Launch Party
Posted on Sat Feb 1, 2020 @ 12:04pm by Commander Cullen Walker & Lieutenant Penelope Naroot & Lieutenant Arashi Tanaka Mr. & Lieutenant Nicole Anderson & Lieutenant JG Aergad Halvor & Lieutenant JG Camille Lévesque PhD & Lieutenant JG Ardal King & Senior Chief Petty Officer Samantha Summers
6,165 words; about a 31 minute read
Mission:
Nibiru
Location: Mess Hall
ON:
Xander had been cooking all day. He would need a break after all this was done but he wanted to create one hell of a party for the crew. He'd decorated all last night and cooked all day to come up with a variety of dishes that were buffet style. He'd also sent out invitations asking the crew to come to the party, a costume party.
Thankful to Engineering he'd borrowed an on site holo projector to give the look of a live band. The drinks were poured and now the only thing he needed to do was wait for the crew.
Walker arrived. He was wearing traditional Teutonic Leathers. A weaved combination of hard and soft leathers. He had a shield hanging from his back. There was a sword on his hip. Interestingly enough, his outfit didn't look replicated. It looked handmade, all of it. He had blue paint down his face. With the exception of his pointed ears and ridges on his head, he looked like a medieval warrior. Axe in his hand. Short swords crossed on his back where he could reach down by his hips and pull them out if need be. Everything was handmade and forged, nothing replicated.
Xander, who'd opted for dressing up as Marc Antony, turned at the sound of the doors. "Ahh Commander. Welcome. Great outfit."
Walker grinned, "Outfit? I dress like this every Tuesday." He was being Sarcastic. He thought it was funny.
Xander smiled. "I see. This will be an interesting post." He motioned to the table of drinks. "May I get you something? We have Synthehol and alcohol."
Walker looked at him, "Synthehol. Something akin to honey mead." It was his favorite drink. "Do you know the term Tyr's guard?"
"No. What is that?"
Walker looked at him, "My father's is human. His ancestors are Norse and Irish." He motioned to the costume. "My family is Polytheistic. I do my best to honor all of my ancestors and their Gods and their Practices. The Stories were there to teach us. The God Aegir was the Brewmaster of the Gods, one of them. The Celtic and Norse Gods, like their people, liked to drink. The Gods had a party and everyone became blatantly inebriated. The God Loki thought it would be a good time for Trickery. He convinced the Jotnar to attack and try and get to the treasures of Asgard. While the Gods beat the Jotnar, it wasn't clear. The Gods Odin and Tyr like to reduce risk in battle. It was declared that at least one god would stay sober and only have alcohol during formal Toasts and his Boast. Tyr being the God of Sacrifice took the first round. The next party after that, Tyr only drank during the Toast and the Boast. Humans who followed the Old Gods, like my family, always have at least one who remains sober. That tradition is called the Tyr's Guard."
Xander smiled, "I see. There was a similar ritual on Vulcan with our pantheon...before logic stole the old ways away."
Walker looked at him, "I have a very deep respect for Logic. I may look like I am smiling and laughing all the time, but in here." He tapped his head and chest, "Logic is very important to me."
"Oh don't misunderstand me. Logic is vital but we Vulcans...have sacrificed much for it. There are things that logic...cannot explain. I myself have recently been reminded of that."
Walker looked at him, "My family has a firm belief in the power of logic. For us, it is what guides passions. There was a village in Ireland. If the story, and the genetics of my family are dated correctly, it dates to the First Vulcan Space Age. It was before Logic was embraced by all of Vulcan, before the Wars. Fire streaked through the sky. Warriors went to check it out. They found Fae. For the Celts, Fae are humanoid that live nearly forever, and are very hard to kill. They had pointed ears and green blood. The Fae they found trained as Druids and did in three years what took most humans twenty years of training to figure out. My great grandfather was very disappointed to find out that we weren't descended from actual Fae like the lore."
"Fascinating. You and I have to have a historical discussion. This seems fascinating to me." He motioned to the table of food. "Please help yourself to some food. I will go and greet the new comers."
Walker found nachos and they were spectacular.
