Star Trek: Starbase 777

Sleek, black seats paired with a frosty glass table seated in gold; the tables around the bar area were a bit smaller than those at the buffet, only holding four seats. Each table was set with a lovely little vase of white and yellow (fake) flowers, and candles flickering faintly with simulated warm light.

T’Prahphet leaned over a frosted glass table, calculating the price of such a thing. She knew of plenty cheaper models that looked just as good. She took a seat at a table, and examined the vase, while also keeping an eye on the general environment around the tables. When someone she found to be open enough to intrude upon, she planned to strike up pleasant conversation and then nonchalantly mention she owned a shop. After that, the advertising would begin.

Suun adjusted her necklace as she walked, with a thin glass of a kind of delicate-seeming Andorian alcohol she’d never really had the urge to try. She spotted the other woman, curiosity getting the better of her as she approached. She was always a sucker for new people.

Or… they would come to her. She put the vase down and put her hands in her lap. T’Prahphet nodded politely at the stranger. “Hello. Are you looking for a place to sit?” She asked, her voice a flat, cold monotone. T’Prahphet really played it up as she was decked out in almost gaudy Ferengi attire and thought it was necessary to overcompensate.

“If you wouldn’t mind the company, yes.” She smiled, placing her drink on the table and stepping closer to it.

“Please.” She gestured to the empty seat opposite of her. T’Prahphet sat up a little straighter, ready to examine how viable of a new customer she was.

She took the seat, shifting to get comfortable before looking at the woman she shared a table with. “If I may say, I love your outfit. It’s unique, and well-crafted.”

“Thank you, one of my suppliers insisted that I wear something ‘nice’ for the event. His idea of nice is of course, aligned with Ferengi fashion. Your attire is also pleasing, and fitting of the theme.” Technically, her uncle was also her supplier. So she wasn’t lying.

“Thank you.” She offered a smile, “I admit, I haven’t had cause to dress formally in a while. This is quite the treat, an event like this.”

“I see. I have come only recently to the station, and event like this is a good opportunity to meet the people here. What is it that you do here?” She reached up and adjusted her collar.

“I’m the ACOO. So… operations, communications, you name it.” She said, “How about you? I haven’t seen you around much.”

“Ah, Starfleet. I own The Shopppe, in which I sell everything. Most of my time has been spent in the shop, and may be the reason you have not seen much of me.” She pulled a little holographic sticker out of her pocket with her shop’s logo on it, and slid it across the table.

“I see.” She looked over the sticker, eyebrows raised in surprise but not annoyance at her shameless advertisement, “When you say everything, is it truly… everything?”

“Are Vulcans known to exaggerate?” She arched a brow at the other.

“I’d say they could.” She grinned, “I happened to be married to one for numerous years. She was… quite the storyteller.”

In his sparkling gold dress with a plate of Cardassian lox and herby mushrooms and other such vegetables was Allan, having gotten a little coquito as well before he spotted Suun, in conversation with someone he didn't recognize. He waved at her first, then approached more, waving at the other person as well. "Heyyy, sorry to interrupt, but did you know -" he smirked, just a little, as he gestured to Suun, looking right at the other person, "that Suun here is like, one of the MVPs of the station? Real facts," he said. Did he think this was a different kind of situation? Maybe.

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Having been given a bit of a start, Suun turned quickly to face him, greeting him with a grin. “Allan! Good to see you.” (edited)

"MPV?" She nodded in greeting to the other stranger. She had absolpitely no idea what that meant. And if people were going to keep walking up to her and saying hello, she would need to restock on stickers.

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"You too," Allan said with an equal grin right back to Suun, then turned to face the other person again, "Most Valuable Player. But like, one of, because this station has a damn lot of them. But, well, we had this huge project recently that we managed to pull off on a really short time frame, and she like - totally blew it out of the park, pulling together a lot of the shit we needed on the OPS end for it."

“You forget yourself, lieutenant. Truly.” She chuckled, tucking a stray hair behind her ear, “But it was quite the feat, I’m impressed by how quickly we pulled it off.”

"Sounds like you are a highly regarded person here. Or great friends." T'Prahphet looked to Allan, and began to calculate the best way to slip in more advertising. "It is nice to meet you as well. T'Prahphet." She clasped her hands together, not entirely sure what to do with them.

"I'm impressed too, honestly, like... but hey, you know what they say," he said, then proceeded to completely blank on 'what they say', "about making dreams reality, ah... hey, yeah, I'm Allan." He smiled at T'Prahphet, as he raised a gloved hand in a little Vulcan salute as his own greeting, before he lowered it and... almost scandalously so, took off the glove to eat some of the food on his plate.

“T’Prahphet was just telling me about her business.” Suun told him, hoping that the topic change hadn’t thrown the Vulcan off-guard.

"I do not, in fact, know what they say." Her savior. She reached into her pocket yet again, and offered Allan a sticker. "The Shopppe. I sell everything. I've recently opened it here on this station after primarily selling on Earth."

After crossing the carpet and finally entering the ball, Tarsek moved towards the bar tables. He was not particularly hungry nor thirsty, but the Vulcan figured it might be a good spot for observing the party and the other guests. The light blue satin trailed behind him like a cascade of fresh water as he made his way between the tables, looking for a good seat.

