Impromptu dinner party

Posted on 31 Dec 2019 @ 2:31am by Captain Jonathan Reynolds & Commander Amelia Fox & Lieutenant Mitchell Graham & Lieutenant Commander Aidan Datari & Lieutenant Commander True Keading & Lieutenant JG Lilura Karakalakss & Lieutenant JG Rosaline Belikov & Civilian Iola Hawkins

Mission: Mission 2 - The Agora crossroads
Location: Captains formal dinning room
Timeline: MD6 21:00
5365 words - 10.7 OF Standard Post Measure

ON:

Jon looked round the room. This place hadn’t seen any action yet but he felt it fitting at present especially as he had his crew back, new crew, new allies .... to just do something. So he had .... no he hadn’t. His chef had pulled it together last minute with a little input from Fox. All he had to do was issue invites. That was probably a good thing.

He had not stated formalwear or uniforms. He wanted his crew to be comfortable. Nor had he made it a mandatory occasion. So standing there in a blue shirt and smart trousers, sipping one of the Alaskan beers from Trues homeland in his hand he waited to see who might join him.

Walking into the room she glanced around. She'd chosen to wear one of her silk dresses she liked so much. This was one was a pale pink and she'd pulled her hair up into a twist on the back of her head. Apparently True was early because there weren't very many people here yet. She smiled at Jon but wasn't sure if she should approach him. Instead she found a spot along the edge of the room and considered starting up a conversation with the few people that were there.

Initially, Aidan hadn't wanted to go. He didn't feel ready to face any crowds, least of all the senior staff. There'd be questions he wasn't ready to answer. But, with a little coaching from Emme, he had gotten up and dressed, and with her at his side, had made his way to the dining room. He was dressed casual, but he felt ill at ease. "I'm glad you're here with me," he whispered at his wife.

"You'll be fine," she whispered back, "You're more outgoing than you think you are and this is just a casual little get together." Emme squeezed his hand.

"With you by my side, I can do anything," Aidan whispered back, casting her a small yet grateful smile. "You empower me. You make me whole."

Dressed in her typical semi-formal gathering wear (see bio pic), Lilura strode into the dining room. For grace sake, she had on leather wraps around the middle of her feet, just in case anybody took offense to someone going 'barefoot', even though with Lilura, that didn't quite apply. She went over to the concierge, a Yeoman, and began checking through the various dark beers that were available. She nodded over to Jon while her tail waved at True. She glanced towards Aidan and his wife, but left them alone, figuring when they were ready, they would initiate contact. Aidan had been through a lot. Her tail snaked out and wrapped around an Irish Death Beer and brought it to her muzzle so she could take a swig. Delightful in taste, actually, with nothing deathly in it.

Rose was the next to arrive, dressed in her uniform and carrying a bunch of PADD’s in a shoulder bag. She was never one for social gatherings, though they were generally good places to pick up gossip and information. Looking up from the PADD she was reading, Rose saw the few other guests in attendance spread out around the room, and quickly chose to speak to the person who she’d had the least contact with, Lilura. Walking over to her, Rose took a deep breath before putting on a smile, “nice to see you Lieutenant”

Lilura heard and sensed Rose as she came up to her, but couldn't place her auric signature. Her tail snaked up to grab her beer as she fully turned to face the foot shorter female humanoid.. Terran? No, wait, different.. Vulcan. Or, could be, Romulan. As there was a smile, she would go with 'Romulan' for right now until told otherwise. She smiled back, her lips showing her muzzle could open all the way to where her eyes were in her face. "Nice to see you as well... *the facial features and thermal pattern finally clicked* Lieutenant Belikov. And please, call me Lilura as we are off duty. And, sorry for taking a little bit to recognize you. We haven't interacted that much, so you were an unknown for a bit. You see, Terran like humanoids all look very similar to me, so I have to recognize by other means. I do like your auric patterns.... so, half.. Romulan? And would you like a drink? Captain's buying, and his auric signature is interesting too, being half Betazoid."

“I heard that Lieutenant,” Jon said half a smile on his face. “Yes go on just this one time. Nice to see you both. I hope your both hungry?”

