper Five is busy as usual as Commander Bonham walks in. A large number of crew were already enjoying dinner as those on Alpha Shift were getting off and unwinding. Beta Shift was already taking over. The Thunderchild ran three shifts around the clock. Alpha Shift started at 0800 and ran till 1600. Beta Shift picked up at 1600 hours and ran till 0000 (midnight). Delta Shift would pick up at 0000 and run till 0800 in the morning. Because of the requirements of the ship and the limited quarters, there were no days off while under deployment. A crewmen, enlisted or officer, was expected to pull their watch and be ready for any alert that might occur outside of that. Thanks to the current situation, the tension aboard the ship was already high.

The day had already been long for Commander Bonham as he watched a flight of fighters depart for their search grid. He shook his head, 'these needless flights are only going to wear down the pilots' he thought to himself. He tapped the PAD in his hand against his other palm as he scanned the room. He spotted the person he was looking for with two other junior officers. It was clear that they were enjoying their meal and having laughs over some tail from their Academy days. Commander Bonham stood there for a moment remembering how he and his own friends used to laugh and tell their own stories. He recalled the time before that battle. Before he had to leave one of his closest friend's behind. Without realizing it, a frown crossed his lips as the sour memory took hold. The voices of the past echoed back in to his memory. His best friend pleading not to be left behind. It was a choice between saving a few pilots or risking hundreds of other lives.

Before the thought could fully come in to being, Commander Bonham willed the memories from his mind. He had new duties now and he would not allow mistakes of the past to cloud his actions now. He walked up to the table and took note of Ensign Townsend, Ensign Habachi, and Lt. Noonia enjoying conversation over dinner. He stopped just short of the table and waited for them to pause their conversation. "I am sorry to interrupt your dinner Gentlemen," Commander Bonham said calmly and in a soft voice. "I need to have a word with you Lieutenant," he said speaking to lieutenant Noonia. Then he added, "Do you mind if I join you" he asked motioning for the empty chair.

Ensign Habachi grabbed his tray, "Take my chair, Commander" the statement was made with clear intent in his voice. "I lost my appetite" the Ensign said as he got up and took his tray. Without even paying any further mind to the Ship's XO the young Ensign turned and walked away.

[NinjaPanda127]

Stardate: 53834.05
USS Thunderchild, NCC-63549
Deck 5, The Lounge
Upper Five
Ensign Lylliana Skytower

The lounge had proven itself the worst place to go when a moments time for peace and quiet was required. She had already tried the other lounge, but it had seemed that the space was already taken for some unofficial movie watching marathon. She had even tried sneaking out to deck eleven, but the flight crew was pretty exclusive. She could have retired to her quarters, however even there the other ensign was a bit more of a chatter box. Taking a deep breath, Lylliana walked in. "Why did I ever get sent to starfleet? "

Her insides coiled as she scanned the room, trying her best to stay hidden from prying eyes. Unfortunately she knew that she stood out like a sore thumb. "come on.??there has to be an empty chair away somewhere..."With a quick glance she spotted a small table aside the windows over looking the deck. "Bingo!"

With tray of food in hand, and her data pad, she pulled her ball cap down over her eyes and tried to seem smaller as she did her best to duck and dive between the tables. She passed another ensign and got turned around bumping into them. In a slight moment, she lost her balance and twirled backwards. Struggling as she stumbled to regain her balance, her back collided into a solid figure causing her to drop her tray, and data pad. The cap on her head fell to the ground revealing short tendrils of snow white encircling stormy blues.

The clattering scene caused a silence to fall upon the lounge as all eyes fell upon the poor young ensign. Crimson flushed her face as she turned to see whom or what she had so carelessly bumped into. A lump formed in her throat as her eyes widened. It was the ships XO, Commander Bonham. "Can I be invisible now...?"

[Akirapryde]

Stardate: 53834.05
USS Thunderchild, NCC-63549
Deck 5, The Lounge
Upper Five
Commander Bonham, Lt Jr Noonia, Ensign Townsend, Ensign Skytower

Commander Bonham slowly stood up after being bumped in to. He turned around to see Ensign Skytower looking horrified. He glanced at the food and drink scattered across the floor. In that moment he started to laugh but regained his composure, "it's not a hot burning cup of coffee in my lap Ensign" he said resting his hand on her shoulder. "Ensign Skytower?" He asked then added, "don't think about. Trust me, I am still ahead of the Captain."

He turned and motioned to the empty chair at their table. "Join us, Ensign. Would you?"

[NinjaPanda127]

She stood there a moment in the silence, all eyes on her as Command Bonham turned around. The air was thick about her and in that moment she could only think of spontaneous combustion as an easy way out.

But then he laughed. The tension seemed to ease around her and the eyes turned away, everyone shrugging it off and returning to their conversations. She scrambled to pick up her tray and what remnants of food could be saved. "Yes, thankfully it wasn't a hot cup of coffee.." She managed, bending to pick up her ball cap. She was rather quiet in tone, but surprisingly not meek despite her previous composure. His hand having come to rest on her shoulder caused a shudder to roll down her spine. She tried her best to hide this fact, keeping her posture firm.

She looked forlornly at the spot she had originally planned on sitting, as others had come in and taken residence. She sighed inwardly, and tried to put on a smile, "Well, if I'm not intruding. "

Fact was she had no comrades to sit with, and now that she's made a fool of herself, might as well endure. 'lucky me'

[Akirapryde]

Stardate: 53834.05
USS Thunderchild, NCC-63549
Deck 5, The Lounge
Upper Five
Commander Bonham, Lt Jr Noonia, Ensign Townsend, Ensign Skytower

Looking over at Lt. Noonia, who has been strangely silent this whole time. For some reason, Lt. Noonia was more interested in what was on his PADD than desiring to speak to anyone at the time. With a shrug to his shoulders, Commander Bonham turned his attention back to the young female ensign and gave her a nod along with a soft smile, "not at all. Please set with us."