After he and Felix had gotten their drinks, they'd made their way to the bar tables as well and were sitting in the perfect spot to see people approaching. Jirai noticed the XO in his very elegant outfit and waved with one hand. "Commander, good to see you here tonight."

Felix waved too, offering a brilliant smile. "Evening, Commander."

”Lt. Cdr. Sol, Lt. Cdr. Flores, good evening.” He offered an elegant bow of his head, one of the rare occasions he chose not to use the ta’al, keeping his hands behind his back. “How do you both fare?”

Felix turned slightly to look at Jirai, his smile turning a bit more gooey. "I'm simply happy to be enjoying an evening out with my darling husband."

Jirai shook his head playfully. "As am I, dear." He chuckled. "Would you like to take a seat, Commander? We have mostly been people watching. Everyone really has dressed so well this evening. It's nice to see everyone's tastes."

He eyed both. It was the first time he saw the husbands interacting with each other. Truth to be told, he saw Felix few times. Jirai on the other hand, was a constant on senior staff meetings. A rather agreeable and pleasant man. Maybe it would be proper to spend more time in his company, considering their close age and experience. He nodded to both, making use of one of the free chairs on their table. “I was looking to do the same. The theme required some research, but it was an interesting task.”

"'The Shoppe,'" Allan echoed, taking the sticker and looking at it with a smile. "You sell everything? I mean, the logo implies a variety, but like..." he looked at Suun for a second before looking back at T'Prahphet. "You sold on Earth before, though? Where at? Or was it like, a travelling company sort of deal?"

She picked up the sticker, turning it in her hands as Allan asked his question, admittedly quite curious herself. A Vulcan claiming to not be exaggerating when saying they sold everything was interesting, and had piqued her curiosity.

"I sell everything." She confirmed, and she really wasn't exaggerating. She has no issue with it, but in this case there was no need. "My business was open in the pacific northwest for about ten years. Due to an unfortunate incident, I was forced to move shop. I am not at liberty to discuss the incident at this time." Now that wasn't true, she simply didn't want to, nor did she think it was profitable to do so.

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And to an onlooker only used to their professional personas, Jirai and Felix would seem much more relaxed than when they were on duty. And perhaps soft, and syrupy sweet. It was definitely evident that they loved each other, anyway. “Did you make your garment?!” Sol asked, surprise in his voice.

“It really is beautiful.” Felix added, making an approving look over the top of his glass.

He seemed to consider the question before amswering. "I did not make my clothes completely from scratch. As I researched, I realized there was some similarity between female gowns from the time period chosen and the traditional robes from my home region. It took some minor alterations, but I already owned traditional clothing fit for formal celebrations." Tarsek would normally wear Vulcan fashion when not on duty and had packed both day to day and formal options when coming aboard. Some pieces had been weaved and sewn back when he still was with his clan. "I noticed there is an apparent tendency of couples to combine their garments. You both complement each other well."

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“That’s fair enough.” She gave a bit of a half-shrug, “So how are you liking your new store location? I imagine you get plenty of traffic.”

"It is adequate. I am not able to discuss my exact profits, but they are higher to an unspecified degree than they were on Earth. I believe this is due to people being curious about a new store, and expect it to fall once the novelty wears off. How do you find the Starbase as a non-civilian?" She looked to both Suun and Allan, trying to probe for needs that aren't being met for her potential customers. If there was a particularly desired commodity, she could mark up the price.

The trill nodded, taking a sip of his drink and looking pensive. "Ah, yes, of course. Well," and his eyes flitted to some of the more sophisticated patterns of Tarsek's ensemble. "You really outdid yourself. I do not know much about traditional robes or Ancient Hollywood, much to Felix's chagrin-" He shot a warm smile to Felix. "But really, the design is beautiful and you seamlessly tied them together, for certain."

"I have been trying to get Sol to watch ancient movies with me for ages. He refuses. Says they're boring." He chuckled. "And thank you, Commander. We do like to match. I'm not sure exactly why couples like to do that, but you're right. We do enjoy it." He chuckled too. "What are your plans for the evening, aside from people watching? Do you intend to dance?"

"Wow," Allan said simply to T'Prahphet mentioning she indeed sold everything, allegedly. "Pacific northwest..." He thought he knew where that was. Pacific was near California, so pacific northwest must've been... yeah, he had an idea. "Well, I'd say it's pretty good? I mean, like - it's where..." he tried to think of the difference, "it's like, kinda cool to be working on the place where I live, right?"

”I thank thee for the compliment. Plenty of my former crew-mates expressed appreciation for what they called Classic Earth movies. Sometimes they would host watching sessions.” He might have attended a few, if only to try to understand the allure. “I might take this opportunity to converse with other officers… dancing was not on my planning. I never quite acquired experience on it.” A way to say that he did not know how to dance nor had ever tried to learn.

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“It is quite the location to live. There is always something going on, but I don’t mind.” She answered, “But I agree with Allan. It’s cool to be working in the place that I live.”

She reached up and smoothed down her hair. T'Prahphet had always lived where she worked, or very near to it. But, she wasn't Starfleet, her business never flew off across the galaxy. Though it was certianly an interesting idea to consider. "I have often spent months without leaving my shop, and have always lived in close proximity to my work. I suppose I have never considered it might be 'cool'."