Lilura gurgled and said, in a stage whisper, "Drat foiled again." She now spoke in her normal melodic voice, "I definitely am, sir, especially with so many tidbits running around the place." Lilura grinned, leaving off if she was meaning the food, or the people.

Rose smiled, "I assure you Lilura, some meals can be harder to swallow than others"

Lilura gurgled in humor and winked at Rose, "Of course, Fair Rose, of course and always. Tis the nature of intrigue and living life."

Jon shot True a smile from across the room as he mingled. She looked very pretty with her hair up and in that colour.

There were still a couple to potentially arrive. “Aidan, I’m glad you felt up to coming, “ he said to the Trill. “And Emme a pleasure to see you again. Shall we get you both a drink? Apparently I’m buying,” he chuckled.

"Chilled water please," Aidan answered softly, "yes we're here... Can't stay in our home all day, I need to go out."

Emme nearly chuckled at Aidan's response. She thought for a moment he was going to say he had been dragged out. "A little socialization never hurt anyone. No thank you though, on the drink. But I'll gladly join in the conversation."

"Thats a good attitude Aidan," Jon said. "And you are welcome for conversation any time Emme. Let me just get that water."

He returned quickly handing over the drink. "Has Sherlock settled now you are back?"

"He really hasn't let Aidan out of his sight much. But yes, as long as he's allowed to cuddle with us he's fine. Probably be back to his usual mischief in no time." Emme answered him.

"I told him to stay home," Aidan reassured the man, though in truth he really would've wanted Sherlock to be here with him.

"Thats good to hear, that hes settled," Jon said quickly. The memory of Sherlock appearing over him in bed in sheer darkness still made him a little woozy.

With people gathering, Iola stood in the doorway, watching them. Her long shiny purple hair was done up quite elegantly with just a few strands lining her face. She was wearing a flowing dress of bright pink which, with her green skin, really made her look like a pink and purple flower. She clutched her precious PADD nervously as she walked in, grateful for the inhibitors the doctor had provided her with, otherwise the pheromones would be flying. She nodded politely as she studied the people.

The ship's first officer now made an appearance with J’Tan. Amelia had let her hair down and was wearing her trusty little black dress. She also carried a bottle of red wine. “Good evening all. I hope we’re not too late.”

An alarm blared in Michael's ear bringing him straight up in his bed. It was the chronometer letting him know that his nap was over. Another notice came on his PADD, it was that of a party being hosted by the Captain, and he was going to be late!

A dash into the refresher, a quick shave, and a fast decision on what to wear. A button down, forest green, long sleeved dress shirt, black slacks and a pair of comfortable black moccasins. Comfortable, yet stylish.

He arrived just in time to see Amelia step through the door leading to where the gathering was, accompanied by a purple skinned being. She looked ravishing in her little black dress. His curiosity was piqued, wondering just whom this person was. Michael also caught sight of an Orion woman, looking rather beautiful. In fact he noticed all the women whom were gathered, were attractive, including the woman still dressed in uniform. She was talking with Lilura who looked amazing as well.

Michael's attention was drawn towards a woman with blonde hair, dressed in a pale pink dress standing quietly to one side, seeming to be observing the room. Michael decided to start introductions with her, before he began his rounds of socializing with the others.

Stepping next to True, Michael quietly said, " Greeting, I'm Ensign Michael Hawkins, newly arrived on this ship, I was wondering whom you might be. I've only met, Captain Reynolds, Lieutenant Fox, Lieutenant Karakalakss so far, and I've not looked at the crew roster as of yet, so... I am at a loss of who is whom. "

True had been musing about how much of a wall flower she was with these sort of events. One on one with people she was friendly but groups of people weren't her strong suit. "True Keading," she said holding out her hand to him. "I'm the ship's chief counselor." She almost smirked, wondering how long it would be now before this man ran away like the others usually did. "Welcome to Andromeda."

"Thank you for the welcome." Michael replied, not even flinching when he found out she was the ship's counselor. "I am probably due to come into your office for the normal...conversation one is to have when first arriving on a new ship. A getting to know you sort of meeting? And I am actually curious as to what your office will look like. I have found that different counselors have their own tastes in their decor to help make the person feel safe and secure when speaking to them, and to help the counselor keep themselves in some balance when working with those who need their help. Let me know when I need to come in."

