Dinner as Diplomats [Part Two]
Posted on Mon Nov 13th, 2023 @ 2:36am by Fleet Captain Maxwell Culver & Commander Lorut Vila & Lieutenant Commander Jared Rush & Commander Rylen Lyo & Lieutenant Commander Frasier Greene & Lieutenant Dovenice Nyx & Lieutenant S'Tera & Lieutenant Daisheliss "Lissa" Kerr & Lieutenant JG Aurora House of Kor & Lieutenant Commander Ukram Gocx & Lieutenant Rowena "Rena" Campbell
Edited on on Tue Nov 14th, 2023 @ 9:28pm
5,708 words; about a 29 minute read
Mission:
First Contact
Location: USS Intrepid: Grand Hall
Timeline: MD2: Evening
Vila stood as the three Helivan Royals were presented. She smiled a little. Truthfully, she did kind of like these sorts of things. The excitement and chance to dress up had always appealed to her. Today was a bit different-being the one to run the event was different than just being Ben's plus-one.
Counselor Campbell had started the music. Some kind of jazzy march music.
"Captain Culver, presenting the Princess of Heliv, Filia, and her Royal Consorts, Mister and Missus Rustav and Rula Belu."
Lieutenant Desha took her seat, in her standard dress uniform, phaser on her belt. She glanced at the Helivans, her suspicions masked with a friendly smile.
Max had found Dani and their seats at the head table. As the musical march began playing, Max reached down and held Dani’s hand, giving it a gentle squeeze to reassure him. Mat was also filling the area with the same reassurance. He could feel Rena doing the same.
Moving down to Filia, Max extended his arm. He felt his own sense of reassurance as she took his elbow and allowed him to escort her up the stairs. It probably had more to do with the stiletto heels she was wearing.
As if in response, she loudly broadcasted, ’Better to take assistance than break an ankle.”
Max managed to holdback an outburst of laughter. ’Be warned that you are not the only species able to read minds when you project your thoughts so loudly. Be cautious what you broadcast, Your Highness.”
The Princess sharply turned to look at him. ’I was not aware humans could read and project thoughts.’
Now Max smiled. “You’ve made an assumption that I’m human,” Max said quietly as they reached her seat. “The Federation isn’t like the Romulan Empire. It is made up of many different species. Tonight’s event is meant to showcase our differences.”
As they reached Filia’s seat, Max allowed her to sit before pushing her seat in. “I am El-Aurian. Perhaps after tonight, we might talk about how our differences allow us to come together to create something better for everyone.”
Rena's own abilities kicked in; she planted a thought in Max's mind. "What?" It was a question, for him to explain later. Since she was only half-Betazoid, she couldn't have long conversations with him.
Max bowed before motioning to Rustav and Rula Belu. “Welcome, welcome. Please take your seats,” Max said as the married pair sat to the Princesses right Alongside them were Chester, then Vila. Max settled at his position, with Dani immediately to his right, followed by Rena, S’tera and Desha.
Rula lowered her head respectfully to the Captain, then sat where he indicated, adjusting her dress so she wasn't showing her thigh.
The music came to a gentle end just as Desha was seated. A boatswain’s whistle blew, announcing a small speech by the captain.
Max stood. “I would, first and foremost, like to extend my most sincere and profound welcome to Princess Filia of Heliv and her esteemed Advisors and Protectors, Rula and Rustav Belu. Gathered here, tonight, are the best and brightest of the crew of the USS Intrepid…and Kaydren Aukai.”
A round of chuckles filled the vast room for a short time. “Tonight, it should be our proudest of Federation moments, First Contact with a new species. Thanks to you, Princess Filia of Heliv and your esteemed Advisors. Please, feel free to meet as many of my crew as you’re able, so that you may see - as the Vulcans have taught us - that we are better in Infinite Diversity in Infinite Combinations.”
“A toast to you, another rare treasure of IDIC. Perhaps one day, we might have you join us in our purpose. To discover new people and new places in a universe that constantly reminds us that we are not alone!”
