Unexpected Invitation

Posted on Thu Oct 22nd, 2026 @ 2:09pm by Lieutenant Hank Jacobs M.D.
Edited on on Fri Oct 30th, 2026 @ 6:13pm

1,863 words; about a 9 minute read

Mission: Episode 1: A New Sheriff in Town
Location: Mojave Sickbay/Promenade
Timeline: Two Days After "Jumping In"

It was about zero nine hundred and Doctor Jacobs sat in his office going over a few recent patient records updating them after they had received treatment. As tedious a job as it was, it was it was necessary; it would be nice if he had a Medical Yeoman for such tasks. Having finished the updates he secured his terminal just before he heard a knock on the doorjamb. Looking up he smiled "Lieutenant Winslow nice to see you again....I hope your lower back isn't bothering you" he commented with some concern.

Returning his smile "Oh, no actually it's been feeling really good after your treatment" Katy responded.

"That's good to hear. So what do I owe the pleasure of your visit" Hank inquired curious as to this young woman's reason for stopping by.

Looking for the right words before speaking "I was wondering if you would allow me to take out to dinner some night as way of saying thank you for your expert care of my lower back" Katy commented hoping for a positive response.

"That really isn't necessary; I was just doing my job as a Doctor" Hank answered with a smile so as not to hurt this woman's feelings.

"I know I don't have to but I'd like to; I've met Doctor Jacobs but now I'd like to meet and get to know Hank Jacobs....I thought maybe we could become friends" she explained.

Hank grinned "Well since you put it that way.....I accept your invitation to dinner. Besides it would be nice to have some friends here. Let me know when it's convenient for you."

"I'm free this evening. We could meet on the Promenade by the main fountain say at nineteen hundred and please feel free to wear something casual instead of the uniform" Katy answered looking forward to dinner.

"Sounds good to me, so I'll see you then Lieutenant Winslow" Doctor Jacobs replied.


~Promenade-Nineteen Hundred~

Exiting the lift at exactly nineteen hundred, Hank made his way to the main fountain. What he saw was completely unexpected. There stood this woman having a tall slender build, long flowing auburn hair left down, baby blue eyes, and an outstanding figure dressed in perfectly fitting bluejeans, a medium blue top having a medallion hanging from a chain around her neck with the bottom even with the top of her cleavage "She's stunning" he thought being glad he accepted her dinner invitation.

Walking up to her with a smile "Hi, may I call you Katy since we're both off duty."

"Yes please Hank, rank sometimes drives me nuts" she responded with a light chuckle.

"I know what you mean; it can get real old real fast" Hank answered with a grin as they started walking together allowing Katy to lead the way. Looking at this beautiful woman "I have to say you clean up rather nicely; I almost feel underdressed."

"Thanks but no you're fine; it's refreshing to see a man dressed for comfort rather than formality. The jeans, a simple shirt, and the boots suits you quite well" Katy stated with a grin "Ok here we are....a little Bistro I found recently and I hear the food is exceptional.....hope you brought an appetite."

"That is never a problem for me; having an appetite" as the door swooshed open he gestured for her to enter first while he followed behind.

As they walked in they were greeted by a waiter "Good evening folks, where would you like to sit this evening" came the inquiry.

"Anywhere is fine as long was it's a table for two" Katy replied already enjoying the smell of the food that wafted through the air.

"Right this way" the waiter commented as he grabbed two menus before escorting them to a table. Hank was wondering if he should pull her chair out for her, he didn't want to seem too eager since this was their first time out together socially, but thankfully the waiter made the choice for him as he pulled the chair out for Katy. Handing them each a menu " I'll be back in a few minutes to take your orders, what would you like to drink while you wait."

"Just water is good for me" Hank answered. "Same here" was her reply.

They started talking avoiding the topic of work at all costs when they were quickly interrupted "So what would you like to order."

Katy looked towards Hank "You first I insist."

"Ok, I'll have the steak medium, mashed potatoes with brown gravy, and a side of broccoli with cheese" he responded as the waiter looked to Katy "That sound good, I'll have the same please." "Very good, I'll be back with your meals shortly" as the waiter turned to go to the kitchen.

Shortly the waiter returned then set their food down in front of them "Enjoy and if you need anything please do not hesitate to ask."

"Thank you Sir" Katy responded with a smile as he left their table.