She found herself at the bar tables at some point in the night, no doubt after stocking up on food and acquiring a big glass of ale, which she proudly held in her left hand. She sashayed between the tables, eventually deciding that a friendly face was worth the harassment, even despite the number of others around that she couldn't hope to name. "What's goin' on, arseholes?" Amber greeted politely, sliding into a gap at the table then drinking from the glass. Barely catching the tail end of the conversation, she added, pointing at T'Prahphet, "aye, I'd live in my shuttle if I could - and I 'ave."

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A bit surprised by the sudden appearance, Suun turned to the new participant in the conversation. “Ah— that’s quite fair.” She chuckled.

"Well, I meant on, as in, like - I'm actually working, like, on the thing itself, you know what I mean? Opposed to in, because it's... I don't know if I'm making any sense, actually," he laughed a little, "I do think it's cool, though. And-" he suddenly turned his attention to the new participant as well, "you have?"

She pulled another logo sticker out of her pocket and handed it to the new person. "Greetings, asshole." T'Prahphet nodded, and acted as if this was a normal, respectful greeting. "In your shuttle? Is that practical?"

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"Shit, I like this one a lot already," Amber stated with a fair bit of amusement as she took the logo stick instinctively, ending up using it as a fidget toy between her fingers instead of even looking at it once. "Aye, half-stranded on some..." she shook her head, irritated by the thought, "deserted island on a bumfuck nowhere planet. I mean, I could'a left, but I figured they didn't need me till they came a-lookin', and I weren't gonna say no t' peace, quiet, sandcastles, 'n coconuts. Least I think they were coconuts." "Pass out every now 'n then in the ol' girl while parked up in shuttlebay 'ere, though. That count?"

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She snickered at the shameless greetings, but tried to cover it with clearing her throat, holding her hand over her mouth. “I’ve known officers who tended to do that. Typically those who were younger, and whose backs could handle the discomfort.”

"Oh, shit, that's rough," Allan said in reply to the story about being on the deserted island, though he did find it a bit funny that she just chose to stay there for a while. "Sounds like home, minus the quiet," though, on a calm night, it could be pretty quiet. "I think it counts? Uncomfortable, though, for sure, like she said," he nodded to Suun, before turning back to Amber. "I love your dress, by the way. Didn't expect you to match my eyes with it, it'd be pretty fun to do some photos."

She blinked for half a second longer at the island story. She very badly wanted to know how that happened, but she'd have to do without. For now. "That is... an unfortunate incident. I do not understand how one can find shuttles uncomfortable. I would imagine them to be cozy." T'Prahphet was biased as she could sleep almost anywhere in any position.

"Ah- my back doesn't play games anymore, lady," Amber shook her head in disapproval, then pointed again towards T'Prahphet in agreement, this time aided in her gesture by the logo stick. "Cozy, aye, like comin' home. Good practice in case I end up with a pain in the arse fer a roomie." She shrugged, then finally addressed Allan, "match, huh? Aye, there I was at the tailor, holo o' ya in one hand, bundle of green swatches in the other. Make them 'match', I fuckin' said. Ya wish." She didn't say no to photos, though.

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Whoever this was, Suun was impressed by her confidence. And she did feel her on the count of back pain. Two and a half centuries would do that, and… so would a couple of decades for humans, as well. She took a sip from her drink, nodding along and mostly listening.

From their shared table, Tarsek did as he said he would, observing the group that seemed to get bigger a few tables away. He recognized Allan and Suun, both seniors, however the red-headed and the Vulcan not so much.

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T'Prahphet sat a little straighter and stiffer, feeling eyes on her. She began to wish she had found something else to wear. Something cheaper too. "Are unruly roommates an issue here? If so, I may have a few solutions in stock. I used to sell many 'annoying roommate' deterrents to college students back on Earth."

He laughed at Amber's comment, shaking his head before he ate a little more of the vegetables he'd had on his plate. "Just a fun coincidence," he said afterwards, then considered T'Prahphet's question. "Oh, yeah, I have four incredibly unruly roommates, that's for sure. Five, actually, depending on the day."

Amber, by contrast, slouched a little as she felt herself getting comfortable at the table. She took a swig of her ale and raised a brow at both speakers for different reasons. "If yer sellin' tear gas, I'm buyin'. Never hurts t' prep early," she interjected to address the former. Then she turned to the latter, "what kinda wacked up bunk bed situation've ya go goin' on, exactly?"

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“Five?” Her brows shot up, her voice muffled from the glass as she took another sip, “That’s… quite the arrangement.”

“You must have poor luck.” She said, gravely. As grave as a Vulcan could. “I can’t sell you tear gas, but I do have maple syrup perfume that is just as potent if not more.” She reached forward and hit her hand on the table, and abruptly remembered that she was not in her shop, and could not access her console. She put her hands back into her lap. (edited)

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Allan laughed when Amber and Suun questioned him, shaking his head before taking another sip of his drink. "Well, most of them are cats. One's a skitterer, though, not as unruly as the cats, but..." he shrugged.

“Oh, I see.” She nodded, eyes wider as he clarified that the majority of the roommates were not, in fact, human-sized. “But the one that isn’t a cat…?”

