Let the festivities commence .... Part 2

Posted on 01 May 2019 @ 11:33am by Commander Amelia Fox & Captain Jonathan Reynolds & Lieutenant JG Naiya Hope Dr & Lieutenant JG Lilura Karakalakss & Lieutenant JG Razant

Mission: Shakedown
Location: Starbase 308 - Officers lounge
Timeline: MD3 20:00
1272 words - 2.5 OF Standard Post Measure

Previously on "Let the Festivities commence"

"Sir, it is good to see you again," Razant said in his deep, smooth voice. His ocular implants clicked as they came into focus on the half-Betazoid's face, "I'm pleased to report that all VIP personnel have arrived without incident. I have the report if you wish to see it"

Jon nodded, "Happy to take your word for it Lieutenant but this is a party, so I'm ordering you to have at least one drink.

And now the continuation …………….

Now that was something Razant could do. Putting away his PADD, he smiled through his needle-like teeth,

"Yes sir, join me at the bar?"

Jon nodded and turned towards Naiya, "Doctor?" He indicated his arm politely so she could walk in front and go first.

At the bar a Andorran gentleman, a business man on the promenade had engaged them in conversation. He was very excited it seemed to be conversing with one of the captains. He was excitably telling him of stories of a region of space that locals in his restaurant had mentioned over the years. Apparently a bad region of space. "It's far beyond the Cruxion Nebula that's all anyone can remember."

Jon nodded "I've never heard of it," he answered honestly. "Any of you guys?" He asked.

Lilura had come up to the group at this time. She curtsied politely as she said, "Greetings, fellow Shipmates, Captain. How fare thee well tonight?" With the formal joining of the group done, she now looked at the Andorian, "I'm not sure where the Cruxion Nebula is in relation to the Protectorate or Federation. Can you give spatial coordinates or maybe point it out on this map?" Lilura brought up her wrist and activated her holoviewer. A map of the Galaxy with major players was displayed before the group, with the major galactic powers displayed, along with an outline of where the L'Tandrey Protectorate was located, along the Perseus arm, just below the Q Continuum to above some small, minor powers the Klingons knew a little about but wasn't really mapped yet. She looked questioningly at the Andorian with a pleasant smile upon her expressive muzzle.

"I'm guessing it's in the other direction, uncharted. Which hey we are heading in, maybe we will find it," the part Betazoid mused.

Lilura gently giggled, then said, "Okay, that gives me a clue at least. I was asking which way, not that we go towards the L'Tandrey Protectorate. So, not along the Perseus arm in the Beta Quadrant, so that still leaves 270 degrees of exploration to do. Guess we'll have to see which way, won't we."

Meanwhile, over at the buffet table, Amelia had filled her plate and turned to survey the crowd. She saw many diplomats and high ranking Starfleet officials, some high and mighty Ambassadors with self inflated opinions of themselves and the rest comprising of the Andromeda crew and their partners. She looked back at the Ambassadors exchanging dull small talk, acting like they were authorities on anything and everything. Maybe, she thought to herself, she could get a poker game going. It could be interesting to clean them out. Through the crowd she picked out their chief engineer. She was difficult to miss with her exotic fur and long tail. She spotted the engineer was talking to a Reman in a dress uniform. Ahhh, our new security chief she thought to herself as she started to make her way across the room.

Suddenly a voice came from behind her. "Another clothed female, how titillating!"

Amelia turned and sighed to see a Ferengi ambassador standing behind her. Initially her face fell, then she smiled slightly. Time for some fun she thought. She plastered a big smile on her face adopting the mannerism of a stereotypical 'dumb female'

"Oh my, such big ears. You must drive all the ladies wild.

Caught off guard slightly, the Ferengi smiled a toothy grin. "How very observant of you my dear, there may be hope for you yet You may call me Ambassador T'Gar. Tell me, are you skilled at Oomox?"

Typical Ferengi, Amelia thought inwardly. Already on the Oomox. She looked up at the Engineer and Security Chief, forming a plan "Well I've been told I've got very nimble fingers but I also play that card game.... Tombo?"

T'Gar laughed out loud "You play Tongo? Don't make me laugh"

She leaned in close and whispered in his big ears "Tell you what. Let's have a game. You win and I'll spend the night with you and do anything you want...... Anything"

His eyes almost bulged out of his head. He looked at her lasciviously then stopped. "Hmmmmm. I think you are more clever than you let on and you're playing me. If you win?"

Amelia laughed "In the unlikely event I win, all I want is for you to owe me a favour."

He frowned. "That's it?"

She smiled back "That's it." She started rubbing his left ear gently "If you win I'll even...." She whispered the rest.

His breathing and heart rate quickened. He looked at her like she was a juicy tube grub "You... you dirty female. You're on."

"Let me see if I can get some more players. Be right back."

She resumed heading over to the engineer and security chief. She addressed them both "Lieutenants. I need your help. I've got a Ferengi eating out of my hand and I want to bring him down a peg or two. Please tell me you play tongo?" She looked at the engineer. "Lt. Karakalakss. It would be justice if two females brought a Ferengi down and it would help to have some muscle to back us up if things turn...... ugly. I know we haven't been introduced yet but since you're the only Reman in this crowd I assume you are out new security chief. I'm Amelia, the XO. So, are you in?"

Razant tilted his head in acknowledgment, "That I am, commander. A pleasure to finally meet you." He had just returned from the bar with several drinks in him. Feeling more adventurous than usual, he obliged,

"As you wish, Commander Fox, but I must warn you: I have never played this Ferengi game."

Amelia placed her hand on his arm "It's easy to pick up if you have the right teacher. Don't worry, Ferengi like latinum, latinum and more latinum. I'm sure you'll pick it up no problem."

"I will give it my best, sir," Razant said, then paused for a moment.

"And sir..." the Reman trailed off.

She turned back to face him. "Yes Lieutenant?"

Allowing himself a grim smile, he replied,

"Should things turn... ugly, this Ferengi will wish they hadn't. Let us go win some Latinum." He turned to face the humanoid mammal,

"What of you? Have you played this Tongo game?"

Lilura snorted in humor, then replied, "I have played casually in bars, it seems to be a game a lot of people like to try their hand at, especially when drink and ladies are in the mix, however, I have never played in any tournaments, though, but, I will do my best to be your partner."

Amelia reassured her. "That's perfect. Don't worry, I'll split the winnings with you. It'll be good to bring that arrogant Ferengi down a peg or two."

TBC

Commander Jonathan Reynolds
Commanding officer
USS Andromeda

Lieutenant j.g. Lilura Siana Karakalakss
Chief Engineering Officer
USS Andromeda

Lieutenant J.g. Naiya Hope
CMO - USS Andromeda

Lieutenant J.G. Razant
Chief Security/Tactical Officer
USS Andromeda

Lieutenant Amelia Fox
Executive Officer
USS Andromeda