Posted by Lieutenant LeKeitah Naisyr (Counselor) in New Acquaintances: Come All, Come Meet The Marines in the Crew Lounge

Posted by Lieutenant Colonel Krin “Hannibal” Lardel (Commander, Air Group (CAG)) in New Acquaintances: Come All, Come Meet The Marines in the Crew Lounge

Posted by Major Shinzo “Oni” Honda (2IC, Air Group) in New Acquaintances: Come All, Come Meet The Marines in the Crew Lounge
Posted by… suppressed (18) by the Post Ghost! 👻
It was a casual event, Keitah was in her usual teal green pant uniform as she moved around the lounge with other NE crew preparing it for the gathering. There was a variety of dishes. She took care to determine the species of the Marine fighters and replicated food or dishes that were native to their homeward. Although she knew replicated dishes were not the same as the authentic dish she prayed it was at least tolerable for she wanted the event to feel welcoming. Keitah was also relying on the psychology of connecting food and memory. For some species, food could be an effective trigger of deeper memories of feelings and emotions, and internal states of the mind and body. She hoped none of the food evoked bad memories but only memories of joy so that a sense of community could be developed at the event.

Deidre, a science NE helped her arrange the food on the tables. One row of dishes on either side of the table in a buffet setup. Keitah looked at the time and said, “Our guests of honor should begin arriving at any moment now.”
NE Harper strolled through the door of the lounge in a smooth strut holding his oboe high in the air and flashing a big smile. “Where do you want me?” He Keitah as he approached her.
Keitah smiled and grabbed the hand that wasn’t holding the oboe, pulling him behind her as she led him to a small raised platform. “You will be here.” She turned around and placed both hands on his shoulder to position him right in the middle of the stage.
“Alrighty then.” He looked over at the food on the table. “Can I grab a bite before everyone gets here?” he asked.
“Of course,” she said waving her hand in that direction. “Help yourself. Just don’t forget to play music though.”
“I won’t, I won’t,” he said chucking as he headed for the food.

Naisyr, Counselor

These were the type of events Spartacus disliked. He wasn’t the social butterfly. But, he was the head of the department; so he should at least make an appearance. Spartacus entered the lounge hoping that he could simply blend in the background.

Neidell

Keitah noticed the CSO as soon as he arrived. “Lieutenant Neidell, welcome!” She was cheery and upbeat, which may be off putting to those who didn’t share the same demeanor, but by all means it was her job to maintain a happy persona even if no else did. She interlocked her arm with his and lead him to the bar. “I am surprised you are the first one to show up. How about a drink?” There wasn’t much about Spartacus in his profile which made him mysterious and this was intriguing to LeKeitah.

Naisyr, Counselor

“Me too.”he replied. “I guess I’ll take one. I usually try to come a little later to blend in. I’d rather be digging up artifacts than doing these kind of events”

The door slid open and the Zakdorn CAG walked in. He was in his duty uniform, but not full dress. He looked around and made his way over to the Counselor and CSO. “Evening. Counselor… this is quite the spread you have come up with. Thank you for helping us feel welcome.” His words were professionally polite and he held a hand out the CSO. “Lieutenant Colonel Krin Lardel. A pleasure.”

Lardel, CAG

After the Colonel walked into the lounge, Keitah called out his name “Colonel Lardel…uh Hannibal! Over here!” she waved her hands in the air to make sure she got his attention.
When he approached her and the CSO and complimented her on the set up she said, “Oh yay! I am so glad you like it. I didn’t do it all by myself. I had some wonderful NE’s to help me out.” She quickly looked around the room and got her eyes on NE Harper. He was stuffing his face and flirting. His instincts must have warned him that Keitah had her eyes on his, because he made eye contact with her, and she squinted her eyes at him. Nonverbal communication that he better be ready at the appointed time. NE Harper gave Keitah a nod and did a quick salute to ensure her that he wouldn’t let her down. “I have a surprise for you too. But please help yourself to some food.”