"Ugh. Pass. I don't wanna be me, smellin' me, smellin' of maple syrup. Reckon I'd go mental," she glanced down at the hand tapping on the table, made a confused expression, then turned away to address Allan again. "Borin' answer. Can't blame ya though, I'd 'ave a few cats o' me own runnin' about once I get the chance," she nodded once, helping herself to another swig of ale trailing her words.

"I have heard many describe their cats as their children instead of roommates. I find your description more fitting, seeing as there is no relation. But, if they are so wild, why have them?" T'Prahphet had no interest in keeping pets, they required too much time, money and care that she couldn't divert from her business. She'd already heard many, many different reasons as to why people kept their pets. Humans often spoke at length about them, but she wondered if Allan would say something new. Something she could use.

Jilla hummed as she walked by the bar tables, taking a seat nearby the cat crew. She played with her boa slightly before getting a wine from a passing waiter. Before pulling a deck of playing cards from a hidden pocket in her dress and starting to play with them.

"The one that isn't... you mean the skitterer?" Allan asked in reply to Suun, though he raised an eyebrow when Amber expressed her own interest in cats. "Really? Well, if you need any help with that, I gotchu - and I... definitely wouldn't describe them as children. Well, maybe Zo and Phish...? I guess them being wild is one of the reasons to have them. I mean, I'm pretty wild, all things considered." Though, as he said that, he did glance over and spot the newcomer just... idly playing around with a deck of cards. Huh.

She flashed a wink towards Allan as she noticed his glance towards him, but otherwise left him to his convo with the others. Intruding on a conversation wasn’t good marketing.

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Junot's first stop was the bar tables. Not exactly with the intent to drink, but more so because so many seemed to gravitate this way. Admittedly, she was lost on the etiquette, so it likely wouldn't hurt to follow the crowd for a moment. She gazes over those sitting and standing, turning her gaze to the selection of alcohol. She had a fleeting moment of consideration, before dismissing it. She's tried it, never liked it, and that probably will not have changed just because of the gala. Now, she was a bit lost, not seeing anyone familiar.

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“Never mind.” She shook her head, shrugging, “But that many cats— how did you come about them? Were they a litter?”

Allan wasn't exactly sure how to respond to that wink from the person playing around with the cards, but he simply winked back before he replied to Suun's question, glancing at Amber before he looked back at the ACOO. "Oh, they - so, really, just Zo's mine, Bandit is Captain Mo's cat, and then she had a litter, yeah, and we - I mean, since we share the same quarters, I kinda help take care of all three, right?"

Amber was quite happy in the moment to be in the midst of finishing, and fully intending to polish the inside of, her glass. Not that she didn't care for Allan talking about his cats - her ears were still fine and available for listening while she was busy drinking - but this way, he could carry on his explanation without her rudely interjecting every few moments. The look he gave her was met with a raised brow and an amused upward tug on her lip, not quite sure what that was meant to signal until, a full two seconds after Allan finished speaking, her woozy mind finally connected the dots. A torrent of ale was forthcoming, and she slammed the emptied glass on the table, her arm holding onto it as leverage as the force of her spat laughter sent her doubling back. It was part mocking, part genuine, and entirely uncommon for Amber, who'd become rather good at her whole 'indifference' thing. If there happened to be collateral damage in her wake, she was too indisposed to notice as she slinked off, still laughing to herself. "Yeah, fuckin' right," was all that could be made out.

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Having been unfortunately in close enough proximity to be spat on, Suun tightened her jaw and said nothing of it, brushing off her shoulder and taking a breath. “I imagine that many cats can be hectic.” She tried her best to ignore… whatever had just happened, “You’re quite the pet lover, then?”

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Allan was... shocked, to say the least, at Amber's reaction to what he'd said. Because while he knew she didn't know about his relationship with the Captain (which was why he gave her that glance earlier), he didn't expect how she'd react to it. It was all quite quick, his eyes widening as he just watched it happen. "Holy fuck, Amber-" but before he knew it, she was walking off, and he was just left with a wildly bewildered and yet, amused expression before he looked back at Suun. "Um- sorry about that," he said, as if he was the one who did that, "very hectic, sometimes, but yeah, I love 'em. Never used to be a cat person before meeting the Captain, always had a dog growing up. Tiny little guy, though, so maybe I just like small pets, I dunno." He shrugged then looked off to the person who looked... a little lost, and moved a little closer to them - while still keeping himself within a reasonable distance of Suun to continue their conversation as well. And then he gave them a smile and a wave. Like those Earth movie penguins.

T'Prahphet had no idea what Amber was laughing about, some sort of context has completely flown over her head. She yet again, handed a sticker to the new comer, this time the new comer being Jilla. T’Prahphet eyed her cards, and leaned over to the best of her abilities without changing the tilt of her head. She did not want an incidental lobe reveal. “Do you intend to play a game?” She asked.

Jilla smirked as she played with her cards, returning the wink to Allan before turning to the person asking her about the games. “Oh no, I just play with my cards for fun.” She said with a smirk. “As a casino owner, games are off limits for me. Much too busy running them to partake.”

