Posted by Captain Orvos Legen (Commanding Officer) in CO’s Quarters - Dessert - Once in a Century (Presim)

Posted by Civilian Rollin (Lounge Host) in CO’s Quarters - Dessert - Once in a Century (Presim)

Posted by Lieutenant Junior Grade Janna Kingston (Counsellor) in CO’s Quarters - Dessert - Once in a Century (Presim)
Posted by… suppressed (7) by the Post Ghost! 👻

(snip)

Janna laughed. “I was up front that there would be gaps and he wasn’t concerned. But…” Janna took another bite of ice cream and set it to the side, gazing rather intently at the man she was in love with. “My brain is.. changing. Not just in a practical sense, but as in there is a physical change in my brain that suggests that it’s creating a new area of connections.” She smirked. “Looks like the Nexus actually changed me. ” She let a breath. “My neural connections are increasing at a rate of two hundred percent and…” Janna shook her head slightly, mystified but also feeling like somehow it was al meant to be. “I’m showing signs of new neurotransmitters being produced… El Aurian neurotransmitters.”

~Janna Kingston, CNS

His eyes perked up in a slightly concerned tone when she mentioned that the Nexus changed her. He listened to her intently, keeping his thoughts mostly in check. He grew mildly concerned that her new neural pathways were increasing so rapidly. And then it hit him. El Aurian neurotransmitters. She wasn’t El Aurian, so why was that happening? Was that evidence of the connection between his people and the Nexus? Was it fluke? Was it due to his own presence and connection to the Nexus? Did he do this to her? She had so much already to deal with. Had he caused her to change this way?

Then again, was it a bad thing? Really? She would have to adjust for sure. And if she was developing similar cognitive abilities as himself, it would certainly effect their relationship. If they continued on as they were, and he trained her in the use of her new mental capabilities…he already knew their bond would grow deeper. He had committed so much to her. He wasn’t about to shy away from himself being even more exposed to her. Though, if he was being honest, she already saw quite a bit of him exposed to her and she hadn’t complained one iota.

His concern was strong, though in a blink managed to quell to an acceptance and curiosity about it all.

“Well…that’s a lot. You’re going to definitely need an El Aurian then to assist in some of these new…capabilities.” He grinned softly, eyes set on her. “We’ve already been experiencing some of it I believe. And we’re likely to go even deeper together. Is that something you’re ok with?” he asked, wanting to be sure.

Janna’s eyes crinkled at the corners as she smiled. “I think I’m more than okay wit it. Don’t think we have a better expert around, after all. We don’t actually know what change point I’m headed to, so keep that in mind.”

Rollin moved with his usual flourish—robes whispering against polished decking, gold trim catching starlight through the occasional viewport. His steps had a practiced grace, somewhere between a procession and a performance, though he’d never admit to either. To Rollin, walking was just… another kind of dance.

The door to the captain’s quarters loomed ahead, nondescript to most, though Rollin had always believed doors held energy—thresholds between story and stillness. He regarded it with a quiet curiosity, head tilted, fingers laced lightly behind his back.

No hesitation. But no assumption, either.

He paused a respectful distance from the entrance, straightened the line of his sleeves, and touched the panel beside the door with the pad of one elegant finger.

Orvos could sense the unfamiliar presence at his doorstep. He wasn’t necessarily concerned, though it had been interestingly timed. He looked to Janna, curious if she sensed it too. He intentionally conveyed via their newfound connection that he was likely going to let whoever it was in. He was the captain after all, and some times that duty to the crew never truly paused.

Chime.

While it was unfamiliar to him, for Janna, she had already recently gotten a feeling for Rollin’s energy, and thus suspected it was him. “Relax. I promise you this will be interesting,” Janna said.

The note of it rang soft and clear.

Rollin did not fidget or pace. He simply stood—present, patient, expectant—like a gift waiting to be unwrapped.

After all, he wasn’t there to intrude.

He was there to be invited.

-Rollin
Just Rollin. That’s quite enough, Darling.

He eyed Janna for a moment before slowly turning his gaze to the door. “Come in,” he replied as the doors unlocked.

-Captain Orvos Legen, CO

Janna radiated calm energy, not at all fussed that she was sitting with Orvos on the couch, dessert bowls present. It was clearly not a work interaction and since they were now willing to be public with their relationship, it didn’t bother her that he saw this in a more intimate moment.

~Janna Kingston, CNS

The doors parted.

Rollin entered fluid, composed, precisely attuned to the moment. His robes did not billow this time, but they moved—a low, luxurious sway like calm waves meeting polished stone.

He paused just within the threshold, and took in the scene with a discerning eye.

The couch. The bowls. The shared space.
Ah. That kind of evening.

His lips curved into something warm, a smile softened by understanding and entirely free of assumption. His gaze moved from Janna—serene, radiant in her ease—to the captain, whose presence struck him as more open than Rollin expected, though no less enigmatic.

“Well,” he said lightly, hands clasped before him, “this certainly isn’t the ready room.”

