Who: Michael Burnstein, npc!Tribble + OPEN When: 2259.115 [04/25] -- just past gamma shift Where: U.S.S. Enterprise Engineering → Mess Hall What: Burnie feels badly about accidentally punting a tribble on his way out of engineering and decides to take it to the mess hall with him to make up for it Rating: PG
Burnie stretched and glanced at the clock. Wow - he'd gotten so absorbed programming simulations from the latest technical journal that he'd worked right past the end of gamma shift. Of course, it was hard to really think of anything that was this much fun as work. Still, time to call it a day, or morning from the perspective of most of the crew. His stomach growled. It was also time to get something to eat.
As he walked through the door from engineering, his boot hit something and a little furry ball made a distressed sound as it was punted to the other side of the hallway. He rushed after it and picked it up.
The little creature thrilled uncertainly, quivering in his hands, and Burnie was overcome with a wave of guilt. "Hey, little dude, I didn't mean to kick you." He stroked it until it started making happier sounds. Burnie sighed, feeling happier as well, but still a little guilty.
"Bet you don't get out much," he said, stilling petting the soft little thing. "How about if I take you to the mess hall with me and maybe treat you to a little nosh?"
The tribble coo-ed cheerfully in response, nestling into the palm of his hand as they went. When they entered the mess it began vibrating with excitement. He held it up. "You are hungry, aren't you? What do you say to a little bagel and cream cheese?"