Shinzo came strolling in wearing his fatigue/duty uniform with all of his patches and badges on it. He thought that this would be easier for people to remember him since he rarely wore civilian clothing. Waving to Naisyr and Neidell. “Hello! I hope I am not too early?” Looking around he gave a long whistle. “Wow! Nice spread! You all have out done yourselves for this event and I will add that this ship has gone above and beyond in making all of us feel welcomed. I am Major Shinzo Honda, Bravo Squad Leader and second in command of the Marines here. How may I be of assistance?”

Shinzo “Oni” Honda, Bravo Sqd Ldr

“Oh, stop!” she said as she released the CSO’s arm playfully tapped Shinzo on his shoulder. “We are so lucky to have you all aboard. Don’t even think about lifting a finder. This is your party. Please help yourself to the food. Move around and mingle. I am sure the XO and the Captain will show up soon. Later on, I hope the Colonel,” She looked at Hannibal, “will be okay with saying a few words and giving a formal introduction to the team?”

Naisyr, Counselor

“When you deem it time, I will be happy to do so. Just give me the word.” Lardel said with a friendly, albeit professional, smile.

Neidell CSO

Shinzo smiled. “Very well then. I shall just try to enjoy myself.” He leaned in close to her and whispered. “Is everything here non-alcoholic? I don’t want there to be problem with some of the guests on both sides because they took in too much of the drink, if you know what I mean. Plus you never know when an emergency will arise and I don’t want the whole battalion drunk when it does occur.”

Shinzo “Oni” Honda, Bravo Sqd Ldr

“Oh” she said as she grimaced her face and pressed her lips together. “Almost everything here, besides the food, has alcohol. A human companion of mine once told me don’t even bother throwing a party if there are no alcoholic drinks involved.” She pointed to a sad lonely bowl at the very end of the table that held orange liquid, “That bowl there is full of orange juice. As you can see it’s still nearly full.”

“Oh well. It is fine. They know to behave.” He winked.

Ruthie Rutherford, the new nurse, walked into the meet and greet discreetly. She hated being seen eating or drinking in public, so instead, she would carry around an empty glass and pretend to sip from it occasionally. So she crept behind everyone, snagged a cup from the table, and stood in the corner unobtrusively.

-Ensign Ruthie Rutherford, RN

Keitah spotted the nurse as soon as she walked in.

Siraa had already done this. She had baby sat almost the entirety of the air group while they got a meal and settled in their quarters when they arrived. She made sure they kept their heads and their egos in check and played nice. Now they were doing it again. When this was announced she’d volunteered for flight deck duty. That had been great, until she was told all birds had been grounded for the duration of the party.

At exactly the time the event was supposed to start, Siraa entered the lounge. She might not want to party and “mingle”, but she was ordered to be there and she was. She made her way across the room, stopping to speak to people she’d met already. Marines grom the 29th marine battalion and the 214, as well as Fleet crew they had become aquainted with over the last few days. She grabbed a drink as she made her way over to where Lardel and Honda were standing, before Lardel could start shouting about where she was. She grinned an almost ferral smile. It wasn’t like Lardel didn’t have reason to worry. Social gatherings and Siraa were the reason she got the name IRIS.

Mar Cpt sh’Rharror, Delta SQLD

Hannibal looked at IRIS and said “About time, Captain.” and then he grinned at her. Oh, he knew exactly how much she hated these things. But he also knew it was her that told PFC Shal’na to make decaf coffee in Lardell’s office a week ago, so this was nothing but sweet sweet revenge. “Major and Captain. May I introduce the Chimera’s Counselor, Lieutenant LeKeitah Naisyr; and Chief Science Officer, Lieutenant Spartacus Neidell. Lieutenants, Marine Captain sh’Rharror, call sign IRIS. She is the squadron leader of Delta. And this is Major Shinzo Honda, call sign Oni, my second-in-command and squadron leader of Bravo.” He looked at Spartacus and said “You know, Lieutenant, the Captain here has been doing a lot of work on trying to anticipate metal fatigue in some of our birds. Perhaps you two could discuss best-practices in that arena?” He looked over IRIS’s shoulder and then said “Oh, excuse me. I wanted to grab some of those little hot-dogs.” and he walked away, a wicked and mischievous gleam in his eyes at IRIS.