~~Camille/Nicole's quarters~~
"Vite!" called Camille, from the living area to the bedroom. "I don't want to be late!" The science officer, wearing an appropriate dress for France circa 1900, a white lab coat, her hair done in a tight bun and dyed a light grey, a pair of miniaturized Nobel prize medals pinned to her coat, and fingernails that glowed, waited impatiently at the door. In her view, one was late to the party when they showed up even a minute past the announced time.
"We are not late, we are early," Nicole countered from the bedroom. "Literally the opposite of late." She stepped into the living room and put her hands on her hips, giving Camille an exasperated look. "Meanwhile, you look smart," she looked Camille's dress over and nodded approvingly. Her own hair was done up in a braided halo, a casual-fitting toga over her body and a belt with a large silver coin in the center. She also had a sword and a Roman Commander's helmet. "Shall we?"
“And you look powerful,” Camille purred as she looked at her love. “Yes, let’s go. I want to see our friends!”
"Oh are they there too?" Nicole sassed, taking Camille's hand and walking out of their quarters.
~~T'Mira's quarters~~
T'Mira had just finished her shower. She bound out of the bathroom, having brushed her teeth and dried her hair. A bath towel wrapped around her she headed for her computer to review the invitation again. Sighing she stood, padded over to the replicator, got herself a water, and then sat back down on her bed. "Computer. Can you please clearly define the purpose of a .... costumed party."
The computer launched into a ten minute explanation. At the end of which T'Mira stood and began to pace a little. She asked the computer to display several samples of costumes that were stored in the replicator banks. None of them seemed to call for her. She briefly contemplated wearing Vulcan robes and then an idea formed. She searched the Vulcan database for historical outfits.
Entering the specifications she headed to the store replicator to trade some universal credits for an outfit. She hoped that the costume would be appropriate.
Zack Logan and Bryanna Wakeman entered. They were dressed in clothes from America's west region, circa 1850's. He was dressed as a US Marshal, and she was dressed as a schoolmarm. They walked in holding hands, and headed for the bar.
Xander saw the new arrivals. "Welcome!" He said stepping up to the bar. "What can I get you to drink tonight?"
Playing his role, he pounded on the bar top. "Whiskey!"
Bryanna was playing the role of a proper and prim school teacher. "I'll have a tea, if you please."
Having seen to his guest he was just about to go back to the commander when the door opened again. He was delighted to see the science officer and the doctor. He approached the two women. "Hello and welcome. I see we share a fondness for Rome, Doctor Anderson and Ms. Levesque...you are.... Madam Curie?"
Camille grinned. "I told you someone would get it," she said to Nicole. "Merci, Monsieur Tokai. I hope you'll forgive me, but my knowledge of the history of your costume's era is limited to the old scientists and mathematicians."
"He smiled. I am none other then Marc Antony, General of Rome," Tokai said.
"Just half a foot taller," Nicole said quietly, winking at Camille.
Walker walked over with nachos.
Camille gave the XO a smile and a nod.
Walker looked at her, "Dr Marie Curie, I found Nachos." The plate was sitting on the head of his axe, so he had a free hand. Because only Walker would have an authentic Viking Weapons in his quarters without having to replicate them. He looked at Xander, "Dr Curie was a multifaceted PHD holder and the first woman to when the Nobel Peace Prize, First Person to win it twice, and Only person to hold two prizes in completely different fields of Science for several hundred years."
Tokai looked up as the door opened. He was about to excuse himself having plucked a nacho from the plate the commander had. He looked at the new arrival and dropped the nacho. "By all that is logical....Akraana...Ekonik Akraana," he said using the Vulcan word meaning Goddess, divine goddess....
Nicole turned, an eyebrow raised. At first she'd been flattered as he realized her costume, then realized he was looking past her.
Tokai's brain kicked in and he wiped the drool from his chin as he stared towards the door where T'Mira had entered. For her costume she'd chosen a tight burgundy strapless mermaid dress that seemed to be holding onto her by sheer prayer. It had black patters little swirls of black in random directions and a deep burgundy lace wings that seemed to come from the waist and bloom up and to the side. On her head was a crown of sorts that extended down her elegant neck leaving room for her pointed Vulcan ears, her hair was in soft curls and her eyes dusted with a vibrant emerald shadow, her lips standing out the colour of the red Vulcan sky. On her arms, were flame like gloves that were elbow length and when she turned the full effect of the dress became apparent as the full colours of her Phoenix tattoo seemed to blossom, down her bare back the dress just picking up low on the waist. She had chosen an outfit that paid homage to the Vulcan Goddess of Fire.