Ensign Townsend motioned over to a chair next to him, "Lylliana right?" he said pulling out the chair for her. "You were in my Federation Law 101 class. The silent girl in the back. Am I right?"

[NinjaPanda127]

Looks between all the faces there at the table, before directing her attention over to Townsend. She slides into the chair, setting her tray down as he talks to her as though he knew her. To her surprise she did recall him in her class as well.

"Ah, yes well, not all of us are eager beavers Mr.Townsend. I preferred more perspective, it was Federation Law 101 after all." 'There, that should quiet him.' she thought.

She turned her attention to what food remained, thankful the lieutenant seemed completely uninterested. She came off a little agitated, but why wouldn't she be. These people were nothing more than shipmates. They ate, the slept, they worked, nothing more nothing less. They spoke so personably to her, like they were friends or something. She doesn't make friends, never had the time nor the care. Yes she is quiet and seemingly meek, but that wasn't the whole truth.

She stewed in her own thoughts for a moment, remembering her assignment to bring back a sense of home for the crew. She goes to reach for her PADD, realizing she never picked it up after having dropped her tray. Her eyes go wide and look about, " Anyone see my data pad? "

[Kunanaki]

Stardate: 53834.05
USS Thunderchild, NCC-63549
Deck 5, The Lounge
Upper Five
Ensign Lylliana Skytower

Had been buried in his PADD polishing the works of what he had done in the Holosuite 3. At the commanders original arrival, he had nodded to him but it had been lost with the Female Ensign coming up. "Hello Sir, I was wrapping up a small project. I'm glad you came to talk. You've got my attention." of course speaking in a break of conversation between the Female Ensign and the Commander.

[Akirapryde]

Stardate: 53834.05
USS Thunderchild, NCC-63549
Deck 5, The Lounge
Upper Five
Commander Bonham, Lt Jr Noonia, Ensign Townsend, Ensign Skytower

Townsend smiled at the comment, "perspective" he said softly then added, "If you say so." He wasn't completely convinced by her statement. "I didn't realize you were assigned to the Thunderchild"

Commander Bonham broke in on that one. "Originally she wasn't. When I was going over the new recruits that were coming to the with Rear Admiral Brand." He paused a moment than added, "superintendent of Starfleet Academy" on that note he continued shifting his eyes from one person at the table to another. "I saw then a cadet Skytower across the quad. She was sitting in a grassy field all by herself. I inquired and was told that she was being assigned to Mars Utopia Station." His attention fell on to Ensign Skytower, "After reviewing your personnel file, I knew we wanted you. Sometimes there is more to a strong cadet than just scores and reports. I asked the Admiral if she would include you in our new run of Ensigns. And thus Mars was one less Ensign. Captain Jurnell, was pretty upset that I was able to snake one of his recruits like that."

He paused and shifted his attention back to Lieutenant Noonia, "I figured as much. I have heard that Lieutenant Medart has you guys running pretty hard in engineering. I wanted to talk to you about your hologram that you made. I have heard it was worth watching and I did. Pretty impressed Lieutenant" he explained. He took a moment to pause to allow others to speak now.

[NinjaPanda127]

Stardate: 53834.05
USS Thunderchild, NCC-63549
Deck 5, The Lounge
Upper Five
Commander Bonham, Lt Jr Noonia, Ensign Townsend, Ensign Skytower

She stopped mid bite. She knew her assignment had changed last minute, but hadn't a clue as to what happened or why she was reassigned to the Thunderchild. She blushed a little, "I ... I bet the Captain was, however I'm sure they were full equipped to handle their mission without me. " she chimed. She could almost laugh, 'Yes, no need for an over trained recreations officer enroute to the Mars Utopia station. No, lets put her on an akira class vessel and see how she fairs. ' Kinda felt like a cruel joke. She shrugged. She was a strong cadet, and didn't need to prove it.

She turned her attention to Townsend, "And what about you? Weren't you always a bit of a goof through the academy? " she took a bite of her food, smiling softly to change the subject off of her, eyes still searching about for her data pad.

[Akirapryde]

Stardate: 53834.05
USS Thunderchild, NCC-63549
Deck 5, The Lounge
Upper Five
Commander Bonham, Lt Jr Noonia, Ensign Townsend, Ensign Skytower

Ensign Townsend smiled, "I never thought you noticed" he said with slightly more of a blush. "Yeah I used to get in trouble around the dorm for my pranks. But I grew out of them" he explained. He had been more like the class clown then just a goofball. During the many classes that they shared, he had somehow managed to draw attention to himself.

seeming a bit uneasy, he turned back to Lieutenant Noonia, "I would like to introduce a good friend of mine. "This is Lieutenant Noonia" he said motioning. "He has been showing me the ropes around the ship since I came aboard last week."

After the introduction, he refocused his attention back to her, "So tell me, were there any truths to those rumors that you were dating that upper classman? Cadet Stains, I think was his name" he stumbled through the statement. Than added almost as a defensive statement, "your roommate had made a point to let everyone know."

He looked at her as the moment passed then added, "seeing how he is stationed on the Fairwind, I would ask." There was a weak attempt to appear sly, but his lack of cunning showed the attempt for what it was. Attempting to kindle some kind of relationship.