Vila bent her head in what she hoped was a respectful sign of welcome as the Captain escorted the Royal trio to the head table. "Welcome," she said. In Bajoran, she let out a small curse. She was tired and stressed out-diplomacy was something she hated because she wasn't good at it. It didn't come naturally to her, and she really had to work at it.
S'tera recoiled a little bit as the Princess came through too loud. "Ooh, I heard that!" S'tera said to Rena. "Didn't realize she was a telepath, good to know. She is beautiful, I'll give her that! " S'tera also wondered about the protectors. Were they brother and sister? Or a married couple? Or something else? She was interested in what the Princess had to say.
Although not fully telepathic, Rylen Lyo was still classified as a ‘psi sensitive’ and therefore heard the Princess when she broadcasted…despite his own attempts to screen out the feelings of others. He felt varying degrees of excitement, mostly from the Intrepid crew, as well as the arrogance and condescension common among those of Royal birth. Rylen was interested in how their government was structured; were they an absolute monarchy, or more of a constitutional one like Krios? He looked forward to having these questions answered. Plus, the eye candy at his table was making the occasion almost bearable.
Rena giggled a little at S'tera. "Shhh, sheesh!!" she said. "She can HEAR you!!" she said. She glanced at the Captain, as soon as she knew he was done, she started the applause. It didn't take a telepath to recognize his facial tics and body language. She watched carefully the royal three-now that they were closer, she could pick up their thoughts. Damned human genes getting in the way!
"All I said was she's beautiful!" S'tera replied.
Rena just nodded. The Princess seemed a little...stuck up to her, and she didn't need to be getting a bigger ego. "Exactly!"
[Ok...THAT hurt!] Aurora rubbed her head at the rather LOUD voice before she followed Rena's example of clapping.
Sitting close by Greene observed how several members of the crew reacted as one to something potentially telepathic he concluded. The shockwave of discomfort quickly passed, at least for those affected for the good Doctor he was none the wiser but was reassured who quickly the room recovered.
"Captain," Rustav began at the head table, "I must thank you for hosting such an event so that we may see the diversity that you have been so wont to talk about as you've spoke of your Federation. What are the rules for ones who wish to join your organization?" He took a drink of the liquid that was in a glass set before him and peered at both the Captain and the one they called First Officer over his glass.
Max was somewhat taken aback by the question, especially considering the Helivans had been previously standoffish (even somewhat hostile about the Federation). “Every situation is different,” Max started to answer. “For example, Commander Lorut’s people - the Bajorans - have been a Federation Protectate for over two decades now. There have been many reasons for them not to join, but the foremost was safety during the Dominion War.”
“That said, if we’re talking about a relatively standard admission process, you, the Helivans, would file an application for admission into the United Federation of Planets. The Federation Council will review the application and spend about a year among your people. The council will assign specialists to ease the transition. Once you’ve been accepted, the Federation will provide you with updates to your technology while also moving your philosophies to align with Federation standards.”
Rula's ear twitched at that. [Hm...'moving your philosophies to align with Federation standards'? I wonder what they mean specifically by that?] Rula thought, rotating her shoulders slowly.
"We needn't get too ahead of ourselves - though that is good information to know," Rustav responded - almost too politely. "We have been noticing that your Federation is not accepting of all worlds. So, there must be rules as to which worlds you accept versus those you do not."
Max nodded. “I suppose that’s true. Obviously we don’t take applications from planets or peoples whom are in open hostility toward the Federation. There are planet who would prefer to remain Sovereign, as the Klingons did for quite a time. We can not interfere in the development of worlds whose technological abilities are not on par with having warp abilities. That is called our Prime Directive. I can’t think of many other reasons why we might not at least review an application.”
Dinner was now served. As with many dinner parties there were three offerings. It offered a perfect moment to interrupt the conversation. Once the tables were almost all served, Max stood and interrupted, “Ladies, gentlemen, everyone and everything in between, as a famous Earth theologian once wrote, ‘Eat, drink and be merry, for tomorrow we shall die!’ Cheers!”
