One year later and a nameday.

Posted on Thu Jun 8th, 2023 @ 9:05am by Fleet Admiral Mike K`Wor Bremer & Admiral Deela T'Lar & Captain Jack Solomon & Colonel Ezekiel Bagwell & Lieutenant Commander Ariana Monroe-Wayne & Lieutenant Commander Anna Bagwell & Lieutenant Commander Nicholas Coleman & Lieutenant Timothy O’Riley & Lieutenant Percy McWire & Lieutenant Xalanth & Lieutenant JG Deezell Vox & Lieutenant K’lar & Ensign Diana Ravenbroke & Ensign Edg'rrr Anisu & Camron Wayne & Lieutenant Fulvia & Lieutenant Kah'lyn Chiara-Rivers & Lieutenant T'para & Lieutenant Leilani

4,733 words; about a 24 minute read

Mission: Episode 116 - "A Bounty of Trust"
Location: Starbase 400
Timeline: MD1, 1345hrs

ON:

Xalanth had a smile on his face as he and his family stepped into the holodeck. It had been a long year on Starbase 400. The fight over a ten-thousand-year-old battleship, multiple first contacts and more fights, smuggling and other incidents.

And behind all that he had his family behind him. All the love, comfort and happiness he needed to keep him going through all the darkness and now it was time to celebrate that family. His mates dressed in modified light red tunics of his people were behind him with all of his children his girls dressed in the robes of young dragonians. The only exception being Yazar who now wore the grey jumpsuit of a young dragonian. Though it was little Antistia who they were there to celebrate now a year old curdled up in her father's arms.

it was her name day and though he couldn't take her to his homeworld he was determined to do it in the way of his clan.

The holodeck shimmered as his clan's soul cave appeared before him. The giant underground lake that stretched off into the darkness which was the source of his people's power was a relaxing site to see. His family stood in the entrance tunnel before the altar and celebratory space that his people used for celebrations.

Handing his youngest to her mother the lizard started getting to work laying out the food and drink on the stone tables that covered the dusty ground of the celebration area. It was his duty as host.

As always, when it came to going to a party of any kind, Dee was struggling to choose what to wear. She was stood in front of her mirror for the forth time. This time she was in a purple dress which came to just above her knees. She was wearing long black leggings underneath the dress. Most of the dress was smooth except for the area around her bosom which was crinkled like scrunched up tissue paper. On each wrist he had a gold bracelet with purple gemstones and hanging from her ears she wore earrings that were almost miniatures of the bracelets. She smiled. "Bingo" she exclaimed.

She then left her quarters and headed for the holodeck where the celebrations would soon begin. She entered through the large doors. She made a beeline for Xalanth and on approaching him she smiled. "Can I be of any help? I know I am a guest but I do like to help at parties." she asked.


K'lar had opted for something casual, yet still traditional. He donned a black and red tunic with intricate gold embroidery along the hem and cuffs. It was made of a sturdy, yet comfortable material that could withstand a battle but also allowed him to move freely on the dance floor.

He chose a simple black leather belt with a silver buckle that featured the emblem of his house. He paired the tunic with black pants and sturdy black boots that ran halfway up his calves. A thick silver bracelet sat on his right wrist and matched a necklace with a small pendant featuring the emblem of the Klingon Empire. A small, ceremonial dagger was tucked into his belt, nodding to his warrior roots.

He entered moments after Lt. JG Vox and moved to join her as she spoke with Lt. Xalanth.

Mike arrived, in his duty uniform. With the Klingon bounty hunter on the station, and a mission to the Delta Quadrant looming, he knew he couldn't stay long. He made sure to speak with Xalanth, express his joy for the naming day festivities and also apologize for not being able to stay long.

Anna wore her hair down for change. She was wearing a green dress that was one of Zeke’s favorites and she always felt good wearing it. It was nice to be out of uniform and spending time with her fiancé while he was at the station.

"You look incredible." Ezekiel said with a grin on his face. He could not believe she was wearing a green dress. She really pulled it off nicely. He wondered if Anna knew the Chief of Security? He barely knew him. Mainly he heard about him from Admiral Bremer, the Specs Ops CO. In a low voice he asked. "Do you know Xalanth or his family?"

"Yes." Anna smiled as she looked over at Zeke. "I delivered their baby. It was a first for me, I've never experienced birth like that before. I am really glad I was there."