Oh goodness. She had been noticed. Did she look that lost? Junot returns the wave, realizing she did look out of place, not drinking, or even browsing for drinks. Slowly, she makes her way over, taking as an invitation. "Hello. Uh, don't mean to intrude or interrupt."

“You seem like the caring type, I’ve been hearing lots about how your junior engineers look up to you, too.” She said, before shifting to wipe off her face, “Apologies. I think I’ll duck into a restroom soon to properly clean up.” At the approach of the other officer, she took it as a sign to sneak off for a moment, to properly get the spit and ale out of her hair.

"Oh- yeah, of course," Allan hadn't expected that comment about the junior officers. At all. He was left a little off kilter about it for a second, actually, but his attention was thankfully diverted by the person he'd waved at approaching. He shook his head as she walked up and said she didn't mean to interrupt. "Oh, no, you're fine, this is... like," he waved his hand around in some sort of gesture, "a social event, so like... you kinda just go up and chat, yeah," he shrugged, then looked over at the... "Casino owner?" He asked, raising an eyebrow. Interested, really.

"Well, I'm not very good at these sorts of things, historically." She smiles sheepishly, gaze drifting to follow the officer who had just left. Junot quickly looks back, gesturing to an open seat. "May I? And... Well, I know most people are here for the spirits, but you wouldn't happen to know if they're serving tea, would you?" Her gaze moved to Jilla as Allan addressed her. Having cards, especially where so much liquid was involved seemed like a risk. Though, if they were a gambler, that made sense.

Gasp! Somebody to advertise to. “Why yes young man.” She said, swinging her face over to stare at Allan like a homophobic dog. “I run Triple 7’s casino down in the nightlife district! With some of the finest games, dabo girls, dabo boys, dabo people and live performances you could ever ask for!” She said with a cheshire grin. “It’s truly a lovely spot! Even a Vorta has a blast there!”

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"Mhm," Allan nodded when she asked to sit in an open seat, "it's alright, and... I think so? Doesn't hurt to ask," he paused, then realized she'd been mentioning she wasn't that great socially, "you want me to ask for you? And - I'm Allan, by the way." He then listened to the casino owner's advertisement. "Oh, I've heard of that place, actually," he said, "haven't been yet. What would youuuu... what would you say's the best thing about it?"

“Well, as the owner I am a tad biased. I mean; the hostess is quite swell.” She with a smile and a hair flip. “But I consider my staff to be the best thing about it. One of my girls Shaka, lovely Gorn woman, plays the piano like a maestro. That’s just the tip of the iceberg. I couldn’t make it work without all my lovely staff.”

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"Oh, thank you. I can ask, I just didn't want to look silly if tea wasn't an option." She chuckles softly. "Nice to meet you. I'm Junot." She takes a seat, turning her attention to the casino owner. "Sounds like a nice place."

After doing quite a bit of people watching, Tarsek excused himself from the table he previously shared with the couple and moved to finally get himself something to drink. At the bar there were quite a few options of non-alcoholic beverages and the barkeeper offered him an iced tea type drink, with a fruity fresh flavor that left a sparkly sensation when sipped. He quickly returned to the tables area, passing by the group. “Good evening lieutenant…” He referred to Allan, the one he recognized. “And fellow company.” To the others. (edited)

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She longed to be as forward with her advertising as the casino owner, and opened her mouth to speak on it, when the other Vulcan approached. T’Prahphet immediately stood, and nodded politely at him. “I am afraid I have business to attend to, however it was good to meet you all.” T’Prahphet pushed in her seat and quickly walked away. She was fairly illogical and ill-behaved for a Vulcan, which many had picked up on. She did not want to embarrass herself publicly as she had made a habit of in her childhood.

Jilla blinked. “Ah, goodbye then.” She said simply.

He and Felix had decided upon the XO's exit they'd also had enough of people watching for the moment and had both risen to head to the dancefloor. They'd been seated long enough, and it was time to dance!

Allan laughed, nodding his head when Jilla told him what she liked best. "Piano, yeah? I like that, I'll have to swing by sometime," after all, he was a musician himself. "Junot, that's a nice name. You been on the station long?" He always tended to ask that, even though it was likely for people to have been here for a while and not have seen him, just know of him. Speaking of people who knew him, though, the XO walked up, and his hand went to fidget with his necklace once Tarsek said hello to him. "Hello, Commander," he said, attempting a smile as he waved to T'Prahphet as she left.

Hair a bit damp but otherwise intact, Suun wove through the crowds, making her way back to the table while trying not to bump anyone else. She made her way back to the table, smiling at the new additions to the conversation.

"No sir, not long. I got my assignment and I've only been here a few days. I figured...take advantage of the gala, get to know who I can, make good impressions before I get to work." *She glanced up, smiling as people returned, working to study and hopefully remember who they were. It didn't always work, but at least she could say she tried."

Allan's eyes looked confused for a moment as Junot called him 'sir', but then she mentioned 'assignment' and that told him she was probably an officer. And Tarsek had called him Lieutenant, so.. it made sense, if she was junior to him... "Oh, well, hey, you've made a good start, then," he smiled, "you don't gotta call me sir, though, especially not here, um- what division are you in?"

