Posted by Lieutenant Michael Gould (Chief Engineer) in Black and White Ball, SB 257, Starting Now

Posted by Captain Sidney Parker (Commanding Officer) in Black and White Ball, SB 257, Starting Now

Posted by Lieutenant Commander Balfor Kolar (Chief Science Officer) in Black and White Ball, SB 257, Starting Now
Posted by… suppressed (11) by the Post Ghost! 👻

SNIP

The room began to fill up and soon it was full. Not only of the men of the crew but the women as well. Significant others were now present and the impact of the black and white scheme was in full effect. The small orchestra had began to play in earnest and even though the synthetic and sometimes real liquor had not taken effect people were making it to the dance floor. At least those who knew how to dance slow ballroom style dancing.

The Captain had thought to do an award ceremony in the middle of the event but let it go. He just wanted people to enjoy the event. The tables set to the sides of the main floor began placing the meal settings. It was eat as you pleased meal but very elegant. The only table with a set seating chart was the executive table where the Senior Staff could sit. This was where the Captain made his way. He sipped the champagne but called that conspicuous waiter over to him. (Attn Waiter that looks suspiciously like the GM)

OOC: Kenson would you like for the Commodore Koh show up as an invited guest??

Parker CO

OOC: LOL. Perhaps the next time. It reminds me of a director I know who only appears at ceremonies but shies from actually doing work. I am satisfied with being the waiter in the background for the moment.

Kenson

Michael has noticed the change in the XO’s demeanour. He wasn’t sure what was wrong. “Trust you with something? In the hopes you won’t despise me by the end. I tried pretty hard to keep it out of my personnel file. This” he motioned to the room around them “is what I was brought up in. I’m a, there’s no good way to say this- trust fund baby. When I joined Starfleet, I did my best to get out of the tuxedos and all that. But this is… not unfamiliar. A bit surprised I remembered how to tie the tie. But before the style the Captain is wearing became fashionable, I had to do mine and three brothers. So… old habits. Anyway. A skeleton is out of the closet. I’d appreciate it if you kept it between us.”

-Michael Gould

“Um sure,” Jason blushed. Why was Mike telling him this? Jason must have been glowering at the chief engineer as if he had committed a crime. He had forgotten that Earth wasn’t the only place to find humans anymore and that some colony worlds had very outdated fashion and customs. His visit to Caldos Colony had made him think that he had traveled there in a time machine rather than a spaceship. Worse yet, as first officer, he should know this. There was no excuse for him not to be familiar with the personal files of every department head on the ship. Now Gould thought he was in trouble with his boss because he decided to show some initiative and individuality. Not the best way to start a party that is supposed to increase morale.

Jason had always known that his size and strength could be intimidating than his rank so he instinctively resorted to self-deprecating humor to defuse the situation and keep things casual.

“Sure thing, Mike. Family is like that. And as long as we are sharing secrets, I don’t think my underwear fits me,” he squirmed uncomfortably. “It’s starting to pinch,” he added guiltily.

At this moment it didn’t matter if Michael bought it, the important thing was that Gould knew that his first officer wasn’t mad at him for some reason.

OOC: Holy cow, I’ve really dragged the whole “There are no bowties (or neckties) in the 24th century” way out of proportion!

Jason Harn, XO

Michael chuckled. “Well.” He drained his champagne flute. “See you at the staff table.” Hoping something stronger than synthehol would make its way around, he moved towards the table. Rich boy alienates someone else. Might as well be at home.

As Sid sat there he caught sight of a Lt. from the Sb he had dated for a very short time. He thought she would come over but she seemed to be preoccupied. That is when he saw here with another Lt. from the Olinski. A crew member from Sciences he believed. He knew she had seen him too but it was obvious she did not want her new companion to see the connection. He let it go and looked another direction. Indeed some very beautiful women had arrived. Sadly for him he did not know all the rank and file of the crew so looking at one up and down would seem inappropriate, especially if he did not know if they were crew or not. Heck he guessed looking at a beautiful women like these days would seem outright criminal. However he preferred to glimpse at one from time to time. It made him realize when he was not on a mission or working how lonely he might really be.

