The Ambassador

Posted on Tue Feb 18th, 2020 @ 1:38am by Commander Curtis Thibideaux & Commander Natan O'Donnaghue & Commander Daynah Ral & Lieutenant Day Smith & Lieutenant Mackenzie 'Mac' Grayson & Lieutenant Tavana Kolan, Daughter of Kretorg & Ensign Lisa Creed & Lieutenant Rianna Repatha Thibideaux & Ensign Ovo Nohan & Ensign Teza Barjel
Edited on on Tue Feb 18th, 2020 @ 1:40am

3,787 words; about a 19 minute read

Mission: Aftermath and Downtime
Location: SB80 - Deck 980 - Reception Lounge 15
Timeline: MD004 20:00 hrs

The conference room was on the large side, richly appointed with illuminated smoked glass walls, rich Prussian blue carpeting which had golden ivy swirls about the borders and the Federation Symbol in the center. At one end was a raised dais with a lecture and Federation flag hung behind it and along the sides were tables filled with delicacies gathered from the Quadrant.

At the back of the room, was a bar with a Caitian tending to it and the patron’s needs. Being filled the center of the room, talking in small groups. Uniforms included all branches and ranks within Star Fleet, while most of the person’s were in civilian dress and made up of various races.

From tell tales and the guest list you all had the chance to inspect, you could guess that all of the Fleet officers and most of the Diplomats and trade representatives that had been invited were indeed in attendance.

A statuesque brunette in Star Fleet white dress uniform stood with a PADD near the front, greeting beings as they arrived. Of note was the crimson Aiguillette attached to her left shoulder and arm, indicating she was an Admiral’s aid. She introduced herself as Lieutenant Bremen, smiling a slightly harried smile as she greeted and rather rapidly ushered people into the room to mingle, indicating that hor d'oeuvres were available and cocktails were being served by liveried Diplomatic Corp personnel, or could be obtained at the bar at the rear of the room.

Curtis walked in, nodding to Bremen who smiled; checked him off a list; and pointedly looked past him, urging him into the mass. The Valiant’s XO had to remind himself again not to fuss with his uniform. It had taken him weeks to work the initial starch out of his dress uniform and then re-starch it just right while he was working as the Admiral’s aide. He’d nearly lived in the thing and he felt for Bremen.

Paying your dues sucked some times.

Taking a glass from a passing waitstaff, Curtis glanced around not necessarily checking for the Val’s crew. But all of the department heads were supposed to be there. With bells on.

It would reflect on the Captain, and trickle down to him if they weren’t.

Daynah glided into the room. It had always been said that the women of Trill had an ethereal beauty about them and Daynah Ral made that stereotype a reality. Her dress uniform just made her beauty stand out even more. She had decided to wear her hair down. She smiled demurely at Lieutenant Breman and glided past her. Daynah Ral knew how to make an entrance and she could feel some of the eyes presently upon her. This both made Ral happy and nervous at the same time. As some of her previous hosts relished in the attention and others wanted to stay hidden. It was Jazra who came out most in situations like this.

Daynah made her way toward the Valiant's XO with a smirk on her face. She grabbed a champagne flute as she walked. "You know there is a difference between you and I. I make this look good."

Valiant's XO glanced at the champagne flute and nodded sagely, grinning into the Trill's eyes. "Yes. It's amazing but you actually do make the champagne look very good, Daynah. Maybe the Caiitan back at the bar would like a hand."

Then he winked at her and said, "Yes, you do clean up nicely. Though I'm glad I opted to take a VOQ again. A bit more arm room and no waiting for a chance at the mirror in our quarters." Curtis took a sip from his own flute and glancing around, he shook his head. "Looks like a diverse crowd."

"Indeed they pulled out all the stops for this. One has to wonder what Starfleet and the Federation hopes to gain. I for one am happy that I do not have to play the political game. I get to simply smile and drink." Daynah said with another trademark smile and a sip from her flute. "In all seriousness is there something they are expecting. I mean this is a bit more than the standard diplomatic affair."

"I did a bit of digging. Apparently our good Ambassador Telford's putting on a show, though this is meant to comfort our friends and Federation members who are looking at the Romulans like mice watching a fat cat walk by."

Daynah nodded and began surveying a room. She was taught wisely to seek the upper hand in any social situation. "Well I for one am going to make the most of a bad situation and enjoy the show." She smiled to Curtis as she looked around the room.

