Posted by Lieutenant Junior Grade Srothell Ch’zaolrirh (Chief Security Officer) in Black and White Ball, SB 257, Starting Now

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

Posted by Commander Jason Harn (Executive Officer) in Black and White Ball, SB 257, Starting Now
Posted by… suppressed (7) by the Post Ghost! 👻

SNIP

Ch’zaolrirh finished his synethol, “There is always work to be done, but for security officers its a good to always be at the ready.”

Maya stared blankly at the Andorian before nodding and saying “Oh yes, I see,” in a slightly exaggerated fashion.

Parker CO

“Speaking of transfers,” Emma continued as she glanced around the room. “I don’t see Thorne anywhere, all I see a bunch of new faces. Why don’t you introduce me to some of your new friends?”

Counselor Emma Ripley, transferring to the USS Galaxy

“Cmd Thorne was a couple of XO’s back I am afraid. We still have Kolar, Mirri, Trevor and Toro. So not everyone is gone.” He answered nicely. “Yourself. Things are good? Any new developments in the life of Ripley?”

Kolar looked back and forth between Parker and Ripley. The corner of his mouth twitched up slightly. He was pretty certain that their conversation was going to be very interesting.

“Lacy and I got transferred to the USS Saracen by accident,” Emma replied. “They didn’t have any facilities for families, and the skipper and I didn’t really get along. She was new to her command, you know the type,” she added as she leaned against the table set aside for the captain, the first officer, and the department heads. It was then that she noticed Michael, sitting by himself looking like the last one to be picked for the dance. “I’m sorry, I didn’t see you there,” she greeted as she turned to face. “Lieutenant Commander Emma Ripley, USS Galaxy.”

Michael took another sip of whiskey before standing up. He remembered why he didn’t miss functions like this. “Lt Michael Gould. I’m the Olinski’s CE.” He offered a hand.

-Michael Gould

Parker CO

Emma grinned mischievously at Sidney before taking Michael’s hand and kissing it. With the height difference, it made the role reversal even more comical.

Lieutenant Commander Emma Ripley, USS Galaxy

Michael had never met anyone he would describe as Amazonian in height before, nor was he likely to again. “What brings you to our post mission festivities Cmdr?” He asked.

“I was visiting the starbase and saw the notice for the Olinski’s Black and White Ball,” Emma smiled. “Nice tux, by the way. You get it. I remember one year, we had an officer, Mister Werex, who was silly enough to just show up in his formal uniform! Can you imagine? He wasn’t even on theme! At least you’re not a stick in mud.”

About a table length away, Jason winced as he looked down at his white and lavender formal Starfleet uniform with gold fringe. Could he dress any more boring?

Emma Ripley, CNS aboard the USS Galaxy & Jason Harn, XO

The andorian’s antannae perked up at Emma’s comment. He looked over at Jason and then down at his own formal uniform. Patting the XO on the back, he threw in his own comment, “Like I said, always good to be at the ready. Right Commander?”

COS Ch’zaolrirh

“It sure is Thell,” Jason smiled back and to his credit did a passable job of making appear that he wasn’t dying on the inside. It was too late, though Ch’Zaolrirh had already seen his mask slip. If Maya noticed she gave no indication.

Kolar picked up the whiskey bottle and re-filled his glass. Yup this was a two drinker…

Balfor Kolar

“Ripley your looking great and its good to see you. I think the dancing will begin in earnest in a few. Save at least one for me.” The Captain said. He was noticing that Ripley was having a little fun at this crews expense. Which was ok to him. One thing to be said for Ripley was she was a looker and that had not changed one bit.

Parker CO

“Sure thing Sid,” Emma grinned before glancing down at Michael. “So as long as you’re dressed for it, how about a dance?” she asked him. “Unless you’re sitting there waiting for somebody,” she added.

Jason Harn and his army of NPCs

Michael took another sip of his whiskey. “No one in particular.” He was never comfortable around women in these situations, and one significantly taller than him wanted to dance. Years of social training had him by force though. He held out one hand for her and gestured to the dance floor with the other.

-Michael Gould

As a few individuals started making their way onto the dance floor, Ch’zaolrirh had a strange feeling. It was as if someone was watching him, and it wasn’t just Maya. Glancing past the group, he made his mark on the source. Near the entryway two Andorians had appeared. He wasn’t sure how long they had been there, but it couldn’t have been more than ten minutes or so. They were both clad in dark green vests and black trousers. The outfit never went out of style back home. They were also both staring at the COS intently. Did he know them? Ch’zaolrirh’s brow furled slightly as he tried to recall their faces.

Maya was perceptive, she must have caught the two before Ch’zaolrirh. Without turning towards them she responded to Ch’zaolrirh’s changein expression, “Do you know those two?”

Ch’zaolrirh’s antennae perked up. “No, but I have a feeling I am going to very soon.” Placing his empty glass on a passing waiter’s tray, the COSexcused himself. As he began to walk towards the entryway, the two Andorians exited. Ch’zaolrirh followed.

COS Ch’zaolrirh

“Did we miss something?” Jason asked suspiciously.

“Yes,” Maya replied with perfect sincerity.

Jason rolled his eyes before leading the little Vulcan over to Kolar, who seemed more content to watch people than to interact with them. “Here’s somebody I want you meet. Maya this Balfor Kolar, our science officer, and one of the smartest people in Starfleet.”

“It is an honor to meet you Mister Balfor,” Maya greeted serenely.

Jason Harn XO (and Maya)