Posted by Commander Luka (Executive Officer) in 17/18 Forward- A gathering (All Crew!)

Posted by Lieutenant Julien Smith (Doctor) in 17/18 Forward- A gathering (All Crew!)

With the dust settling on their time-bending mission, it was time to gather. It was going to be a vastly different one than previous ones and certainly more hopeful than when the previous Athena had gone down. There was a slight somber cloud that hovered over this aftermath, though it felt not quite as dire as before. At least this time she hadn’t lost a quarter of her crew. Still, there had been a few casualties for whom they had already had a service for, and crew changes that had left everyone trying to catch up.

Deciding that this gathering required a different feel, she crafted the following invitation:

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To: ALL Crew
From: Fleet Captain Koraia, Ghubari [Commanding Officer]

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Your presence is requested and required at a formal gathering tomorrow at 1600 hours in our recreation area. Formal dress would be appropriate but dress uniforms not required. There will be a formal portion the gathering down In 18 Forward at the beginning but afterwards it is a party, so stay for the fun if you like. The rest of 17 Forward, plus the Recreation Hall will host the rest of the gathering.

I know it’s been a turbulent time lately, but do know that I appreciate your continued dedication. You are the epitome of what is to serve the Federation that others look up to.

~Ghubari Koraia

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Satisfied with the tenor and the intentions behind the invite, she sent it off.

The lounge was transformed only a little bit with some lower lighting, and banquet tables with food and beverages. Ghubari arrived dressed in a long black velvet gown that hugged her torso and flowed off her hips gently to the floor. She actually wore higher heels for the first time in ages, now that she actually could. Her soft mass of tight curls held a simple sparkling crystal band in silver and clear stones.

In her hands, Koraia carried a case in both hands, though she simply shifted it to one arm so her other hands could pick up the skirt of her dress so she didn’t trip as she moved down the stairs into the lunge space of 18 Forward.

“Can I help you with that, Captain?” one of the lounge staff asked.

She looked over her shoulder and smiled. “Yes, actually. If you don’t mind, this box needs to go downstairs near the podium.”

“You go it,” he said with a nod and carefully took the box from her. It left her free to greet her crew as they arrived and point them downstairs.

Fl. Captain Koraia, CO

“Heels suit you Captain.” she heard the very unique multilayered voice behind her.

Ghubari spun herself around once and threw her hands out to the sides as if to say ‘ta-da!’ despite the rather simple movement. She grinned. “All the better for dancing. I tell you Laraan, I never through I’d actually dance normally ever again. It’s… something else and even though it’s no longer new it feels like it is. Not a day goes by that I’m not grateful.”

Laraan’s dress was also long and a tight fit, only it was red and at several places all over her frame, where it was appropriate to show skin, it was transparent, showing off the red filigree frillings adorning her skin so they looked as if they were part of the red dress - or vice versa. The dress was made of sheer Andorian red silk, so it was actually hard to tell where the dress stopped and her red frillings started, it had an almost meszmerizing effect.

• Laraan, CNS

Reaching out, she rested her hands on Laraan’s shoulders and smiled warmly before giving her a hug. “You look exquisite ,” she said softly. “Think you can warm up that brother of mine later so he’ll actually dance with me?” she joked. Stark would if he had to or in this case was appropriately coerced.

Fl. Captain Koraia, CO

Although she had not been a part of the previous mission, Luka still figured she should make her way to the gathering, get-together, whatever it was. After some deliberation, she decided to wear her traditional formal-wear. She stepped into the lounge, her bare toes making little sound as they stepped across the floor. She wore a pale green tunic and a roman-style toga with tan material and darker green trim.

She glanced around the room and noticed the Captain and another officer chatting. Deciding not to interrupt them, she slipped over to the Banquet table, grabbing a cup and pouring herself some punch. She took a sip. Mmmm, it’s quite good.

Luka, XO

OOC: My incomplete Google sites page, which has an example image of Laleri in formal-wear. https://sites.google.com/view/all-about-galdor/culture/clothing
- Miriam

A tall and broad shouldered man came in. He wore black slacks and a simple black shirt that accentuated his very fit physique. His strides and posture was full of confidence and purpose. He had short, black curly hair and tanned skin. He made a beeline to the banquet table and came to stand next to Luka eyeing the punch bowl she stood in front. His eyes were odd, both green, but they still looked mismatched. He looked at Luka then and his eyes showed no surprise, rather interest as he took in her appearance.

Luka had intended to step over and join the Captain’s conversation, but the man stepping over to her as she enjoyed the punch changed her mind. She took another sip, glancing sideways at the man, her nose picking up on things her eyes did not. Human, confident, well built. His eyes were strange though. She made a mental note.

“Hello there.” he said in a deep baritone voice. “pleased to meet you, and not only because you’ve found the punch.” he said and smiled. “I’ve always wanted to meet a Laleri in the flesh. I’ve only read about your species in a recent paper… oh sorry, where are my manners… I’m Lt. Julien Smith, a new doctor on the ship.” he said and inclined his head shortly, a stray black lock falling into his forehead.

• Julien Smith, doctor

“I’m pleased to meet you as well,” Luka said, turning to the man and giving a slight bow. “I’m Commander Lukagu, Executive Officer of the Athena, but we’re not in uniform so you can call me Luka. I’m a new arrival as well.” She tilted her head slightly. “I’ve heard of humans, myself, but I’m sorry to admit that you’re not the first one I’ve met, so… not as exciting. I’m sure oodles of papers about your species are read on my planet though.”

“What I am curious about is, what was the paper about?” she asked, grabbing a cup and pouring the doctor some punch, then handing him the cup as she slowly wandered towards some seating, assuming he would follow.

Luka, XO

Dan walked in to the room wearing his dress uniform. Dan wasn’t sure what to do now that he was here. Dan looked around hoping to see a familiar face.

Ensign Dan Jones (Scientist)