At the other Vulcan’s retreat, Tarsek raised a brow but decided on saying nothing and letting it go. It was strange, but this person was completely unknown to him so he had no grounds for making assumptions, even if it appeared it had been his presence to drive her away. “I hope you all find the event satisfactory. Commander, good evening.” He addressed Suun as she arrived.

“I am, thank you. It’s a pleasure to finally meet you, Commander.” She grinned, nodding at him, before adding a bit of a humorous twinge to her tone, “It’s quite the spectacle to see so many people out at an event like this. Or maybe I just don’t get out enough, who knows?” She looked to Junot, holding out a hand to offer a handshake.

"Ah, without knowing ranks yet... Formalities seem relatively safe. I'm with Engineering." She looked a little embarrassed, sitting up straighter at hearing Commander. She extended her hand, accepting the handshake. "Hello. Commander, was it?"

The tall Vulcan nodded. “Indeed. Events like this, purely for the enjoyment of the crew and civilians, are uncommon, I can assure you.” He turned to the unknown others as Suun begun to introduce herself. “Forgive me for the lack of introduction, I am Commander Tarsek of House V’hgai.” He offered his hand, not for a handshake, but to show the customary ta’al. “Welcome to Starbase 777.” (edited)

T'Evoryn soon glided towards the tables, her posture and poise all prim and proper. Her gaze danced across the populated area, though there was hardly anyone here that she recognized. That was only logical, she was a recent addition to the roster after all.

“You can call me Suun, but most call me Commander Zalan.” She told her, completing the handshake as she looked the other over, “You are?”

"This is usually one of the biggest events of the year," he said to Suun, "maybe the biggest, actually. Depends, I'd say it's pretty even with some others. And.." his smile got wider when Junot said she was engineering. "Heyyy, okay! Yeah, I'm also engineering," he failed to mention being ACEO, but if she'd read the roster, she could probably put the fact his name was Allan and he was an engineering lieutenant together. He waved to the person who'd just walked in, too, deciding he was just.. doing that, now.

"Junot. It's nice to meet you-" Junot hesitated, faltering over which name to address the commander by. "-Suun." She smiles, pulling her hand back and glancing at Allan. "Well, I look forward to working with you. Everyone, actually. But I'm sure we'll be stuck together at one point or another."

3

She spotted the wave quite quickly, raising the ol' Vulcan salute as she made her way over. Her eyes would naturally glace over to group centralized here, admiring in particular the outfit Allan wore, though that notion was hardly visible on first glance. "I do hope I'm not intruding, but you have a remarkable outfit." She spoke to the Lieutenant, her tone largely flat and controlled, though a hint of praise was evident in her expression. "I must say, you have quite the taste."

1

"I'm sure I can speak for most people when I say we look forward to working with you, too," he still smiled at Junot, understanding her nervousness. The person who'd waved at him gave a Vulcan salute, and he looked over her outfit as she complimented his own. "Oh, it's fine - thank you," he looked up at her, "your outfit's really great, too. Love the gloves," he gestured to his own gloves as he said that.

”I believe you shall find the Engineering division to be most productive, Junot.” Tarsek offered his genuine input. No one could deny the engineers always had projects to work on. Even if they needed to invent some… unusual endeavors. “I am sure Lt. Allen will be more than ready to help you fit in. And lieutenant…” His gaze shifted to Allan. “…be assured that during 2416 I will properly evaluate your general performance as ACEO personally.” Of course to the Vulcan this was a most usual commentary to make. Of course, logically, this would not feel threatening at all, he was simply reassuring Allan in face of the meeting they had not long ago that he would not forget about the young man’s insecurities and the course of action he had dictated. Of course this should evoke relief. Of course. (edited)

7

6

5

Her smile vanishes quickly, her eyes widening. Her mother often called this her "frog face", because Junot might just croak from embarrassment. "So. That was a... Detail so conveniently forgotten." She muses out loud, not intending to cast any blame. She adjusted her bracelets, spinning them nervously. "Thank you commander. I enjoy being busy."

"Thank you. I stitched most of this myself actually." She spoke, holding her hand out slightly to show the aforementioned glove. "What was the primary inspiration for your outfit? I am not quite familiar with human fashion from this time period, so I merely adapted an existing one worn by this... 'Audrey Hepburn'. I believe she was an actress, though I did not heavily research the matter." T'Evoryn glanced to the side slightly as the Commander spoke to Allan, mildly raising an eyebrow as she processed the vaguely ominous statement. Though she took more notice towards his fine outfit. It seemed many here had refined tastes in fashion. "Ah, so you're the ACEO." She noted, "I am Lt. Cdr. T'Evoryn. It's a pleasure to make your acquaintance." (edited)

1

"Whoa, for real?" Allan asked, looking impressed as he looked more at their gloves. "Honestly, my boyfriend did most of the research for my outfit, I just tweaked it to be how I like it - from an actress named... Dolores del Río? It's pretty much the same dress, but with a v-neck, in gold..." He looked up at Tarsek as the man told Junot she'd enjoy engineering, and that he'd be a help to them fitting in. He actually smiled, appreciating that compliment, and nodded at Junot as to confirm that statement - because it was true, he was glad to help her fit in! The smile was still on his face as the XO turned to him and continued to speak, but it quickly dropped. He looked down at the table, then back up at Tarsek, taking a slow breath in before he nodded. "Understood, sir," he said after a moment, and when he looked at Junot, and how she had also had her smile vanish - fuck, had he - oh, wait, she was just feeling nervous? Right? "Sorry about that - yeah, the ACEO, um.. I really like your bracelets," he said to Junot, "it's a really nice variety." It may have been noticeable that he now pulled his gloves on a little tighter, using one hand to fiddle nervously with his little heart necklace. "Allan," he said to T'Evoryn then, "a pleasure to make yours as well." (edited)