Parker CO

Michael found the senior staff table and a little card with Lt Michael Gould by one of the places. As he sat down he greeted the Captain. “Sir. How’s your evening?”

-Michael Gould

“It is good Lt.” He answered. “In fact it takes me back. Only Kolar and Mirri remember the first of these Balls we used to have. Organized by Commander Thorne. My first XO.”

Parker CO

That drew a chuckle from the Vulcanly stoic Science officers. “A little fire to your ice Captain.” Kolat looked at Gould and decided to share a little gossip, but only a little. “Back then the Captain and the XO seemed to be quite opposite, but they found a way to make it work.” He looked at Parker.

“It was a good time, Captain. The good old days.” Kolar thought of a song by a human singer in the late 21 century.

“Indeed.” He answered.

Listening in Jason figured out that he had misinterpreted this annual tradition horribly. The reason it was called the Black and White Ball was because it was invoking formal events from the Federation’s prewarp past and was literally an archiac “black tie” event. Rather than playing it cool Jason had let his mask slip at a reminder of bygone days. Was he proud of his past or was he ashamed of it?

A 19th century earth orchestra started to play some rather old sounding tunes that was known in the day as a waltz.

Kenson

Ric entered the room nattily attired in his dress uniform, every button polished and every pleat in a straight line. The epitome of a Starfleet officer. He starred at the ball room in astonishment. Xandra said she would meet him her, wanting her appearance to be a surprise. Not yet seeing her anywhere, the CAG made his way to the head table where Parker and Gould were conversing.

“Mr. Gould, Skipper,” he inclined his head to each man in turn, “if I didn’t know better, I’d think you kidnapped my mother an had her help in planning this get together. She felt it was her duty as a Southern Belle to oversee every soiree or cotillion south of the Mason-Dixon Line. And God help you if she finds out about this one and you didn’t ask for her input.”

Ricochet (CAG)

Ch’zaolrirh grabbed a flute of synthehol as one of the waiters passed. He took a small sip, but to the Andorian palette the drink was nearly tasteless. Nonetheless it was customary in more “human” parts of the Federation. Scanning the room for some familiar faces, he caught sight of the executive table. It was too soon to be seated. Looking around a bit more he saw Commander Harn. He decided to make his way over.

“Commander - fancy meeting you here!”

The Andorian smiled as he tapped his glass against Jason’s.

COS Ch’zaolrirh

“Hi there Thell, glad you could make it,” Jason grinned back as their glasses made a satisfying ‘click’. Srothell Ch’zaolrirh was one of the few people on this ship he could count as a truly close friend, which was ironic considering that Jason was born before the United Federation of Planets was founded. Even now Commander Harn and Srothell ‘Thell’ Ch’zaolrirh were on a first name basis. He called the Andorian ‘Thell’ and Ch’zaolrirh called the XO ‘Commander.’ “I don’t think I’ve seen this many people dolled up since my last court martial,” he joked.

Kolar

As the waiter came by Sid asked him to go to the back and in the area where the drinks were kept he would find a package that had the Captains name on it. Opena nd bring it to the table with a glass with two ice cubes inside. The waiter looked at him funny but then figured he was a Captain and half of those guys tended to be a little off so he went and did it. In a minute he returned with a bottle with the name “Makers Mark” on it.

“Whiskey I believe Sir.” He said knowing full well it was the real deal.

“Yes it is. Here good fellow pour yourself one and leave the bottle.” Sid told him. The waiter hesitated and then decided what the heck. He did so and sipped it once and then downed it.

“Thank you Sir. Definitely not synthetic.” He said and stepped away.

The Captain looked at the Motley Crue and offered the bottle after he poured himself one.

Parker CO

Michael poured himself a glass. Being partial to both whiskey and things stronger than synthehol, this was Christmas come early. “Cheers Captain.” He took a sip. “Replicators are an amazing thing, but there are some things in life that just have to be real.”

-Michael Gould

In the meantime, Jason continued making small talk with Ch’zaolrirh. “Think we’ll find time to continue that holonovel?” he asked. “What chapter were we on anyway?”

Jason Harn, XO