T'Mira looked around a little and then seeing some of her department staff she headed their way.
Xander hadn't blinked. Someone said something had it been the commander? He blinked...."I'm sorry I didn't catch that?"
Walker followed Xander's eyes and expression. He looked at him, "We all caught what happened to you tho though. He laughed. Considering T'Mira was his cousin, he would definitely be speaking to Xander. A matter of family pride and obligation, not a statement about T'Mira's ability to handle herself. "You have no poker face." He put a nacho in his mouth.
"Poker face, yes. I play poker." He straightened. "I should go circulate around." He gave a nod and beat a hasty retreat into the kitchen to check on the food.
Arashi had arrived in a samurai costume, swords at his waist Some of his staff had wanted to join him at the party dressed as his samurai attendants so that was what they did. He entered the room with his entourage beside him. "I love this. This is fun." He said and walked over to the bar and grabbed a few bottles of sake and sat down with his friends to drink. His costume was a replica of Sanada Yukimura's armor and had a few scratches on the armor to make it look battle worn and his swords were wood so that he wouldn't hurt anyone. He poured some sake for his friends and then he went to get some food for himself and his friends.
Xander had collecting himself enough and made his way to greet the new arrivals. He walked up to Tanaka, "Hello and welcome. The food is laid out and the drinks are free." He studied the costume. "A samurai warrior. Your costume is amazing."
"Yukimura Sanada. Died in honorable battle against Tokugawa Iyeasu in 1615. My father made thiis replica armor for me before I joined Starfleet Academy. I am surprised that it still fits, not that I am fat or anything." He said laughing.
Summers came into the establishment wearing an approximate 1880's ' Dance Hall Girl's ' costume, smiling all the way. She strolled up to the bar and motioned to Xander. " Say the feller, what's good on tap?"
Ardal came into the room. His fur had been dyed blue. He was wearing a t shirt that was the same color of blue, except for a white cirle when a storm in the middle. His shorts were the same color blue that he dyed his fur. He was dressed as a specific type of stuffed animal from Earth history.
Xander gave a smile. He was struck by how creative the crew was with their costumes. "Anything you like, we have synthehol, alcohol, and a buch of other halls...the ship is full of them." He said attempting a joke.
Summers laughed at Xander's joke. " I'll try to check them all over during this trip. In the meantime, may I have a tall glass of synthehol, with just a 'touch' of blue coloring?" Summers spun around to see Ardal enter, and looked back at Xander. "Who is *that* fellow?" She asked pointing towards Ardal.
Xander fixed the drink for the young lady, glad that his joke went over well. He handed her the drink and looked over at the man who entered. "I am not sure."
Aergad Halvor came into the room, just coming back from sick bay where he got his shot. He was dressed as the 1990s and 2000s Timmverse Superman. Blue tights, red shorts and boots. He wasn't wearing any pads or anything for fake muscle, it was all him. He had modified the costume. He touched his belt and altered his own gravity. Federation Technicality is awesome for this and he is trained as a Security and Operations Officer. He likes playing with Technology. He floated like Superman into the room. He couldn't fly, but he could create a gravity bubble around himself and float for brief periods of time.
Arashi looked at the new arrival. "Ah Superman. If I remember correctly." He said and walked to Summers. "It is good to see you. How are you doing?" He said and bowed courteously as a samurai would in the old days.
Summers curtsied in an appropriate fashion back at him and smiled. " I am doing wonderful, thank you. I *seem* to think I know you, but try as I might, I'm a bit about that too. Oh well, it's good to see you like your costume."
"I always make it a habit to make others comfortable." He said having to change the subject. "And the costume is a replica of Yukimura Sanada's armor from Japan. My father made the costume based on what he had read about the man in history books and saw pictures of. I am very proud of it as it reminds me of an ancient past of honor and duty" Arashi said with a smile. "The six coins you see represent the willingness of Sanada and his samurai to die for a worthy cause in defense of his people. I can tell you stories about him if you like, just not now as it would take a long time and we are here for a party and not a history lecture."
Arashi laughed and sat down. "So what do you like to do Summers?" He asked, curiously, wondering what she liked to do.