"Really? Sounds like you've studied the subject. You don't often find a lot of people who want to look around a counselor's office. As for a meeting, feel free to stop by every time. I'm not sure my décor would surprise you though, I haven't really done much to it since I came on the ship."

"In someways I have. I will come to your office and if you'd like to chat about what I've observed in other counselor's offices, we can. Also one other thing, that shade of pink looks lovely on you, as well as the dress. If my sisters were here, they would be rather complimentary and definitely say you are beautiful of which I would agree. And with your beauty and gentle nature, I do hope that someone is interested in and cares for you."

True raised her eyebrows but nodded. "I do have someone, it's rather a recent thing, but we've been very happy. Thank you. You must miss your family. When was the last time you were together?"

" I am glad that you have someone. You have a light in your countenance, well just something about you, is the reason I stated my compliment as I had. As for my family, it was a couple of weeks ago. It was when the ship that I served on, the USS Brixham was decommissioned. That ship had also been the very same ship my Grandfather had commanded years before he retired. Grand-dad and I both were there to say goodbye along with the rest of the family. "His voice thickened with emotion at the last of his comment. Michael was still dealing with somewhat of a grief, for the USS Brixham had been like a second home to him and to his grandfather.

Looking over towards the table where he could see nameplates and catching the delicious scent of food, his stomach growled, he chuckled quietly "It looks like its almost time to eat and something certainly smells good."

"Yes," True said impressed with the spread that had been thrown together quickly. "I guess we better go find our seats. It was nice to meet you. Feel free to stop by my office any time."

On the other side of the room Mitchell Graham made an entrance. Easygoing smile on his face. He had taken the "comfortable" part seriously, wearing denim jeans and a well-worn red t-shirt that had the Academy's Nova Squadron logo on it. A lower-ranking crewman greeted him and put a beer in his hand. He gratefully accepted it and took a sip, scanning the place to see who else showed up.

If people want to mingle some more fell free before we move on with the evening.

Jon decided there was a suitable lull to speak, “Evening everyone. I’m glad you could join us. I thought it would be nice to do something to mark our new guests and crew joining us. If you would like to all take a seat. Chefs actually made some name cards. Bit fancy, don’t get used to this sort of thing,” he joked walking to his seat at the head of the table.

A small word with chef had allowed him to strategically place True next to him, Iola on the other side. He’d figured Aidan was best sat next to their envoy. His wife Emme on the other side of Aidan, J’Tan opposite next to True. Then Mitchell, Fox, Lilura, the new ops guy Hawkins and Rose.

“Some introductions to catch everyone up. This is Iola who is joining us on our journey forward and is envoy to the Agora crossroads.Mr J’Tan some of you met in our last meeting. And I’m very happy to welcome our new Ops chief Micheal Hawkins,” he took a breath hoping he had got and pronounced everyone’s name correctly.

Iola gave a slight nod and curtsy as she stood upon the introduction.

Lilura shifted in her chair as she gave a gentle wave with her right hand, and with her tail just beside it, while she mouthed, "Hi".

Upon Jon's introduction, Michael stood up giving a slight bow, "Glad to meet you all, I'm Chief Ops Michael Hawkins." then sat down to enjoy the meal, gazing around the table.

"Welcome aboard, all," Mitchell Graham said, smiling and lifting his bottle of beer in salute.

Michael nodded,making a mental note that he needed to get to know the pilot.

Chef started bringing starters out - some sort of fancy salad he had assured him was the bees knees, along with his “secret vingerette”. There was warm bread rolls too.

“Dig in people,” Jon said deciding to keep “his” news till a little later. He hadn’t even had a chance to tell True yet and bet his engineer could sense something in his auric signature. “Don’t stand on ceremony.”

True was shaking her head at being placed next to Jon, of course this was also rather amusing to observe him so close to her when he couldn't just reach out and kiss her. He was going to have to admit to their relationship soon or it would drive him crazy.

Lilura found Jon's auric shifting interesting. He was excited about something, and was sitting on it. She figured it would be for crew, or for somebody close to him, so all good. She began spearing food here and there, putting a dollop onto her plate so she could try many things. Her tail snaked out behind her to snag a pitcher of dark beer of which her sense of smell detected. The tail brought that pitcher around as she tossed something into her muzzle, chewing slowly to get its essence and taste.

