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 Lieutenant Elyss Zavey (Chief Science Officer) in Elyss’ quarter - Thalos arriving to go on their date
Posted by… suppressed (11) 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

A genuine smile spread across Thalos’ face as Elyss admitted she had spent just as much time questioning her choices as he had his own.

“It would seem we are both accomplished officers…”

He paused, the corners of his mouth turning up slightly.

”…and equally capable of overthinking a simple dinner.”

A quiet chuckle escaped him.

As the turbolift carried them upward, he found himself appreciating the easy silence that settled between them. It wasn’t awkward or forced; it simply… existed. For someone who had always valued silence as much as conversation, he found it surprisingly comforting to share it with someone else.

When Elyss spoke again, admitting she was glad he had asked her, Thalos turned to meet her gaze.

“So am I.”

The words came without hesitation.

“I have found myself looking forward to this evening more than I anticipated.”

His antennae lifted subtly, their movement betraying the sincerity behind his otherwise composed expression.

“You once told me to simply be myself.”

He smiled warmly.

“I believe that was very sound advice.”

The turbolift doors slid open onto the Fantail’s deck. Soft music drifted into the corridor, accompanied by the gentle murmur of conversation and the inviting aroma of expertly prepared cuisine.

Thalos offered Elyss his arm once more.

“Shall we?”

Together, they made their way toward the entrance of the Fantail. As they approached, Thalos held the door open for her with the effortless courtesy that had been instilled in him since childhood.

“I must confess,” he said with a faint smile, “I have been looking forward to the company far more than the meal.”

With that, he followed her inside, curious to discover where the rest of the evening might lead.

Lieutenant Thalos ch’Ravik
Chief Of Security
USS Merrimack

Very nice posts, guys:)

GM Nosferatu
Your Darkest Nightmare

OOC: Thanks Krys, It’s always nice to her that :-)

Lieutenant Thalos ch’Ravik
Chief Of Security
USS Merrimack

OOC: Thanks, Krys!!

IC: Elyss preceded Thalos into the lounge and looked around for the right spot. She wanted something away from everyone else, with a good view of the stars. There was an empty table by the viewports. “How about we sit over there?”

At his nod, she headed that way, feeling his eyes on her back as she walked. She’d chosen her dress with him in mind. Expose a little flesh, but keep the neckline modest. It was a good way to keep the intimate possibilities open. For whatever reason, Elyss found herself attracted to the Andorian and she wanted him to feel the same way about her.

When they reached the small table, she sat and looked across at him. “You really do look nice tonight. It’s amazing what getting rid of a uniform can do for a person.” Her grin exposed a dimple in her left cheek.

When the server arrived to take their order, she asked for white wine.

Lieutenant Elyss Zavey
Chief Science Officer USS Merrimack

Thalos inclined his head as Elyss suggested the table by the viewport.

“An excellent choice.”

As they crossed the lounge together, he found himself appreciating the quiet elegance with which she carried herself. The stars beyond the viewport made for a spectacular backdrop, and he couldn’t help but think there was nowhere else aboard the USS Merrimack he would rather spend the evening.

Once they were seated opposite one another, her compliment drew a genuine smile.

“Thank you.”

He glanced down briefly at his tunic before returning his attention to her.

“I believe you may be right. Starfleet uniforms possess many admirable qualities…”

The corners of his mouth lifted slightly.

”…fashion is perhaps not one of them.”

As the server arrived beside their table, Thalos looked towards Elyss.

“Ladies first.”

He waited patiently while she placed her order, giving her his full attention before turning to the server.

“I’ll have the Andorian icefish with roasted vegetables, and a glass of Saurian brandy, please.”

Once the server departed, his attention returned entirely to Elyss.

“I appreciate your compliment.”

His silver eyes met hers.

“I confess, I spent rather longer deciding what to wear than I had anticipated. I wasn’t certain whether traditional Andorian attire would be appropriate.”

A faint smile returned.

“I am relieved my judgement was… acceptable.”

He folded his hands loosely on the table.

“I have spent much of my career serving alongside Humans, yet I find I still have much to learn about your customs.”

His expression became thoughtful.

“I have often heard it said that one learns a great deal about someone over a shared meal.”

He smiled warmly.

“I would very much like to discover whether that is true.”

After a brief pause, he asked his first question.

“So tell me, Elyss… before Starfleet, what first inspired you to look toward the stars and decide you wanted to understand them?”