Summers tilted her head then smiled. " Well.....and don't think me silly about this..but...when I am off duty, I have a program in the holo deck, that allows me to ' go back ' in time to a cabin in the woods that my Parents and I would journey to for a week or so to just, 'relax and take it easy.' There was a creek nearby that flowed near the cabin. The forest was *full* of trees and at night we could hear animals in the distance. I wonder if they still go there?" Summers shook her head and turned back to Arashi. "Soooo, What do *you* like to do?"
"Well, my hobbies are Anbo-Jutsu, which I was champion in the Academy two years running. Started that in my sophomore year at the Academy. I also do kendo, using the holodeck as a training arena and bonsai when I get a chance but my favorite hobby is to relive the historical battles of ancient Japan, Samurai and all." Arashi said with pride in his voice. "My father always said that having ties to the past was always best for understanding the future. I always thought that it seemed silly but now that I have grown up and actually listened to what my father said, it actually all makes sense to me now."
He took a finished off his sake and held out his cup. One of his subordinates poured some for him and he set the cup down and took a piece of sushi that he had gotten from the food table and ate it. "I guess that parents can be wise when they want to be. So what brought you to Starfleet, Summers?"
Summers grinned. " I've always wanted to travel, especially in space. I studied, got good marks, and finally got accepted to the Academy. It was there I made my first mistake.. it seems that I didn't know my way around the academy as well as I *should have,* so after a few moments of worrisome looking around, I approached a gray haired gentleman, and asked him if *he* would kindly show me where the Admissions section was. He smiled, and replied, " I'll go one better.. " and he called out " Mr. Wagstaff!! " Suddenly a young fellow ran up to us and came to attention.." The older fellow then said to Wagstaff, " Would you be good enough to escort the young lady to 'Admissions? That's a good fellow.." And he then walked away. 'Wagstaff' looked at me and then said ' This way..' I followed Rollins for what seemed like an eternity, till we came to Admission Hall. I turned to him and said ' Thanks, I appreciate this.' to which *he* replied, ' When the Commandant of the Academy makes an 'request' of an Cadet, that 'request' is done.'' " I stared at him and gulped. " The Commandant ?!?!? Oh brother!!!"
Arashi could see where this was going. He already did not like this guy and felt good that he did not meet this guy, otherwise he would have hit the guy. "I get this feeling that this was not the end of whatever was going on? Was that the end of it or not?"
Summers then said, " That wasn't the end of it..this Wagstaff character then did something that earned me his wrath through my attending years at the Academy..He 'smirked' at me and said...'Say....if it begins to rain..you mind if I take cover under 'those?' " Summers pointed at her chest. " I looked at him just as he..he pushed his fingers into me...soooo.... I decked him..hard...earned an enemy for my remaining terms there.." Summers sighed then asked, ' How's the food here?"
"He got what he deserved. I think that he was wrong for that and he was probably a teacher's pet so he thought that he could get away with whatever he thought that he could get away with." Arashi said. "He thought that his rank or who he knew could save him but that black eye you gave him taught him otherwise." He looked at the food and wondered himself about what was good besides the sushi.
"Is there something you want to try? I mean there is a lot of food and drink, so is there anything that you want to try?" He asked Summers "I haven't tried anything other than sushi and sake, so I don't have a real idea."
Summers looked at Arashi and smiled. " Well...I'm open for anything...food and drink..I mean.." Summers felt herself blushing..." I'll try anything once...oh gosh..I mean,,,," Summers looked at the ceiling, and took a deep breath. " Everything looks good, why don't we just sample a few of the dishes?"
"As you wish, Summers-sama." Arashi said with a grin even though he was trying to act the noble samurai. He walked with Summers and got some tacos, a piece of blueberry pie, some fish and chips and a cola. He waited for Summers to get her food before he sat down with her to talk some more.
Summers bit into a taco and after swallowing it down, asked; " Soooo, how do you like the ship?"
"So far, I am liking the new ship all right. Need to get used to where the armories are at but the ship is really looking good." Arashi said. "What about you? Are you liking the ship so far?"
Summers began to answer, then stopped. " I..I like it ! She replied with a huge smile.... she then looked over the attending folks milling about, and waved at various people." Fantastic party!!! " She shouted.