4

"Oh don't, no don't apologize sir. Like I said I'm not the greatest with the social aspect." She put on a smile again, but it wasn't quite as bright as before. "Thank you. Most of these are gifts. Just couldn't decide on one." She taps one, a tarnished silver bracelet, turning it to show the stone. It was clear, almost like glass, with shallow cravings on top. "This one is from my first away team mission. It was a fun one. The stone glows at night." Junot glanced up, a little more at ease, sharing the story. "I do apologize for... Well..." She waves a hand, gesturing to herself with a sheepish smile.

1

During his many years among cultures that openly showed emotion, Tarsek had learned a great deal. Learned enough to spot the exact moment his words seemed to surge the exact opposite of what he meant. He had grown insightful enough to detect when someone appeared troubled, observant enough to see the changes in expression and associate them with emotions. He had had to, both as an officer and a diplomat. The true issue was… to relate to those feelings. To know exactly what he said that provoked it and how or why. That had always been the true challenge… Had it been in a private setting, or at least not among strangers, he would have tried to fix his mistake. However, at the moment Tarsek suspected it would do more harm to duel on it. “I believe Lt. Cdr. Garcia is here as well, she may make herself known soon as I am sure she will wish to speak to you, lieutenant. She is also with Engineering and will welcome the new addition.” He thought it best to make it clear for Junot. Part of him actually wished the woman would come out of no where to “lighten the mood” again, as humans would say.

2

"Don't apologize either, then," Allan said to Junot, putting on an attempt at a smile again too, which actually did become more genuine when she explained one of her bracelets. "Really?? That's fucking awesome, actually, do you mean it glows in the dark, or like - actually night, the time? And if it's the time, the time where? And - oh, yeah, Garcia's amazing, you'll love her."

Her smile lights up. "Not in the dark. Even light years out, it only glows according to the planet's night cycle. It's fascinating. I did learn that the crystal isn't actually crystal, but more like a fossil of some of the local animal life." She pauses her rambling, glancing up with a smile. "I'm very excited to meet everyone. I'm glad everyone is so welcoming."

2

3

Xal showed up at the bar tables, having been walking a bit faster in his heels than most would expect. He appeared at Allan's side and placed a slender, well-manicured hand on his shoulder and squeezed. "Hello, dear, and, so sorry to interrupt." Xal's eyes met Allan's and briefly glanced to the rest of the table before moving back to the redhead. "I think... there's something you need to see over at the buffet. It's...well, delectable. You'll probably really enjoy it, actually. Can you come with me? Now?"

Allan's smile also lit up when he saw hers light up, glad she'd seemed to gotten over that initial awkwardness. "That's actually sooo fucking cool, really," he said in response to the bracelet fact, and then he felt a hand on his shoulder and looked up at the person holding it. "Mm?" He blinked a few times, a little confused by the way they were being so vague, but was, well, intrigued. "Yeah, of course," he said, then addressed the rest of the table, "nice, um- seeing you guys, really, I'll see you around!" And then left to go see whatever Xal might bring him to.

When Allan stood up, Xal hooked his arm around Allan's shoulders and steered him gently but quickly toward the buffet while leaning his chin down to bring his lips closer to Allan's ear and whisper a bit about what was going on as they approached. If anyone had been listening particularly close, they might have caught 'two really beautiful women' and 'looks like she is going to break her over her knee like a twig.'

2

Whatever was going on across the room, Suun didn’t particularly want to be an observer. Instead, she went back to her drink, taking a small sip as she watched the group disperse somewhat, to either watch the spectacle or simply go their separate ways. She glanced towards the XO still lingering around the area, stepping towards him to hopefully continue their conversation.

As Allan and the other stepped aside and the group seemed to disperse, Tarsek caught eyes on him. He returned the glance and came closer to Suun. Maybe there was something she would like to discuss? “Starbase 777 has no shortage of social events as it seems. I think it beneficial for the crew.” Of course ships had their events too, but much smaller and not so frequent. Ranks would mingle less, as he recalled. Here, no one displayed rank, you could be a recently arrived ensign and end up having a drink with the ACEO and not even notice.

“That’s the beauty of it, isn’t it?” Suun took another tightly-lipped drink from her glass, shooting him a smile, “The opportunity for celebrations of this scale, the amount of people…” She let out a thoughtful hum, before putting her beverage back onto the table. “I don’t believe I know much about you, commander. Are you the kind of person to frequent galas like this?” (edited)

”This is my first gala at Starbase 777.” He revealed. “I did not join the ranks of this station until August of this year. Before, however…” His eyes travelled the horizon, spotting people well dressed and having a pleasant time. “I did attend certain events as a diplomat. Always on-duty.” His eyes came back to her. “I am aware this is your first Winter Ball on this posting as well.”

