**/\** SB 485 **/\** Hawk was looking about for his dept chief's room but he wasn't in. He could always try to locate him with the base computer or such, but he didn't exactly want to leave any trails of any type. After a short futile search he came up empty handed and resided to the fact he was now alone for the evening and his "plans" were empty. "Well, I haven't drank or partied since our first night on base, may as well do that." He said aloud. Making a mental note to avoid anyone with a higher rank of LT was a wise choice for the evening also. Richard was enjoying the starbase facilities and the fact that he really had no work or responsibilities to take care of until the new ship arrived.. He'd been aimlessly wandering the bases hallways in a drunken haze when his stomach suddenly felt as if it was going to explode. Stopping mid step he leaned against the nearby wall and puked out his guts onto the floor. Rounding another bend in the base corridor system Hawk heard an all too familiar sound during RnR. A crewman was obviously puking, or making room for more drinks. He came into the next section to find fellow crewman Corp Richard Cortez painting the base green, as it were. Laughing like hell, Hawk made a quick move to collect the man from the bulkhead and assist him. "Let's get you the hell outta here Mr. Cortez before base security shows up." Hawk said to him as they made off towards the nearest bar. He then added, "The last thing you need is to get caught 'defacing' Starfleet property especially if I'm around. I think they have a hard on for me already." Cortez looked up from his hunched over stance and wiped his mouth with his shirt sleeve. Seeing a somewhat familiar figure approaching him he considered running like hell. But before he could make up his mind the man helped him up and down the hallway. As the two men entered the bar Cortez spoke up, "Thanks friend, do I know you"? Hawk laughed at Cortez a little and told him he must be pretty drunk. He went on to tell him who he was and that he was the engineer who pulled Ra'nar out of engineering in the last X'chi fight aboard the Gott. Cortez had been pretty pretty pissed at the man for running into the middle of a firefight and acting the hero, but had pretty much gotten over it when he found out he had actually managed to save Ra'nars life. Besides he wasn't looking for an enemy, and he secretly admired his actions, as stupid as they were. Stepping up to the bar he motioned for Hawk to order first. Hawk decided to start light with a few mixed drinks this evening, a cartazian scotch layer. Six different Scotches in one drink, Mmmmm now that was perfection in a glass in his opinion. Richard listened as Hawk ordered his drink from the female bartender. The bar was full and there no empty seats. Looking at the Lieutenants drink when he received it he chuckled, "You drink like a girl", he said turning towards the bartender whom he recognized. "Evening Cassie, I'll take the usual", he said with smirk back towards Hawk. A few seconds later the girl brought a thick mug full of Romulan Ale and with a cute wink, handed it to Rick. "The girls you are around must be hardier stock." Was Hawks' only reply as he enjoyed his first taste of his drink. That was of course him trying to downplay the obvious drinking challenge that was just laid in front of him. It was almost a universal meaning with that statement; you need a heartier drink and more of it. Hawk did want to get drunk tonight, but he really didn't want to end up so drunk he was hitting on senior Command staff or a girlfriend of one. He just smiled at Richard and said, "I need to get warmed up before I dive into the hard trials." Richard grinned back and slapped Hawk on the back, "Lets find a seat", he said walking past him. Noticing an empty table in the middle of the room he made his way towards it and sat down. "So I heard you were hitting on Rangi in front of Guzman", he continued talking as Hawk sat down. "What the hell is wrong with you?" "Oh you're kidding me.... I can't believe that one has become public knowledge." Hawk said bewildered. He had only told one person about that evening and that was CEO Rodgers. So either he spilled the beans or Rangi or Shane had, which he doubted. It was too funny to be true it seemed, so why wouldn't Rick tell others. "Well to be honest I was very drunk and Shane wasn't standing there when I initially went up to her. She looks good, and was alone, and I didn't think about anything like a BOYFRIEND being so damn drunk. He WAS just around the corner however and luckily things didn't take a turn for the worse." Hawk said with a chuckle finally giving up any dread he still held about the incident. No reason to worry about it, whatever would or wouldn't happen from his actions was going to happen and there was nothing he could do about it now. Richard chuckled to himself, "Well you are one crazy stupid bastard", he said gulping down some of the liquid in his mug. Resting it on the table he laughed again, "I tell you though, I don't know what Guzman was thinking, making his lover the XO, just wait till they get in a fight, we'll all be in trouble". "I'm not commenting on that one. I could be in privates strips for the way I acted in front of them the other night, so I will leave that one for fate to sort out. All in all things unfold as they should, and I make no qualms about the fact I may be bug food tomorrow. Biggest reason I do what is right for each moment, and have no regrets thus far in my life." Hawk said holding up his glass for a cheers. After getting his clink from Cortez he downed the rest of the drink, and announced another round....whatever Cortez wanted..... -=/\=- End Log -=/\=- Cpl. Richard Cortez ODA Weapons Specialist USS Chimera & LTjg Hawk Versey Asst Eng Officer USS Chimera