Chill Time

Posted on Fri Jul 30th, 2021 @ 12:31am by Captain Rhenora Kaylen & Commander Savar cha'Salik hei-Surak Talek-sen-deen & Lieutenant Commander Sandra "Phantom" Risa & Commander Dean House & Lieutenant Commander Thriss Kla'ren & Lieutenant Commander Aurora Vali & Lieutenant JG Avarak & Remal Kajun

Mission: Gamma Quadrant
Location: Ten Forward
Timeline: After the Command Evaluations

Captain Kaylen Rhenora sat in Ten Forward, a mug of steaming coffee in her hand. She glanced around at the faces of the crew who were trying to relax, noticing their tired and harried faces, lines of stress and tension all too evident. They needed an excuse to celebrate, to put aside the trauma of the last few weeks and just chill. The command evaluations had been brutal, piggyback that on the attack from the Jem Hadar, the rescue of the Bajoran crew, and the less than smooth trip through the wormhole - these people had been through a lot.

She had an idea as to just how she could achieve this breather. A party - more of a celebration of survival, strong will, tenacity and sheer willpower to get things done. She set the time as 2100 this evening, promised an open bar and a spread of food. Ten Forward would be the location. With the memo sent, she started the preparations.

Dean wasn't in too bad a mood. Having gotten the memo. Why not. It was always good to go and interact with everyone. It was nice to have had that interaction with Rhenora before. Particularly knowing he actually helped, or he thought he did, in more ways than one.

Moving over to where she was, since he saw her, Dean grabbed one of the chairs and turned it around. Straddling it and leaning on the back of it with his arms crossed. "Not to sore are you, Rhenora?"

She rolled her shoulders and gauged the stiffness of the muscles that hadn't been used in such a way for a long time.
"Sore yes, but a good sore." She admitted. "I haven't trained like in too long"

"Offer still stands, and how are those demons?" Tilting his head a little. Motioning to one of the staff and ordering 12 fried Mozzarella sticks.

"I appreciate it Dean, and I may take you up on it. My hand-to-hand skills are definitely not up to par. Something to work on I guess" She admitted as she glanced around the room that was starting to fill.

Having received the memo as he sat down for the evening, the timing of the party was perfect for Avarak. He stepped into Ten Forward and found that quite the crowd had already gathered. He walked up to the bar and was surprised to find Vulcan brandy on offer, a beverage he hadn’t enjoyed in quite some time. He picked up a glass and saw the XO standing not too far away.

“Good evening, Commander.” Said the science officer. “I have not had Vulcan brandy for quite some time, I am surprised. I don’t suppose its availability here is your doing?”

"Good evening Lieutenant." Savar greeted the science chief not unkindly. Savar looked at the glass in his hand, "I had several bottles brought on board when we visited Vulcan. I am pleased you like it."

“It was one of the choice beverages of my mother, so I developed a taste for it when I was young.” Avarak took another sip, this brandy was from a fine vintage. “I must compliment you on your choice, this is a fine vintage.”

Savar nodded his head at the compliment. "Thank you, Lieutenant. You are most kind. The bottles were stored for many years in a vault to protect their flavor." He explained.

“Indeed. I was faintly aware of the different methods of flavour enhancement and protection, though I admit my knowledge in that sphere is quite limited.” Avarak responded.

Thriss strolled into Ten Forward after a busy day, or rather week. That being said, once repairs were completed, him and his team's workload would definitely be lightened, which would allow them more time to repair the existing work-in-progress prototype of the transwarp drive, which was damaged in the battle with the Jem'Hadar. Once his team fixed the drive, that would be a little over halfway done. But right now, he and his engineers still had a lot of work to do.

Needless to say, he needed a break, and when he got the memo to go to Ten Forward, he had an excuse to do so. Once Kla'ren walked in and ordered some Andorian Ale. Surprisingly, he hadn't had the drink since his time on the Varley. Once the drink appeared in the replicator, he took a seat at one of the couches and took a sip of the beverage, and then sat it down on the small table in front of him.

About the time Dean's cheese sticks were brought over. Which came with Marinara sauce, and ranch. Which he motioned, offering Rhenora some if she wanted to, looking to the others just a moment when they came in. "I guess we can have that conversation later since we are getting company?"

"Indeed" Rhenora mused as the room continued to fill. It seemed people were indeed in the mood to celebrate. Conversation flowed easily amongst them as they settled and relaxed, picking at the food that waiters carried around.

Dean stood up and raised his voice, "So who wants to see if they can out drink me!" That was so very much a catch 22. "As well as throw darts, of course with rubber tips, at the Captain and not hit her!"

" I beg your pardon!" Captain Kaylen protest as she stood and glared at Lt House with a look that would cause mirrors to slink off the walls and go elsewhere to shatter.

"I think that would be what I said, Captain." Dean just grinned.

"Just remember young man this is my boat - and unless you wanna be scrubbing plasma conduits with your toothbrush" She admonished, knowing that Dean was just trying to liven things up a bit.

There was an eyebrow raised, along with a smirk, "I don't believe you want to assign me to do that."

"0700 hours, plasma conduit..hrmmm, 2 beta, bring your own toothbrush." her voice was completely deadpan, and completely serious.

"I guess the warp drive will be down for 60 hours." Dean was completely deadpan and serious as well.