He dipped his head in a small, graceful bow. Not performative, not mocking—polite. Intimate. A gesture offered to those who live with one foot outside time.

“Captain. Counselor. Forgive the intrusion—I would never dream of interrupting a dessert course unless I had reason.”

He stepped forward one careful pace and raised a brow with gentle curiosity.

“Rollin. Just Rollin. You’ve likely heard of me. Or at least felt me float through the corridors by now.”

He chuckled, low and bright. Then his eyes turned to Orvos, calm but intent.

“I came hoping to formally introduce myself, Captain—and because I happened to read your file.”

His gaze flicked to Janna, playful but not coy.

“And now I see your taste in company is even better than your Starfleet record suggests.”

Her eyes crinkled as she smiled and gave him a half bow of her head in acknowledgment of the compliment.

He gestured toward the couch with a wry smile.

“Would you like me to come back another time, or may I offer my greetings while the chocolate is still cooling?”

-Rollin
Just Rollin. That’s quite enough, Darling.

A smile tugged at the corners of his lips as he regarded the Deltan before him. “It may not be the ready room, as you say—but this will do nicely. Please, take a seat, Rollin.” He gestured toward a nearby chair, the invitation smooth and unhurried. “Ice cream? Or perhaps a drink?”

Orvos was at ease. His connection with Janna had deepened alongside their relationship, and for now, calm was the prevailing energy in the room. That same calm seemed to radiate outward as he waited for their guest to settle in.

Once Rollin was comfortable, Orvos let the faintest glint of curiosity touch his eyes. “So… you’ve read my file?” He slid his spoon across the top of his dessert, savoring the bite before adding, “I’m curious—what did you think?”

-Captain Orvos Legen, CO

Janna shifted her position ever so slightly, not that she was worried about seeming provocative with her bare legs crossed at the knees. It was more a subtle shift of energy that accommodated her increased audience. Rollin certainly wasn’t going to mistake her for being in professional mode- including the black slip dress overlaid by a sheer layer with cap sleeves and covered in wildflower embroidery- and her posture and energy gave that away. Still though, this was no longer the date that had started earlier, but she was fine with that and knew her and Orvos would come back to that after.

Really, if any interruption was going to be welcome, Rollin certainly rated high on that list. His presence also put an interesting thought into her head.

~Janna Kingston, CNS

Rollin drew in a sharp, theatrical breath, one hand sweeping to his chest as though the captain had just suggested something truly scandalous.

“You wicked devil… ice cream? With this figure? I wouldn’t dare.”

He gathered his robes at the waist with both hands, chest high, chin lifted in mock defiance—like a portrait subject from the golden age of operatic vanity.

“But…” The word stretched, rich with promise, “I wouldn’t say no to a drink. Something that packs a punch and leaves me warm and delightfully tingly—like I’ve just done something I probably shouldn’t have.”

He accepted the offered seat with a fluid ease, the folds of his robes settling as though they’d been designed for that chair. One leg crossed over the other, he rested an elbow lightly on the armrest, fingers steepling for a moment before he answered.

“What did I think?” He let the question hang for a beat, gaze flicking briefly to Janna as though she already knew the answer. “That you are exactly the kind of man Starfleet writes recruitment speeches about… and exactly the kind they could never hope to replace if you walked away tomorrow.” His eyes dipped conspiratorially, a smirk twitching with anticipation. “Not to mention your picture is devastatingly handsome. All told, of course, I think you are a terribly dangerous man to be around.”

He smiled—soft enough to take the sting out of the words, sharp enough to let them land.

“Dangerous men,” he added, ” are fascinating company. And in my experience, they’re also the ones worth knowing when the airlocks fail, the diplomacy unravels, or the dessert course is unexpectedly interrupted.”

He winked at Janna, one brow lifting in pure Deltan Charm.

He’s not wrong,” Janna said, tossing a conspiratorial glance Rollin’s way before affixing her gaze on Orvos with a deep smile.

“So, Captain… shall I pour myself that drink, or will you insist on doing the honors?”

-Rollin
Just Rollin. That’s quite enough, Darling.

“I’m not opposed to a drink, though mine should pack less of a punch I think,” the petite woman said. She had never been much of a drinker but liked something now and again.

~Janna Kingston, CNS

He groaned at the thought of being the ideal for starfleet recruitment speeches. He was also well old enough to know how short lives were. People were certainly unique, and he savored every story he came across. But someone could easily take over his position aboard the ship. He knew full well that life goes on even when others ceased. Though, he was pulled out of the thoughts when Rollin mentioned him being dangerous. That was a unique set of words few ever said to him. Here was this man, finding Orvos to be interesting. It wasn’t exactly what he enjoyed. Being from a race called “Listeners”, being the center of attention was difficult some times. Sure, he knew how to pull attention to himself when needed. But those moments were contrived. Moments he conjured up due to his own insecurities of truly being seen. Janna had penetrated through that facade better than anyone he had recently met. This…Rollin…was an astute observer.