Lardel, CAG

Iris gave a polite smile. “Lt Neidell, it is nice to see you again. I’m afraid the Colonel exaggerates my work. I asked our flight engineers about it. I wouldn’t mind hearing your ideas though.”

Keitah grabbed her hand enthastically, “Its an honor to meet you.” She said with a smile that showed almost all her teeth. “I hope you will stop by office for a chat.” She looked at Captain sh’Rharror and Major Shinzo Honda.

Siraa looked confused. She had already reported for her eval. “I already have, counselor.” Then she grinned, “I guess that’s good when they don’t remember you.”

Shinzo could have won an Oscar for keeping a straight face when the Colonel did what he did to IRIS. He bowed slightly at the CNS and CSO. “Pleased to meet you both. And Oni means demon in the Japanese language in case you all were going to ask and yes. I am one, to answer the second question.” He smiled and bowed again. Then noticed a lady sitting all by herself in the corner. He kept an eye on her and only hovered around a moment to answer any questions. “If you all would excuse me. I think I see someone not having a good time.”

“I was headed that way too.”

He left after answering questions and made his way over to Ensign Ruthie Rutherford. Approaching her. “Hello. It appears to me that you are not having a good time. Would you like to have some company madam?” He said as he bowed slightly.

Shinzo “Oni” Honda, Bravo Sqd Ldr

“Thank you, I–” Ruthie said. Her already-large eyes widened. She was used to the controlled chaos of Sickbay, where she wielded her own kind of knowledge and authority, and the energy of this room was a little overwhelming–not in a bad way.

As they both approched the woman and before she could respond to his offer, Keitah, flew past Shinzo and said, “Welcome.” As she approached the woman she said, “I know almost every face on the Chimera and I have never seen yours. You must be one of the new recruits. Come join us. Let me introduce you to our Marines. You know we are one of the few ships in the fleet to have them.” She said as she urged the woman to follow her back to the group, “Everyone, I have someone to introduce too. This is our new nurse! Ensign Rutherford.”

Naisyr, Counselor

Fixing split

“Excuse me,” Ruthie said toward Honda, feeling her cheeks grow hot as she felt compelled to follow the raven-haired Betazed woman instead.

“I am Nurse Ruth Rutherford, just got here from a tour on Starbase 375 in the Kalandra sector. I’ll be the one on the other side of the dermal regenerator, should any of you need patching up,” she said, summoning up all her bravado for the room of rambunctious Marines.

-Ensign Ruthie Rutherford, RN

“The Kalandra section? How long were you there? I heard, from a friend who was stationed on the Leviathan, that serpent like creatures live on the asteroids in that sector and they have been know to attack ships that get too close. Of course I don’t believe it.”

Shinzo was still standing there blinking his eyes like in a cartoon wondering what just happened. Raising himself up from his bow he looked over at CNS introducing the nurse to everyone. He knew she felt awkward in these situations just by the way she was standing and trying not to be noticed and his tact was to talk to her and let her gain some confidence and then if she waited, go mingle at the party. He was just trying to be a good Wingman to her, nothing more. But how could the CNS not see that and now that poor nurse is even more terrified. “Mental note. Do not go to that counselor.” He said quietly. Adjusting himself, he moved back to the party to where the nurse was.

“Oh, you’re going.” Lardel said quietly from directly behind his back with a broad grin.

Shinzo turned to him. “I swear you’re like that Batman fellow I’ve read about.” Smiling.

“Going where?” Keitah asked with a grin. “Major Honda are you leaving the Chimera?”

“Ah. No ma’am. Inside joke joined with orders. Nothing for you to worry about.”

“Hello again Miss Rutherford. Before I was interrupted…”and he glanced his eyes towards Naisyr then back to Ruthie…”I am Shinzo Honda. My offer still stands if you wanted company. May I get you a drink?”

