Come dine with me

Posted on 16 Jun 2021 @ 12:22am by Commander Amelia Fox & Captain Jonathan Reynolds & Lieutenant Xu Chang Lau & Lieutenant C'Tora Kuroka & Lieutenant Syvar MD

Mission: Patching up the Copernicus
Location: Captains private dining room
Timeline: MD1 20:00
4090 words - 8.2 OF Standard Post Measure

ON:

Jon wasn't one for planning meals and meeting with Chef. So he had Fox do it for him deciding it was easier just to show up. It seemed the friendly thing to do, have Captain Haistro, his XO and partners over along with his XO and her partner.

He hoped True was up for this. She had been a little preoccupied lately and it didn't help Atlas not exactly embracing their new living arrangements. He did find however he slept better through the cats ... what could he even describe it as? He wondered. Jon suspected he was marking his territory and making his presence known.

"Are you ready sweetheart?" he said to the blond counsellor as he fidgeted with the collar on his dress uniform. He was beginning to wish he had said to just come casual.

"Oh has Atlas been fed? Before we disappear for a bit. I don't want him trying to eat my boots again," he chuckled. That cat was obsessed with his clothes.

"Yes, I've taken to just leaving food out for him all the time because he can never decide exactly when he wants to be fed." True said smiling warmly at him. "He'll behave himself too. He promised me." True emerged in her dress uniform with her hair curled and piled up on her head. She never wore much makeup but she'd made an exception tonight, just a bit of lipstick and some eyeliner. "And yes, as soon as I find my shoes."

Jon smiled. "You look lovely. I mean you always look lovely but you suit those colours and your hair like that. I'd kiss you but then I'm wearing lipstick. Later," he winked at her and joked.

Amelia tried to smooth out the front of her new dress uniform over her bump while she looked over the layout in the Captain's private dining room with a critical eye, eventually nodding in satisfaction. The stewards had done a very good job in the preparation and two of them now stood ready to serve. She turned to Syvar and smiled lovingly "You look very handsome this evening."

Syvar blushed slightly at the compliment. "You look as gorgeous as ever," he praised in return, carefully drawing his arm around her waist. "Now what is all this good for? Why all the glamour, all this circus? Couldn't we just have had a simple dinner?"

Amelia smiled and pulled him closer. “It’s not just for us my love. The Captain asked me to organise this evening. There the Captain and his girlfriend attending, he's invited the Captain and the XO from the Copernicus to us. It should be an interesting evening.”

Her face suddenly registered surprise. “Oohh. She's kicking again. Here! Feel.” she placed his hand on her bump.

"She?" The young man's face lit up with joy as he felt the movement under his hand.

Amelia turned her head as the door opened and the Captain and counsellor entered. “Good evening Captain. Lieutenant. Dinner will be served shortly. We’re just awaiting our guests from the Copernicus.”

Shoes acquired, Jon ensured he and True we're first to arrive. Chef decided to have a quick word with him. Jon understood very little other than the food was ready. As he had, had Fox plan this whole thing dinner was as much a surprise to him as the rest of his guests. However he trusted his first officer. And she was there before him. Jon nodded at Fox.

"Number one, Doctor," he greeted them before a steward made a beeline for him.

“Drink Captain? Counselor?” one of the stewards asked.

Jon's brain quickly tried to place a name to the man. “Whatever you feel will compliment dinner, ” he said.

“I have just the thing sir, ” he nodded enthusiastically. “And yourself?” he asked True.

She seemed to pause for a moment. "Just some sparkling spring water." She disliked drinking during official functions anyway and after feeling childlike on their last mission, she had no desire to lose control of her thoughts or actions.

Keiben was leading the small contingent from Copernicus, tugging at the collar of his own dress uniform, feeling it was too small for him now, his body having changed shape in the years since he had replicated it... Perhaps he should have tried it on before hand. Thankfully he could boast that non of it was from gaining weight, instead it was from his healthy lifestyle.

"Do any of you know Captain Reynolds?" he asked of his Officers.