So many people... Iola glanced around, not quite sure what to do. She was so used to serving the one person, initiative wasn't something she had grown up with. Anticipation yes, but serving herself first before her master no. Helpless, she stood at the table, having no idea what was what. What was she supposed to select? There were so many choices!

Lilura recognized the confusion by the Orion Female at the table. She waved with her tail and right hand in hoping that Iola would recognize help. If not, well, there was other party high notes to address.

Aidan looked up at Emme. "Do you want anything? Can I get you anything?" He needed to mingle, needed to walk around, an excuse to actually walk up and get something.

Emme looked at him curiously. "Hmm . . . sure, I'll take a Shirley temple, see if the bartender knows how to make that." She wasn't sure if he would or not but it would give something for Aiden to do, he looked like he wanted to be kept busy.

"I may be a while," he said honestly, raising his hand to caress her cheek. "You should mingle too, I'll find you when I have your drink." Smiling a little, he slowly walked off, weaving his way through the gathered people, towards the bar.

To both Rose and Lilura, Michael commented, "The food is excellent." then set to eating. He had noticed where True was seated, next to the Captain, noted the glances True gave the captain. He smiled slightly to himself, there was the source of True's glow. He sipped at the water he had in front of him, it having a slice of lemon floating inside. (No ice).

Lilura returned a nod, saying, "Yes, it is. I just hope it keeps being varied, but, we shall see."

Michael noticed Iola, his attention being more caught by Iola's hesitation in approaching the table and even not seeming to know how to react. Michael mused to himself, from what the captain had said, the marketplace they had been at, had all sorts of wares they offered, including slaves. That made him remember his friend, L'Ral whom had been a slave as well and had been rescued by the crew of the King George. She had mentioned something about what she had gone through and the behaviors she had to break out of. Iola seemed to be exhibiting some of the same traits.

"If you will excuse me." he remarked to Lilura and Rose getting up from his chair, Michael moved to where Iola was at.

"Hello Iola, I'm Michael, its okay to choose whatever you wish to eat. All of it smells good doesn't it? Or for that matter, you can just sample what looks good to you." giving a gentle smile.

Iola smiled back at him, then gestured at her PADD. Do you have any recommendations? It all smells wonderful, and I want to try it all...but taking all seems greedy. What would you do? it wasn't that she never had a choice in food, or never ate well, it was the abundance of food and the wide variety of unknown items that daunted her.

Michael read her query, then answered."It won't be considered greedy to take samples of the dishes you would like to try, this is a welcoming dinner and a chance to experience different things. Go ahead, try them all. I am planning on it."

The ship's first officer was sat quietly with a funny sort of smile on her face watching the senior staff mingle. She had a plate of food in front of her, a drink to one side and she was looking over the Captain's choice in napkins which had little penguins embossed on them.

When she met the Captain's eye she commented "Everyone seems to be having a good time Sir. The napkins are unusual. I didn't know you liked penguins."

Jon was half way through a mouthful of his bread. He wasn't expecting that statement. He swallowed and avoided Trues eyes who he could sense was amused. "Who doesn't like penguins number one?"

Amelia’s glass paused halfway to her lips. “There ok I suppose” she replied, before adding “I personally prefer seals. Much cuter.” She took a sip of her drink and smiled to herself.

Jon leaned in to True and lowered his voice, "Why do I feel shes on to us?" he asked. "You look very pretty tonight by the way," he added. He could sense Fox suspected. He could also sense someone else in the room seemed to have an idea. There attempts at being subtle were not going as successfully as they had hoped.

"We're probably not as secretive as we think we are." True answered him with a bit of a smile on her lips. "Thank you, but that might be a clue as to why," Honestly True thought there was no use hiding it anymore. People would gossip no matter what and they weren't doing anything against regulations.

Upon Hawkins' suggestion, Iola took a few bits from everything, her cheeks colouring as she saw how much she literally piled onto her plate. She looked around, feeling awkward as she carried the fully laden plate back to the table.

