A Warm House
Posted on Sun Dec 27th, 2015 @ 12:24am by Admiral Deela T'Lar & Commodore Alexandra Harrison & Fleet Admiral Mike K`Wor Bremer & Commodore Andrew Clifford & Major General Thomas Jackson & Commodore Leon `Lee` Pike & Captain R'nard Lokran & Lieutenant Commander Holly Gillo & Captain Jack Solomon & Lieutenant Saith i-Ki Baratan & Lwazanda Ral Daughter of the Fifth House of Betazed & Master Warrant Officer Gaius Aquila & General Janice Fultian-Bremer
3,457 words; about a 17 minute read
Mission:
Episode 90 - The Great Relink
Location: Lwazanda Ral's Apartment
Timeline: MD1 2000hrs, Following 'Family'
ON:
Mirenna hurried about the apartment ensuring that everything was perfect. Guests would soon be arriving, and she had only just gotten herself dressed.
The young Betazoid handmaiden wore a Maroon colored lace gown that hit her in all the right places. She pulled up her skirt as she ran from the lounge to the kitchen.
"Right then." She said out loud, "Musicians, check. Flowers, check. Waiters, check. " She was running over the list she had committed to memory again and again, when she overheard a conversation between two waiters. she stayed pressed to the wall just out of their view.
"Can you believe this place?" The one said.
"Unreal right?" Came the reply.
Lwazanda rounded the corner towards Mirenna. "Eavesdropping on the help is completely undignified."
Mirenna snapped from the wall, and followed behind Lwazanda. "Sorry." she said lowering her head.
The older woman stopped and faced Mirenna. "Now, now little dove." She said lifting Mirenna's chin with a finger, "Tonight is a happy night."
Mirenna nodded, noting Lwazanda's outfit. A Midnight Blue draped gown, with some intricate gold embroidery.
"Guests will be arriving soon my dear. Are we ready?" Lwazanda called making her way into the Foyer.
Mirenna nodded again and whistled, and almost immediately the hired staff assembled. Musicians dressed in all Black uniforms, the Waiters and attendants in Gold, and the kitchen staff in White.
"Alright people," Lwazanda said, "Tonight is very important. I need everyone on their marks and doing their jobs." she placed her hands behind her back and paced slightly. "Any issues are to be brought directly to Mirenna and resolved as quickly as possibly, am I understood?"
There was silence.
"Well?" Lwazanda asked, annoyance dripping into her voice.
There was a general murmur around the group.
Mirenna stepped up, "Places people."
The group dispersed to their positions, just in time for the first throngs of guests to arrive.
Andrew had just finished his shift in ops, so headed straight for the housewarming. For once in his life he was first to arrive and made his way over to the host.
R'nard had been working out when he got the invitation. At first he thought it would be like a Betazed wedding. He had been to a few of those, but instead it was to be a formal affair. Pity. He looked great in only his fur. He went back to his quarters and got out the dress uniform which was terribly uncomfortable for him. But formal affairs were formal affairs.
He went to the housewarming himself. Only one other had arrived, so he made his way to the host as well.
Lwazanda watched as the Door attendants waved one officer and then another in her direction.
"Well hello Gentlemen." Called Lwazanda, as they approached, "Care for a drink?" the betazoid woman snapped her fingers and two waiters appeared holding trays of different colored drinks.
Andrew nodded, "Yes please Ma'am, that would be very nice." and with that he helped himself to a drink from one of the trays, thanking the server as he did so.
"Come now, this is a party. Call me Lwazanda. Everyone does." She winked ay Andrew.
Saith was completely confused. She had meant to ask Maal what a “housewarming party” was and what one wore to such a thing. However, the invitation indicated formal wear. “Formal, but not necessarily uniforms,” Saith said to herself. On a whim, she decided on an uncharacteristically girly dress, ancient Greek goddess style, which accentuated her tall, thin but muscular figure. The gown was in dark green with gold beaded sashing.
The final touch was to let her dark hair out of its usual braid and fall in a tumble down past her knees. It was naturally wavy, and the braiding helped it to keep some bounce despite the length. Saith looked in the mirror and smiled, she was not sure where this person had come from, but she liked her. Turning Saith headed out to the party, she would meet Maal there.