Zeke just grinned for a moment. His first reaction was to sneak up to the back of the room and avoid most of the crowd, but he knew he had to be more socially interactive especially if he ever wanted to work up the rink of Captain or to Admiral Someday. "Perhaps you can introduce me to them later on, if time permits." Zeke said, in a low time to make sure only Anna could hear him. He hoped Anna was proud of the step he was trying to take.

"Yes." Anna nodded. "I'll keep a look out for an opportunity." She knew that Zeke was making an effort and silently applauded him. "It is nice to get dressed up and go out together."

"It is." Zeke said with a big grin on his face. He still felt a little uncomfortable, but having Anna by his side, made all the difference in the world. He gently patted the top of her hand for emotional support. Despite not showing it on his face that he needed it.

"And it gives you a small taste of what to look forward to when we have our little bundle of joy." She grinned at him as she tries to lessen his anxiety.

"A baby? Are you?" The casting a little helpful, but he assuming that she would tell him in a more private setting not in a public setting like this but it never hurt to ask. But the grin on his face he eagerly waited her answer.

"No." Anna shook her head. "I would never tell you in this situation. I was referring to when our miracle happens." She was surprised he would think that but she had made it seem so.

Diana had opted for something casually formal: a pastel pink knee length dress with silver leggings with dark chocolate brown boots.

"Wow...this place is AMAZING!" Diana gapped at the cavern, nearly falling over her feet as she kept looking around.

Kah’lyn arrived alongside Croesus, carrying their daughter Verelan. The last year had certainly flown by, and Fulvia had been there to help Kah’lyn adjust to motherhood.

Ariana followed on through the doors with Cameron, it had been a while since they’d had a night out alone so she’d arranged for both their children to spend the evening with a babysitter. She smiled as she held onto Cameron’s arm.

For this night Cameron was testing out something new. He was dressed in a nice suit one of the few he owned but under the coat he wore a thick black belt that held the hover units that allowed him to stand he actually hovered a centimeter off the floor but it was enough to give the impression he was walking around at least for a couple hours.

Ariana smiled proudly as she looked at her husband. “Have I ever told you how handsome you look in that suit?”

"Once or twice." Said Cameron with a chuckle "I just hope the power pack lasts long enough to make it the whole service. I know what these kind of parties mean and would hate to detract from it.

Am I going to get into any fights tonight because you look absolutely ravishing." He added lightly as he softly sueezed her hand

“I certainly hope not” Ariana grinned. “Besides I’m all yours now, happily married and forever at your side.”

"I know and nothing could make me happier but it is something that will take a little getting used to. I was a confirmed bachelor before I met you after all." Said Cameron lightly as he squeezed her hand.

“Well I’ll do whatever I can to help with that adjustment Imzadi.” Ariana smiled as she leant closer and kissed him on the cheek.

Coleman couldn't figure out what to wear to a naming ceremony. He wasn't sure if it was to be more casual or more formal, so he went through several different outfits before deciding on something from Earth back in the times after Earth finally became united after the Vulcans arrived on the planet. It was a blue shirt with a few buttons near the collar to be able to button it up, along some slacks that looked rather nice with the shirt. He walked down to the holodeck and when the doors opened, he realized that he wasn't the first person to arrive.

Walking over to K'Lar, Coleman said, "Good morning, Lieutenant. Sorry it took me a bit to get here. I had to finish the reports on the Tikhov. I wanted to thank you and Vashir for all you guys did for the mission and making it a success."

"Ah yes", replied the Klingon with a hand on his belt. "We have spent almost a year expanding the Seedbank aboard the Tikhov. It started last year when we replaced a handful of varieties. Vashir spent almost a year negotiating to get some some of those varieties. She also helped request numerous other plant species to expand the Tikhov's venerable library."

K'lar was proud about the work done with the Tikhov over the past few months. Not only did they expand the seed catalog aboard the ship. K'lar was able to expand the botany program aboard Starbase 400 by using seeds from the ship to propagate new plants for the starbase. The biosphere and arboretum had expanded with over 75 new plant species since the Tikhov's arrival.

What started as a simple mission replenishing seeds had become a year-long project of detailed research.

Tim and Olivia arrived at the ceremony and looked around, and for him this was something new. He was dressed in his dress uniform, because he was not sure what he needed to wear but he wanted to look nice for this occasion. It wasn't often that Oliva and he got out like this and was happy that they were able to get a sitter for the twins. He was not sure what happened during something like a naming ceremony, but he had a pretty good idea. Leaning in to talk to Olivia he said, "Any idea what this ceremony is like."

“Absolutely none” Olivia shrugged her shoulders as she smiled at TJ. This was a rare night out for them without the twins. “No doubt we’ll find out my love.”