"That looks good," Jon said to Iola in a bid to make her feel less awkward. "I think I will go for round two. The salad was nice but on to the main event," he said softly hoping that translated.

Iola blinked in surprise. There's more coming? she marveled, shaking her head in disbelief.

Getting up he asked the blond next to him, "Is there anything I can get for you counselor?"

"No, I'm fine thank you." She gave him another smile.

The buffet was very good. Jon had to send his compliments to his chef and let him know how good a job he did. Joining Hawkins at the buffet he asked the man. "How are you settling in Ensign?"

"I am settling in well.. I hope." He chuckled, "Though I do have a question for you, would it be okay if i sat next to Iola? I know there are assigned seats but, she seems a little bit uncertain of things, and I'd like to be of some assistance to her."

"Please do," Jon nodded. "She needs support. Her current situation is a very different one to what shes used too. I encourage everyone to help her integrate.

He turned his attention back to Iola after having sat down next to her, to eat a little bit more.

"Iola, how would you like to be able to have a 'voice' when you type out your words? There is a way we can have that happen. I am certain that Lilura and I can come up with something in that aspect."

The Orion woman nodded eagerly before typing something more. Learning to speak might be more... useful?"

"I think that I can help you out there, and others will be wanting to do so as well." Michael responded, with a smile.

Jon piled his plate up and turned to see his young Vulcan doctor arrive.

Face flushed, Syvar came bursting into the room. "I'm so sorry for being late," he apologized, "i came as soon as I could. There was an emergency in sickbay."

Jon cleared his throat, "Not a problem doctors. There's plenty of food left. Please do tuck in,"

"Thank you captain," the young doctor answered gratefully. After a long and busy shift, he was famished.

Jon headed back to True and sat back down again. "I need to make an announcement," he told her. "And then I need a beautiful woman to pin something on me. I hope you don't mind."

True blinked at him. It took her a moment to realize what it must be. "Of course," it was rather an honor she thought, there were other people that deserved this honor more than her.

Jon did the whole clinking a glass with a spoon then stood up as they all went quiet. "I have a little news. Some good, some not so good. Starfleet contacted me today and the Admiral advised that there has been several explosions on Starbase 621. We are unclear yet as to who the perpetrators are but also we are too far out to go provide aid. I will be keeping in touch with the Admiral in the case of any developments there but if anyone has friends or family in that area or were visiting at the big conference … I am sorry to pass on that information.

Amelia’s face fell. She had a sinking feeling that the Cetea were behind this but at the moment there was no proof of that.

Mitchell raised a concerned eyebrow but didn't say anything. An old Academy friend was assigned to that sector. He would reach out later.

Michael looked towards Jon, with an expression of concern, another bombing?

Lilura let out a small snort with a head bob to the left, her racial expression of 'and away we go again' or 'of course'.

Tag - any one if you have any reactions.

"The second piece of news is a little nicer. Starfleet promoted me to Captain and commended the whole crew of the Andromeda on a good job. A fact that I second. So I just wanted to say good work everybody. I am proud of how you have all come together as a new crew and am confident that we will continue on to do exceptionary things," he told them proudly.

A wide grin appeared on Lilura's face. For being a Galaxy class, it was good to get the Captain's rank to Captain. More fitting with the amount of officers on board.

"Counselor … True," he said passing her the box that had been burning a hole in his trousers for much of the day. "If you wouldn't mind in the Admirals absence."

True carefully took it out of the box and stood straight as she pinned it on his collar. She smiled at him and gave him a small pat before taking a step back.

He kissed her on the cheek in front of everyone after she placed the pips. He figured she was right. Charlotte knew now anyway and well half the crew he was certain had guessed. He didn't have to go out and announce it but he didn't have to hide it either. They were smart enough to take from that action what they needed to know without having to make a song and dance of things.

"Thank you," he told her.

The First officer broke in to a round of applause. “Congratulations Captain. That fourth pip suits you.” She turned to True. “And Congratulations to you too counselor. I trust I can count on your support in keeping the Captain safe on the bridge and leavening the dangerous away mission to myself?”

"Yes Ma'am. I'm sure you can both rely on my level headed assessment of situations," True responded with a little bit of a smile on her face.