“With all due respect, sir, I plan to live forever,” Commander Rush announced. He also raised his glass and joined in the toast.
S'tera tried not to roll her eyes. That was possibly the worst toast he could make. Well maybe not the worst but 'tomorrow we may die?' really?
Rena shook her head. "There will be NO dying," she said, telepathically, to her girlfriend AND captain. Out loud, she leaned over. "Captain! These people might not understand our humor..." she cautioned.
Aurora quickly lifted her napkin to her mouth to keep from spitting out her drink!
’He's gonna pay for that in pranks later! Aurora thought when she was finally able to chuckle safely.
While the counselor may have been able to withhold her displeasure having been seated close to the action, Doctor Greene uttered a low groan at the Captain's toast. It was embarrassing, the sort of tripe a junior officer would make to celebrate some minor event not to welcome a potential ally into the fold. He glanced over to Aurora noting her manners and soft chuckle - perhaps Max had won over some individuals after all.
On the other side of the Counselor, Vila was already two Springwines in and was glowering at the Captain. "Was that supposed to be funny?" She asked him when he sat down. "Are you trying to get us killed? Because I know of faster ways," she said.
Max rolled his eyes at his senior staff’s disapproval. “I did say it was an ancient Earth saying, so tough shit. Blame it on the humans in the room.” He laughed aloud.
With dinner ending, Max pushed his plate forward. The filet mignon was cooked to a perfect medium rare and his knife slid through it like butter. The busser reached for Dani’s plate, but the feisty Spaniard sent him away with a look.
Max chuckled before turning to face the Helivans. The Princess seemed to have a confused look to her face. She turned to look at the Starfleet captain. She made a note that he was sitting with his male partner and their female counselor was sitting with her female partner - a felinoid species at THAT.
She tried to hide her disgust at their sexual deviancy. She could hide it behind her Royal coldness. “I am curious, Captain Culver. Your toast ended with “eat, drink and be merry, for tomorrow we shall die. That is quite morose. Do you not think?”
Max could feel her mood shift from enjoying her dinner and being fairly open to shutting down and hiding her mental processes. “It is a very ancient Earth toast, dating to nearly two thousand years ago. It means that we should forget our concerns for a moment and enjoy ourselves. Everyone of us will die and none of us knows when, so the idiom suggests we should enjoy every moment of life.”
“And yet, from what I have read, your species is very long lived, much more than we Helivans. Surely, in time, all things will wither and die around you.”
‘Aren’t you a downer suddenly?’ Max thought behind the heaviest of walls he could build. “This isn’t true,” Max answered. “In another forty seven years, I will marry another El-Aurian and we will have a large family, much like my parents. They have had a large family and I have nineteen siblings.”
“In time, that will be my future,” Max explained as he reached down and squeezed Dani’s hand. It couldn’t be easy to hear this over and over again.
“I am confused,” Filia answered, “I had assumed you were romantically involved with the young man next to you.”
Max nodded. “I am. In fact, I love him, but every El-Aurian is expected to expand the El-Aurian genetic diversity. I am not a special case.”
Max could feel this conversation was making Dani uncomfortable. Truth be told, it was making him uncomfortable too. “Well, with dinner ended, I think it’s time we allowed the crew to meet you. It isn’t fair to keep you all to ourselves. Time to mingle,” Max closed the conversation as he stood and took Dani’s hand.
Even Vila could sense the uncomfortableness happening next to her, and though she was now about three and a half (Ok, four) drinks in, she still stood up, and spoke to the older of the Helivan women. "I apologize for the Captain's brevity. It's not like him," she said. "I blame the wine," she said. After a moment, she stepped away to speak into her Comms. =/\=Mess staff, please prepare for the reception portion of the evening.=/\= She said. A few "yes, ma'ams" and she nodded.
“They hold many of the old prejudices of many species during this time of their ‘enlightenment’,” Max said dourly to Dani. “Humans had the same prejudices before our First Contact. Hopefully, they will outgrow theirs quickly.”
Dani nodded, the mood of the night ruined. “Let’s go talk to Rena and S’tera before they are attacked by old prejudices. It’s not nice to be blindsided.”