Tamaska looked at Junjie then to Keiben "I've not met him before, and this is the first time I'm wearing the dress uniform of command staff. Feels really weird." giving a nudge to Junjie. "Glad you were willing to be my date." Slipping her arm into his.

Junjie smiled at Tam's comment. " I am pleased to accompany such a delightful companion for a pleasant evening of dining and conversation. "

He then gave a slight tug at the collar of his dress uniform. " Tell me Captain, is there a Starfleet regulation that I am unaware of that requires dress uniforms to be uncomfortable? " he asked with a grin. " Sure they look nice but...... " Allowing his statement to trail off unfinished. Glancing towards Tam. " And you look very lovely this evening Tam. "

Tam shook her head, and chuckled. "Well could redesign and send it in for perusal to Star Fleet. "

“Ive met his mother, ” Mel said after a moment. She had clearly been thinking trying to place something. “Well not me. My last host Tiza did at some event on Earth before she was married to his father who was a human. Captain Reynolds is a hybrid.”

~Hes 11th house Keiben~ she thought out to him, not 100% sure on his species house system but Tiza was telling her it was upper class so she figured that was important.

Tamaska looked at Mel, "You've met his mother before? Okay that is interesting." giving a smile.

"Oh well... I'm just glad they were in the area. Best behaviour all of you!"

He rounded another corner, still following the young Asian woman who had greeted them in the transporter room. Keiben found himself fascinated by the hairpin she was wearing, its Jade hues almost shimmering with the over head lighting. It wasn't exactly allowed within the dress code but he couldn't help but find it suited her.

She stopped and motioned with her hand the door they should enter. "The Captain will be along shortly. Enjoy your meal!"

"Thank you Lieutenant Lau" he bid her farewell as he moved through the doors into the room itself. A stateroom, something that Copernicus did lack. If they had to commit to a diplomatic function then the observation lounge would be the only location suitable.

"Remind me to ask Starfleet to upgrade us to a Galaxy Class!"

"Nothing wrong with our cozy ship." Tamaska remarked, with a smile.

Tag all arrivals.

“Welcome Captain, ” Jon said as the Copernicus delegation made their appearance. He moved to shake the mans hand. “May I introduce Counselor Keading”

True gave a small smile. "Pleasure to meet you."

"You as well Counsellor" Keiben shook both Reynolds then Keadings hands in turn

Tamaska looked around, definitely impressed but not envious. She loved the little cozy Nova, since she, the USS Copernicus and those who were there originally, had been through a massive event. Two Massive events.

"Let me introduce my officers. Doctor D'BrooNi, Commander Tamaska Holt and Lieutenant Junjie Han" Keiben kept his telepathic senses under tight check, not wanting to offend their hosts by scanning without permission.

"Pleasure to meet you as well." Tamaska smiling at True and Captain Reynolds.

"This is very lovely." Tamaska remarked, and said to Junjie "what do you think?"

Junjie blew out a slight breath and looked about the room briefly. " Well our host have been very gracious to the point that it almost makes me nervous. I almost feel like a visiting diplomat instead of attending a senior staff level dinner. " Junjie gave a formal bow in show of gratitude and thanks. " I believe I can speak for the crew members that aren't here with us tonight and would like to thank you for your kindness and assistance that has been shown to us. "

Amelia held out her hand to Captain Haistro, then to Commander Holt. “A pleasure to meet you. This is Syvar, my husband and one of the doctors onboard the Andromeda.”

Syvar held back a little, feeling very much out of place as the most junior -and probably the youngest- officer present. He cast Amelia an uncertain look, idly tugging at the hem of his gloves as if to make sure they were put on right.

Amelia caught that look from Syar and she could somehow sense his discomfort and apprehension. She moved closer to him and gave him a smile of support, slipping her fingers in between his. Having him there made her feel better and she felt another little kick from her stomach, as if the tiny person in there agreed with her.

Feeling strengthened by her support, the young Vulcan smiled and offered his (gloved) hand. "Pleasure to meet you," he said, not sure what else to add.

