The "Captain's Table" concept by John J. Ordover and Dean Wesley Smith. An original publication my Pocket Books. Books 1 thru 6, copyright 1998 Paramount Pictures.
There's a friendly bar called "The Captain's Table", where those who have commanded mighty vessels of every shape and era can meet, relax and share a friendly drink or two with others of their calling. Sometimes a brawl may break out but it's all in the family, more or less. Just remember, the first round of drinks is always paid for with a story..
It's an old-style wooden sign, with letters carved deep into planks held together with black iron bands. It projects out over a windowless doorway and swings gently in the wind, its iron chain squeaking softly. The orange light of sunset makes the words "The Captain's Table" stand out in bold relief on its rough surface.
There's a piano to the immediate left, and a single small table wedged in next to the piano. A lizardlike alien with slits for eyes and talon-sharp fingers sits at the table, sipping at a glass full of something red. Most of the tables are to the left., clustered in a semicircle around a large stone fireplace that popped and flared as if it were burning real wood. The ones nearest the fire were obviously the popular places to sit.
Artifacts from dozen of worlds hang on the walls. Drinking mugs with non-human hands, wooden carvings of unrecognizable creatures, and metallic hardware that may be anything from engine parts to children's toys. A Klingon bat'leth sticks out overhead, its curved blade buried so deeply into the wood that you doubt anyone could remove it without a pry bar.
A thick layer of dust on it provides evidence that few people even tried. A Vulcan harp hanging from a peg next to it apparently came down more often; there was no dust on it and the strings were discolored near the fingerboard from use.
Behind the bar wearing an apron is "Cap", his white hair somewhat unkempt, you see him wiping a glass. He turns as you approach the bar, "What'll it by Captain?"
<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<< Drinks are served >>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>
Klordy says:
::Roars:: More Bloodwine!!!!
S`chn_Silek says:
::enters the bar just as he hears Klord bellow like a moose::
Klordy says:
::slams mug around noisily::
Vn`dor_Phail says:
::grabs some Bajoran Spring Wine::
Klordy says:
<Mug>
Trish Alexander says:
::glances at the Klingon, remembering times spent on court martial boards together::
Cap says:
::slides another tankard of bloodwine down the bar and watched stop right in front of Klord::
Vn`dor_Phail says:
::eyes the Klingon across the room which once tried to court-martial him::
Klordy says:
::slugs a crony:: We need music! A drinking song!
Trish Alexander says:
Hey! Klord! Up for another trial? ::grinning at him::
Vn`dor_Phail says:
::rolls his eyes thinking that's just what this bar needs.. another Klingon Drinking song::
Trish Alexander says:
Hey Bartender! Fruit juice down here please!
Klordy says:
::throws Mug at piano player who wakes and begins a Klingon drinking ballad::
Trish Alexander says:
Phail? Is that you?
Klordy says:
Bartender! Drinks for my Ol pal CO Alexander!!
Klordy says:
::Begins singing loudly::
Vn`dor_Phail says:
::hears a familiar voice:: Trish: Admiral?? Admiral Alexander? ::moves over smiling:: So nice to see you again ma'am.
Trish Alexander says:
::smiles at Klord:: Still loud as ever I see Klord.
Klordy says:
Ky'tor was a pilot
in space flight days of old.
A greater man there never was, 
a warrior brave and bold.
Cap says:
::nods:: Klordy: A bloodwine for the Lady ?
Trish Alexander says:
Yes Phail... come and join us.
Klordy says:
Fusion was what powered his craft,
bloodwine powered his soul.
Blaster weapons spat his ship,
his Bat'leth sharp and cold.
Klordy says:
He fought for love and glory,
against all kinds of foes.
Pieces were all that he left ,
of any he opposed.
Klordy says:
Once traveling in the black of space,
he came upon a ship.
He chased them through the asteroids,
but from him they couldn't slip.
Vn`dor_Phail says:
::pulls up a stool on the opposite side of Alexander away from the court-martialing Klingon::
Klordy says:
He fired his blasters at them,
as they hid behind a rock.
And the rock exploded gloriously,
but the ship had taken off.
S`chn_Silek says:
::listens to the words with interest::
Klordy says:
"Ky'tor lost them in the debris,
though he searched both high and low.
They had snuck around behind him,
for their cowardice to show."
Vn`dor_Phail says:
Trish: How have you been ma'am? ::trying to hear over the Klingon::
Klordy says:
"They fired their weapons at him,
although his back was turned.
They'd blown the engines off him,
and out in space they burned."
Trish Alexander says:
::listens to Klord, caught up in the tale::
Klordy says:
"Well, he thought his days were counted,
as he looked aft in his ship.
For where his engines once had been,
a massive hole was ripped."