Michael applauded as Jon received his captain's pip from True, smiling for it was definitely obvious that those two were well suited for each other, and he hoped that the blossoming romance would last.

Lilura giggled to herself. So THAT was what the Captain's aura was meaning. He and True had acted on their attraction and had a relationship going. She was thrilled for them.

Jon continued on "Lieutenant Fox and I have made a crew adjustment just to make you all aware. With Lieutenant Haulval going AWOL and disappearing at the Agora crossroads, Lieutenant Belikov will be switching to Intel and covering security as well in the interim until we get a new security chief assigned to us." He turned to the brunette and said, "Thank you for being so amenable and I look forward to seeing you in your new role."

Rose nodded, "it'll be good to be back in the intelligence business, and having your chief of intelligence run security may have some unseen perks"

"Anyway for now please enjoy the food and the rest of the evening. We will be resuming on our travels, dropping of Mr J'Tan and then investigating a new area we have recently got some intelligence one. I believe Lieutenant," he looked to Lilura, "You asked for dancing. I welcome you to open the floor."

Lilura gurgled in her throat as she bellowed out, "Dancing it is. I love to dance, even though no formal training. Hey D.J., give us a beat please."

"Well there is no DJ," Jon said, "But computer play a suitable selection of popular dance music please."

"Congratulations, Captain," Mitchell said as Rigellian samba filled the room. He grinned and shook the man's hand.

Lilura laughed out loud, then struck a Samba reception quad beat pose, and then waited to see who would decide to try and join her on the dance floor.

Jon took his pilots hand and shook it firmly. "Thank you Lieutenant. So the Tshirt. Talk me through it?" Jon asked. He guessed it was a squadron icon but it was a nice "in" to get the man to talk and open up a little.

Mitchell looked down at his shirt and grinned. "Oh, this? It's from my Academy days. Flight demonstration team. They were disbanded for a few years, but then reformed while I was there. I was lead solo. Fun times. What do you do for fun, sir?"

"Well I think its a little obvious that I enjoy the company of Counselor Keating," Jon said sheepishly, "But I also enjoy learning to paint. I always much preferred a rifle and phaser to flying." He added wistfully. His security chief days seemed a long long time ago.

Lilura moved to out of the way and began dancing to the music herself. She didn't mind, it happened. It wasn't often that a person could get past their primal fears of a tall, big teeth and clawed, 'dragon' they could become prey to. So, she would dance, watch, and when the crowds started dwindling, take her leave.

After mingling for a while, Aidan returned to Emme. "Would you like to dance?" He asked quietly.

She smiled brilliantly at him. "Sure, I would love to."She took his hand and let him lead her onto the dance floor. "When was the last time we danced? Our wedding?"

"Not counting time on the ice, quite likely," Aidan smiled, "we should do this more often..."

"As I recall that was more falling than dancing, even on your part." Emme replied with a grin ,remembering when he had crashed spectacularly in front of her. "I thought you were trying to show off in front of me."

"I was," the Trill admitted, "but I don't think it's necessary to try and impress you. Perhaps, in a few days, we can go skiing on the holodeck?" He drew her close to him, wrapping his arms around her. "Just us," he added, "I need some alone time, just us."

"I was impressed, that you took the time to try to impress me. It was cute." She sighed as she was drawn in really close and the music started to die, their movements slowed to a stop. "Sounds wonderful, when do we leave?" Emme said, not thinking at all about what he'd actually suggested.

OFF:

●● Lieutenant Amelia Fox
Executive Officer
USS Andromeda


●○ Lieutenant JG Lilura Siana Karakalakss
Chief Engineering Officer
USS Andromeda

●● Lieutenant Aidan Datari
Chief Science Officer
USS Andromeda

● “ Ensign Michael Hawkins“
Chief Operations Officer
USS Andromeda

Iola
Don's Envoy
pnpc Aidan

●● Lieutenant True Keading
Chief Counselor
USS Andromeda


Lieutenant Emmony Safford
Science Officer/Aidan's Wife
USS Andromeda

●● Lieutenant Mitchell Graham
Chief Flight Control Officer
USS Andromeda

●●● Commander Jonathan Reynolds
Captain
USS Andromeda