::Summers waves \o/ and smiles at various party goers.::
Arashi smiled at Summers as she milled about and agreed with her assessment of the party. He decided to mingle about himself for a few moments and decided to sit down. Even though he was tough, his armor was heavy and he really needed a break so he got some more food and sat down to wait for Summers to come back, that is if she wanted to.
Summers stopped walking around and rejoined Arashi at the table he was sitting at. " Would you mind if I sat here with you?" She asked. " That armor looks so heavy...if you need help getting out of it..I mean...oh I meant to say that I could 'unbuckle'something for you if needed..I mean.." Summers felt her forehead getting red and warm and she began to perspire.
Arashi was inwardly laughing at Summer's turn of phrase. He merely kept a poker face but like an aristocratic gentlemen and completely out of character for his samurai persona he took Summer's hand and kissed it. He suddenly realized what he did and placed her hand gently on the table. "Ummm...Uhhh....Sorry about that." He said, face as red as the red alert lights on the ship.
"crap, I am so going to get it now." Arashi thought to himself. "What is she going to think of me now that I did that..." He was silent for a moment to regain his composure. "Shall I escort you to you quarters, Summers?"
Summers had been taken aback by Arashi's 'hand kiss,' but she quickly and shyly smiled back at him. " It's ok, I was just startled a bit..most guys look at me and think ' Oh..she's a 'big one,' bet she's cold too... ' but I'm not..I'm just sometimes 'scared.' She looked at Arashi in the eyes. " Yes...I would be delighted for you to 'escort' me back to my quarters."
Arashi smiled and stood up. He told his subordinates to enjoy the rest of the party as he was going to escort Summers back to her quarters. He held his hand out to Summers and smiled. "Shall we go?" He said with a smile.
Summers took Arashi's hand and quietly replied..." Yes..let's. "
Summers and Arashi arrived at her quarters. She bids Arashi inside, then hangs a sign outside: " Room in Use, Do Not Disturb.. "
Penny walked in a bit late, but bounced on her toes happily. Her hair was a bubblegum pink, straight and shiny, down to her shoulders. She had on a dress that was beaded with pearls like a flapper dress, but neon blue, very short and built to her figure. She had at least three bracelets on each arm, large circular earrings and her makeup made her eyes look about three times their normal size, giving her a doe-eyed appearance. Her lips were lime green and her ruby-red heels and purple ankle-socks completed the outfit as well as a green bow in her hair. It was loud, but it was as vibrant as she felt.
She looked out the windows of the lounge at the stars streaking by, then turned back to the room and smiled and waved, seeing Camille across the way.
Walker stepped to the side and took the shield off of his back and hung the ax on the back of it. Then he put his shield back on and grabbed his nachos and went over and grabbed a mug of synthehol honey mead. He raised the container of mead to Naroot and nodded.
Ardal walked over to Camille, "Dr. Levesque. I am a type of stuffed animal called The Grumpy Bear." Fur was dyed from its normal red brown to red brown to a straight up blue. Blue shorts and a blue t shirt. Well the t shirt was blue with the exception of the white part on his chest and stomach with the storm cloud in the middle.
Camille grinned widely at her fellow science officer. "I know about Grumpy Bear!" she squealed with delight. "But let's leave this 'Dr. Lévesque' for when we're on duty. Camille is fine, Ardal." In the meantime, she had found a glass of red wine, which she lifted in his direction as a toast. "Have you met Nicole yet? Nicole, this is Ardal King, my Assistant Chief. Ardal, Nicole Anderson, CMO and mon charmant partenaire."
Ardal grinned, "I know you two are together." He didn't go into nasal hypersensitivity or every person having a distinct scent.
Nicole blushed slightly at Camille, then smiled politely, inclining her head. "A pleasure to meet you, Ardal," she said. "I hope to see you on duty as little as possible."
Ardal nodded, "Nice to meet you." He cocked his head. "Outside of a standard annual medical review 11 months 13 days ago, I haven't been to the doctor in 5 years and that was for a dislocated shoulder. Before that I had my claws ripped out. It was just as emotionally painful as it was physically." He claws had grown back since then.