Tamaska reached out and gently shook Syvar's hand giving a smile, then released it. "Nice to meet you, and Commander Fox, congratulations ." giving Amelia's hand a shake as well. "Looks like you will be blessed with a new one sometime in the near future?" giving a gentle smile.

"As promised!" Captain Haistro extended the gift of the Saurian Brandy he had mentioned previously. "Its an old one... somewhere from the twenty three hundreds".

Watching the visiting captain hand something to his own captain from the corner of his eyes, Syvar nodded at the woman who had spoken. He drew a somewhat protective arm around his wife. "Yes ma'am," he answered quietly, though proudly, "I'm happy our union is blessed with a child."

Amelia felt loved and secure as Syvar drew her to him. “ Yes, i’m not being rude Captain...” she said to Keiben, “but I won't be able to sample any of that brandy this time.”

"That is quite alright Commander... I can sense your baby... Very strong! Impressively so for one not yet born."

One of the stewards cleared his throat discreetly “If I could have your attention, dinner is served. If you would like to take your seats.”

Junjie offered his arm to Tamaska. " Well shall we take our seats? This has been a splendid evening so far, I am looking forward to meeting the others who will be dining with us . And if time permits and our host agrees, perhaps a peek at their science labs. "

Tamaska nodded, "I think they may allow it." walking with Junjie towards the table. She smiled when Junjie pulled her chair out for her and assisted her in moving the chair forward. "Thank you." she said softly.

Keiben followed behind Commander Holt and Lieutenant Han, surprised at how close they seemed to have come in such a short time, but in the same breath he was please that Tam had found someone special in her life. He shared a look with Mel as they both took their seats.

Jon held the chair out for True and sat down at the head of the table. "So Number one, I'm not going to lie she planned the food. I'm terrible at planning the food. What have we got on the menu?"

Amelia watched with a satisfied smile as everyone took their seats, before sitting down next to Syvar. "Well Captain, I'm hoping that everyone will find something this evening that they're going to love. For starters, we're having Betazios oysters with an Oskiod salad, the main course is a traditional earth dish of roasted lamb served with vegetables and for dessert a little something called death by chocolate. There is both red and white wine available. I hope you all enjoy it."

To Amelia, Tamaska replied, "That sounds and definitely smells wonderful, my mouth is already watering. giving a smile. "I am curious about something, will we be able to tour your ship? I do know that Junjie is wanting to go to the Science department."

Junjie grinned sheepishly. " If it's not too much of a bother that is. I would really love to see the science department on a ship this size as this is my first time aboard a Galaxy Class ship. "

"I'm sure we can arrange something Lieutenant." Amelia said with a smile.

Junjie smiled warmly. " Thank you so very much, But be warned no scientist is ever off duty when there's a science lab around." he said with a laugh. " The Copernicus isn't as big or meant for long duration like a Galaxy Class. The Copernicus is a workhorse vessel, We go in, do our missions and report our findings to the federation science counsel. I have several good reasons that I love being aboard the Copernicus and there's no place I'd rather be then serving aboard her. " He stated in a rather matter of fact way.

"That sounds delightful, thank you Commander!" Keiben smiled at the Andromeda's First Officer. "So Captain Reynolds... Tell me more about this encounter you had with a planet killer!"

"It really was like staring into an abyss. I know we have the records from the Enterprises encounter as to how big but until you see it with your own eyes ..." Jon said. "It was a race against time, it was heading for Baku. The Cetea- a group of rogue SoNa managed to get their hands on it and make it work. They wanted to destroy their home world for being cast out. We had 2 other ships with us and eventually the Ferengi and some other folks turned up. Several were wanting to claim ownership and we ended up in a rather crazy battle, while Trues brother, Captain Keading. He sacrificed the Europa. Pointed it directly into the beasts mouth. Thank the goddesses it was enough and that we managed to get everyone off the Europa before its sacrifice."

Picking up where Reynolds had left off, Amelia picked up the story, all be it a bit uncomfortably so. "Th planet killer was sold to the Cetea by my counterpart from the mirror universe who had found an immense planet where there were 100's of them stockpiled. She also kidnapped and impersonated me for a while to gain access to the Andromeda."

