Posted Sept. 8, 2021, 4:47 p.m. by Lieutenant Junior Grade Zarus DeSai (Chief Medical Officer) (Jim Watkin)
It was a welcome relief to be back at starbase for Zarus. When they returned to their quarters the mail indicator on the console was lit indicated they had received mail. The message was from a friend who was attending a diplomatic function at the starbase. He had invited Zarus to attend a formal dinner that was taking place that evening. Despite being tired, Zarus could not refuse. They had no idea if and when paths would cross again.
Whilst walking along the corridors towards the airlock, Zarus felt a little out of place in their white dress uniform, but once at the starbase function suite Zarus noticed that of all the Starfleet officers around they seemed to be the only officer of a rank lower than Commander. They wonderred if Commodore Andone had been invited. As Zarus was about to enter the main dining room a tall stocky built security officer stepped infront of them. Zarus looked up and up at the man but resisted the urge to step backwards.
“Sorry Ensign, This is a private function for invited delegates only,” he said firmly
“I am Ensign DeSai,” Zarus replied, “I received an invite from Admiral Procter, no please excuse me You are in my way.”
Zarus began to step around the security officer but he easily moved to block their path.
“A likely story, now be on your way, young man,” The officer replied.
Being referred to as a man bothered Zarus under the best of circumstances, but would normally let it be. Zarus was often mistaken for either an effeminate man or a masculine woman but the security officer’s derogatory use pushed Zarus’ buttons.
“With all due respect, Lieutenant, I suggest that you do your job properly,” Zarus replied, “That is to review the guest list. If you still see the need to eject me then you will find me at the Admiral’s table in accordance with the seating plan.”
Zarus stepped sideways but was once again blocked by the security officer. There was an exaggerated “Ah-hem” from behind the security officer. Zarus could not see the person who had made the deliberate sound to attract attention, but the security officer smiled as though he won something. That smile quickly vanished as a voice that Zarus recognised spoke.
“Lieutenant DeSai is a personal guest of the Admiral and I. Now BE GONE!”
The security officer immediately withdrew revealing a captain that was aged in his late forties.
“Thank you, Captain. It is good to see you again.” Zarus replied approaching the officer.
“OK table rule this evening for our table at least: There are no ranks. You call someone by their rank, sir, or ma’am then you buy a round. Trust me it can get quite expensive,” he said, “but I’m just Ben as you well know.”
“Last point on the subject of rank,” Zarus said indicating to their solitary gold pip, “I am only an ensign.”
“Well in that case I suggest you act surprised when Andone hands you your black pip,” Ben replied smiling. “Come on. Ben is waiting at the table,” Ben said referring to his husband, the admiral, “There is someone he’d like you to meet and the first round of drinks is on me.”
-DeSai
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