Klordy says:
"But Ky'tor wasn't ready,
to die alone in space.
so he ran back to the hole,
and he stuck his arse in place."
Klordy says:
"Then he fired off all his gasses,
and flew off after them.
And he blew them all to Stovo'kor,
then flew back home again."
Trish Alexander says:
::covers her mouth to keep from laughing out loud::
Cap says:
::serves Alexander a bloodwine ordered by Klord::
Trish Alexander says:
I have had better days Phail.
Trish Alexander says:
What happened to you after the Pendragon?
Klordy says:
::Roars loudly as the song ends and takes a deep swig of the wine::
Vn`dor_Phail says:
::takes another drink of his Spring Wine::
Cap says:
Klord: In your songs... it seems the Klingon's always win..... Isn't that a tad exaggeration?
Klordy says:
Cap: I don't think so.... They always should. ::Eyes the Cap::
Vn`dor_Phail says:
Klordy: Operative word is should. I guess when you don't it's a glorious defeat? ::smiles raising his drink in the air::
Trish Alexander says:
Of course Phail! ::raises her fruit juice::
Klordy says:
Cap: you know Klingons are glorious in battle and defeat. ::3Chuckles::
Vn`dor_Phail says:
::smiles at Alexander clinking her glass::
S`chn_Silek says:
::speaks up almost automatically:: Klord: If the Klingons had won a battle last year.... it would have been catastrophic ::lowers his voice automatically::
Trish Alexander says:
::looks at the bartender, then looks at Klord::
Vn`dor_Phail says:
::sips his glass quietly after Silek's comment::
Trish Alexander says:
::leans over and whispers to Phail:: Uh oh...
Cap says:
::looks to Silek:: S'chn: Now THAT sounds like a story....
Klordy says:
Silek: What are you talking about? Klingons should never have to suffer the dishonor of defeat
Vn`dor_Phail says:
::whispers back:: Trish: Perhaps we should give them some space?
Trish Alexander says:
::Nods her head to an empty table:: Shall we?
Vn`dor_Phail says:
::picks up his glass and proceeds well out of the way to the motioned table::
S`chn_Silek says:
::meets his eyes:: Klord: Perhaps.. it was simply best that in my particular battle with the Klingons last year... it was best that they did not win at that time
Trish Alexander says:
::follows Phail, knowing she can still hear what will be said;:
Vn`dor_Phail says:
::holds a chair out for the Admiral::
Trish Alexander says:
Thank you Phail ::taking the proffered seat::
Klordy says:
::gets up and walks to Alexander clapping her on the back:: Well met Captain.... you should have another drink.... something with Fire Bartender! A flaming Shot for the Captain.
Vn`dor_Phail says:
::after seeing her to her seat he grabs one of his own listening to the other table::
Vn`dor_Phail says:
::doesn't ever remember Alexander drinking anything even remotely resembling a "Flaming Shot"::
Klordy says:
Silek: I suppose you should share this tale with us.... but it will cost you a round
Vn`dor_Phail says:
::holds up his empty glass of Spring wine in Silek's direction::
S`chn_Silek says:
::nods to Klord :: Klord: I offer this round then
Cap says:
::begins refilling all the drinks::
Klordy says:
:: watches approvingly as the bartender fills a large mug with bloodwine and drops a shot of flaming scotch in it before setting it in front of Captain Alexander::
Vn`dor_Phail says:
::raises the filled glass in Silek's direction awaiting the tale::
S`chn_Silek says:
The USS Ganymede was in the middle of a rescue operation when all of a sudden all the ship's systems went offline and one lonely console had the Greek letter Omega on it.
Vn`dor_Phail says:
::nods at the dreaded Omega Directive thankful he never had to deal with that one::
S`chn_Silek says:
::turns to the Captain's in the room:: To say the least all the bridge crew was in shock and did not know what was occurring
Klordy says:
Gany? Rescue? Probably trying to find someone to rescue itself... ::snorts::
Trish Alexander says:
::pushes the drink over in front of Phail, then takes a sip of her juice::
Vn`dor_Phail says:
::samples the human drink having never had one before::
Klordy says:
Alexander: Ach woman! That's no chess piece! Drink up lass.
Trish Alexander says:
I have been fortunate not to encounter that one S`chn.
S`chn_Silek says:
Starfleet Command informed me that an Omega Particle Fountain was discovered and that a Fleet of Klingon ships was heading towards it to fulfill their prophecy.
Trish Alexander says:
Klord! You know I don't drink alcohol! ::smiling at him, as he is always trying::
Klordy says:
::nods remembering reading reports about this encounter::
Vn`dor_Phail says:
::curiosity is spiked at the mention of "prophecy"::
S`chn_Silek says:
I was to command a task force of 15 ships and stop the Fleet at all costs.... The Treaty was not an issue. The Fleet had to be stopped.