Shinzo “Oni” Honda, Bravo Sqd Ldr

“Interrupted?” She said looking around the crowd for the culprit. “I sure hope no one is being rude to you. This is your party after all.” She had a serious frown on her face. Then she smiled at how gentlemanly Mr. Honda was being to Ruthie, also how he was making her feel welcomed.

Shonzo put his hand out to tell Naisyr to stop but then Ruthie spoke.

“I’m okay,” she said. “Just put on some chapstick.”

She smiled, pointing at her lips with a finger. “But it’s nice to make your acquaintance.”

“Is nice to meet yours as…” He was cut off again by the CNS.

“Awww…how sweet. Are you sure that Major Honda can’t get you at least some food? I really think he wants to. She said with a raise of her eyesbrows.”

“Ma’am. I can do this myself. Thanks.”

“I’d be careful around Major Honda, Ensign. He may look harmless, but he has way of growing on you… like a nail fungus.” and he grinned at Oni.

Lardel, CAG

He sighed. “Not helping!”

Keitah grinned, “Well we will have to make sure he grows to his full potential.”

“We can treat a fungus. in Sickbay.” Ruth said.

Was that a slyness in her eyes or just a trick of light?

-Ensign Ruthie Rutherford, RN

Siraa grinned widely, her antenna waving in amusement. “I’m Cpt sh’Rharror. It’s nice to meet you Nurse Rutherford.”

“And when it comes to the Major he will be treated with nothing but kindness.” Keitah said, a grin still plaster on her face. “Nurse Rutherford will see to that.”

Naisyr, Counselor

“Ma’am. I was a Special Forces Commander. I don’t need this kindness and I don’t need you patronizing me in front of guests. You’re not a very good Betazoid if you can’t tell I’m really annoyed right now. All I was doing in the first place was trying to be a good Wingman by setting this lady…” points to Ruthie…”All by herself and was going to give her company. Then you swoop in and act like I was trying to get with her. And now you’re making me look like an idiot here. I know I’m not helping myself out either but cut it out.”

“Indeed, Counselor. The Major rarely needs help looking like an idiot.” Lardel said, but he clapped Oni on the shoulder and then pulled him close. “Easy, buddy. They’re just weirded out by the ‘mandatory fun’. Take a breath, get a drink, and reset Major. You’re good.”

He hit a nerve by fixing is lips and presuming to know what kind of Betazoid she was. Keitah cleared her throat for a moment to compose herself. It wasn’t his fault, he was upset. Her grin faded for a moment then reappeared as she said, “I admire that you expressed your feelings just now. I also want to apologize for making you feel patronized. It wasn’t my intention. It was just friendly banter. Obviously a bit too much. I will tone it down.”

He looked at Ruthie. “My apologies to you and to everyone for my outburst. I’ll be in the corner over there or the brig, nursing a beer. Good day.” With that he walks by the CNS, grabs three beers and heads over to a corner table.

Shinzo Oni Honda Bravo Squadron Leader

Lardel looked at Naisyr and said “And this is when things typically go downhill. I’m just sorry it was my team… this time.” and he chuckled.

Lardel, CAG

OOC: This is a popular thread! Fixing split

After he left she widened her eyes then said, “I inadvertently embarrassed him. My personality can be a bit much sometimes. I was elated that he was willing to make you feel welcome.” She smiled at Ruthie. “It was sweet. However, I shouldn’t have teased with him like that. I have to remember that Marines have way different personalities from the Chimera crew. Live and learn.” She kept her eye on him. When she thought he’d cooled off she was going to approach him. “I will give him space then be sure to try connect with him later and make sure he is okay.”

Naisyr, Counselor

Siraa was watching the back and forth. Forced socialization never ended well, and she had never seen Oni lose his cool like that. She turned and grabbed a water and followed him. She slid into the seat next to him. “Well…I guess I just lost my nick name. I don’t think I can top that one.” She bumped his shoulder with hers. “Man did she have that coming.”

Mar Cpt sh’Rharror, Delta SQLD