"Hi guys. So, not bad overall. Could be worse!" S'tera said.
Rena looked at the Captain when he came over. "That was a diplomatic nightmare!" she said. "What's going on?" she asked.
Not wanting to broadcast their guests old prejudices aloud, Max sent his thoughts to Rena. ’They don’t like homosexuality. To the point of being quite rude about it. The Princess is lucky she didn’t meet me six months ago or she wouldn’t have teeth for the dessert course.’ Max was careful to keep the “conversation” quiet between himself and Rena.
Rena received his broadcast with a nod. Made sense, though she was a bit disheartened.
"I see. Well. We'll just kill them with kindness. Or let Commander Lorut really kill them," she said, with a shrug. Sometimes, you couldn't change hearts and minds, even when you wanted to. Hopefully...in time.
Behind them, someone had started piped in music, and the security people were doing sweeps, but the others seemed to understand that it was time to mingle and dance, if they wanted.
"Come on, S'tera. Let's go find Aurora," she said.
Commander Jared Rush seemed to appear out of nowhere and showed up as Rena and S’Tera mentioned Aurora’s name.
“Did someone say Aurora? Good evening, ladies. Didn’t mean to startle you. Haven’t had a sit down with the good lieutenant yet. I’d like to say hello. See if she’ll join me in a twirl on the dance floor. I’m available and delighted if you’d join us.”
Rena chuckled. "I'd have pegged you more for the Commander's type, but sure, we'll ask," the Counselor said, as she turned to the Aqudaian/Klingon hybrid.
"Since your hearing is far superior to mine, I am sure you heard that...Since I stole S'tera from you, you should dance with the man," Rena said, jokingly.
"Umm, okay. Did I miss something? I get the feeling something passed me by there." S'tera asked.
Aurora couldn't stand it any longer and slipped away to change into something she actually FIT into!
Aurora returned to the room dressed in a soft cotton candy blue blouse, and mauve pantaloons tucked into black calf length boots...and almost ran smack into S'tera!
"Yipes! Sorry, S'tera! Hi, Lieutenant Campbell...Commander Rush I think?" Aurora smiled cordially and held out her hand.
"Hi Aurora! enjoying yourself?" S'teera asked.
Rena smiled lightly, and chuckled. "Correct, Lieutenant," she said. She looked at S'tera. "He seems a bit old for her, but they're cute, aren't they? Don't let her be dumb like I was," she said to her girlfriend.
"You? dumb? Perish the thought, darling." S'tera smiled at Rena. "However, I'll clue her in. He does seem to like her!"
Rena smiled. "Well, I was!!" she said.
"Well maybe but I love you thee way you are!" S'tera said to Rena.
Doctor Greene watched mutely as Aurora promptly left their table once dinner had concluded wondering if he'd done something to offend or she'd simply grown bored of his company. He mulled it over until he'd seen her return wearing more comfortable clothing which made sense - who actually enjoys the dress uniform after all.
His thoughts were quickly quashed as the Lieutenant cut a directly line to Campbell and S'tera accompanied by the newly arrived Commander Rush leaving him feeling jilted.
Aurora accompanied Rush to the dance floor and they immediately joined hands and started swaying to the music. He pulled her in, one arm draped around her waist while holding her other hand with his.
“You look amazing tonight. Thanks for taking me up on my offer. I’m not much of a dancer, but the second I saw you in that dress, I had to get you out on the floor. Hell of an icebreaker!”
Music begun to swell around the room prompted a break out in assortment of dance styles among the gathered crew. It was strange to see them interacting socially - several looked awkward (as he properly appeared) something Campbell would have duly noted no doubt. Quashing down the sensation of feeling alienated potentially to the continued level of unease around the ships Doctor fearful he issue some sort of unwanted advice or whatever, Frasier drained the last of his glass and rose from the now empty table.
Truth be told Greene wasn't a social butterfly and the lack of chit chat suited him as it avoided the need to be polite on false pretenses in order just to fit in. He slipped through the crowd towards the pop up bar to order himself another drink and spectate the shenanigans.
