The Unicorn and the Ishannis

Posted on Sun Feb 8th, 2026 @ 6:25pm by Lieutenant Commander Oscar McDonald MD

1,864 words; about a 9 minute read

Mission: Shore Leave - Starbase 1
Location: Starbase 1 - The Unicorn
Timeline: current

One, two… five... after the third glass, did it even matter? Absolutely not.

Closing his eyes for a moment, Oscar McDonald savoured the familiar earthy undertones of the single malt whisky which was as familiar as it was comforting. A taste of home. But just a taste. Setting down his now empty glass he gestured towards the bartender who offered no judgement as he poured another. Which was not to say that another was a good idea. Quite the opposite.

Around him the small bar nestled in a quiet corner of the promenade on Starbase 1 had gotten steadily busier, yet was still just a little over half full. Conversations had gotten louder as the patrons got more inebriated, a few disagreements had boiled over before quickly being forgotten over another drink, while traditional Scottish music continued to play quietly in the background. All very in keeping with the strong purple tartan and Sessile Oak which dominated much of the decor.

This was The Unicorn, his favoured pub whenever he found himself with time to waste. A little slice of Scotland - in space. The food, the drink, the music... right down to the menu which could be ordered in Federation Standard or (if you were so inclined) in Scottish Gaelic. He indulged himself by using the latter when ordering, enjoying his conversation with the owner of the bar before her obligations called her away. It was rare he had the opportunity to converse in his native tongue, and he was pleased to find he was not as rusty as he feared.

With a delicious meal now a distant memory, he had began his tradition of sampling the various single malt whisky bottles available. Some savages assumed one whisky was much like another, but such people were fools and unworthy of tasting one of the finest creations his ancestors had gifted to the world. Yes, yes, he was quiet aware of the many discoveries and the inventive spirit which had emerged from the most glorious place on Earth ... but he stood by his statement. And really, how did they know a single malt (or two) did not help the creativity of all those scientists? Hmm?

He, however, had not come here to find creative inspiration.

He had come here for two things.

The first was to pay respects to those no longer with him. And while he did not know him well, he included Lieutenant Zai in that ever expanding list. But in honesty, he was mostly thinking of Rho. His entire reason for joining the Arcadia rather than enjoying retirement. The only person who could ever talk him into such a thing and certainly the only ex-wife who he could even be in the same quadrant as without fear of the universe imploding (or other such natural disasters). And he had hoped...

No. Shaking his head he allowed another drink to drown that idea. What good were hopes now? It did nothing to dwell on such things. On impossible possibilities. He chuckled a little at that. Impossible possibilities indeed...

Facts were facts. Rho was gone, and he was still there. The question he had to ask himself was simple. Why?

Had he not done his time? Managed to survive the war, dedicated his life to his career and often sacrificing his personal life in the process. Four failed marriages to his name. And he did not expect any of his children to declare him father of the year or praise his influence on their lives. Not all his own doing but now - older and hopefully a little wiser - he had regrets. A wish that he had done more for them. Put them first before the demands of his career.

"If wishes were horses," he sighed into his glass as he took a long drink, once more finding himself nursing an empty glass.

He knew, without a doubt, that he was the best version of himself when he had been married to Rho. She was the perfect counterpoint, she understood. Unfortunately, she was as driven by her career as he was and the absences grew more frequent, and longer. It had happened so gradually, so naturally that it seemed destined for them to follow different paths. Never, to this day, had they spoken a word in anger.

Which was perhaps a testament to her diplomatic skills and temperament rather than his. According to wife number one and echoed by number three, he could start a fight in an empty room.

His second reason for coming here?

Escape.

He had a long career behind him and he was beginning to appreciate why retirement had been so appealing. He was exhausted, down to his very bones. His already limited patience was stretched paper thin, and he found himself wishing for more. Something different.

Perhaps it was time to actually step away.

Leave the care of the Arcadia crew in the hands of someone else. Someone younger. There was undoubtedly many capable people. Doctor Alexander had earned a shot and no doubt there were many others desperate for the opportunity to have the coveted position of Chief Medical Officer. But he knew, if he was being honest with himself, that it was time.

The thought was almost sobering.