Percy arrived a bit later to the ceremony he dressed up in checked brown/hazel suit with a red tie. It was his first time attending a naming ceremony. He was happy of receiving an invite. He could see that quite a few people have gathered to celebrate this special day with Xalanth and his family.

" Welcome one and all." Xalanth said to the small crowd of arrivals. " If you'd like to help we need the food and dishes placed out. If you'd like to explore the area feel free, but if you decide to go down the passage with the two statues on either end I must warn you it's to be tribes necropolis and we do display are dead bones openly so please be warned in advance."

"I will gladly help put the food and dishes out." Dee dvised.

Edg'rrr awoke hair standing on end with his back arched as Courage blew a horn. "Ah, finally you are awake.". Said Courage as Edg'rrr looked at him still processing what happened. Eventually calming down enough.

"Really?!" Said Edg'rrr as Courage drifted around arranging things around the room.

"I've been trying to wake you for around an hour. Your party invitation has already started.". Said Courage as Edg'rrr realized the time and rapidly got ready by getting cleaned and everything. "What outfit should I prepare for you?"

"I could go as a pirate.". Came Edg'rrr's voice from the washroom as it slightly changed to something more gruff. "Arr, happy...what is it again?"

"A dragonian naming ceremony. I believe Xalanth's youngest is the one receiving it.". Said Courage.

"Okay so no pirates. Actually thought he was Gorn originally." Said Edg'rrr as Courage replicated a dress outfit from the Federation's records. It was white with gold colored trims with black pants.

"I doubt it would be appropriate.". Said Courage as Edg'rrr walked out and got dressed. His ear drooped as Courage helped.

"Think he'll remember me or the guy I put into a coma?". Said Edg'rrr.

"You'll do fine.". Said Courage as he finished. "Now go. Don't forget the gift you got them. Mingle. You're Starfleet remember and Starfleet isn't afraid of anything are they?" Hearing this Edg'rrr smiled heading out. Arriving he approached the doors to the holodeck fidgeting with his hands.

"I'm fine. I'm fine. It's just the one fellow officer you met with his family and most of the higher staff. No worries. No worries.". Said Edg'rrr calmly to himself clutching the box containing a stuffed animal. "Of course maybe they do have fish or something too. Ooo ribs, fries, burgers! Alright fine, we go in, exchange pleasantries, eat, leave before a nervous breakdown. Not so hard.". As the doors opened and he saw everyone suddenly he felt very small but smiled none-the-less entering. "Maybe facing a fleet of warships is easier.

Deezell had finished putting out different dishes of food onto the tables and decided to take a seat. She started to watch the interactions amongst the other guests.

Ariana saw her friend Deezell sitting alone, excusing herself for a moment she made her way across. “Hi Dee” She smiled warmly. “Surely you’re not sitting all alone? You’re welcome to join Cameron & I once we get around to sitting down that is.”

"Oh hi Ariana. Erm I'd like to be alone for a while. I'm dealing with stuff. I've come to get away from work for a while but not sure if I can be that sociable at the moment. I will try. " She said in a softer tone than she normally spoke in.

Ariana nodded. “That’s fair enough, if there’s anything you need to talk about later you know where to find me okay?” She smiled warmly.

"Of course. I am going to avoid having any alcohol as I know full well that won't end well." Dee replied, trying to smile.

Ariana grinned. “Just stick to the synthahol and you’ll be fine. If you need me I’ll be here to talk to.”

"Synthahol? seriously" Dee commented.

Ariana nodded and grinned. “No chance of getting drunk then.”

Xalanth smiled at the crowd of people who had arrived as he picked up the last item on the table a large. Walking over to Deezell he opened it up and withdrew what was contained inside. A very small crystal jar with a drop of water inside. " Deezell thank you for the help. I'd like to give you your gift first." He said as he handed over the small glass jar.

Taking the crystal jar from Xalanth, she smiled. "Thank you. " she said looking closely at the crystal jar.

" It’s the most holy gift one of my kind can give. A drop of water refined from my own blood. Given freely there is no more precious gift for my people." he explained before moving onto Mike and handing him his jar.

Dee looked deeply into the crystal jar and at the water in the bottom. Now she knew the significance of the water, the gift became so much more. "Wow, I don’t think I have ever in all my five life times have I been give such a gift. I am honoured Xalanth. "

Xalanth closed the box as he walked back over to Deezell. " What's up, my friend." He said sitting down beside her.