"Well then," Nicole said to cover her raised eyebrows. "I'll see you in Sickbay shortly for your exam." She looked at Camille and smiled. "Magnifique. Un autre sur-partage.." She gave Camille a kiss on the cheek and nodded to Ardal. "If you'll excuse me, I could use something to eat, how about you?" she said, looking back at Camille.
"Ooh, please! I'll come with you; I've not seen the display yet. Good talking with you, Ardal. Let's catch up soon!" She followed Nicole to the spread. "Monsieur Tokai outdid himself."
Nicole popped a tidbit in her mouth and chewed appreciatively. "Agreed," she said. "I'll admit, I haven't done one of these in a while, not since the annual residents party at the hospital. How am I doing? i haven't put anyone over a table, so that's a good sign, hm?" she gave a sly grin.
Camille replied by whispering something into Nicole's ear before giving her a kiss on the cheek.
Nicole's eyebrows shot up so high they almost hit the back of her neck. She grabbed the edge of the table and gave it an experimental shake, then grinned at Camille's blushing smile and escorted her back to the party-goers.
Ardal went over and found steak sandwiches and ate four of them and drank some honey mead. Then he walked over to the mic. He began to sing, "Look for the bare necessities. The simple bare necessities. Forget about your worries and your strife. I mean the bare necessities. Old Mother Nature's recipes. That bring the bare necessities of life." He continued singing until he sung the entire song. An Al'Hmatti, which looks like a bear, dressed as a Carebear, and singing Bare Necessities.
Penny was crossing the room again when the doors opened and she spied a familiar face. "Hey, Eric!" she said, grinning. "Welcome to the party!"
Eric had been adjusting the tie on his outfit when heard a familiar voice, he looked up and returned Penny's smile; “Hi Penny.” he waved back before walking towards her. Eric was dressed in a tan trench coat with a wrinkled charcoal grey suit, his blue tie was loose and on inside out. His hair was slightly disheveled. He had a pair of miniature black wings that were fastened to the back of his coat.
“I have to say your outfit definitely matches your personality.” he said with a smile as he stopped in front of her, his hands in his coat pockets.
"Thank you," Penny said, grinning. "Do you recognize who I am?"
Eric looked at penny’s costume from head to toe; “Not a clue.”He answered shaking his head. “Is it a character from a book?” He asked taking a shot in the dark.
"No," Penny said, shaking her head. "No one studies Earth History, I swear." She batted her eyes. "I'm Mitsuko Yaguchi!" When he didn't seem to register any recognition, she sighed. "Late 21st century singer! Her music brought together the leaders of the remnants of the East Asian countries and allowed the brokering of the original peace treaty between Japan, China, Korea and Taiwan after the reconstruction from the third world war. She was a symbol of Peace on Earth in that part of the world for almost a century until the Global Unification Act!"
“That’s quite a feat, to unite people with music is amazing, and I’ll be honest that I’m disappointed that I’ve never heard of her before; I will have to look through the database later and see if I can find any songs of hers.” Eric replied making a mental note to look up that person. “Mitsuko Yaguchi, correct?” He asked penny making sure he got the pronunciation right.
"Yup!" Penny piped. "Story goes, the Premier of China and the President of Japan both wanted a private concert. She agreed if they'd view it together. They agreed, struck up a conversation, and began hammering out a peace treaty. She started hosting diplomatic functions after that."
“How about mine, do you recognize who I am?” He asked pretty certain she wouldn’t.
"Hm..." she said. "Winged, but black wings....I'd have said an angel but I don't know an angel with black wings."
“Well, the color is mostly just a personal choice, my costume is based on a character from an old earth program.” Eric answered. “I'm Castiel, or Cass for short,” he added.
"Castiel," Penny said, rolling the name around. "Meaning, 'Shield of God.' A good name for an inspector." She smiled at him. "Have you tried some of the food? It smells amazing."
Eric looked over to tables of food; “Not yet.” He replied as the aromas of so many different foods hit him. “But you’re right, it smells absolutely delicious.” He added. “Care to see what they have?” He asked with a motion to the buffet.
"Absolutely!" Penny said, walking over with him.
Zack and Bryanna started dancing together. They held each other tightly.
Xander who'd been greeting many of the incoming officers again made his way to the XO. "Commander Walker...may I speak with you a moment?"
Walker looked at him, "You may."