Social functions for Rianna were something of a challenge and a royal pain. Finishing her hair, and making sure it would not get into her face, she checked her dress whites to make sure they were regulation and left for the reception lounge. She entered the reception room and headed for buffet and picked up a flute of champagne and headed into the crowd.

With her hair tightly bound in about the neatest bun you've ever seen, Day stepped through the doors of the reception lounge. She had taken the invite to mean that all department heads should show up in a dress uniform as well and had gotten out her own bright whites. It only served to make her look more greyish pale, a complexion she hadn't been quite able to shake. After entering she quickly skirted around the side of the room, like a rodent scared to cross the open area in the middle. She made her way over to the buffet and got a champagne flute for herself. Not that she intended to drink too much of it, but it had been pointed out to her in the past that it was off-putting to just stand in a corner and observe everyone there. Apparently that was a lot less disturbing if you did it with a glass in hand.

"A lovely gathering. I think," rumbled a feminine baritone to Day's left. A large, hairy humanoid dressed in a tailored, StarFleet JG's uniform smiled at Valiant's Operations officer. Large grey/gold eyes took Day in before sweeping over the crowd again. "I can assure you the Tjurgen canopies are delicious." Then the large eyes blinked and the bear-like female said, "And I'm rude. I'm Mishka Ru'fallo."
For brevity, Day and Mishka's conversation has been moved to a separate post.
https://uss-valiant.mysticfans.com/index.php/sim/viewpost/42

Mac walked in her hair pulled into an artful french twist braid with a white ribbon woven into it, her dress uniform had the approved skirt version and her heels were buffed to perfection. She glanced around as she walked through the room.

Usually the captain would be the first to arrive, but he followed behind the doctor. It couldn't be helped as he had to say goodbye to his wife for a short while. He had to leave her in a base sickbay and she would later appear in a hearing of some kind. He knew she would return to him soon, but it was hard to do.

He straightened his uniform one more time. He then walked past Mac and said, "Well, hello again, Doctor, I hope you are enjoying yourself?" He got himself a drink from from one of the trays that past by. He still wondered why they had to have this meet and greet here. And he wasn't even sure what to expect.

Mac gave the Captain a cheeky smile, "Just got here but I'll let you know if it gets too dull." She said softly because she didn't want to accidentally upset whomever was in charge with her jest that this might not be fun. Mac didn't enjoy the dress uniform anymore than most but at least having the option to wear a skirt helped slightly.

"I can sense you're uncomfortable, Doctor," Natan said. "You don't have to lie to me, I am not all too comfortable either. And besides," He took a sip from his drink. "I may have married and taken my human wife's name, I am still a Betazoid. Lying to me is pretty hard." He put his hand on her shoulder, "And if you are afraid to offend me, don't be, this is not my party. I was ordered here." He smiled warmly to her.

Mac gave a cheeky grin as she looked up at the Captain, "I meant no offense Sir but it isn't my general habit to be straight forward unless there's a serious matter, I am playful by nature but I try to behave during events like this." She added softly, "Your wife is lucky to have you," she said in a rare honest compliment.

Spying the XO, Rianna walked over to where he was. "Hello again Commander. Interesting gathering, I guess this will get interesting when everyone arrives. So many different people here. Don't you agree?", she said sipping her flute of chapagne.

"Oh yes," Curtis nodded sagely. "It seems all the finest people are here," he commented, then lowered his tone so that just Daynah and Rianna could here him. "Just ask them!"

Daynah smiled knowingly. She could tell that Curtis felt the same way that she did about functions like these, and that was that they were not good for much. "I for one cannot wait to put my starfleet sweats on and get out of this monkey suit."

Curtis grinned broadly then and gave Rianna a wink before telling Daynah. "Well, that might be just what this party needs. You changing in public. I'm guessing you'd pick up any number of fans."

"Wouldn't you like to know darlin." Daynah said a little seductively. "Actucall Jazra was fond of being nude at parties. She developed a love for it when she was in school on Betazed. But even so, I would still rather some comfy sweats and a pony tail."

Rianna giggled softly at Curtis' comment. "Maybe I should join her ya think," she said softly to both.

"Not such a bad idea Rianna maybe give them also something to really watch." Daynah added with a lilt to her voice.

Curtis let his expression go neutral, his eyes un-focus for a few beats, as if letting the two women's suggestions formulate in his brain. Then he let a smirky grin spread over his face and he nodded, his eyes twinkling as they re-focused. "Well, there might be an argument that a cultural exchange including such a fabulous display would be beneficial to all...."