At the mention of drinks, he had suddenly realized he had made the offer to provide something. And when Janna mentioned the desire for a drink as well, he decided get up from his seat after setting down his desert.

“I have to admit, my collection of beverages are slim. Though I do have a few choices.” He made for his bedroom, disappearing from sight. After a moment, he called out, “Ah, yes. I have Saurian Brandy, a bottle of Chateau Picard, and a rather old, unopened bottle of El Aurian Resonance.” He spoke as if anyone might have any of these drinks on hand in their quarters. He, of course, was well aware of Resonance, though it hadn’t occurred to him that it might stick out like a sore thumb to his guests.

-Captain Orvos Legen, CO

Rollin’s brows arched high, and for a moment, he simply sat there, lips parted as though the Captain had just announced he kept a live targ in the closet. Then he gave a slow, appreciative whistle, low and melodic.

“Darling… when a man claims a slim collection, and then produces words like Saurian Brandy and Château Picard, one listens politely. But when he so casually drops El Aurian Resonance into the conversation—” Rollin pressed a hand to his chest, eyes widening with theatrical awe, “—well, forgive me if I wonder whether you’re trying to seduce us, or merely ruin every other host on this ship forevermore.”

He leaned forward, elbows to knees now, all gleaming mischief. “Do you have any idea how many dignitaries, smugglers, and hopeless romantics would auction off their grandmother’s moon to so much as look at an unopened bottle of Resonance?”

Janna cast her gaze between the two men, searching for more clues. Of course, her mind was fairly open just now and that could result in her mind seeking things that were not hers to have, but fortunately it was a simple matter of focusing more on Orvos and their connection, letting that tether her.

His grin softened, voice dipping conspiratorially. “Of course, I would never ask you to open it… unless you wanted to see just how fascinating my company can truly be.”

Rollin leaned back again with languid grace, one brow flicking upward. “But as for me—Saurian Brandy will do beautifully. Enough fire to make me glow, but not so rare I’ll feel guilty about every drop.”

He turned his smile toward Janna, a glint of warmth and invitation in his eyes. “And I suppose, my dear, you’ll be sensible and go with the wine? Or shall we shock the Captain and put a dent in his brandy stock together?”

-Rollin
Just Rollin. That’s quite enough, Darling.

She let out a throaty chuckle. “Oh, come now Rollin’. I think you have a better read on me than that. Yes, I am practical, but my very existence is rebellious. Risky. I’m not on duty and I’m not here to analyze anyone. Bring out the brandy,” she said with a wink.

~Janna Kingston, CNS

Returning the wink, Rollin clapped excitedly. “That’s my girl! Garçon! Two Saurian brandies, please!”

-Rollin
Just Rollin. That’s quite enough, Darling.

Orvos was only mildly surprised she went along with the Saurian brandy. He decided to hold off on the liquor himself. The last time he had delved into the depths of a bottle had gone rather oddly for him. His inhibitions had been practically reduced to nothing. Which, under normal circumstances, had he not been in his quarters at the time, could have made for a rather interesting night for the rest of the crew. But the fact remained, Janna had come by after he had quite a few drinks already. And while some of the details of that night had been fuzzy, the more important moments he could remember. It had been some time since experiencing such intense events.

Better he were sober now, just to keep things minorly level headed. Deltans and El Aurians already had a sense of empathy about them. And Janna was just stepping into her newfound abilities. Best to have someone who wasn’t being effected by their beverage.

He came out from behind the wall with a pair of small glasses, each with the golden Saurian Brandy already poured. “It’s not much, but it does have a decent kick, so be careful.” he said with a small grin. He handed off each glass to their perspective drinkers and sat between them once more.

“So, Rollin, what made you decided to come to the Athena?” he asked curiously, picking up his bit of ice cream again.

-Captain Orvos Legen, CO

Rollin tilted his head at the Captain’s question, lips pursing as though Orvos had just asked him to summarize the taste of sunlight. He let the silence stretch, a sparkle igniting in his eyes, until at last he exhaled a laugh soft enough to blur sincerity and jest.

“My dear Captain,” he said, swirling the brandy in his glass, “you ask what made me come here. But perhaps that’s the wrong question.”

He leaned forward, his tone dipping into velvet mischief. “After all—does anyone ever really decide to board a starship? Or does the ship decide to take you?”

His eyes suddenly glared with accusation. “Better to ask… what possessed you to let me stay? You must have known I’d unsettle the carpets, tempt the crew, and now”—he gestured toward Janna with a conspiratorial flourish—“interrupt your desserts. Truly, sir, what were you thinking?”

Rollin’s grin sharpened with victory. He tilted his head at Orvos, perfectly innocent, perfectly damning. “Perhaps the real danger here, Captain, is not me boarding your ship… but you inviting me into your quarters.”

He sipped, eyes glinting with mischief over the rim. “And I promise you, that is not a question I’ll answer plainly—at least not before the second round of Brandies.”

-Rollin
Just Rollin. That’s quite enough, Darling.