Saith entered the party and noticed there were not yet many people there. Only Andrew and R'nard, two men she knew fairly well. That made her feel better. The attendant at the door pointed out a tall Betazoid woman, so Saith headed her way. She was feeling confident today another unusual feeling. “Good Evening Ms. Ral, I am Lieutenant Saith i-Ki Baratan. Thank you for the invitation.”
Lwazanda's attention drifted towards the svelte Romulan, " Jolan'tru Lieutenant." She looked the woman up a down a moment. "You must tell me where you got that dress."
Saith smiled, her dress was a safe discussion topic. She glanced down and with a hand pulled the skirt out a little. “I bought it at Ogawa’s. It is a small shop on the promenade.” She quickly explained where exactly on the promenade the shop was. Then she added, “I think some items are replicated, but they also get in natural fabrics and can make almost anything you want.” Looking around she added, “You have lovely quarters.” After the initial pleasantries were over Saith wandered looking at the decor and waiting for Maal.
"I prefer to call it a townhouse. Quarters seem so utilitarian, this is a home." Lwazanda wasn't wrong in her correction.The townhouse was much more than standard quarters, and they should be after the time and expense put forth by the Fifth House of Betazed. Lwazanda gazed up the pristine grand staircase and then down into the ever growing crowd.
Saith glanced around and nodded, it was certainly amazing. However, in Saith's opinion all living spaces were "quarters" regardless of what they looked like. "It is beautiful under any name, I will get out of the way so that you may greet your other guests." She smiled and moved away from Lwazanda.
General Jackson, in full Dress Uniform, arrived to the party. Looking around, he observed the effort that was put into the affair. He did not feel bad about being in formal dress anymore.
A gold clad Waiter made his way over to the General, and offered him a light pink drink that was poured in flutes on his tray.
Jax accepted the drink, and thanked the server. He found it to be cool and fruity, yet a little potent. It kind of reminded him of the orange colored stuff they have in the First Federation, though the name escaped him.
Noting more arrivals filling the Foyer, Lwazanda ushered her guests into the attached rooms. All of which were beautifully decorated, with hand curated art from around the Quadrant. She moved about the room, greeting the swelling number of guests.
After their family dinner, Mike had changed into his Dress uniform, while Janice wore an elegant royal blue dress with a plunging neck. K’Temoc had also changed into his Dress uniform while Danielle changed into a black dress, short and sleeveless. Mike and Janice came in hand in hand while K’Temoc and Danielle did the same.
The four walked over to Lwazanda and Janice spoke first. “I hope we’re not too late.” She handed Lwazanda a bottle of Italian Red wine, 2365 vintage.
Lwazanda beamed at the arrivals."Not at all," she took the bottle with ease and kissed Janice on both cheeks before moving on to Mike." So glad you could make it." She handed the bottle to a nearby attendant.
"So, this is your son then?" She asked, indicating K'Temoc.
K'Temoc smirked, "Do I look that young?" Danielle also smiled.
"No, "Mike said in an unintended cold tone. "This is my brother, James K'Temoc Bremer but everyone calls him K'Temoc."
Lwazanda shook her head." I should have realized." She extended her hand, Palm down to K' Temoc. "Pleasure to meet you."
"The pleasure is mine." K'Temoc replied. "This is Danielle, she's in the Science department here on the station."
"It's nice to meet you." Danielle replied warmly.
Lwazanda smiled at the group."Can I find you all some drinks then?"
Mike smirked. "Sure, thank you."
Lee was in their quarters getting ready for the party, he was dressing in a white tuxedo with a white fedora.
Alex was running late. She entered their quarters and upon seeing Lee, "I am so sorry." She quickly got dressed and walked out, wearing a black shiny sleeveless form fitting dress. Paul was all ready and waiting. When he saw his mom, he whistled, "You really rock that outfit." Alex smiled, "Well thank you Paul." She looked at Lee with approval, "Ready?"
Lee chuckled slightly at Paul's comment then looked at Alex giving her a smile, then putting his hat on:"Ready" He walked out of their quarters with Alex and Paul.
They made their way to the party. Alex looked around at everyone who was there and smiled.
Lee stood next to Alex and looked around himself.
Paul was more interested in his stomach and went to look for some food and maybe even a conversation with a pretty girl. Alex could see that he didn't want to hang with around them so she gave him her blessing to go."
Maal had finally gotten off duty, he headed off to get changed into a red Tholian silk pant suit, he then headed off to the party, looking around to see who all had arrived so far.
