S1, 02 (FB) Friends of Mine Part 2 (February 9th, 2021)

Wesley and his copilot Jessica strolled down the streets of New York, avoiding the city bustle. They had only been back on Earth for a few days, so the pace of life seemed foreign and intimidating. Spending time with only 8 people for almost 5 years has a particular affect on most humans.

Regardless, Wesley was happy to be back. Never again would he take such a long trip away from civilization. Most of his crew had dispersed back to their homes, but himself, Jessica, and their mechanic David had stayed with at the Galactic Imperium facility in NYC. David was in at the facility making sure that nothing went wrong with the return report for the research vessel. He told Wesley and Jess (as everyone called her) to take some time off. He’d handle the rest.

So here they were, walking through a massive city looking for a good place to share a couple drinks.

“So, are we looking for like a 5 star bar, or some local pub? ‘Cause I’m seeing quite a few of the local pub type places, and we might as well try any of them.” Jess was clearly tired of walking.

Wesley glanced at her as they continued down the busy street. “Well, I was looking for something special, I don’t know. Let's go one more block. I’m sure there’ll be something.”

And there was. Just as they turned onto another street, a place across the road caught their eyes. Nestled in with the rest of the storefronts and shops, a neon red sign reading “The Place Place: Bar and Restaurant” sat above a nice looking little entryway. People were coming in and out, making it look lively enough. Wesley decided it was good enough, and they walked up to the front. Jessica pointed out that there appeared to be an extra, unlit sign that said “and Coffee House” but it was inconsequential.

As soon as the two entered the Bar, they saw how lively it really was. There was music playing, people talking and eating and drinking, and Wesley even saw a few Imperial personnel gathered at a table.

He and Jess turned to the bar seating and headed over.

The place was nice, with a wood paneled interior offset by dark red detailing. The lighting was not dim, but it wasn’t so bright as to blind someone that wanted to sit at a table and enjoy themselves. Over In a more secluded section of the bar was a pool table where some rich looking gentlemen were chatting and taking turns at the game.

Wesley and Jess sat down and waited for the bartender to make his way over to them.

“Huh, this place seems pretty nice.” said Wesley.

Jessica swiveled in her seat, leaning her arms on the counter. “Yea, I just hope they have Negroni, it’s my favorite."

Wesley glanced turned just as the bartender stepped up to the counter. He was a fancy looking droid, covered in adornments that he wore on his vest. A pair of red gloves and a bow tie made him quite the host.

“Welcome fellow ginger, and ginger’s friend! My name is LB-4, but you can call me Fours, even though it’s just one four. What can I make for you fine people today?"

“Fellow ginger? Where’s the hair?” Wesley laughed.

“Oh, right! Well, you see, I’ve always Imagined myself to be a ginger. It seemed cool and all, seeing as George Washington was a redhead."

“No, I’m pretty sure his hair was white,” said someone seated a to Wesley’s left.

Fours looked over. “That was powder buddy, you’ve had a few too many drinks,” Fours enthusiastically turned back to Wesley and Jess. “Anyway, where were we? Oh yes, what would you two like tonight?"

“Jess?” asked Wesley.

“I’ll have Negroni, if you’ve got it,” said Jessica.

“Well of course! And you sir?"

“Actually, I think I’m in the mood for something to eat. I’ll get that after my friend here has her drink."

“Suit yourself my good man."

Fours walked away to fetch the drink mix.

“Well he’s- interesting,” chuckled Jessica.

“Yea sure is. Real nice, but definitely a bolt loose somewhere in there.” said Wesley.

"So have you been thinking about the arrangements?"

“The wha- oh yes, well David has a place to go, but since we don’t have family around, I suppose we could stay here in New York for a while. The Imperium will pay for lodging as long as we sign up for more short range flights."

Jessica leaned over on the counter. "Yea, that’s what I was thinking too."

Wesley’s crew had been chosen for their technical piloting skill, but also for their lack of ties to Earth. Long range missions were few and far between, and the Imperium did not want to constantly send people deep into space. Wesley had no living family, neither did Jessica. They were alike in this, but even David and the other 5 crew personnel did not have children or partners to miss. Only parents and relatives, and most of the crew members weren't close with either.