The Formal Dinner (part 3)

Posted on Sun Jul 31st, 2016 @ 5:55am by Commodore Samantha York & Lieutenant JG Ronnie Wolfe & Kalikana (Kali) & Lieutenant Commander Damion Wolfe & Lieutenant T'Pral & Lieutenant Arnon Barak MD, PsyD & Lieutenant Illise Hale & Lieutenant JG Victoria Drani M.D. & 1st Lieutenant Leroy Mangalia

1,151 words; about a 6 minute read

Mission: Shadow Dance
Location: Jenfran Royal Palace
Timeline: Day 1, evening

[CONTINUED]

[OLD]

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.

[NEW]

Leroy took no drinks from the passing waiters, not trusting the concoctions that were being presented. Walking up to another group of the locals he smiled and introduced himself warmly, getting each name in turn. "You know, I'm surprised nothing is flying over, I'd think this would be a chance to show off for your people. Did you designate this a no fly zone or are the pilots enjoying a bit of liberty?"

They looked a bit surprised at his question. "We are the only species on the planet with air ships. There is no need to protect the King from the sky."

"Well, after the festivities here, would it be possible for myself and one other to look into your air force? I'm the Chief Pilot for the Federation Ship in orbit, and I'd like to see what you're working with."

"Tomorrow morning would do quite well," one of the men said. "We can show you our hangars."

"I would appreciate that greatly," Leroy said with a smile. "And do you also have smaller ships for space and faster than light travel as well?" Smiling he did grab a glass as it passed by with a waitress. "Sorry you know how it is. I have one more question, then I will leave you until tomorrow morning. What brought along this application to the Federation? Is it a shared dream of all your citizens or just the select few we see tonight?"

"Of course. Is that not one of your requirements for inclusion?" one of the men asked.

Another Jenefran answered Leroy's question. "It was one of your Federation ships that made contact with us. The Council felt it beneficial to open trade negotiations and see what your people could do for Jenefra."

"There's always something of a barrier when this happens," Leroy said with a friendly smile. "I'm just asking the questions I was trained too. I've heard of a few worlds being denied because the ruling class wanted Federation guidance but the will of the people was ignored in those matters. I am in no way trying to be rude." Shifting his weight, and keeping his cover under the same arm that held the scabbard of his NCO's sword steady he looked at the Jenefrans. "I do hope that you're brought into the Family, and there will be time to take the will of the people into account."

"The Council is the will of the people," one Jenefran said.

Two of the men bowed. "Thank you."

Drani made her way over to the heavy set man she had concluded earlier to be the head of Medical on the Jenefran Council. "Greetings," she smiled. "I am Doctor Drani, the Chief Medical Officer aboard the USS Calypso.

An older Jenefran smiled warmly. "Ah, a fellow medical practitioner. An honor. I am Doctor Vreetch. I believe I am to take you on a tour of our hospital on the morrow?"

"Yes. I am very interested in seeing your practices. Has the war placed any strain on your resources?" she asked.

Arnon remained silent and let Victoria take the lead. He was the more experienced physician but she was the medical department head. A former war time physician, Arnon was well placed to help Victoria assess the the effect of combat on the Jenefrans' medical resources.

"War?" the man asked. "What makes you think we are at war?" Another Jenefran called him and he turned and walked away without waiting for an answer. It was fortuitous. He needed to let Keelan know that there was a leak somewhere in the palace.

T'Pral slowly made a systematic pattern as she traversed the floor, her hands held neatly behind her back. She simply observed, understanding that any arrangements for her to review the Jeneferan technology would have already been made. When offered refreshments, she politely declined with a raised hand. When she paused, it was briefly, to observe an interaction here or there. She was still getting used to her new crew; it was proving to be far different than the all-Vulcan crew she previously served with.

"You look like one who would rather be somewhere else?" A tall Jenefran spoke. "I would rather be elsewhere but they King insisted I pull myself here was it the same for you?" He asked. "I am Herfal." He gave a slight Bow. "One who does the place settings and the; what did that human say on the last visit..." He thought. "behind the scenes man. I believe that is what he referred to. I do things unseen in the background. What do you do for your Commodore York lady?"

The Vulcan looked to the one addressing her. Her expression did not change, simply remaining flat and stoic. "I prefer to be where my commanding officer requires me. Which, at this time, is here." Certainly she would rather be working on the Calypso's warp core, ensuring it was operating at peak efficiency... but she suppressed that as an emotional need. "I am Lieutenant T'Pral, the Calypso's Chief Engineer."

Damion approached behind Sam, his drink in hand while his other hand held onto Ronnie as if to keep her close by. He let himself blend into the small crowd of dress uniforms and listened carefully and kept a watchful eye. Slowly, he looked to Ronnie and eased her closer, bringing his lips to the side of her cheek as he whispered softly into her ear. "How you doing? You okay?"

"I'm fine," she assured him. "This is pretty impressive. How are you doing?"

"Still uneasy." Damion replied. "I don't know if it's me, but I am getting this uneasiness. It might be coming from them, or us, or it might just be me feeling something that isn't there."

"I don't know, but I trust your instinct," Ronnie said quietly. "I'll keep my eyes and ears open."

(To be continued...)

Lieutenant Illise Hale
Chief Science Officer

1st Lieutenant Leroy Mangalia
Flight Leader

Jenefran Council Members
NPCs

Lieutenant Victoria Drani
Chief Medical Officer

Lieutenant Arnon Barak
Chief Counselor

Lieutenant T'Pral
Chief Engineer

Lieutenant Damion Wolfe
Chief Security/Tactical Officer

Lieutenant JG Ronnie Lancaster
Assistant Chief Science Officer

 

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