"Give or take.... depends if you need toilet breaks or not. The Engineers still need time to effect some of the repairs" The Captain replied, her expression completely neutral.

"I certainly hope we aren't needed for an emergency."

Avarak looked on at the exchange from a distance, perplexed by the need of emotional species to engage in competition to see who could subject their bodies to greater levels of poison.

The doors opened to reveal Aurora pushing a pushchair with one fast asleep Sidak inside. She smiled as she made her way through those present and joined her husband. “I’m sorry I’m late, Sidak needed feeding and changing.”

"Excuse me, Lieutenant." Savar said to Avarak and turned his attention to Aurora. "It is quite alright Aurora, you are here now and that is what is important. "Would you care for a glass of Vulcan brandy?"

Aurora nodded. “That would be lovely, thank you Imzadi.” She looked around, it was nice to see the crew relaxing together.

Avarak nodded politely, allowing the couple their time together.

Savar nodded and ordered a Vulcan brandy for his wife. He turned and handed the glass to her, "I hope you like it Aurora. It is a fine vintage."

“Thank you” Aurora smiled and cautiously sipped it. “To be honest... this is the first Vulcan brandy I’ve ever had.”

Savar nodded at her comment, "Then please sip and savor the rich flavor of the brandy as it flows across your lips and teases your tongue with it's fullness."

Aurora grinned. “Mmm keep talking like that and you’ll have to take me home!” She gave him a wry look.

"A task I am not in the least opposed to Aurora." Savar replied, knowing she would feel and hear the underlying sexual tension in his voice.

Aurora smiled as she stepped closer to her husband giving him a hug. “We could always head home and... enjoy ourselves Imzadi, my body is recovering so we could... take it slow.” She grinned.

Savar nodded at her words, "It would be impolite to leave right now Aurora. We will stay for a few more minutes and then say our good byes."

“Of course my love” Aurora smiled warmly. “We should enjoy our time with the crew as well.”

"Indeed Aurora. We must not appear anti-social." Savar replied as he placed an arm around her waist.

Aurora smiled the biggest smile yet just being at Savar’s side.

Watching from his corner in the back, Remal could not help but chuckle at the group and their camaraderie, taking in their jovial nature and antics as though they were a family and not just strangers on a boat. He understood that it took more than just being soldiers to survive out here in the wilds of space. A little drink, a little laughter, would go a long way to solidify friendships so that when the time came to have each others' backs, there would be no question of trust.

"I suppose," Grabbing a cheese stick and biting into it after a dip in the ranch. "There's no taker for that teasing idea. Everyone seems to be gravitating into their own little groups. I thought we were all supposed to be gathered together." Dean mentioned.

"Give it time," Rhenora said in a calm voice, watching the crew interact. After a stressful period, people tended to gravitate towards their closest friends. Hopefully, the food and drink would encourage them to break out of their circles.

"Do you suppose they are scared of you? Or, just what you said. Loved ones and the like." Dean gave a motion out, "Because they still don't seem to be breaking out of their circle and near us."

" Of me? I don't think so. There's that unwritten law of professional detachment. Plus a lot of them are new here" Rhenora smiled.

In the corner of the space, a small band comprising of different officers on board struck up, setting an upbeat tone to their music and an irresistible beat. Several tables were pushed back and a dance floor was created, a notion quickly taken up by a dozen or so crewmen. Rhenora caught Remal's eye and held it for a moment, a question in her gaze.

As the music filled the room, Savar looked to Aurora, "May I have this dance Aurora?" He asked holding his hand out to her, so he could lead her out to the 'dance floor'.

Sandra got the memo but got there late because she had two fights to break up and a report to write for Commander Jenses of the Fighter Command back in the Academy. Leaving her quarters dressed in a loose-fitting jumper, she entered Ten Forward and got herself a large Sumarian Sunrise, and sat by herself watching the goings-on.

He caught her look. It was one of 'shall we dance' and 'back me up here'. He understood, looking around at the various groups. They were looking for a sign from their CO that is was okay to let loose in her presence. He stood, composed himself, then slid up next to her, taking her hand and giving her support, and ridding her of her choice to back out.

He pulled her into the dance area next to Aurora and Savar. Then he looked down into her eyes and whispered, "Shall we show these youngins how it's done?" Together his height and her commanding presence drew the attention of everyone in the room.

" Let's" The smile was devilish as they set off on the dance floor, moving with the grace and two that had been together for years. They chose a light-hearted style with energy, suiting the tone of the music. Shortly others began to join them.

Aurora smiled happily as she danced with Savar, nodding to Rhenora and Remal as they danced, showing everyone how it was properly done.

Savar and Aurora, glided across the floor like it was ice, as they twirled and dipped in time with the music. They didn't miss a step as they danced. They knew each other's moves by memory and they had absolute trust in each other as their moves became more complicated.

Aurora smiled as she kept her eyes firmly fixed on Savar, with ultimate love and trust.

The dance floor filled quickly with couples and those who danced in small groups, the band picking up the tempo and tone of the music to suit the crowd. It was a release of energy that was much needed and greatly appreciated by everyone.

Dean leaned back and simply watched. Happy with enjoying his drink and cheese sticks, both of the sauces he brought for them. Though also he was paying attention to the couples or the groups. Just looking to pick out the different styles and if it was just for fun, or if there was more meaning to it, particularly the couples.