Max extended his arm to the Princess and escorted her down from the dais. Dani was pouting behind him, he could sense the pout. Max could only plaster his forced smile and wait to drop the woman off.
Spotting the crew person he thought would most be able to entertain the Princess, he spotted Commander Rylen Lyo, not by accident.
“Commander Lyo, may I present Her Royal Highness Princess Filia of Heliv,” Max said pleasantly.
Rylen bowed slightly at his waist, holding that pose for several seconds before addressing the Princess. He was definitely in his element here. “Your Royal Highness,” he began. “What a privilege it is to make your acquaintance. My name is Rylen, Son of the Noble House of Lyo, from the Sovereign Dynasty of the planet Krios. If your world is half as lovely as you, then our crew is in for a real treat.” ’First Rule of Dealing With Royals: Appeal to Their Vanity.’
Filia dipped her chin in greeting. “Rylen, Son of the Noble House of Lyo. Tell me what temptations are there in this Starfleet for a man of royal lineage?! Surely your people have their own space force, what draw does this Starfleet hold over you?” she asked, her taught tone never wavering.
“My world does indeed have its own fleet,” responded Lyo carefully. Despite the tightness of her voice, the Princess’s emotional timbre was of genuine curiosity. “Krios was an independent power for a number of years. Two centuries ago, we were annexed by the Klingon Empire; after we regained our independence, a representative government was installed that limited the authority of the First Monarch. So, to put it simply…we are members of the Federation because our people made that choice.”
“I see,” Filia said as the pins set in the lock of her mind. “The Federation is the lesser of two evils in this case. As I understand it, and present company excluded, she paused to look at the clownish Klingon. “As I was saying…the Klingons are a harsh hand to live beneath, much like the Romulans. Though in different ways.”
"I never lived under the Klingon yoke, Your Royal Highness. But I can assure you that my people did not simply exchange one oppressor for another; Krios has full autonomy under the Federation. We united with them because we share similar ideals of freedom and self-determination."
Rula was both upset with how the Princess had behaved, and agreed with her.
’We shall just have to see what this Federation has to offer us, then take it from there,’ Rula thought as she stood to mingle. She stood need to the center of the room, her eyes landing on a lovely young lady with spots and two of their golden delineations on her collar, some type of ranking system.
“You there dear,” she said as she approached the woman of small stature yet with the confidence of someone much older than her body betrayed. “Are you like the Heliv? Do you have an extended lifespan compared to these…humans?”
Dove used only her eyes to look up at the alien, "That is a complicated question with a yes and no for an answer. Why do you ask?" She linked her hands behind her back and straightened her shoulders a tad more. Being short was not a condition she normally felt was an affliction; but she felt it acutely next to the Helivan.
“I am curious. Your captain said there’s a broad range of aliens here, but most of them just seem like variations on a theme. All humanoid, very human if you will.”
"It's a bit like the ocean calling the sea wet, isn't it?" Dove commented. "I'm from a planet called Trill. It's an M-class planet in the Alpha Quadrant. We have two sentient species there and one of them is not humanoid. I'm both," she offered. "The humanoid carries the non-humanoid, and together, we're one."
“Ah! The Trill! I had never thought to meet one. You are considered a myth among the people of the Beta Quadrant.” Rula paused for a moment before adding, “At least, you are a myth to those who have heard of you. Under the Romulan Empire, information is often distributed by merchants. The Romulans are most unforthcoming with information…”
“Is it true there is a…symbiote within you, young lady? A creature that can live indefinitely so long as it is passed to a new…suitor?”
"You feign ignorance, but you know a quite a bit of the vocabulary," Dove observed. "However, 'creature' is a rather crude, and honestly offensive, term."
“If offense was received, it was not given intentionally. I apologize. Please explain to me how this bonding of two…species, you and your symbiote, came together, please.” Rula motioned to an empty table.
