Bajoran Happiness Festival

Posted on Tue Feb 3rd, 2026 @ 11:27pm by Lieutenant Rowena "Rena" Campbell & Captain Lorut Vila & Commander Rylen Lyo & Lieutenant Commander Frasier Greene & Lieutenant S'tera & Jeyson Zarland & Ensign Madeline Valles

2,714 words; about a 14 minute read

Mission: Short Treks
Location: Ten-Forward

ON:

Rena was happily setting up the Lounge. She'd read that today was the Bajoran Happiness Festival, a Thanksgiving like holiday, and the crew was going to surprise the Captain. She'd enlisted Dr. Greene's help in keeping Lorut distracted and away from the lower decks for the week leading up to the party so as not to spoil the surprise. Now, she turned on some music on her PADD, and sat back to wait, sipping on synthale and waiting for S'tera.

"Counselor," the voice of bartender Jeyson disturbed her thoughts. "Where would you like these?" he asked pointing to the collection of dishes that had begun to arrive along with the guests.

"OH!" Rena said. "Jeyson!! Um...here," she said, clearing a small space for the trays the bartender had brought. "Smells good," she said, helping him to arrange things. She, herself, had brought an Uttaberry pie. They might actually end up having too much junk food...uh oh. Well, they could quickly replicate anything else they might need. She should have made a list.

S'tera arrived, anxious as always to see Rena."Hi honey! Looks like I'm just in time. I brought a caitian meat pie. Replicated as we aren't on Cait but I'm sure it came out pretty good!"

Rena smiled. "Ooh, good." She said. "Here, you can put it by Jeyson's stuff," she said. "Jeyson, have you met S'Tera? S'tera is the Chief Science Officer. And my girlfriend. Jeyson is the bartender at Ten-Forward," Rena said, making the introductions.

The Bolian barman was polite as ever through the induction despite already becoming acquainted with the crew in order to allow them to be more relaxed in Ten-Forward. "A pleasure to meet you S'Tera."

"Nice to meet you as well Jeyson! Looking forward to the evening!"

"Me too," the barman replied. "It's always fascinating to see our collective cultures on display during celebrations. I'm hoping to sample some new things tonight to add to the regular menu."

------------

Vila was in her quarters, deciding if she should go to the get-together or not. She SHOULD make an appearance, after all, but sometimes the crew just wanted to cut loose without redshirts around. She understood. Maybe she'd go for just a bit, with Fraiser. And he could stay if he wanted, but she'd duck out and do something else. Like the piles of paperwork she would never get on top of, it seemed. Yeah, that would work. She spoke aloud, Fraiser being in the other room, doing some work but waiting for her to decide on dinner. This was how they spent most of their evenings now-working together but separately, chatting and dinner before sleep. It was nice. Steady. She liked it. When had she changed?!

"You want to go to this party thing? I know that Lyo said Command was invited but like...would it be too weird? No one is going to feel comfortable with me there," she said, unaware that the party WAS for her, in a way. "I can change really fast," she said. "YOU look good, though. As always." He often brought street clothes with him, or kept some at her quarters, after work, to change into from their uniforms, though there'd been plenty of nights that they'd just stayed in their tunics and slacks, due to exhaustion or late hours.

"I would like to go actually, and I think you'll enjoy it too," Frasier called before moving towards the doorway to speak to her more directly instead of raising his voice. "We can always leave early if you want but we should at least attend and show our faces. As much as I'd like to keep you here all to myself I know I have to play nice and share from time to time," he smirked with a glimmer in his grey, tired eyes.

Despite his words he was frazzled and knew already there'd be no fluttering under the bed sheets tonight as they both would be unconscious within ten seconds flat.

Vila nodded. "I agree," she said. She crossed to the refrigerator in her kitchen area. "I made Hesperat," she said. "The real thing," she said. He knew that-she'd made it the night before. It had been a quieter evening for once, and she'd had enough time to cook actual food for them plus the casserole for the party. She slid it into a carrying bag and retrieved a bottle of Springwine.

"Are you ready, Fraiser?" She said. She offered him her arm to hold.

"For you, always." The Doctor replied and slid up beside her.

------------

The doors to the Lounge parted, and Lieutenant Kieran Thale stepped inside with the steady, upright posture that seemed permanently drilled into him. In his hands, he carried a covered dish, the faint trace of steam curling from beneath the lid. His dark hair—threaded with the distinctive Andorian-white streaks—caught the light as he glanced around, pale-blue eyes sharp and assessing.

“I wasn’t about to show up empty-handed,” he said, his tone clipped but not unkind. Setting the dish down among the others, he uncovered it to reveal a rich Andorian zhas-tor stew, spiced heavier than usual. “My father used to say this was best served during winter gatherings. Closest thing I could think of to a holiday tradition worth sharing.”