Saith saw Maal across the room and smiled. She waited for him to see her. She wanted to see his reaction to her dress and that she let her hair down, literally as well as figuratively.
Maal finally spotted Saith, he slowly made his way towards her accepting two glasses of champagne on the way. He smiled at her then handed her a glass:"You look very lovely my dear."
"Thank you," she said meaning both the drink and the compliment. "I am glad you are here, that woman creeps me out." She smiled, "my sister used to say that about people sometimes." She shrugged.
Maal stepped closer to her then stood next to her on her right side.
Saith noticed Maal to her right; as she was being daring tonight anyway she stepped to her right so her body was against his and slipped her arm through his. "I can't wait to see what happens. Ms. Ral is. . . interesting, I guess rather than creepy." She smiled wryly at Maal and sipped her champagne.
Giaus was in his quarters putting the finishing touches on his Dress Uniform. He wasn't exactly in the mood for parties, but Holly was Senior Staff. Jackson would also kill him if he missed it. Like any other Marine, he made sure everything was perfect, right down to his gold MARSOC Wings that sat above his other medals. "Holly, are you almost ready?"
Holly popped out from the other room where she had been getting ready and was in her dress uniform when she spoke to Giaus, " I am ready now. Sorry it took me so long to get ready. Have to get use to the fleet uniform instead of the marine one when it comes to formal wear." It was then that she walked up to him from the side then hugged him a bit before kissing him on the cheek and then attempting to get the lipstick off his cheek she left there. "You are handsome by the way in your dress uniform and I think that your friend is going to be really excited that you are showing up."
Even in a Starfleet dress uniform, Holly looked like a goddess to Giaus. "Thank you Imzadi. Shall we?"
Holly nodded," Yes as I don't want to be the one getting the firm look from Jackson on what was holding you up from the party." She then smiled at him holding onto his arm as she normally did. Her way of letting him know that no matter what was going to happen that she was going to be right there for him.
They held hands during the walk to the party, but not sure how professional they should be, the broke hands before entering the reception area. However, they did remain by each other's side.
Admiral T'Lar walked in to see that a lot of people had already arrived. She had to leave the kids with a babysitter because Paul was coming to the party as well. She looked around for Solomon but he wasn't there. Then she saw Captain Clifford and made he way to him, "Hello stranger."
Andrew smiled as he replied, "Hello Admiral. Has it really been that long since I trashed the runabout?"
Deela smiled, "Not that long but it seems like our paths cross less frequently than they used to. I really just wanted to see how you are doing."
Andrew laughed, "Things change, Admiral. we're not chasing around the galaxy anymore. We have different roles, now." You are helping to run a Starbase and I'm watching ships come and go in ops." He tried to sound positive, "As for me, the last mission away from 400 helped clear my mind and I'm definitely better than I was, thanks."
"I can tell. I was worried about you for awhile. I want you to know that if you ever need anything, you know where to find me."
Jack arrived at the party fully dressed in his dress uniform. He loved a bit of pomp and circumstance and any reason to wear his dress uniform was a good one. He made his way through the room, nodding at various officers he recognized as he slowly meandered through the proceedings. He stopped and gladly accepted a drink from one of the waiters before noticing Deela talking with Captain Clifford.
Deela saw him in her peripheral vision which interrupted her train of thought.
Andrew, having spent many years watching people as part of his job, didn't miss Jack Solomon looking at Deela, or her brief loss of attention. He smiled at her, "I think you're being looked for", he took another sip from his drink, looking over the top of the glass at Deela.
Deela uncharacteristically blushed as she glanced over at Solomon. Looking back at Andrew, she was smiling, "We have become quite fond of each other. We have had only one date so far but it looks promising." Deela looked over at Jack one more time before turning her full attention back on Andrew, "But I am sure that he will wait."
He shook his head, "No way.. Go, I'm ok really."
"Are you sure?" She didn't want to just leave him like that, "I promise that we will talk later."
Andrew took his glass away from his face and leaned forward smiling, "I understand.. I'll speak to you later."
Jack decided to leave them to talk for a bit, although he felt his pulse quicken a little when looking at Deela. Their dinner date together was fun and he was hoping that she would be interested for another. He took a seat and took a sip of his drink.
After Andrew told her to go, she approached Jack. She found herself smiling a bit more than usual. "Jack, you made it."
