Posted by Lieutenant Thalos ch’Ravik (Chief Of Security) in Elyss’ quarter - Thalos arriving to go on their date

Posted by Lieutenant Elyss Zavey (Chief Science Officer) in Elyss’ quarter - Thalos arriving to go on their date

Posted by Lieutenant Thalos ch’Ravik (Chief Of Security) in Elyss’ quarter - Thalos arriving to go on their date
Posted by… suppressed (2) by the Post Ghost! 👻
Thirty minutes had passed.

Having changed into his off-duty attire—a deep blue Andorian tunic with subtle silver embroidery, charcoal-grey trousers, and polished black boots—Thalos gave himself one final glance in the mirror.

Satisfied, he left his quarters.

The journey was a short one. Elyss’ quarters were only a little further along Deck Three, around the corner from his own. Normally, he would have made the walk without a second thought.

Tonight was different.

His antennae shifted subtly as he rounded the corner, betraying the anticipation he otherwise kept carefully concealed. It was an unfamiliar feeling, one he found himself neither resisting nor fully understanding.

Stopping outside her quarters, he took a slow, steady breath before pressing the door chime.

The soft tone echoed through the corridor.

He folded his hands comfortably behind his back and waited, a small, genuine smile already forming.

“Good evening, Elyss,” he called once he heard movement from within.

“I hope I’m not keeping you waiting.”

His smile grew just a fraction.

“I’ve been looking forward to this.”

He remained where he was, patiently awaiting her answer, content to let the evening begin at whatever pace she chose.

Lieutenant Thalos ch’Ravik
Chief Of Security
USS Merrimack

As soon as she heard the door chime, Elyss checked her image once more before heading towards it. She hoped she hadn’t over dressed for a simple dinner, but she did want to look her best for Thalos. The door recognized her biometric signature and split open as soon as she was near enough. There stood her Andorian date, looking very sharp in a blue tunic and dark pants.

She smiled, happy their dinner had finally arrived. It had actually been a little while since her last date, so she’d forgotten just how nervous making it could be. “Hello, Thalos. You look very handsome tonight. Would you like to come in for a drink or should we save that for after dinner?”

Lieutenant Elyss Zavey
Chief Science Officer USS Merrimack

The moment the doors parted, Thalos found himself momentarily speechless.

His silver eyes settled on Elyss, and for perhaps the first time in many years, the disciplined Andorian found it difficult to find the appropriate words.

His antennae lifted instinctively toward her before he consciously brought them under control.

“You are…”

A faint smile touched his lips.

”…quite beautiful, Elyss.”

The compliment was sincere, delivered with the same honesty that defined nearly everything he said.

“I fear I may now be underdressed.”

A quiet chuckle escaped him, a rare flash of humour escaping his normally composed exterior.

At her offer, he inclined his head appreciatively.

“It is a very tempting offer.”

He paused, his smile lingering.

“However, I was rather looking forward to sharing dinner with you first. If you are still willing afterwards, I would be delighted to return for that drink.”

For a brief moment, his silver eyes met hers.

“I suspect we’ll have no shortage of conversation.”

He offered his arm in a distinctly gentlemanly fashion.

“Shall we?”

Lieutenant Thalos ch’Ravik
Chief Of Security
USS Merrimack

When was the last time someone had told her she was beautiful? She couldn’t remember, but hearing it from him made her feel warm all over. “Thank you, and don’t be silly, you look very nice.” She stepped through the door and joined him in the corridor, linking her hand in the crook of his arm. “To tell you the truth, I was worried about being overdressed.” A soft laugh escaped her then. “I guess no matter how advanced we get, there will always be insecurities.”

They walked leisurely to the turbolift and entered. “We’re going to the Fantail or the Forecastle? (OOC: Fantail is fancier!)” They had the lift to themselves so there was no hurry to decide, but the two lounges were on different levels so a decision had to be made.

Lieutenant Elyss Zavey
Chief Science Officer USS Merrimack

The warmth of Elyss’s hand resting in the crook of his arm was enough to make Thalos acutely aware of every step they took together. He kept his composure, though his antennae betrayed him with a subtle rise.

“I believe,” he said with a faint smile, “that we may have shared the same concern.”

He glanced briefly toward her.

“I spent considerably longer deciding what to wear than I care to admit.”

The admission was accompanied by a quiet chuckle at his own expense.

As they stepped into the turbolift, Thalos considered her question for only a moment.

“The Fantail.”

He looked at her, his silver eyes carrying a quiet warmth.

“I invited you to dinner, Elyss . It seems only fitting that we enjoy the finest dining experience the Merrimack has to offer.”

A brief pause followed before his expression softened into another smile.

“Besides…”

His tone became slightly more playful than usual.

“I suspect if I had chosen the Forecastle, I would spend the entire evening wondering whether I should have brought you somewhere nicer.”

He turned toward the turbolift controls.

“Fantail.”

As the lift began its journey, he looked back to Elyss.

“I must confess, this is not something I have done very often.”

His smile remained.

“If my understanding of Human dating etiquette proves… inadequate, I hope you will forgive me.”

For perhaps the first time since they had met, there was the faintest hint of vulnerability beneath his otherwise composed exterior.

Lieutenant Thalos ch’Ravik
Chief Of Security
USS Merrimack

Elyss’s smile softened at his confession. It was strangely endearing to see the normally unflappable security chief admit to feeling uncertain. She found herself relaxing a little, realizing she wasn’t the only one who had been nervous about tonight. “I think you’re doing just fine,” she replied warmly. “Besides, I’m not exactly an expert either.”

She tilted her head slightly, studying him with quiet amusement. “I’ve spent the last half hour wondering if I should have changed my dress, if I’d picked the wrong shoes, and whether I was making far too much of what was supposed to be a simple dinner.” A light laugh escaped her. “So I think we’re even.” The turbolift hummed softly around them as it continued toward the upper decks. For a moment she simply enjoyed the comfortable silence between them, surprised at how easy it already felt.

“I’m glad you chose the Fantail,” she admitted. “I’ve only been there once since coming aboard. Usually I convince myself I have too much work waiting for me to justify taking the time.” She glanced sideways at him. “I suppose that’s one thing science and security have in common. There’s always another report to read or another problem waiting to be solved.” As the lift slowed to a stop, the doors parted onto the elegantly appointed deck outside the Fantail. Warm lighting spilled into the corridor, accompanied by the muted sounds of conversation and soft instrumental music.

Elyss looked toward the entrance before returning her gaze to Thalos. “I’m really glad you asked me.” The words came more quietly than she’d intended, but they carried an unmistakable sincerity. She smiled. “Now… shall we see if the finest dining experience aboard lives up to your recommendation?”

Lieutenant Elyss Zavey
Chief Science Officer USS Merrimack