The Formal Dinner (part 2)

Posted on Sun Jul 31st, 2016 @ 5:42am by Commodore Samantha York & Lieutenant JG Ronnie Wolfe & Kalikana (Kali) & Colonel Damon Raine & Lieutenant Commander Jennifer Tate & Lieutenant Commander Damion Wolfe & Lieutenant Arnon Barak MD, PsyD & Captain Cameron Bourne & Lieutenant Illise Hale & Lieutenant JG Victoria Drani M.D. & 1st Lieutenant Leroy Mangalia & Keelan

1,241 words; about a 6 minute read

Mission: Shadow Dance
Location: Jenefra
Timeline: Day 1, evening

[CONTINUED]

[OLD]

"Lieutenant Commander Jennifer Tate," Sam said. "She is here on special assignment." Sam would have a private conversation with Tate later about proper protocol and decorum, two things the woman clearly lacked.

[NEW]

Tate turned to the monarch bowing respectfully before him. "A true honour and pleasure to meet you. Please pardon my late intrusion."

Mrowen bowed. Perhaps he could learn something from this odd little woman. "See that it does not happen again." He held out his arm to Tate. "May I escort you to dinner?"


Tate blushed bowing her head. "I would be greatly honored to be escorted by such a chivalrous man." She said accepting his arm. "Has the chef revealed the courses or will our senses be treated to a surprise?"

"The chef must approve all his meals. However, I wish you to be surprised by what we have to offer," the King said.

Keelan watched as the Human female made an impression on the King; the woman came in unannounced and by the look of the Commodore this was not planned. The Federation Commanding Officer took it quite gracefully as the King took the unspoken cue to escort the 'woman' and keep it from becoming a scene. Keelan would have to make an introduction and get her away from the King so not to embarrass him. This woman had a potential for chaos; it was obvious by her manners and this was not the time to have chaos in the midst uncontrolled.

Sam slipped her hand through the crook of Damon's arm, pleased that she could go in with her husband. She glanced at Tate, not sure what to think of the King's offer, but pleased that so far things were going well.

Damon smiled at her and pulled her tight to his side.

Sam squeezed his arm in response. She was always reassured when Damon was with her.

Damion finally walked in, dressed in his Starfleet dress uniform, and his hair tired back into a ponytail. He paused for a minute, looking around before turning to look at Ronnie. "I still don't like this." He said softly to her before looking back around.

Ronnie looked around and nodded. "I know, but Sam generally has her reasons." She squeezed Damion's arm. "I may be pregnant, but I'm not totally useless," she teased.

"I Never said you weren't." Damion replied softly. "I'm just overly cautious. You being pregnant only puts me on my guard much more."

Ronnie turned to Damion and caressed his cheek. "I'm fine, love. I appreciate the concern."

***

The banquet hall was like something out of a historical reenactment. The walls were covered with heavy curtains interspersed with candelabra on the marble walls. At the far end, large doors opened onto a porch and the darkness of what she suspected would be a garden beyond.

The table was elegantly decorated with fine chine and crystal. Above it hung three large chandeliers.

A cluster of women stood at the far end of the room. When the King entered, they walked to the group to greet the gathering.

A short, slim Jenefran woman approached the King. "May I present my daughter, Princess Kalikana," the King said to the visitors.

Sam smiled and gave the girl a courteous bow. "A pleasure, Princess. I am Samantha York, commander of the USS Calypso and this is my husband, Damon Raine."

"Pleasure to meet you." Damon matched the bow.

Kali curtsied. "Welcome, Samantha York and Damon Raine. We are most honored by your visit."

Jennifer smiled bowing her head so as not to tug on the King's arm. "Jennifer Tate princess. Might I say you look absolutely marvelous tonight. That dress is simply breathtaking upon you."

"Thank you, Jennifer Tate," Kali said, curtsying to the other woman.

Leroy stayed near the back of the pack, watching what was going on. He was glad that Tate wasn't one of his people and he could ignore them. Looking over the walls and the windows he meandered to one side. "Cam, you mind looking at this?" He said spying a small crack that could possibly be a door. He kept himself from prying at the crack, he didn't want to seem like he was looking for troubles. "31 centimeters tall, maybe six wide?" he said mostly to himself, but he couldn't see another crack on the top of the one he was looking at. "Maybe I'm just paranoid."

Walking over to Leroy, Cam put a hand on his shoulder, "I know it's an interesting wall, but architecture is not why we are here"

"I must be paranoid," Leroy mumbled looking at the cracks again. Shaking his head he looked for Yui before moving to a few people who looked like they might know flying vehicles. At least he hoped.

Watching Leroy walk off, Cam turned back to the wall and looked at the crack himself. It was a rather long crack, but he was sure that it was nothing they needed to worry about. Turning back around, he headed back to Sam's side.

***

Drinks were served by young Jenefrans in Grecian-style clothing, allowing the Starfleet personnel a chance to mingle.

Arnon looked at Victoria as he sipped his drink.

"You look lovely," he said, grinning. "I've always had a thing for women in uniform."

"Oh, so that's why you're interested in me," Drani smiled. "I should introduce myself to the medical delegates."

"Lead the way!" Arnon said. "I shall follow."

Illise sipped on a drink that she chose from the tray of a passing waiter, politely thanking him before he moved on to other guests. The ballroom was even more impressive than the one before, and she found herself admiring the architecture while recalling the history brief that she had read earlier. As she looked around the room she noticed Cam and Leroy near the wall, examining a crack in the stonework. She shook her head slightly in mild amusement. It was likely only a joint between the massive blocks that had shifted over time; even solid buildings such as this moved eventually. Illise tried to remember if she had read about any earthquakes being recorded in the vicinity, but couldn't recall.

Turning her attention away from the two, Illise wandered over to a group of officials. As she approached they ceased whatever small-talk they had been engaged in and warmly greeted her. After the introductions were made, they continued their discussion, which ranged from the local crop yields to the outcome of sporting events. Of course more relevant topics to the occasion were also mentioned, but none of very large import. Illise asked some questions about their culture and history, and they in turn asked about hers. All-in-all the conversation was easy and polite. However, knowing what she did about the current political issues, Illise got the feeling that they were trying not to talk about important things.

(To be continued...)

Commodore Samantha York
Commanding Officer

Lieutenant Commander Jennifer Tate
Intelligence Officer

King Mrowen
King of Jenefra

Keelan
King's Vizier/Jenefran High Council

Colonel Damon Raine
Chief Strategic Operations Officer

Lieutenant Damion Wolfe
Chief Security/Tactical Officer

Lieutenant JG Ronnie Lancaster
Assistant Chief Science Officer

Princess Kalikana
Daughter of King Mrowen

Lieutenant Commander Jennifer Tate
Intelligence Officer

1st Lieutenant Leroy Mangalia
Flight Leader

Captain Cameron Bourne
Marine CO

Lieutenant Arnon Barak
Chief Counselor

Lieutenant Victoria Drani
Chief Medical Officer

Lieutenant Illise Hale
Chief Science Officer

 

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