Jack stood up as Deela came over to him. He was instantly more at ease and relaxed with her there. "Yes, I managed to spruce myself up a bit for the occasion too, you look lovely, how are you?" He asked, feeling his nerves begin to relax a little.
"You do not look too bad yourself. I am actually doing quite well. Even better now that you are here."
Jack smiled at her comment and he felt a glow. "Well, that makes two of us then! So, I have a question for you... Does tonight count as a second date? I'm just wondering, seeing as we're at a party all dressed up and looking rather wonderful together... Or is there something you have in mind for another date?" He asked. Jack was eager to spend more time with her, almost more than a need to, he felt a want to spend more time with her and the children too.
"Actually, I would love to go on a second date with you. As soon as I know my schedule, I'll let you know. Deela glanced around the room, "But right now, I am parched."
"Very well then, lets go and get a drink and enjoy the party," Jack agreed, "I'll look forward to that second date."
While everyone was mingling, Petty Officer Aquilina de Luca, Bremer Yeoman, came in and looked for the Fleet Admiral. After finding him, she walked over and handed him a PADD and a small box.
“Is this it?” Mike asked.
“Yes sir, it just came through.” De Luca replied with a smile.
Mike thanked her then read over the PADD. Then in a serious tone he spoke up to everyone.
“Excuse me, may I have everyone’s attention please.” Mike waited a moment as everyone quieted down and turned to face him.
“Captains Clifford and K’Temoc. Lieutenant Gillo, Lieutenant JG Takabe, please step forward.” Mike waited for the four crew members to come forward. He watched them for a moment, then barked out. “Stand at attention when you’re called front and center!” After a second, he smirked then walked to the end of the line.
“Miss Takabe, you’re here by promoted to the rank of Lieutenant, congratulations.” He opened the small box and handed her new pips with a smile before stepping over. “Miss Gillo, you’re hereby promoted to Lieutenant Commander, congratulations.” He handed her new pips with a smile as well.
Mike next stopped in front of his younger brother. “This has been a long time coming. Mister K’Temoc you are hereby promoted to the rank of Commodore, as well as to the position of Task Group Three Adjutant of Task Force 99. TF99 consists of Cairo, New Hampshire, and Tikal. You’ll coordinate their activities out of Starbase 400. You’ll also service as the Starfleet Liaison to Starbase 349, Vice Admiral Riskin and the Raeyan Alliance. You’ll also continue your duties here as the Special Operations Team Commander. Congratulations.
Mike then stepped over to Clifford. “I know you’ve not announced it yet, but you can’t hide things from a Fleet Admiral.” Mike smirked. “Before you leave Starbase 400, we wanted to make sure you knew you’d be missed, but we also wanted to award you for your dedication to duty here and aboard the Essex before. Therefore, you’re hereby promoted to the rank of Commodore. Congratulations.”
Mike took a step back, and clapped for the newly promoted Officers. He then glanced at Lwazanda, "I hope you don't mind me stealing a little of your thunder."
Lwazanda smiled slightly and shook her head. She quickly grabbed another drink from a passing waited and downing it. She hated when things deviated from her plans, but she wasn't about to let it show on her face.
Deela looked over at Andrew with a shocked look. She hadn't heard about it, not even a clue that he was leaving. They had served together for years. She clapped with the others but her heart wasn't in it for she felt sad and missing him already.
Andrew looked down at his new stripe, then looked up and cleared his throat. "I had hoped to slip away quietly, but I guess I have too many friends here for that to happen." He smiled as he turned slightly, so he could see most, if not all, of the people in the room, "I don't know what will happen in the future, but I may be able to return here to Starbase 400, who knows. For now though, I wish you all well for the future,", then glancing at Admiral T'Lar and Admiral Bremer, "and thank you". With that he stepped back to let others speak, if they wished.
Holly was not sure as to how or what to do as the promotion was something that she was not prepared for. When handed the new ranking pipe she did her best to hold back a salute but instead just smiled at the Admiral and spoke when it was appropriate, "Thank you, sir. It has been an honor to serve. I shall try and live up to this." She then turned around, almost on a dime, and faced the people in the room so they could see that she accepted the promotion. There were no words that she could say to make this any better.
Giaus gave her a pat on her back. He was proud of her.
Lwazanda was startled when Stannis approached her. The pair exchanged a few words and retreated from the party.
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