Then his smile turned into a chuckle. "However, given the circumstances, we might give the Captain apoplexy. He may be Betazoid, but finding some of his department heads running around butt naked during a diplomatic function might just do it.

"Well I say we do it. We can claim that we were representing the Captain's culture with pride." Daynah said with the old sarcastic lilt that she had become known for. She sipped her champagne as the smile never left her face. "We should mingle and make it look like we actually want to be here." She added dryly.

Lisa entered the lounge in her Starfleet issued dress uniform, however; Lisa had found that along with the black undershirt and the what jacket with Yellow pinstripes, she had been issued with a black skirt and black thigh high boots that had a yellow stripe down the side, she wondered if this was some sort of prank as she approached the bar and took her seat and began to keep an eye out for trouble that may arise.

As she took her seat the barkeeper approached her "What can I get you Miss?" he asked looking at her as he gave Lisa a smile, Lisa responded " Coke with Ice please," as she knew that with parties like this things could go pair shaped as she tapped her combadge =/\= team 1 you ready,=/\= as the barkeep moved away to get her drink.

=/\= Harris here ma'am. we are circling within the party=/\= replied Ensign Ian Harris, Lisa responded, =/\= Copy that, keep me informed Creed out,=/\= as the barkeep returned with her Coke on the rocks, she said "Thank you," as she picked up the glass and began to survey the room.

Nohan entered at the collar of his new officers dress shirt. "They really need to get these things comfortable." He griped. More or less to himself." He walked up to the bar, doubtful liquid could get through as tight the collar was. As he sat he ordered himself a mountain dew no ice.

Barjel Teza walked in to the party room. She wasn't a senior officer, so she wasn't required to wear a dress uniform for this occasion. So she got herself a nice cocktail dress and heels. Her red hair hung loosely on her shoulders as her eyes scanned the room to see maybe a familiar face. It was an open invitation and basically for the senior staff. But she was free to come if she wanted too, and it wasn't in her nature to decline an offer to such a social occasion. She grinned as she saw a young Bajoran, freshly minted ensign not that far from her. She was maybe a few years older. But he still had this fresh out of the academy look.

She walked to him. He was near the bar and she noticed he wasn't alone there. A blond human was seated with her back to her talking in to her com badge. She put herself on a bar stool next to the nervous boy. "Ensign Barjel," She introduced herself a bit loudly, knowing full well she was attracting attention. "So, are you new on the Valiant too, Ensign...?" She fished for the boys name and hoping to get a conversation started and get to know some people. As she waited for his answer she unconsciously she brushed her hair behind her ear revealing her earing.

After she had finished the call, she turned around to see a red haired woman sitting next to a young Male Ensign and boy was she hot, as Lisa knew that having not spoken to anyone in the past few months had put a crimp in her social life, but maybe this would help her. She asked, "are you talking to me?" asked Lisa.

Teza ordered a drink, a martini and as soon as she got it she turned to Lisa with a sly smile. "Unless you just got demoted to ensign, lieutenant, that I am not aware of, then no." She put the glass to her lips and took a sip. Her purple bracelet twinkling at the movement. She then put her glass down. "You're wearing a dress uniform, at least that's what it looks like. You're at a party, that, I must admit, could use a bit more action, and you're still working. Let me guess, you're the chief security officer."

"Yep that I am," replied Lisa as she looked back at the woman, she continued, "I'm Lieutenant Lisa Creed, Chief Security officer for the USS Valiant," as she continued to watch over the Party goers She asked "And you are?" as she needed to check this woman out and see if she had a service Jacket.

Teza took another sip from her drink. "Ensign Berjel. I would be the Morale officer for the party." She chuckled. "And though you outrank me, ma'am, I believe this is the place where I am in charge, so Lieutenant Creed, relax and have a good time, it's not likely you're going to impress and keep order in that dress uniform."

"Curtis this party needs a little pomp and circumstance. Think we could do something to get people up to dance maybe," Rianna said chuckling looking at Daynah.

Shaking his head toward Valiant's chief engineer, he said, "Now Rianna, this is not a party in the typical sense. Diplomatic functions are meant to be about being seen, possibly making contacts and making the brass hats happy. There's going to be a ceremony of investiture for the new Ambassador to the Valdivadann's. We'll be playing a role in that mission somehow so we need to learn."

He winked to the Betazoid then, "But if you want to go dancing, i know of a place we can stick our noses into later on Deck 420. I hear it's quite the place, currently."