"You are very perceptive aren't you Xalanth. I guess I am not hiding how I feel very well today. You would think with five life times of experience, I would be able deal with the issues I am experiencing or at the very least, not let them bother me or hide how I feel. It's quite a mess to be honest with you and right now, I am not sure what to do. " She replied.

" It's my job to notice such things my friend and I'm bonded to a nurse, counsellor and intelligence agent. One would think my family has that ability maxed out." the lizard replied with a grin on his face. " Now tell me what's troubling you."

"You realise that by asking me that question, sends you down a rabbit hole leading to a whole maze of troubles. But, I do need to talk to someone about this. I will start with the big one. I am unsure of my sexuality and as a result, my family back home are worried about me and that in turn is causing issues with their friends. I was with someone for a while, Ensign K'Lara Fulvinia, she helped me with my sexuality and explore it. But just when I started to relax and become comfortable, she gets transferred to another outpost, making communications difficult and so things have come to grinding halt between us. I'm now alone again. I didn't want to let you down today. I did consider not coming but I wouldn't be much of a friend now would I." She sighed. She felt somewhat better after getting it all out in the open but it was far from solved.

" My friend I'm not sure if you know this, but I'm a member of an egg-laying upright lizard species who is attracted to mammals with breasts," Xalath replied giving her a reassuring smile. " Have you spoken to a councillor about it?" he said dropping into his professional tone.

Dee was slightly amused by the term Mammals with Breasts, being one herself. "Well, I probably did unconsciously know that about you. I am not sure at present what I am attracted to. I honestly thought I did but now I am not sure. I think I need to speak to someone about it. I do want a family of my own. " She said smiling.

" Talk to a counsellor. It will help I know that from personal experience." Xalanth said with a reassuring look and tone that spoke from personal experience.

"I will. But, right now I am distracting you from the event at hand and the celebrations. Lets get back to that shall we?" Dee suggested.

" Indeed, Let's get some food and drink in you. You'll feel better. " Xalanth said as he stood up and picked up his box.

"Absolutely." Dee replied. She headed over to the buffet. Picking up a plate and a napkin she glanced over the array of different items. It was so hard to chose as everything looked so good. She was now thinking it was wise that her dress had some give in it as she knew full well she would have a bit of belly on her after trying all this lush food.


~ Sickbay ~

In sickbay, Jack was laying on a biobed, as various checks were run on him. He was glad to feel the comfort of a biobed again and was also glad that he hadn't been blown to pieces by the security patrols when he returned to the station. Looking to one side, he saw Deela standing beside him and for the first time in a long time, he felt safe again.

Deela had missed the ceremony but with everything going on, she couldn't make it. She would apologize to Xalanth later.



~ The Party ~

Back at the party, K’lar now stood near the food. Xalanth, Dee and other guests had helped arrange several dishes. People were lining up and starting to eat.

K’lar moved down the line, placing what seemed like a diverse array of foods onto his plate. A server mixed a synthahol cocktail which K’lar didn’t recognize.

“This food is quite palatable”, K’lar said to those around him in a typically Klingon manner of speaking.

"Thank you sir it's all from my homeworlds." Yazar chirped in. " I made the karadon meatballs myself." she added gesturing to the meatballs in a very spicy red sauce.

Coleman had enjoyed the entire thing and walked over to grab something to eat, where he saw K'Lar and several others grabbing something to eat and drink. He walked over to K'Lar and said, "What kind of delicious stuff do we have over here?"

K'lar smiled towards the Lieutenant Commander. "This food is all new to me. I am enjoying the fresh tastes", he said before taking another forkful of meatball.

" All the finest food from my homeworld and the four world that blessed me with one of their most beautiful daughters," Xalanth added as he walked past making sure everyone had what they needed.

"My compliments to good choices", the relatively chipper Klingon added.

Diana grabbed a plate of...something that look strange but smelled delicious, and started to wander over to Xalanth, but stopped as Percy go to him first.

Percy grabbed some food and a drink. The food looked yummy. He then walked over to Xalanth and his family and congratulated them to their daughter.

" Thank you my friend." Xalanth replied to Percy as he handed him his bottle of water.

Dee sat back on one of the seats around the buffet area. She was full but everything looked sooooo good she wanted to go for more but she knew if she did, she might explode. She was sat next to Ariana. Leaning toward her....

"I have eaten too much. But oh man is it good food." She exclaimed, rubbing her stomach which was slightly bulgy.

Ariana couldn’t help but grin. “Why not! Enjoy it while it’s there. As long as you don’t suffer for it later.”

