The Formal Dinner (part 4)

Posted on Thu Aug 4th, 2016 @ 2:28pm by Commodore Samantha York & Lieutenant JG Ronnie Wolfe & Kalikana (Kali) & Lieutenant Commander Jennifer Tate & Lieutenant Commander Damion Wolfe & Lieutenant Illise Hale & 1st Lieutenant Leroy Mangalia & Keelan

1,152 words; about a 6 minute read

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

[CONTINUED]

[OLD]

"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."

[NEW]

*^*

After drinks and appetizers, a gong sounded, signaling time for everyone to take their seats for dinner.

King Mrowen took his place at the head of the table, indicating that Jennifer take a seat to his left; Keelan, as the head of the Jenefran Council, took the seat to the King's right. Kali, as the King's daughter, sat in the seat opposite her father. She invited Sam to sit at her right and Illise, the scientist, on her left.

Jennifer took her seat at the table awaiting the Jenefran cuisine. So far everything seemed to be going well but inside she was feeling uncomfortable about not only her late appearance but being at the venue. She felt as though she was an outsider whom should have remained on the ship. Something about her presence felt awkward but now that she was here she had to remain, at least until the dinner concluded.

Leroy sat near the end of the Federation spots, keeping an eye out. So far they had been the perfect hosts, but he hadn't been able to get anything of note out of the few that he had been talking to. he was an unknown to them, and he wasn't going to push his luck at all by asking too many hard questions.

Keelan sat to the right hand of the King; he noticed miss 'Tate' and her way of rapidly becoming near the center of things; an interesting woman that can come late and still attempt to be a major player despite having her "Command Person' becoming passive at just the right time. HE was quite taken by how the Tate woman was acting; he liked how she was being absorbed by the events around her. To have her knowledge and skills near the King during this transition might actually be something in the Favor of plans. The King might learn a major lesson from Lady Tate?

Keelan liked the woman as a person to be go-between for the Federation and he might like to keep her aside to be pivotal in the proceedings?

Kali wanted to make some gesture to the Commander of the Starfleet vessel, but she knew that she was being carefully observed tonight. She would have to be on her best behavior and hopefully catch the woman alone after the meal broke up. Her father would be replete with the large meal and his success in impressing these newcomers to be concerned if she showed the palace gardens to their guests.

The first course was served. As the soup was set before each person, Kali took the opportunity to address Sam. "We are most honored by your visit. Women in your Federation seem to be as involved as the men."

"Yes. Everyone in the Federation has an opportunity to learn and to work where they wish. Sometimes it is harder on the outlying worlds, but in the heart of the Federation your opportunities are numerous," Sam said.

Kali turned to Illise. "And you? What is your specialty in this Federation?"

Illise put down the glass of water she had been sipping from to reply. "I am a scientist, princess. Currently, I hold the position of Chief Science Officer aboard the USS Calypso."

"Fascinating. What sort of science do you prefer?" Kali asked.

"Advanced theoretical physics & astrosciences." Illise told her. "I've always had a desire to discover and understand spacial anomalies." She smiled enthusiastically.

"Impressive," Kali replied, genuinely impressed.

Jennifer remained silent for the appetizers as she got a feel for the room and allowed each of the Calypso crew and respective Jenefran delegates to engage in conversation. The Princess was playing good host to both York and Hale but even Tate could tell she was tense and walking on glass, such was the life of royalty. She also noticed the King remained silent as she ate, if she was to make any impression on Sam or the mission, she needed to play the good guest.

"Pardon me your highness...is that how you are to be addressed? I ask you forgive me I usually make it a point to be more learned prior to first contact with a new culture. However the magnificent work of your chefs could not go unmentioned. This meal is simply marvelous and would be considered amongst the highest ranks by my culture. Are the culinary arts a major passion of your culture?" Jennifer inquired.

"It is King Rowan as this is the more formal setting and it is also accepted to call him Your Highness if that is more suited to your liking?" Keelan informed. "It is considered an honor to be so close to the Regal Lord, please know you have the honored place. Your Commanding Officer is with the Princess. It is the Hope that you take note of your place and the honor we are showing you?"

Jennifer put her hand over her heart. "Sir I have not only taken note but am humbled by your most generous gesture. It is my hope that I may one day be able to show my gratitude in providing both you and your highness such an honor."

King Mrowen waved a hand in the air, dismissing her comment. "It is we who are honored. I am pleased you favor our cuisine. Only the greatest chefs work in the palace."

"Your chefs are artists. On Earth, it takes years for someone to master the spices like this. The soup was a medley of flavors I have never experienced before." Jennifer replied.

Leroy sat back, wishing he could walk over and take Tate away from the fiasco she was causing. But it would look worse if he did anything, and lied to the Monarchy. "Lieutenant Tate, could you come over for a second?"

Keelan glanced over at the gentleman calling the Tate Lady, this would not bode well if she were to be taken from the place of honor by an underling, to call her from a place of Honor is not something Keelan wanted in the light of this formal dinner. He would have to read more of that information given him about the Federation Command System?

King Mrowen raised an eyebrow. "It is considered impolite to leave your seat during a royal dinner."

(To be continued...)

Lieutenant Damion Wolfe
Chief Security/Tactical Officer

Lieutenant JG Ronnie Lancaster
Assistant Chief Science Officer

King Mrowen
King of Jenefra

Kalikana
Princess of Jenefra

Lieutenant Commander Jennifer Tate
Intelligence Officer

1st Lieutenant Leroy Mangalia
Flight Leader

Keelan
Vizier of Jenefra

Lieutenant Illise Hale
Chief Science Officer

 

RSS Feed