"Well the two of you can go enjoy all the pomp that you want. I for one am already pomped out. As soon as this is done I am heading to my quarters. There is a pair of sweatpants and a movie with my name on it." Daynah said, and she wished this function really would hurry up. Ral may enjoy functions like this, but Daynah was a homebody and longed for her quarters.

Mac had debated about her options after finishing speaking with the Captain, she wasn't a bar fly by habit, and she hadn't finished getting to know everyone else among their small crew yet. Seeing Curtis speaking quietly with a pair of statuesque ladies; made her smile. It seemed he had a great chance to make someone's night feel more fun while the other might not be as amused. She turned around to see whom else she might bump into because she wasn't going to be a third or fifth wheel to whatever was going on between the First officer and the two ladies with him.

After meeting with the Admiral and the Captain, Tavana went to replicate a dress uniform and get her ass to the reception. Which she did, all stiff and uncomfortable, she entered the hall. She had no idea between the guest who was part of her new crew, she basically met the CO and one Admiral. That was it. So she grabbed the first flute of champagne and weaved deeper into the crowd.

Curtis had just finished his (only) second glass of the champaign when he caught site of a female Klingon doing their best not to body check their way through the crowd of diplomats, fleet personnel and civilians. He recognized her from the Admiral's office and, of course, Captain O'Donnaghue telling him about Valiant's new Diplomatic officer.

He wasn't quite sure where they were going to bunk her, but they'd figure it out. Setting an intercept course, the Valiant's XO began to weave through the crowd. It took him only a few beats to catch up to her and as he got within reasonable earshot, called out. "Lieutenant Kolan, I presume?"

Tavana was seldom startled, she could sense when someone in a crowd focused on her, but tonight she was. There were so many different species, people in close proximity and the last thing she expected was someone calling her name. She whirled around to face the caller. "Yes I am," she answered and noticing the rank, added "Commander. I pressume Executive Officer?" she deduced.

"Very good, " Ms. Kolan, "I'm Curtis Thibideaux. I understand from the Captain that you'll be joining our merry band and wanted to make sure you knew who to take your complaints to." Looking around at the crowd and exchanging flutes with a passing wait staff, Curtis gave the liquid a dubious look and said, "Nothing like champaign and little sandwiches.." The blonde human paused trying to think of a word, before shrugging and finishing with, "Genteel? I guess. I never did feel comfortable at these functions."

Tavana smiled, which broke into a little chuckle, flexing her arm. "The suit is like a cast. I thought it was made this way to keep me from behaving like I am used to." She refused to let a pang of loss to the surface and continued on. "Our menu consisted of a young bloodwine, with an iron hint, and pepper to tease the palette, a few l'ngta prime cut steaks, served blue with gagh on the side, or on the table if they manage to crawl out of the dish, qaraDa gham, and Val'dir to wash down or burn down, depending on when you light the fire, pieces of bone that might stick in your throat. Adventure on a plate. This would be accompanied by an combustible atmosphere of live fighting, brawling, and general romping," she explained like a waiter reading the specials in a restaurant, straight faced and ending in a closed lipped grin.

Valiant's XO chuckled and met the Diplomatic officer's smile. "Just my luck. My invitation didn't say Bring your own Bat'leth. It's going to get messy. On the other hand, with you aboard, Family Meal's going to get interesting." He took a dubious drink of the champaign and shook his head as if making up his mind about the drink and asked, "So, Lieutenant. What's your take on all this?"

Tavana didn't care much for the champagne either. After a taste, she placed the glass on a tray a passing server held out to her. "A bit over-rated," she commented, "the champagne that is. The party.... "she said looking around, " it is the chess board. Now it's packed out, cleaned and all the pieces are in their places, ready for the opening moves. We are hoping that the nicer the board is, the more shiny the pieces, the more cordial those moves will be. My father sees diplomacy as war, just fought very, very nicely. The winner is just the one who had to compromise the least..." she explained. "That's the philosophical me..." she chuckled. "How about you? What do you think?"

Curtis chuckled and nodded. "It's all about perspective." He pointed toward a pair of well dressed Ferengi who were trying both to see and be seen. They even had what looked like a Ferenginar News Service drone circling them. "Rule of acquisition number thirty four is that War is Good for Business. Rule number thirty five is that Peace is Good for Business. For them, all things are an opportunity and there's wisdom there."

Mac avoided the circling trays of champagne, mostly because she wasn't in the mood to get the giggles and accidentally upset someone by finding a random comment funny. Since her tolerance for liquor was so low, she didn't get any unless she was absolutely certain that she wasn't going to annoy anyone first.

 

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