“It is. Quite the change from teaching, I’m afraid,” She chuckled, offering a slight shrug as she followed his eyes towards the others, “But what is life without fresh experiences?” Suun adjusted her necklace, straightening from its slightly askew position. She must have forgotten to earlier, when she was caught in an unfortunate spit take. “You were a diplomat before this?”

He nodded slightly. “Indeed I was. Before that, I was an anthropologist at the Vulcan Science Academy.” Sometimes that seemed like a century ago, sometimes his mind would regard it as being last week. Illogical. “What did you teach, commander?” Knowing she was a fellow teacher did evoke his curiosity.

“I taught communications, although I did a few lectures on ethics as well. I took the roles I could get, if I’m being honest.” She admitted, “But… wow. The Vulcan Science Academy is quite the feat, I have to applaud you on that. I imagine it took quite a lot of hard work.”

He could understand what she was saying. “Some might take for granted the gift of teaching, others would pursuit it in every opportunity.” She was also accurate in her other statement. The VSA was one of the most criterious institutions in all Federation. ”I always received the support needed to reach it. Many individuals of my clan became historians and anthropologists. When I expressed my interest, it was welcomed.” (edited)

“I don’t blame you, they’re fascinating topics. Especially now, since we’re in the business of alien civilizations and history.” She nodded, recalling the tales from various other Vulcans she had encountered in the past, and the academic landscape they’d described, “Is that the reason you enlisted in Starfleet?”

”We actually focused on Vulcan ancient history. Specially from the region of Xial, our home province. My specialization was of pre-Surakian civilizations.” His first years as a researcher, he had never turned his eyes to the universe outside of Vulcan. Something he recognized to be consequence of his traditional upbringing. “I would only join Starfleet many years later, by then I had already left my position as researcher and professor at the VSA.”

2

“Ah. Quite the switch, then.” Suun remarked, her brows raised slightly, “Although that’s the way our lives go, I suppose. You can’t always predict what you’ll end up doing in the future.”

”That is indeed true, commander. I certainly would not have imagined, nor planned, being where I am today when I was younger.” The small boy that would run through cave complexes formed thousands of years before, the teen that helped his mother and elders on the excavation sites, the young adult at his first lecture at the VSA. Those versions of himself did not spare Starfleet a single thought.

“Me neither. I wasn’t much of an academic at all, earlier in life.” She chuckled at the memory, “I was stubbornly against being in Starfleet in my youth, and a bit… untraditional, really. But here we are.”

”Was there any… external incentive, to becoming Starfleet at the time that you did not wish to follow?” Tarsek would not count himself against Starfleet in his youth. He simply had not given the organization any regard at all. (edited)

“I think I just didn’t want to have those expectations on me. I was eighteen, though, I was a bit inexperienced anyway.” She said, before adding with a humorous inflection, “It only took me… around two centuries to warm up to the idea.” She laughed to herself, realizing how ridiculous it sounded. Her younger self being so stubborn that it took her nearly 200 years to be convinced to join Starfleet. (edited)

”A lifetime, for my people. But comparatively…” He raised an eyebrow. “I suppose it took me a few years as well to broaden my horizons and wish to join the interstellar community.” And two months to settle on joining Starfleet, but that was a specific story.

“It takes time to consider a change like that.” Suun replied, “I understand.” She emptied her glass, now just holding it for the sake of having something to hold. “It’s always strange to me, seeing how a portion of someone’s life can be the entirety of another.” She remarked, “But I’ve had time to ruminate on that.”

”An interesting concept for my people as well. When we first made contact with humanity, and other species as Federation expanded itself, I believe it was the subject of much contemplation.” Tarsek kept is empty hands on his back. But maybe he would soon get himself something to drink. “Such are the consequences of meeting another culture and another species.” He commented. “We are forced to see the universe with different eyes.”

“Absolutely. Although that could be considered a benefit, as well.” She agreed, “A new perspective can be quite nice.” (edited)

”I never said otherwise. Every benefit is a consequence, a positive one.” He looked once more to the multitudes of people. “If anyone should not see the benefit… I would believe they would not be among our ranks.”

“That’s true.” She nodded, placing her empty glass on the table once more. “So, aside from being the first officer, is there anything you like to do during your downtime?”

”I have a routine of mental and physical discipline I follow…” Though he realized she probably meant leisure time by the use of “like”. “I also read, both anthropological and fiction works. The last months I have developed the habit of visiting the environmental ring as well.” Though that technically was part of his discipline practices.

“I respect that. Always good to have a routine.” She dipped her head, before blinking and realizing the time. “I’m so sorry to end our conversation, but I do want to turn in for the night.” She took a step back, “It was a pleasure to meet you, Tarsek. I hope we can speak again in the future.”

”Likewise… Suun.” He saw it fit, since she addressed him by his first name, to return in kind. “I believe I will look for refreshments and sustenance myself. The night will be long, it appears.” At least for him who intended to stay until the event was officially over. “Return safely to your habitation.” Was his farewell as he moved towards the buffet.

She dipped her head in a quiet goodbye, before making her way to the door. It had been quite the night, and she really had enjoyed herself, but she felt drained enough to leave before socialization became unpleasant.