"Knowing me I will suffer. I can't afford to put any weight on. I am in a jeffries tube most of the time and those things are not spacious. Back to the food, did you try those things that kind of look like sausage rolls but are way bigger and filled with meat and spices?" Dee asked.

“Actually I can’t say I have, but I think I’ll have to!” Ariana grinned. “I’m not that hungry right now but I’ll try one later on.”

"Yeah. I am got to hold back for a while to let all this go down before I venture over again." Dee commented.

Edg'rrr sat at one of the tables alone fidgeting with the box. He felt out of place. Like he might be intruding on something private even though he knew he was invited. One of his legs vibrated with nerves until a beep came from his badge. "You really should mingle with the others a bit." Said Courage as Edg'rrr almost flew out of chair before catching himself and sitting upright.

"Please don't do that. Also are you watching us?" Asked Edg'rrr hoping no one noticed.

"I've piggy backed only this civilian feed. Nothing illegal." Said Courage as Edg'rrr really tried not to look suspicious.

"Really need to work on privacy though." Said Edg'rrr.

"Only if you work on your social skills. Now go on already. We'll start with the gift.". Said Courage as Edg'rrr stood up with the gift making his way over to Xalanth.

Xalanth had taken Antistia so her mother could eat and was playing with the little hybrid chirping at her father. Looking up Xalnth smiled at Edg'rrr. " Thank you for coming my friend. I hope your enjoying the party." He said holding his daughter one-handed as he drew one of the glass bottles from it's box and offered it to the ensign.

Edg'rrr carefully took the glass vial exchanging it with his own gift. "T-thank you sir.". Said Edg'rrr nervously as he looked at the little vial with curiosity before giving a slight nod and awkward smile to Xalanth before returning to take his seat at the empty table forgetting there was food available.

Xalanth cleared his throat and tapped his glass having handed out the last of the water bottle. Turning to his eldest he gave her a warm smile. " Now that your an adult how about you go and get her?" He smiled to which his daughter nodded and stood up and headed for the crypt.

" Thank you for coming all ladies, gentlemen and other lifeforms. I know the previous year had flown by since my youngest joined this family." He said looking over at his youngest who her mother was holding. " I thank all of you for joining me here in my clan's most sacred treasure. Or as best as your idiot security chief can recreate it from memory."

“It looks wonderful to us Xalanth!” Ariana smiled warmly. “Thank you for having us all here to celebrate with you.”

"I will second that, Xalanth. It's fantastic and the food, wow. I am full to busting and happy as can be. Thank you for letting us, your friends, celebrate this day with you. " Dee added to Ariana's comments.

"You're definitely NOT an idiot! You're awesome! If it's not like this...then I'll walk on my hands for two hours!" Diana laughed, lightly punching Xalanth on the none kid holding shoulder.

"Yeah, it was definitely a bit of fun to do something other than working all the time. It's good to remember to do stuff like this sometimes," Coleman offered, raising a glass to the momentous occasion.

Xalanth smiled as the crowd gave their thanks. Yazar had returned holding a bowl in her hands. It was clearly very old yet despite it's rather plane appearance that it was dear to the family. " Thank you my dear." Xalanth said as he placed it in front of him.

" In the beginning, the eldar ones created the universe. " Xalanth began as he started his people's origin tale. " Out of their primordial darkness came two beings. Fire the chosen warrior of the elder ones and night the chosen daughter. A thinker and builder. The Eldar ones in their cruel nature twisted a tale to make their two children fight. Only the two didn't fight. They sat and talked for a thousand years their tears of love for each other mixing with each other until the two could hold one another. From their love came the first dragonian and their blood flows in your veins little one." he looked down at the daughter in his arms as he stood and poured a vile of water into the bowl.

Dee was awe struck at the ceremony. So beautiful. She couldn't help think about her own future and whether she would one day experience having children of her own. Despite the fact she had the memories of giving birth to and raising three children, thanks to being joined, she still wanted her own. She smiled as she listened and watched Xalanth, resting her hands on her slightly bulging belly from way too many trips to the buffet table.

"I'm glad that we were able to be here for your little one's big day. I know how important it is to you and your entire family," Coleman said, running his finger along the cheek of the newest member of Xalanth's family, hearing the young one coo in response.

Xalanth nodded as he dipped his figures into the bowl and drew they symbols of fire and light on his daughter's head. " I proclaim you as Antistia first of her name guarded by all those who share your blood. From the first to the last till we all called back to fire and night." He said loudly before pouring the last of the water over the cliff into the lake sealing her fate with the fate of his people. He smiled at his youngest. It was a good day.



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