Cutting into his steak it seemed to be cooked to perfection. Taking a fork of meat he placed it in his mouth and began to chew "Oh wow this is amazing" as he finished the mouthful "You weren't kidding when you said the food was exceptional here."

"That's what I had heard and thankfully it proved to be true; otherwise it would have been a little embarrassing" Katy replied with a grin "So tell me Hank Jacobs what do you like to do when off duty."

Putting his fork down focusing on Katy "Well I like to workout when the time affords me to do so. The one thing I have issue with is a fat flabby Doctor lecturing his patients on the merits of weight loss. To me that's just not right besides being very hypocritical" he responded then continued "And I do like to go horseback riding when I get the chance even if it's only in a Holodeck."

Katy laughed "I can see your point on the whole weight loss issue; I've witnessed that myself more than once over the years with some Doctors. It's kind of sad and funny both at the same time."

"And how do you like to spend your off duty hours since we're inquiring" he asked interested what her response was going to be.

"I like to keep in shape as well except my way is a little more fun than being in a gym. I like to either rock climb on a planet, which isn't often for obvious reasons, and I also like to wall climb which is mostly in a Holodeck like your horseback riding" she answered.

"Wall climbing? Now that sounds interesting."

"It's a lot of fun to see how high you manage to get up the wall before falling off but it's also a lot more strenuous than rock climbing since you have gravity pulling you down constantly" Katy explained then paused a moment "I can teach you some time if you're interested."

"I'll try most anything once" as he chuckled "I'll make a deal with you.....you teach me how to wall climb and I'll teach you how to ride, if that's something you'd like to learn and probably much easier than wall climbing" Hank commented.

Katy was a little surprised and pleased all at the same time Hank was actually discussing ways they could spend more time together even if he didn't realize it yet "You have a deal; I'd like to give that a try some time."

As they were finishing their delightful meals Hank decided not to have this be a oneway conversation "So what else do you like to do in your spare time."

"When I was a kid I would spend hours outside with my telescope just gazing at the stars: I found it interesting and relaxing all at the same time. Obviously now being out among them my gazing is easier and also turned into my profession; which I absolutely love to do" Katy answered with a smile "If I may ask how did you become to be a Doctor."

"As a youth I grew up on my parent's horse ranch. When I became older I would follow the Vet around watching, and probably being annoying, asking him all sorts of questions. I guess working around those amazing animals translated into me becoming a Doctor so I could help people feel better."

"I guess we're not so different you and I; looks like we both went into a profession inspired by our childhood days" Kate replied with a grin wondering what else they might have in common.

The two finished their dinners while talking about different topics before Kate asked for the check. As she stood to go pay Hank inquired "You sure you don't want me to at least pay for my part of dinner?"

"Absolutely not, I'm the one who asked you out to dinner remember" she answered with a grin "Next time" as she turned and headed for the cashier. Once done she returned "So would you like to walk around the Promenade for a bit before calling it an evening?"

"That sounds good and it'll give me a chance to see what else there is around here" as he stood. Walking to the door he stopped "Ladies first" as the doors swooshed open before they exited.

Once in the Promenade Katy looked towards Hank "You really are quite the gentleman; although I shouldn't be surprised given how nice you seem to be" she stated with a smile.

"Thanks, I try" he responded with a grin as the two walked around for maybe another hour talking along the way. By this time Katy was walking as close to Hank as she dared without being too obvious about it.

"It's getting kind of late so I guess I should go back to my quarters" as she paused "I don't suppose you wouldn't mind escorting me back?"

"It would be my pleasure" he answered as they entered a nearby lift.

~Katy's Quarters~

As they approached she turned "Would you like to come in for a few minutes" she inquired.

"As tempting an offer is that is I must decline....I have an early day tomorrow....maybe next time. Thank you for a fabulous meal and some great conversation; I had a very nice time tonight getting to know you Katy" he stated being quite sincere.

"You're welcome Hank and I had a very nice time as well" as she paused a moment "Maybe we could hang out again some time; that is you'd like too I mean."

"Yes that would be nice. Have a restful night and I'll see you around" he responded with a smile.

"You as well" she replied before leaning in and giving Hank a kiss on the cheek "See you soon" and with that she opened her door and walked into her quarters.

Hank turned with a smile on his face still feeling the kiss on the cheek and quite enjoying it. Walking to a lift he entered and made his way home being quite pleased with how the evening turned out.

 

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