Syvar stiffened visibly as she mentioned her MU counterpart, his face going several shades paler green. Please don't relay what happened there.. he silently begged of her, not realizing -or perhaps simply forgetting- that the telepaths in the room could very easily pick up on his unease.

Amelia felt a shiver run though her and the hairs in her arms stood up. She glanced at Syvar and instantly she could tell he was uncomfortable. Under the table, she slid her hand into his for support.


Tamaska's eyes widened when she heard this piece of news.

"The worrying thing is a planet we found before all this had several of them. Data now suggests the planets no longer there. That's out next stop after we have you back on your feet," Jon said. "Try work out what's happened and where the rest are."

Tamaska looked sharply at Reynolds, "Oh I hope you do not come across those things we did on that T'Kon planet. " shuddering at the memories that were still fresh in her mind.

With a composure he truly didn't feel at his core Keiben started to recite his experience to the group, forcing down his fears and simply how scared he was even if he knew that Mel and Captain Reynolds would sense it but he trusted that they would remain quiet and not voice it for him.

"While I was on the planet I was forcibly invaded by technology that used a telepathic interface... Not only did it use me the central processor for the planetary computer systems defences but it used me to release biological weapons held on the planet... You have all of that data but what isn't in the reports are what I was able to glean from the machine itself. I saw a war, millennia ago. I saw great weapons being developed by both sides. Some biological in nature, others technological and a few, not many, resembled what you and the Enterprise all those years ago went up against... I'm still trying to sort through what I... saw for lack of a better phrase."

Amelia joined in. "I remember Melody... That is Captain Jones of the Merlin, reporting an encounter with an advanced A.I. that called itself 'The Puppet Master'. I wonder if there is any connection?"

Junjie became very quiet as Tamaska and Captain Keiben talked about their experiences on the T'kon planet as some of the color drained from his face. "That was a rough mission indeed Captain. " He closed his eyes for moment. " with you getting trapped in the machine and the greeblies hunting us.... " He shook his head as if to clear a bad dream. " Please forgive me, The mission was very brutal and we lost some people. " His expression changed to one of curiosity. " What is this Puppet Master you speak of ?"

Tamaska slid her hand beneath the table, to where it brushed the outside of Junjie's thigh to give him some comfort.

Amelia thought for a moment. "I only know what Melody told me. This AI had taken over a Borg cube and was doing some particularly gruesome experiments. Also, it wasn't interested in assimilation, only destruction. This was the mission where they lost Captain Barstow and Melody had to take command of the Merlin. She also said they encounter the Puppet master again when they were making first contact with the Megapteraians. It had apparently turned these aliens against us and Melody had to convince them that we were peaceful and worthy of relations with."


Tamaska gasped hearing of this, and gave a shudder at this piece of news.
**TAG ANY REACTIONS**

"It did something to me too," Mel said quietly. "I fell into some device and the greeblie could have torn me limb by limb but instead it smelled me," the trill not having spoken much during dinner said. "Smeared me in some slime. We have its DNA and are running tests. The puppet master I have no idea about but when the Merlin rescued us I gather from hearing some of the crew it caused a lot of trouble."

Silently Keiben took Mel's hand in his, sensing her fear at what had happened and squeezed ever so slightly to reassure her.

Tamaska was quiet remembering the mission, picking at the food before her, then she stopped, looked at the plate realizing it was delicious, then looked around the table. "Well, now that has been discussed, we're here and that is something to celebrate. Besides, with Captain Reynolds permission, I do believe there had been an invitation to explore this ship? And also something very chocolatey for dessert, that the Commander, "nodding towards Amelia, "has waiting in the wings. I think that a lovely slice of chocolate will do well to lift our spirits. Right? And I also propose a toast." raising up her glass, "To our benefactors coming to help us out." toasting towards Reynolds, True, Amelia and Syvar.

