Posted by Lieutenant Elyss Zavey (Chief Science Officer) in ALT SIM- Possible dinner date with Elyss

Posted by Lieutenant Thalos ch’Ravik (Chief Of Security) in ALT SIM- Possible dinner date with Elyss
Thalos had finally finished his shift on the bridge and returned to his quarters. The familiar surroundings were quiet, offering a welcome respite after hours of vigilance at Tactical.

His eyes drifted to the ushaan-tor mounted proudly on the wall. It was more than a ceremonial weapon—it was a reminder of home, of Andorian tradition, discipline, and the path that had shaped him into the officer he had become.

He stood before it for a long moment, hands clasped behind his back.

Then, without warning, his thoughts wandered.

Elyss.

Their evening together in the lounge replayed in his mind. The conversation had flowed with an ease he had not expected, and for perhaps the first time since arriving aboard the USS Merrimack, he had found himself relaxing completely in another person’s company.

A faint smile found its way onto his face.

Perhaps… she would enjoy sharing a proper meal.

The thought lingered for only a moment before he made his decision. Walking across the room, he activated the communications panel.

”=^= Ch’Ravik to Zavey. =^=”

There was a brief pause as he carefully chose his words.

=/\=Zavey here.=/\= Since she’d been working out in her quarters, Elyss was a little out of breath as she answered the call.

”=^= I was wondering if you would care to join me for dinner this evening. If you already have plans, I completely understand. =^=”

He released the transmit key and waited.

Oddly enough, waiting for her reply felt far more daunting than facing an unknown vessel across the viewscreen.

Lieutenant Thalos ch’Ravik
Chief Of Security
USS Merrimack

=/\=Dinner? I’d love to. I’ve been exercising though so I need time for a shower. I can be ready in 30 mins. Does that sound alright?=/\=

As she awaited his answer, Elyss stood in the center of her living area smiling. She’d begun to wonder if the COS had lost interest in her after their meeting in the lounge, but it appeared he had not. She had not either. Mentally going through her closet for the right outfit, she started walking to the bedroom and its adjoining bathroom, the com channel still open. =/\=Will you swing by and pick me up?=/\=

Lieutenant Elyss Zavey
Chief Science Officer USS Merrimack

The corners of Thalos’ mouth lifted into a genuine smile as Elyss accepted his invitation. He hadn’t realised he’d been holding his breath until it escaped in a quiet exhale.

”=^= Thirty minutes is perfectly acceptable. =^=”

He paused for only a moment before continuing.

”=^= And yes… I would be honoured to escort you to dinner. I’ll call for you in thirty minutes. =^=”

Another brief pause followed.

”=^= Ch’Ravik out. =^=”

The channel closed, leaving the silence of his quarters to return.

For a long moment, Thalos simply stood there, staring at the now-inactive communications panel.

A curious sensation settled over him.

Anticipation.

He had faced hostile vessels, commanded soldiers in the Imperial Guard, and stood tactical watches where a single decision could determine the fate of an entire crew.

None of those experiences had left him feeling quite like this.

A quiet chuckle escaped him.

“It appears,” he murmured to himself, “that Lieutenant Zavey is considerably more intimidating than any tactical situation.”

With twenty-eight minutes remaining, he made his way to the wardrobe built into the wall of his quarters.

After a moment’s consideration, he decided against wearing his duty uniform. Tonight was not an official function, nor was it another meeting between department heads. It was simply two officers sharing an evening together.

He selected a charcoal-grey pair of tailored trousers and a deep blue, high-collared Andorian tunic, subtly embroidered with silver stitching around the collar and cuffs. The garment was unmistakably Andorian in design—simple, elegant, and practical without being ostentatious. Black boots completed the outfit.

Standing before the mirror, he smoothed the front of the tunic before fastening the collar.

The reflection looking back at him was no longer Lieutenant Thalos ch’Ravik, Chief of Security.

It was simply Thalos.

He allowed himself a small, satisfied smile before checking the chronometer once more.

Twenty-two minutes.

For once, time seemed determined to move as slowly as possible.

Lieutenant Thalos ch’Ravik
Chief Of Security
USS Merrimack