Let the festivities commence .... Part 3
Posted on 01 May 2019 @ 11:34am 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
1251 words - 2.5 OF Standard Post Measure
Previously on "Let the Festivities commence"
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."
And now the continuation ................
While the XO and the other Junior Grades were plotting something together and a Ferengi Ambassador was salivating nearby, Naiya took herself over to the food table and found the CO there. "I don't see any of those green skinned Ba'Ku monsters here" she grinned at him, putting a few pieces onto a plate and offering some of the bowls/plates to him to take some too.
"Hold that thought for just one second doctor," Jon said noticing an expression on his first officer he recognized from when he met her. "I'll be right back. "
He walked up to Amelia who seemed to be thick as thieves with his other two senior crew members. "Holster that side arm Lieutenant. No fleecing tonight thank you. This is too important a party to ruffle feathers."
Amelia turned to him, "But Captain I was just going to take that Ferengi down a peg or two."
Reynolds held up a finger, "There will be plenty of those opportunities don't worry. Just not at the important party."
Amelia folded her arms and almost pouted. "Yes sir."
Jon nodded, "Thank you." He headed back to the doctor as Amelia turned to the other two. "Some other time or .... he stipulated not at the party. What do you think? A couple of hours to mingle and then we all slip out?"
Lilura grinned, which for those not used to it, was a little unsettling with her large teeth showing along her muzzle. She replied, "Sounds good to me... I prefer out and about than constrained parties anyways, and while I make them look good, there are so many better outfits to wear than dress whites."
"Sorry the XO looked to have wheels turning in a non diplomatic direction. Where were we? Oh yes Ba'Ku, you have been holding out on me Doc. Your part Ba'Ku," he grinned. "At least according to your file. So what's the story? How did you end up in starfleet?"
"Holding out on you Sir?" she looked at him with wide, green innocent eyes. "Would I do such a thing?" she scoffed gently and with a sparkle in her eyes. "i do have Ba'Ku genes, one of my grandparents was Ba'Ku so I'm one quarter green skinned and red eyed, even if you can't see it." her smile was pleasant and full of fun. "I ended up in starfleet because my other three grandparents were all Trill and joined or not, Trills like Starfleet and the influence was hard to resist." she explained.
This was interesting. Jon had known there was something different about her, she had some ethereal quality that he couldn't put his finger on when they had met. He had thought it initially she reminded him of one of his goddesses but now it made sense. "Were you born on the planet? Spent some time there?" He asked.
"No, I was born on a starship but my Mother was born on Ba'Ku Prime. My dad, who was a joined Trill Starfleet officer, whisked her away to some magical universe and as she'd been able to have a modified Metaphasic Radiation filter fitted, she wasn't in danger away from the atmosphere. It was technology that was developed between starfleet and an escaping BaKu teenager, some years before that saved her and of course the So'Na people too. Before that the Ba'Ku people's religion and customs forbade them using technology but the So'Na used it too much. When we were all finally reunited and returned to one planet, everyone lived with a moderated set up of both cultures. It's very boring and I'm sorry, i didn't mean to go on so much about it." she blushed realising she'd been diatribing and was probably monopolising him as well.
"Forgive me" she said, looking up at him with large eyes and a genuinely apologetic expression on her contrite face.
"There's nothing to forgive doctor," Jon said wondering why she was worrying.
"I'm guessing that the religion has moved on as .... " he indicated his head, "Thats one of the Ba'Ku delegation there. They must be using some technology, or maybe the technology moved on in the last 20 years too. Perhaps less dangerous with over use now?" he suggested. "Shall we go find out?" he suggested.
"I'd be very interested to find out, yes please" Hope answered and walked with him.
"Ambassador," Jon said smoothly walking up to the Ba'Ku member. He knew his face from the VIP's pack he had been sent through. He guessed he had been holding out on the doc, he chuckled. "Commander Jonathan Reynolds of the USS Andromeda. Are you enjoying the party."
Naiya was taken aback. "Ambassador" she echoed, looking the man up and down curious about why he looked a little bit familiar.
The Ferengi ambassador slid up to Amelia with a wicked grin on his face. "Trust a Starfleet Captain to spoil my fun. At least He can keep his females inline."
If they had not been at an important function, Amelia would have knocked the little toad to the deck with a well placed right hook. She plastered a smiled on her face and said through gritted teeth "The night is young and i'm sure we can find a quiet bar with some drinks afterwards where you can show me your skills and I can.... show you mine."
The Ferengi Ambassador grinned his toothy grin as he stated, "Oh, I'm sure you will show me yours, and what you have learned to be a female. Until we meet for our challenge.." He slipped her a card of a known Tongo gambling joint attached to guest rooms for visiting tourists and then made his way over to another delegate to try and overhear anything that could be used for acquisition of wealth or assets.
Lilura shifted over to be near Amelia and shook her head, "And that remark would be his downfall in many a place in the L'Tandrey Protectorate. Definitely count me in on taking him down a peg, or twenty."
Suddenly, Razant noticed a glint out of the corner of his eye. Two robed figures on the far side of the room were slowly making their way toward the Ba'ku diplomatic party. Serving as a Tal Shiar slave had honed his proclivity for detecting threats long before they manifested.
Jon noticed his Reman officer was scanning the room. "What's wrong?" He said lowering his voice so not to cause any alarm.
Razant gripped Jon's left elbow and pulled him toward the wall where fewer ears could hear.
"Those two," he hissed, pointing across the room, "they carry Son'a disruptor pistols. Was a Son'a delegation invited to this event?"
TBC
Commander Jonathan Reynolds
Commanding Officer
USS Andromeda
Lieutenant j.g. Lilura Siana Karakalakss
Chief Engineering Officer
USS Andromeda
Lieutenant Amelia Fox
Executive Officer
USS Andromeda
Lieutenant j.g. Naiya Hope
CMO - USS Andromeda
Lieutenant J.G. Razant
Chief Security/Tactical Officer
USS Andromeda