He gave Rena and S’tera a small nod of acknowledgment, then glanced briefly toward Jeyson with a half-smile. “You’ll have your hands full keeping the glasses filled tonight. If the Captain doesn’t notice the food, she’ll notice the empty bottles.”

For a moment, Thale’s eyes softened as he surveyed the decorations and the bustle of the gathering crew. It was clear he wasn’t entirely comfortable in the relaxed atmosphere, but he wasn’t immune to it either. His hand brushed the faint scar along his temple before he clasped both behind his back, defaulting to parade rest.

“I’ll admit,” he added with a wry note, “springing a surprise on the Captain isn’t a tactic they covered at the Academy. But I’ll stand with you when the moment comes.” His grin was fleeting, but genuine — a crack in the otherwise disciplined exterior.

"Nope. not a topic you'll see on the academy. Still it promises to be a night to remember. Looking forward to it!"

Rena laughed. "Luckily, she'll likely take it out on the Doc later," Rena explained. "They're uh...a thing, ya know." She shrugged. "Smells good!! What is it?" She asked.

Thale allowed the corner of his mouth to twitch upward at Rena’s comment. “Then I suppose we owe Dr. Greene our thanks for his… sacrifice.” His voice carried that clipped Andorian precision, but the amusement behind it was unmistakable.

At her question, he gestured toward the pot he’d set down. “Zhas-tor stew. Andorian, though I adjusted the seasoning for broader palates. Traditionally, it’s meant to be eaten in the cold, after long hours outside. My father swore by it.” His pale-blue eyes flicked toward the table, already crowded with dishes. “Hopefully it won’t get lost in the mix. Smells like we’ll all be rolling out of here by the end of the night.”

Rena simply nodded. "Sounds interesting. I will definitely try it myself," she said. The slightly chubby but bubbly woman hadn't yet met a cuisine she didn't like in some way. "Thanks for coming. Get a drink, and get ready to mingle. Did you want to add anything to the scene?" She asked. "I set up the program to be edit-able, so you can add your own touch. Like a moon from your system or some kind of symbol." It was important to Rena that all the crew felt involved and important. As Counselor and de facto Diplomat, she felt it was part of her duties.

The doors to the Lounge swished open and Rylen Lyo entered, followed by three elegantly dressed stewards that he had retained from the House Lyo estate. Two of the stewards set up a small table, placing a cover on top of luxurious purple Caitian velvet. The third steward placed a small cargo container on the floor and opened it with an audible pneumatic hiss. The three stewards then busied themselves placing small plates on the table in an ornate pattern. Each plate contained a single serving of a hand-crafted version of one of the Alpha Quadrant’s most celebrated desserts: the Ktarian Chocolate puff.

Acquiring such a quantity of the decadent confection on such short notice had been a rather difficult endeavor; but with a little logistical flair (and a generous tip of 100 bars of gold-pressed latuinum) they had arrived just in time for the celebration. When the setup was complete, Lyo gave the trio a single nod and they would return to their quarters to await His Lordship’s next whim. Satisfied that the setup was complete, Lyo put on his best smile and began to mingle.

Rena raised an eyebrow at S'Tera, but smiled. "Commander, that is beautiful," she said, moving closer to the XO. "Please, get a drink. Dr Greene will be bringing the Captain any time," she said.

Back at the bar Jeyson had been pre-filling the glasses with sparkling wine ahead of the arrival for more crew members. The collection of gathered dishes was impressive and smelt intriguing - however they were trumped by the theatrics of Lyo's team arranging a collection for decorative desserts the Bolian knew he'd never be able to recreate accurately no matter how many attempts he'd make.

Rena herself finally moved to the bar, grabbing a glass. "Thanks, Jeyson. Make sure you enjoy yourself a bit tonight, as well," she said, and then returned to S'Tera's side.

Thale inclined his head at Rena’s invitation, his expression softening just slightly. “I’ll give the program some thought. Maybe something subtle — nothing too distracting. A moon or two, perhaps. My mother always said Proxima looked best under three.”

With that, he made his way toward the bar. “Jeyson,” he greeted with a clipped nod as the Bolian slid a glass his way. “Appreciate the preparation. Looks like you’ll have your hands full tonight.” He lifted the glass in quiet thanks, the faintest trace of a smile tugging at his mouth before he took a sip.

"Thank you Lieutenant, it certainly makes a nice change from the norm. I hope you enjoy the evening,"

Drink in hand, Thale let his gaze sweep the room — the velvet display of desserts, the growing crowd, the hum of conversation. “Not what I’d call standard duty fare,” he muttered under his breath, though there was a flicker of amusement in his ice-blue eyes.