Klordy says:
::Leers:: I know captain... but ya kanna blame me for trying
Vn`dor_Phail says:
::wonders if Silek is telling this story as a Klingon would... over inflating the details::
Cap says:
It was tempting to simply attack the fleet but I attempted to reason with Captain Topiak who commanded the Klingon fleet
Klordy says:
:: drinks and props his feet on the table as he listens to the story::
Cap says:
<tempted>
Cap says:
<Never mind my edit>
Klordy says:
::whispers to Phail:: Typical... always trying to avoid a good battle
S`chn_Silek says:
::turns to Klord:: He of course would not hear of compromise...
Vn`dor_Phail says:
Klordy: You know Captain Silek I take it?
Klordy says:
Cap: would you expect any less of a good Klingon?
Klordy says:
Phail: Indeed I do... I have worked with him before
Cap says:
::shakes head:: Klord: Klingons are predicable.. in that area I am afraid
Vn`dor_Phail says:
Klordy: You wouldn't happened to have tried to court-martial him by chance?
Vn`dor_Phail says:
::grins ironically::
Trish Alexander says:
Klord? Since when are Klingons logical? ::rubbing her pointed ears::
S`chn_Silek says:
Logic did not seem to function at all with Captain Topiak... so I did the next logical thing....
Klordy says:
::guffaws:: Logic is far over rated my old friend.... you should try a little bit of passion
Trish Alexander says:
::grinning:: Silek? You shot him?
Vn`dor_Phail says:
Klordy: Absolutely! ::raises a glass in Klordy's direction:: It is how I commanded the Pendragon.
Klordy says:
Phail: I never had the pleasure of the opportunity. Unlike others in the present company ::smiles toothily::
S`chn_Silek says:
::turns to Alexander:: Trish: It was tempting however I found another solution...
Trish Alexander says:
Phail: With passion or compassion my friend?
Trish Alexander says:
Silek: I can see only one other possibility then ::smiling::
S`chn_Silek says:
I challenged him to a fight to the death for control of both fleets
Vn`dor_Phail says:
::raises glass in a way showing touché <SP?> then takes a sip::
Trish Alexander says:
::claps her hands:: Wonderful Silek!
Vn`dor_Phail says:
::nods at Alexander:: Trish: Sometimes the latter led to the former.
Klordy says:
Silek: Now I know this is a fable. If you challenged him you wouldn't be here. Your gut would leak when you drink like a sieve.
Vn`dor_Phail says:
::is still wondering if Silek is altering the details of the story::
S`chn_Silek says:
Klord: I suffered quite a few injuries... but luckily I found also an opportunity to save both our lives and retain honor.
Trish Alexander says:
That is true Phail ::remembering a rescue on Vulcan of one of her officer's and dear friend::
S`chn_Silek says:
Being a Vulcan I was trained with a "lirpa".... the bat'leth was somewhat of an extension
Trish Alexander says:
::nodding in agreement with Silek::
Vn`dor_Phail says:
::is curious to see how he managed to save both lives::
S`chn_Silek says:
My Chief Tactical Officer was kind enough to furnish me with her bat'leth so I was beamed to Captain Topiak's bridge and we dueled.
Klordy says:
Alexander: Lirpa... Isn't that some kind of harp?
Vn`dor_Phail says:
::hearing Klordy thinks that rings a bell and nods::
S`chn_Silek says:
During the duel.... it was quite evident he was proficient with his weapon
Klordy says:
Silek: any good Klingon learns the Bat'leth as a child
S`chn_Silek says:
I attempted to provoke him by insulting his heritage and his birth parents to get an emotional response from him
Klordy says:
::chuckles again: Phail: I bet he thought he was teaching a child
S`chn_Silek says:
Unfortunately he was too intelligent to be provoked.
Vn`dor_Phail says:
::tries not to laugh in return in order to be polite to Silek's story telling::
Trish Alexander says:
::chuckles at Phail trying to hold his laughter::
S`chn_Silek says:
So I continued to look for an opening and attempted to keep all of my body parts attached to my body
Trish Alexander says:
Silek, you did well, I seem to be able to count all the correct number of parts!
Vn`dor_Phail says:
Alexander: I guess "trying to keep your body parts attached" is the logical thing to do... ::smiles::
Klordy says:
::Roars with Laughter:: Silek: No doubt it wasn't an easy task
S`chn_Silek says:
::nods::
S`chn_Silek says:
He slashed my left shoulder rather deeply which caused quite a discomfort
Trish Alexander says:
::reaches over and pats his arms:: Yes, keeping one's parts is a definite advantage when fighting a Klingon!