He knew it was a decision which would impact others. He knew Chloe would go back to her research, for just as Rho had talked him into taking on the responsibility of becoming her CMO, she had joined his staff at his request. And look what happened! Some technician's stupid mistake had almost killed her! He shook his head again, irritation flaring. Of course he was not responsible for someone else's error, but he had brought her here, talked her into staying. Put her in the position to be harmed.

At least the Lower Deckers would be happy. He had of course heard rumours of Adrianna Baciami's departure, and some investigation (with the help of his position) had given him a fairly clear reason for her decision, which he respected. She was a formidable officer, feared by most of the enlisted and junior officers and rightly so. And most of all she had become a friend. Out of respect for that friendship he had kept his distance and not pried into her personal business - even when some of the lower deck inspections had been more intense than usual.

But perhaps that too had been a mistake?

He was unsure. He was also unsure if he would see her, or her husband, before they headed for Earth so he had taken the liberty of arranging for some gifts to be awaiting their arrival in Italy. A thank you for the times she had provided him with an escape from his grief and from the more mundane aspects of running a medical bay.

"Oscar?"

Peering over his shoulder, it took a long moment for him to focus on the blurry figure standing nearby. He squinted and after a long time he realised that he knew that voice. "Sia?" he slurred, his eyebrows shooting up in surprise just a millisecond before the figure rushed at him, smothering him in a hug as struggled to keep his balance.

"I was hoping to find you here when they said you were off the ship," the woman grinned as she eased back just enough to kiss him. "I wanted to surprise you!"

"Well that you did," he managed.

"Wonderful!" she laughed, hugging him again before sliding onto the adjacent barstool, taking hold of his hand. "Isn't this amazing, crossing paths again?"

"Ama... erm... what are you...?"

Sia shook her head, smiling fondly at him, "maybe I should get you home and we can talk when you've had some sleep and some coffee? Although maybe a shot of something first, for both of us?"

Turning she ordered drinks for them both and soon was pushing another measure of whisky into his hand while she drained her own glass in one long drink. "So, there is a really funny story," she began. "I am actually going to be the lounge manager on Arcadia! Isn't that amazing? It is an amazing opportunity, I couldn't say no. I honestly had no idea you were aboard and then I saw your name and I was just... wow!"

"You... what?"

"Oscar, honestly, don't look so terrified!" she grinned, "this could be a great thing. For all of us!"

"Actually I - "

"Before you say anything, I'm not finished," she warned, placing a fingertip against his lips. "I recently found out that we technically, by the customs of Riza, are not quite as divorced as we thought."

That was definitely sobering, and his thoughts seemed to snap into focus. "Define not quite," he asked slowly.

She winced, trying to find the words. "My uncle didn't complete the final ritual correctly- it wasn't his fault! Well, it kind of was. And then someone issued confirmation by mistake and it just was such a huge mess. We can absolutely go to Risa and sort it all out as soon as you want."

"Now, we can go now!" he declared, moving to get out of his seat and having to sit back down heavily. "Maybe after some coffee."

"Good idea," she agreed. "Let me help you back to your quarters?"

He groaned but realised he had little choice. Besides, if he ended up passed out in this bar, Walker would have the time of his life writing him up. As he nodded she moved to support him, which was quite a feat given she was half his size. Together they made slow progress out onto the promenade itself until someone else came to support him on the other side. His vision swimming, he could see nothing but a vague shape and possibly blonde hair?

"Who...?"

"Do you remember when I said all of us?" Sia asked, her voice betraying the effort it was taking out of her to support him. So much so that she didn't wait for an answer. "Well, I didn't mean just you and I. This is Jade -"

"Cadet Jade Ishanni," his second helper clarified.

"Ishanni?" Oscar repeated. Ishanni was Sia's last name...

"And I'm super proud of you baby," Sia reminded her, before issuing some last minute guidance to help them avoid walking into a wall. That done she took a deep breath and then added, "but what is important is that -"

She stopped as Oscar suddenly decided that was the moment to take afore mentioned sleep, sending all of them crashing to the deck in a heap. After a few moments she managed to untangle herself, shaking her head as she climbed to her feet and offered Jade a helping hand up. "Not exactly how I planned this," Sia sighed, hands on her hips.

"We can't just leave him here," Jade pointed out, nudging McDonald's leg with the tip of her boot. Nothing. "Call Medical?"

"We may have to," Sia conceded, gesturing for Jade to go ahead as she knelt down beside her sleeping husband. "Honestly Oscar, what a way to make a first impression."

OFF

 

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