He raised his glass briefly toward Rena and S’tera in acknowledgment before stepping away from the bar, his stride measured, precise. Beginning to weave through the room, he let himself relax a fraction, engaging in the subtle art of observing and listening as he mingled among the crew.

S'tera raised her glass in return! She then leaned over and kissed Rena!

At that time, Lorut entered with Greene. She smiled, and turned, talking to the Doctor in hushed tones.

"It's Bajor....Did you know?" She asked Fraiser, her brown eyes shining at him. She wasn't mad, just surprised.

"I'd be a rather poor boyfriend if I didn't listen to you," the Doctor replied lowly enjoying the way her eyes lit up. "I know how important the Festival is to you and for all Bajorian's to celebrate. I simply asked for a favour or two. Surprise!"

She smiled at him, and beamed. "It's perfect," she breathed. He WAS a good boyfriend-a good man. "Let's go," she said. She'd forgive him the surprise element of it. This one time. She moved forward a bit more. "Hello, everyone," she said. "At ease. It looks great in here!!" She exclaimed. "Frasier has brought some food; Rena, where should we put it all?" She asked.

Frasier had already stepped toward the tables already groaning under the weight of food and drink and craned to find a space for the dish. "I don't think any of us will go hungry," he commented.

Vila chuckled. "It doesn't look like it," she said. "Would you like a drink?" She asked Frasier. "It looks lovely, Rena, thank you. Lyo, what IS this?" She asked the man. "FANNNCCCYYYY," she drawled out.

“Ktarian Chocolate Puffs,” responded Lyo with a gentle wave of his hand, gesturing toward the elaborately arranged desserts. “Hand crafted in a bakery only a small handful of off-worlders know about.” He shrugged. “You know me, Captain. I’m nothing if not a little extra.”

Lorut laughed lightly. That was the understatement of the century. "I am sure they're delicious and they look beautiful. Rena did a great job," she said, looking around the room. It was a holoprojection, but it worked nicely. She was going to have a nice time. She had finally learned to be more at ease with the crew, and it was starting to feel like they were meshing.

At the bar Frasier had been watching her as Vila moved around the room, greeting the crew and thanking them for attending with a constant smile on her face. It warmed his very soul to see her at ease and happy having grown into her Captaincy role, having shed her former cooler jilted persona.

"Am I in the dog house for surprising you like this?" Frasier asked standing at her elbow armed with two glasses of pink fizz Zarland had passed out.

Vila laughed. "No," she said. "It's a lovely surprise," she said. "Thank you," she said, and leaned over to kiss his cheek gently.

"That's a relief," the Doctor smiled before passing her a glass and gently tapping the two together in toast. "Here's to a happy evening of good food and company."

S'tera held Rena close. "This is wonderful! What a great turnout! You outdid yourself Rena honey" she said!

Rena smiled. "Thanks. And you look beautiful. I want to talk to you tonight, Ok?" She asked. Rena had been wanting MORE from their relationship. It was time to take it to the next level. IF S'Tera was ok with that.

"I'm all ears darling! I look forward to it!" She lover rena, there was no doubt in her mind!"

Rena beamed. "yay," she said. "OK, folks. Let's get this party started."

Rena started up some music that was just instrumental-a mix of all styles. She figured it was the best case choice.

"Food is ready for eating, and mingling. Games and dancing shortly!" She shouted.

"Ohh food! yes! I need some meat!" She found a leg of turkey. "mm yum!" and dug in.

Rena laughed. "Do you want a plate, at least?" Rena shook her head. She looked around. Things were going OK.

"Uh yes, a plate would be nice darling!" S'tera responded.

Rena handed S'Tera a plate, and started to fill her own. "There's some...uh...fresh stuff in the replicator if you'd like," Rena said, wrinkling her nose a little. She was still not used to live feeding.

Following behind the two was Vila, who was actually kind of peckish for once. "A little dinner, then we quietly dip out?" She asked Frasier.

"Sure," the Doctor nodded picking up two plates from the side and passed one to Vila. "Whenever you're ready, just say the word."

Vila nodded. "Thanks," she said, taking the plate. She moved forward, towards the next clump of people.

---
Rena watched everyone carefully; they were already forming groups but at least Vila was trying to mingle. She was glad.

"What do you think about dancing later?" She asked S'Tera.

She smiled at rena. "I think that's a wonderful idea, my darling!"

"OK!!" Rena replied, but took another bite of her food. "I have some music already programmed. Do you think that Bajoran drums is too much?" Hmm. Maybe not her best idea.

The rest of the night continued in a party for about two hours. She played the music, and they danced, ate a bit more, drank a lot, and just before they left. Rena had played some Bajoran drum music and Vila had said a traditional poem.

 

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