Dove crossed over to the table that was indicated and allowed Rula to sit first while she gathered her thoughts. "For me, I don't distinguish symbiont from host. Once we're joined, I'm still only one person. Our thoughts are one and our body is one." Picking pronouns and adjectives was challenging. "People who are not Trill tend to think of us as two separate entities with individual thoughts, but the reality of it is something entirely different. It's not easy to explain because, for me, it is my normal. I can remember what it was like to be Dovenice before joining. I can also remember what it was like to be joined with previous hosts. But, I'm afraid it's not something I can explain very well."
“It’s all fascinating. You must understand, our information on your species is scant and I never considered meeting one of your kind. Is that part your species, your joining must teach you great patience and you must carry great wisdom over time.”
"Some people call it stubbornness," Dove suggested. "Please, don't let me dominate your time. There are many people to talk to here."
“You’re quite right! I saw a small, blue bear earlier. I think I’ll go chase after him,” she said, not really knowing what she was getting into.
Ukram had one drink-he was losing his touch in his old age. He made his way to the XO's seat. He cleared his throat. "Ma'am. Care to join an old man in a dance?" They actually weren't that far apart in their ages. He both understood her pain, and felt sorry for her. But also, he'd be lying if he didn't say that she was also beautiful and had her moments of absolutely baffling brilliance.
Vila chuckled. "A pity dance? Well, that's a first, but sure." She looked around, but shrugged. She never cared much before what people thought, so why was she suddenly a little self-conscious? She let him lead her out to the dance floor area, though-the only ones there yet. Class A's weren't exactly cut for this kind of thing, but still.
Being free of the Princess, if only for a moment, Max found his boyfriend hanging out in “Ensign Alley”, where the lower decks of the crew, those nearer his age, were drinking and being bored out of their minds.
Most of them skittered like cockroaches when the Captain approached. A few pulled their shoulders up straighter and Max extended his hand to Dani. “As you were. Just remember, drinking heavily and morning duties get harder the older you get…so get as wasted as you can NOW!” Max shouted.
Walking away, Max said, “I can’t wait to annoy them in the morning.”
Dani poked Max in the ribs as they hit the dance floor. “Good, so I can feel the same when I wake you up tomorrow?” he asked.
The pair laughed and joined the crowd as it started to dance on the rhythm. The men drew more closely, more comfortable and soon it felt as if - in this Great Hall full of people - they were all alone.
“Have I bothered to tell you how handsome you look tonight?” Max asked. He’d definitely turned Max’s head when he’d come for assistance with his cuff links. Dressed in a white dress shit with dark blue stripes, an almost black colored blue tie and dark blue pinstriped pants and the matching vest.
“Your eyes say a lot, but it’s nice to hear it from your mouth.”
Max looked into Dani’s eyes. “I always think you’re most beautiful in the morning, before all of this happens.” Max indicated Dani’s dress.
“Aren’t you sweet…and full of shit?” Dani asked as the changed tempo with the music.
Vila let the Klingon spin her around a bit, as others joined in. The music stopped, and she smiled. "Thanks, Doc," she said, making her way back to the tables. This was the most social she'd been in awhile, and it was exhausting. She spotted Doctor Greene sitting alone, and stopped.
"You look like someone ran over your dog," she said. "You are free to ask someone to dance, or just go. Your appearance has been noted," she said. She meant it-she was probably going to duck out soon herself if she felt like she could get away with it.
Greene feinted looking hurt at the insult by the XO. He didn't feel that that, though by the sounds of if his facial expression hadn't shown that. He nodded to the Commander and lifted his glass to demonstrate he'd heard her and contemplated downing to make a shift exit.
Vila nodded. "I might follow suit," she said. "Social engagements require me to be on my best behavior, and as you might've guess...that's a bit difficult for me," she said.
"It doesn't show," the Doctor replied. "Either way, have a good evening Commander."
Vila smiled tightly. "Don't patronize me, Doc," she said, in a singsong voice. "Why aren't you dancing? Ask Lt. Nyx? The Princess, even," she said. With a sigh, she moved on.
Aurora glanced over and saw a very glum looking Doctor Greene skulking at the bar and waved her arm.