Junjie raised his glass in the proposed toast. " How true. We are indeed grateful for your generous assistance, I don't know how far we would have gotten without your help or how long it would have taken us to get there. " He grinned impishly. " I do believe someone mentioned something about chocolate? Perhaps with some coffee to wash it down with? "

Syvar said nothing though he did raise his glass towards the toast.

Mel squeezed Keibens hand back and raised her own glass. She didn't know why but she just didn't feel that social able right now.

Jon smiled. "I know if the situation were reversed you would do the same. I'm fairly sure that our paths will cross again. There's not much Starfleet representation out this way and that means it's even more important to have each others back. Let's drink to that instead."

Amelia, who was drinking a traditional lemonade also raised her glass. "Don't worry, the dessert is on its way."

Tamaska nodded, "I will agree, Captain Reynolds" raising her own glass in response.

" Just how many ships are in this sector? " Junjie asked. " Science ships are used to being on the frontier, that's normal. I know we have the Andromeda and the Copernicus, who else if you don't mind me asking. "

"Well I have been told that the USS Merlin comes out this way, and there is Also the USS Majestic." Tamaska responded, looking at Junjie.

" Hmm.... So four ships total, It's better than I honestly expected. For the everyday events that occur, It's more then enough. But if something big occurs, we may be hard pressed. Do we have a fall back position where the ships will rendezvous in case of trouble? I may be just a CSO, But I still like knowing so that we might preserve as many lives a s possible. "

"I think I saw a report that the USS Yosemite was out this way as well. An older Federation Science Vessel!"
Keiben pitched in, forcing himself out of his own thoughts about the machine and what it had done and refocusing on the conversation.

Tamaska was about to say something else, but was distracted by the delivery of the dessert. "Oh my, this looks delicious!" smiling and thanking the service staff. "Thank you."

Junjie looked up and smiled as the service staff came to the table. " May I get a raktajino, black please. And our compliments to the chef and service staff for service above and beyond. This has truly been a most delightful and memorable evening, Thank you very much. "

Tamaska ate the delicious cake and enjoyed it immensely, then she spoke up after taking a drink. "This has been a fine meal, but forgive me if I seem a bit rude. Would it be alright if, I am excused? I am eager to take a look at this fine ship and meet some of the other crew." She winced just a little bit as she felt like she had probably stepped on someone's toes, and she just wasn't used to this sort of thing. How does one politely excuse themselves after a delicious dinner?

Syvar felt for the woman, because he felt terribly out of place himself. Being youngest and most junior, he felt he shouldn't have been here to begin with, and the latest topic of conversation sent shivers down his spine and he wanted nothing more than to leave. "Perhaps I can show you?" he offered, almost shyly.

Tamaska smiled and nodded, "Maybe, you could show him where the science lab is, too?" nodding towards her date , Junjie.

"Sure..." Syvar cast Amelia an apologetic look as he stood. "If he's lucky, Commander Datari is still around. Where would you like to go?"

Amelia smiled at him reassuringly. "That's a good idea. I'll leave you in Syvar's capable hands. I would normally come but you'll understand me and walking long distances are not friends at the moment." she patted her stomach which caused the baby to move again.

Glancing at Junjie, Tamaska looked back at Amelia. "Thank you."

She turned her attention to Syvar. "I would think that Science could be the first stop for our tour?" linking her arm with Junjie. "Let's go."

She then looked at the others. "We'll meet you at the ship later on". Looking at Keiben and Melanie. Her keen eyes looked back at Reynolds. "Once again thank you for the lovely dinner." then proceeded to follow after Syvar.

Junjie gave a slight bow. " Thank you for a most delightful evening, The food and the company were superb. Now I believe we shall accept the hospitality of our host and see the sights of this ship, thank you a most wonderful evening. " With that he turned and followed the others to begin the tour of the ship.

END

Commander Tamaska Holt
XO USS Copernicus

Ensign Syvar
Medical Officer
USS Andromeda

Commander Amelia Fox
XO
USS Andromeda

Captain Keiben Haistro
Commanding Officer - USS Copernicus

Lieutenant JG Junjie Han
CSO- USS Copernicus

Captain Jonathan Reynolds
CO, USS Andomeda