As they stepped to the side Xander began, "It is customary at these events that the CO make a speech. I...do not see the CO here. Would you be willing to make a speech instead?"
Walker grinned, "If the Al'Hmatti Carebear is done singing the Jungle book song, I will."
Bryanna whispered into Zack's ear. "I may be dressed as a proper school teacher, but I still the outspoken woman I have always been...I'm not wearing any underwear. Would you like to go somewhere for a quick...…" She didn't finish the sentence, and they left the main room and found an unoccupied room.
As the music died down Xander took the mini stage. "Attention all." He called. He motioned for the commander. "It is customary that someone from the command staff give a speech. Commander," He turned to the XO. "The stage is yours." Xander stepped off.
Nicole took a breath and braced herself with a drink. "My kingdom for a holorecorder," she whispered to Camille.
Halvor offered her a Forensic handheld holorecorder. It didn't have much memory, but it was good for recording a crime scene.
Zack and Bryanna returned 15 minutes later, and waited around for the speech by the XO.
Walker looked around. Well shit, he thought. He stood up and walked to the front of the room where he could be seen. "Ladies and Gentlemen, boys and girls, the Boar, and other genders from races that have third and fourth genders or a lack of gender not mentioned, welcome to the party. My name is Commander Cullen Walker. We are a ship filled with screw ups and blatant deviants of the Universe. Wait, that's just me." He let the crowd laugh at his horrible joke. "I am not Chalchaj 'qmey but I have been to Chala colony." He looked over the crowd, "Starfleet Legacies. Military Legacies. Medical and Sciences Legacies. First in Starfleet for your family. Enlisted who became Officers. Officers who gave up rank to pursue PHDs and on their Second tour in Starfleet. Many of you are the best in your fields. I am proud to serve with each one of you. You are the best of the best of the best. Hooah."
“Well said, Commander,” Camille said, coming up to speak with him after the speech.
Walker nodded to Camille.
Nicole let Camille go mingle with the XO and turned her attention to their host. She hadn't had much interaction with him, and she was curious about their diplomat-slash-cook.
She walked over and smiled at him. "A successful gathering, Dear Husband," she said. "You should be proud."
Had Xander's brain been functioning property he'd have realized she spoke of the costumes they had on. His mind, however, was occupied. "I'm sorry doctor?"
"I was complimenting you on your party," she said. "Good food, nice entertainment, and the XO hasn't put anyone over a table yet." She looked him over, then inhaled deeply. "Something on your mind?"
"You said dear husband...." At least he had thought she had.
"I was referring to our costumes," Nicole said. "All that's missing is Caesar himself." She gave a small chuckle, then suddenly looked around as if he might show up and crash the party.
Walker came up behind her, disturbingly soft on his feet, "It isn't that kind of party. The assumption i turn every party into that kind of party. The nerve of such an assumption." He laughed.
"Yes, how dare I," she said dryly, before turning back to Xander, but saw he was spaced out again. She followed his gaze this time, and her eyebrow raised in surprise. She turned to the XO and gestured with her head that they should drift elsewhere.
Walker met her look and nodded. He waited for her lead.
Penny leaned towards Eric and whispered, "what's a 'hooah'?"
“I think it was originally a battlecry, but now a days it’s more just an expression of determination.” Eric answered.
Once Commander Walker had finished at the microphone and left the front of the room, Camille followed the lead of her ursine subordinate officer. Ardal had effectively turned this into a karaoke party. She brought up some song lyrics on a nearby screen, activated an instrumental version of a song (on low enough volume that it didn't bother people having conversations), and began singing -- in surprisingly good Japanese -- one of the more popular songs of Mitsuko Yaguchi. She winked at Penny, acknowledging she recognized the costume.
Penny beamed and clapped her hands happily, giving Camille a thumbs up.
Ardal had associated with people. He did his job per this function. He sat in the corner and checked the results from his Experiments
Halvor pushed the button on his belt again and managed to float like Superman.
Xander overlooked the party. It was interesting and everyone was having a good time. He decided to be brave himself. After a drink he'd approached T'Mira again.
Bryanna looked at Zack. "I'm bored. Let's leave and go back to our quarters....I'll make it worth your while." She gave him a sexy grin.
Zack smiled at her. "Then we should go." He took her by the hand and they walked towards the door.
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