Lieutenant Thalos ch’Ravik
Chief Of Security
USS Merrimack

“It was probably my brothers’ influence. I have three of them. They are older than me and they were always pulling me into their games and adventures. My parents wouldn’t let them leave me out just because I was a girl. So, when one of them would get hurt, I’d tend to it while we were out so we didn’t have to cut our time on the beach or at sea or anywhere else, and go home. Eventually, I started to study how best to treat possible, future injuries and just got deeper and deeper into the books about medical training. The rest is history, I guess.”

Thalos listened intently, never once interrupting as Elyss spoke of her childhood.

A faint smile settled upon his face as she described following her brothers on their adventures, tending to their inevitable injuries so the day’s excitement could continue uninterrupted.

“I can picture it.”

His silver eyes met hers across the table.

“Four siblings exploring the coastline together. It sounds… lively.”

There was genuine warmth in his voice.

“It also explains a great deal about you.”

He paused, choosing his words carefully.

“Most people are drawn to medicine because they are fascinated by the science. From what you’ve told me, you were first drawn to helping people.”

His antennae inclined slightly in quiet admiration.

“I find that… admirable.”

Before he could continue, the server returned carrying their meals. The aroma of the Andorian icefish immediately reminded him of home, while the saffron risotto before Elyss looked equally inviting.

As Elyss suggested a toast, Thalos reached for his glass of Saurian brandy, raising it with a small smile.

“To new friendships…”

He paused, considering his next words.

”…and to evenings that remind us there is more to life than duty.”

He gently touched the rim of his glass against hers before taking a measured sip.

Setting the glass down once more, he looked thoughtfully at his meal before returning his attention to Elyss.

“You asked me earlier about my time before Starfleet.”

A faint smile returned.

“Unlike your childhood, mine was considerably quieter.”

He gave a soft chuckle.

“The Imperial Guard does not encourage the sort of adventures your brothers apparently excelled at.”

His expression softened.

“Still… there were moments I look back on with fondness.”

He picked up his cutlery.

“Perhaps, while we eat, I’ll tell you about one of them.”

Lieutenant Thalos ch’Ravik
Chief Of Security
USS Merrimack

The waiter arrived with their meals and Elyss thanked him. “Mmm this looks delicious.” She’d ordered saffron risotto with asparagus and tomatoes on the side. Still thinking about the fun she had growing up with her brothers, the smile stayed for a little while. “Should we toast?”

Lieutenant Elyss Zavey
Chief Science Officer USS Merrimack

“Oh, I’m sure I would enjoy that very much.” Elyss followed his lead and began to eat. The risotto was delicious and the asparagus still had a bit of crispness to it. “So why don’t you regale me with one of those stories from your childhood? What was Thalos like as a boy?”

Lieutenant Elyss Zavey
Chief Science Officer USS Merrimack

Thalos smiled faintly, his gaze drifting beyond the viewport for a moment as memories surfaced.

“I was perhaps nine years old.”

He let out a quiet chuckle.

“Which, by Andorian standards, is old enough to believe one is capable of surviving anything.”

He picked up his fork, though he seemed more interested in the memory than the meal for the moment.

“There had been a fresh snowfall the night before. My cousins and I decided we would climb a frozen ridge overlooking one of the fjords near our family home.”

His antennae lifted slightly at the recollection.

“Naturally, we ignored every warning our parents had given us.”

A rare grin appeared.

“We were convinced they were simply trying to spoil our adventure.”

His expression became thoughtful.

“About halfway up, the ice beneath one of my younger cousins gave way. He didn’t fall far, but he slid toward a narrow crevasse.”

His voice remained calm, though the memory still carried weight.

“I remember reaching for him without thinking. Another cousin grabbed hold of me before I followed him over the edge.”

He paused, taking a measured sip of his brandy.

“It was my father who eventually climbed down and pulled us both to safety.”

Looking back to Elyss, a warm smile returned.

“That evening I expected a severe lecture.”

Another soft chuckle escaped him.

“Instead, my father sat me beside the fire and said something I have never forgotten.”

Thalos’ voice became quieter as he repeated the words.

“‘Courage is not running toward danger because you believe you cannot fail. Courage is knowing exactly what the danger is… and choosing to protect someone anyway.’”

His silver eyes met hers.

“I believe that was the day I decided I wanted to serve.”

He looked down briefly at his meal before continuing.

“Not because I wanted to fight.”

He shook his head gently.

“Because I wanted to be the one others could depend upon when everything else had gone wrong.”

A faint smile returned.

“The Imperial Guard simply happened to be the path that allowed me to become that person.”

Lieutenant Thalos ch’Ravik
Chief Of Security
USS Merrimack