Vn`dor_Phail says:
Alexander: A phaser would be more agreeable when fighting a Klingon though. Not that I would choose too. ::smiling innocently at Klordy::
S`chn_Silek says:
I succeeded at that time to slash his midsection after he was close to me
S`chn_Silek says:
His discomfort it seemed was more than mine at that time
Trish Alexander says:
I agree totally Phail ::not daring to laugh::
Trish Alexander says:
But I had a TO that would not have let anyone close to me to begin with...
Vn`dor_Phail says:
Alexander: Selan?
Klordy says:
Alexander: Actually, fighting with a novice is more difficult then it would seem... Their tempo is difficult and their moves tend to be wild
S`chn_Silek says:
Topiak fell to the floor unable to raise but succeeded in a fit of rage in throwing his bat'leth at me and it impaled my left leg
Trish Alexander says:
Yes, I can see that would be a disadvantage Klord... they do not make the normal moves.
S`chn_Silek says:
I approached him and pulled his dagger from his belt.
S`chn_Silek says:
Standing over him he gave the order to turn command over to me of the Fleet
Trish Alexander says:
::she wants to ask Silek if he lived, but she didn't think he would understand her 1/2 Betazoid sense of humor::
Klordy says:
::mutters Coward::
S`chn_Silek says:
He then demanded that I kill him
Trish Alexander says:
Klord! ::standing up she goes over and punches him in the arm::
Vn`dor_Phail says:
Silek: I hope you took the Starfleet high ground?
Vn`dor_Phail says:
::ducks out of the way of Trish's punch so she can connect::
Klordy says:
Alexander: I was talking about the Klingon.... he should have accepted an honorable defeat with death...
Trish Alexander says:
Phail, it seems to me I remember a rash young CEO who might have taken his life... ::grinning::
Klordy says:
::looks around for the fly that landed on his arm::
Vn`dor_Phail says:
::looking shocked:: Alexander: Must have been a new recruit. ::smiling::
S`chn_Silek says:
Being raised on Earth... I learned of an Indian's culture rite that was described as a fate "Worse than Death"
Trish Alexander says:
~~~Klord: Just remember, I can still read you like a book, my old friend!~~~
Trish Alexander says:
Must have been Phail... ::chuckling at him::
Klordy says:
::Chokes on his Bloodwine and glances at Alexander with a grin::
S`chn_Silek says:
I took the knife with one hand and pulled his hair with the other and cut off almost 9/10 of his hair in one slice.... I believe the correct vernacular is " I scalped him"
Vn`dor_Phail says:
::raises his glass:: Alexander: Sorry ma'am... you can take the Bajoran out of Resistance Fighting but you can't take the resistance out of the Bajoran. ::smiles then drinks::
Trish Alexander says:
Good for you Silek!
Trish Alexander says:
Bartender, another drink for my friends...
S`chn_Silek says:
At that time we both lost consciousness from our injuries.
Vn`dor_Phail says:
::thinks that is hardly the Starfleet high ground::
Klordy says:
Silek: You cut off his queue and lived? You have a blood enemy my friend... I hope you know that.
Trish Alexander says:
~~~Phail: He lived didn't he?~~~
Vn`dor_Phail says:
::looks around for any hairless Klingons who may be listening::
S`chn_Silek says:
::takes a sip of his drink and folds his arms:: He took his dishonor and lived... I have no doubt however that I did make an enemy that day... but he did give me command of the Fleet
Trish Alexander says:
All in all, I am glad it is you Silek, I would not want a blood enemy of a Klingon.
Cap says:
::picks up the empties and replaces them with fresh drinks::
Klordy says:
Alexander: You need not fear my small friend::chuckles:: They have been warned about you.
Trish Alexander says:
Thank you ::smiling at the bartender::
S`chn_Silek says:
And so ends my tale...
Trish Alexander says:
Well told Silek!
S`chn_Silek says:
Perhaps next time Klord... you may grace us with a Klingon story not just a song?
Klordy says:
Bartender! the story teller need to wet his throat.
Vn`dor_Phail says:
::chuckles looking toward the Klingon::
Klordy says:
::grins:: most of my stories are not suitable for mixed company but I may be able to think of one that would do
Cap says:
::places a new tankard of bloodwine for Klord::
Klordy says:
::Pokes Alexander:: I wouldn't want to embarrass anyone now would I ?
Trish Alexander says:
Klord! You might be surprised at some of the stories I have heard... some of them from you ::laughing::
Vn`dor_Phail says:
::smiles:: Klordy/ Alexander: Now there's a story I'd like to hear!
S`chn_Silek says:
::raises from his seat:: Klord: Perhaps next time.... we shall be able to hear it ?
Trish Alexander says:
Next time you time you can woo them with a tale of blood and gore Klord!
Klordy says:
Silek: You buy the wine and I'll tell the tale.
S`chn_Silek says:
::nods:: It is agreed
<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<< Bar is closed...... until next time >>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>