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Fan Tail Lounge Fancy Dress Party - alt-time side Sim - Open to All

Posted Dec. 8, 2018, 11:35 p.m. by Lieutenant Tiastri Ezial (Chief Engineer) (Melissa Aragon)

Posted by Lieutenant Junior Grade Adebowale Mbala (Ship’s Dentist) in Fan Tail Lounge Fancy Dress Party - alt-time side Sim - Open to All
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Tia smiled and laughed slightly. “I appreciate that, Sir. And I assure you, I will only do what is necessary. I am sure even if it’s just an interim assignment, and a new CE is arriving soon, I would never abuse the power or allowances given to me.” She finished her drink and leaned back relaxing a moment. “I shouldn’t keep you if you desire to depart or have someplace you’d rather be.” She smiled knowingly at him. She had seen the look at the other when she had left. She didn’t want him to feel a need to entertain her simply because she was here.

Nkosenye took a drink and said very matter-of-factly “Not at all. I find it a good thing to get to know the crew. My position does not often allow for social interaction. Now, then… would you care for another drink? Or is there somewhere else you would rather be. I will take no offense. I am simply here to enjoy the party.”

Tia nodded, “Another drink would be nice, if you will join me. I can’t think of anyplace other than my quarters where I would be this evening. And I’m not sure ‘rather’ is a word I would associate with the location.” She laughed and smiled.

Nkosenye nodded and stood up and moved to the bar, fetching the replacement drinks. Making is way back, he sat the drinks down and seated himself. “I have not attended a party in some time. This is much different from parties at my home.”

Tia smiled and thanked him for the drink. “How ‘are’ the parties back home?” She watches the Security Chief and wondered if this atmosphere was making him homesick. If it was, maybe she’d consider feining tiredness so he would have an excuse to escape.

Nkosenye looked around and said “We did not have parties for party’s sake. It was always a celebration of an event or an accomplishment. My family raised me in the traditional ways of my people. What we celebrated, and how we did so, goes back to before written history. It always seemed… important. This-” and he gestured around at the party in general, “- is very enjoyable. It just seems… hollow.” and he sighed and took a drink.

Tia looked around the room. “You said you celebrate an accomplishment or an event. How is the celebration of life, and friendship, when done with family and friends, hollow?” She leaned on the table and watched the CoS. “Life in space is short. One never knows when the next day won’t come. After a mission like we’ve been thru, it’s not uncommon to come together. We celebrate the fact we awoke the following day. And we remember and mourn the slightly smaller number in our family.” The young woman sighed. “This ship is a family, make no mistake. Could you imagine spending months, or even years, in space with your family, with no celebrations. Birthdays celebrate another year of life. But why should life only be celebrated once a year?” She wasn’t sure what prompted the thoughts. But once they had been spoken, she couldn’t think of a better answer she could have given.

Nkosenye’s trademark scowl never left his face, but he looked intently at Tia as she spoke. When she was done, he remained silent for several moments. He then grunted, whether at her or at himself wasn’t clear. But the scowl softened slightly and he said “Maybe you are right. Maybe…” and he stood up, turned to face the room, and raised his drink in a toast. He deep voice rumbled over the myriad conversations in the room, and as he began speaking the place fell quiet.”A toast. To those of us who continue on the path… and to those who now look upon us to carry their memories.” Raised glasses answered and few ‘Hear hear’ were heard, and Nkosenye took a sip and then sat back down.

Tia managed a small grin as the man grunted. But as he rose and made the toast, the reaction in the room made her grin grow. When he sat down, she reached over to tink her own glass against his. “Well done, and said, Chief.” She winked at him and took a sip. “Careful, I’m liable to corrupt you. May find yourself celebrating with us ‘heathens’ for no reason at all, more often.” She took a sip of her drink and laughed.

“Heathens. My people were called such in the past.” and he looked intently at her for a moment, the same scowl firmly affixed. “If these people and mine are ‘heathens’, then I must say…” and a slight twinkle danced in his eye, “… they throw the best parties.”

“You should smile more often, Chief,” she set her glass down and nodded towards the hall. “I’m sure your young lady would enjoy it, thoroughly.” She chucked her chin in that direction and smiled. “You should go… You have been so good to get me involved. And I am grateful and owe you one. So I’ll repay it now. Go on… I’m going to finish this and head to bed. Have to see the XO for my final check in in the morning. Who knows, maybe I’ll be the Chief Engineer, for good, by lunch.” She laughed and nodded to him. “It’s all right… go have a good evening.” Her smile was warm and genuine. She hoped she had made a friend on the ship this night.

Nkosenye didn’t acknowledge the inferred acknowledgement of his previous interaction with Cross, but he did drain his drink and stand up. “A good evening to you. I would not be surprised if I was to refer to you as Chief Engineer from now on. Good evening.” and he made his way out of the lounge and went to his quarters.

At the same time, Ade was returning back to the bar after visiting the head, where he had relieved his small bladder, after drinking so much beer. He had overheard the comments about “heathens” and “best parties” but couldn’t understand the Chief’s permanent scowl or his abrupt exit, as he hadn’t heard the rest of the conversation.

“What is the problem with the COS?” Ade asked. “He’s correct about parties in the United States of Africa though. We hold the best traditional festivals in the world, and have healers with powers that 23rd Century medicine cannot explain. It’s getting late though, maybe I should turn in too?”

Ade, Ship’s Dentist

Tia smiled up at the man who came over. “It was late. Maybe he was tired.” She shrugged not willing to give up the privacy of others. But also because she wasn’t entirely sure. His leaving had been abrupt enough to leave her questioning it.

When he mentioned turning in, Tia nodded. “Probably a good idea. First shift comes quickly. I think I’m heading back to my quarters as well.” She rose and stepped over to put the empty glasses on the bar. With a smile and nod to the tender, she stopped back by Ade. “If you are heading out the door, I’m going the same way.” She laughed. “Wanna join me in an adventure into the corridors of this wonderful ship?” She felt the drink hitting her since standing up. Thankfully she wasn’t drunk, but she was definitely feeling the affects of the synthihal just enough to feel warm and sleepy.

Tia
CE (temp)


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