"Hey Doc, don't be by yourself! Come on over here!" Aurora called, her voice carrying in a specific way that she'd taught herself from an early age.
"Ugh," Frasier groaned lowly as Aurora called him over eagerly wishing he'd taken the advice and scarpered. Not that he disliked the woman or her company, just the setting and the awkwardness of the evening. The fact several of the crew were involved with one another in a romantic sense the Captain included was a difficult pill to swallow following his own shambolic marriage. It still hurt no matter how much he convinced himself it didn't and had been entirely his fault. The gnawing guilt was never too far away.
The Doctor snorted with disgust as his thoughts started to take that familiar route - he was better than that - perhaps it was the beer that was making him reminisce or feel blue. A couple more might dull that ache he considered or something stronger perhaps? No, he shook his head. It hadn't helped at the time, why would it now?
He looked up towards the others, the smiles, the dancing and took a deep breathe. This wasn't the time or place to wallow in days gone by. With a deft hand he emptied his glass, stood and moved towards the others hoping his expression was more positive even if he hadn't felt it. He just hope it wasn't rumbled before the night was out.
"You doing ok, Doc? I didn't interrupt something did I?" Aurora knew she could be a bit naive sometimes, but she wanted to make sure everyone had fun.
Will had been sitting at his table for some time. His eyes traveled across the room until they settled on a group assembling. Walking over, he saw the doctor, Aurora, and the Executive Officer, Vila Lorut. The last of the group had been cold toward him, but he wasn’t really bothered by it.
“Hi!” Will said as he approached them.
"Hiya Will!" Aurora chirped, sipping her Blue Bahinny.
Vila watched Frasier go with a smile before her gaze turned to the Chief Helmsman. He was on her list. Quite near the top too. Something was not quite right with him.
Ukram moved on, chuckling a little at the XO's shortness. He was surprised she'd given in-his goal was to get them all out of their shells. He was friendly, though he was aware that some people still shied away from Klingons. He found the new Intel Chief, and bowed slightly.
"Care to dance with an old man?" He asked Lissa.
The pair were interrupted by Kaydren Aukai walking past with cake frosting smeared into his fur. Rula chased after with more cake on a plate. “I swear, I’m gonna smack you into next year, lady or not!” Kaydren grumbled, his spikes erect and his claws out.
Filia caught her advisor. “Perhaps too much excitement for us all?” she suggested to Rula and Rustav. With a single look, the pair were upright and behind her in lockstep.
An uproarious laughter was directed at Kaydren. His fangs slowed that down to near nothing as dancers went back to revelry.
The night had grown late and the music had moved from live to recorded. Max knew that time was growing late for many of his officers. Max moved to his previous position at the dais.
Standing on the dais, he gave the signal to cut the music for the moment. “I’m sorry to interrupt your evening, but the night is growing late for some officers.”
“That said, I’m giving everyone the opportunity to escape the party for their beds.”
“I would like to thank you all for you’ll coming and giving our guests your undivided attention. I can only hope that they understand the Federation and its member species. Goodnight to those leaving. To those staying, please continue to enjoy your time.”
Rena pulled S'Tera along. "Let's go!!" She said. "We can go to my quarters for awhile," she said, with a sly smile.
S'tera smiled and said, "Ohh I like the way you think! Let's go!"
After a dance with as many of the crew as possible-of all genders-Ukram had seen himself out and to his quarters. He needed his beauty sleep, and seeing as he was an old Klingon, that would take AWHILE.
Vila had long since left for the Bridge. She'd go back later, when it was quieter, to oversee the cleaning and escorting of the Royals to their quarters. For now, she gripped a cup of steaming coffee, and looked at the crew.
"You all did well today, thank you," she said. Maybe she was drunk. Or maybe the dance with the doc had done her a bit of good, but she suddenly wasn't annoyed or irritated to be sitting there. She just *was*.
Aurora was getting a bit tired...but she wanted to hang on just a little longer.
Will was there is the quietness as the crew dispersed mostly to their beds. “Last dance?” Will offered Aurora.
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