Posted by Captain Amelia Manning (Visitor) in The Plaza Exchange - Diamond Jim’s Speakeasy - Come Out and Play (Open to all)

Posted by General Calvin Harris (Command General- Colonial Customs and Defence Authority) in The Plaza Exchange - Diamond Jim’s Speakeasy - Come Out and Play (Open to all)

Posted by Captain Eela Dasca (Lt. Governor) in The Plaza Exchange - Diamond Jim’s Speakeasy - Come Out and Play (Open to all)
Posted by… suppressed (11) by the Post Ghost! 👻
Diamond Jim’s Speakeasy was a little known but still popular spot in Oed’s Plaza Exchange; the open air market surrounded on all four sides by six and eight story buildings that also were part of the Exchange. Here one could buy almost anything (legal and not-so-much)… if one knew who to ask and how to ask them.

The Speakeasy’s door was set facing out of one of the buildings. The door was constantly closed, and there was always a guard. As reputable as an establishment as it was, the Exchange was no stranger to trouble. Patrons stopped at the door and asked to be let in. The place was exclusive, and if the guard didn’t know you and you weren’t expected… good luck getting in.

For those that were allowed, the door opened not to a restaurant… but to a flight of stairs. ‘Inside’ the stairs went steeply down for about ten meters and opened into a large space filled with tables, booths, a massive bar set on a raised section in the middle of the place, and a stage. The air was filled constantly with the aroma of fresh cooked food and exotic spirits, and the place was almost always busy… but not full. Here and there would be a couple or an individual, and for the most part it was quiet; only the subdued conversations and the tinkling of dishware to be heard. The place was lit, but not too brightly, by sconces and shaded lights hanging from the ceiling. The tables and booths were just far enough apart to allow for private conversation. The bar was magnificent; marble topped on all four sides with brass and copper accents. The center of the bar was a massive four-sided terraced display of spirits from all the known corners of the galaxy… and some not known by many. Tall chairs with backs lined all four sides, and two bartenders tended to the libation needs of the guests.

But for as selective as the place was, tonight was different. Tonight there was a show on the stage, and word had spread quickly that a new performer would be making their Oed V debut. He was a human, and he sang an old Earth style of music called ‘Country’. Apparently the word got out when someone who was dining while he was auditioning for the Speakeasy’s owner started raving about it. The demand for tables the night he was to perform was the most the Speakeasy had had since the former owner had.... well… ‘negotiated an alternative employment’… with the Colonial Customs and Defense Agency after a complete and utter misunderstanding about several (dozen) customs violations. It was going to be a good night for the place… if the show was good, that is.

Diamond Jim’s Speakeasy

Yavia had heard word about the show, and had wrangled several of the nurses to go with her. Ilena, Temple, Shrine, a couple from Maternity and general practice, and Yavia all showed up at the door. She’d even asked Dr Fayth, who would have to arrive later because she had patients to see to first. Fayth had been rather excited when she heard about the country music. Apparently it was a favorite. Yavia rounded them all up and dragged them in a large group from the hospital and back towards the apartments.
Most of them lived in the same building. A few a block or so away. Shrine had a ground car and they all piled in, Yavia up front giving directions. “Yavia are you sure you know where you are going?”

“How did you get an invite to this place?”

Yavia turned in her seat and grinned. “I’ve been there before, met the new owner, she’s amazing. I booked a big table for all of us.”

“Yeah, when did you go there?” Yavia grinned and shrugged, but Ilena could feel the giddiness and picked up a hint of name and she laughed, “Tenkiller! That’s where he took you.” Yavia shrugged, “I’m not telling.”

Shrine pulled the car into an open spot and the gaggle of nurses slipped out of the car, dressed for a night on the town. The plaza was lite up and busy and loud. Yavia led the way toward the door and gave her name to the guard at the door. “Yavia Crockett and party. We aren’t all here yet though.”

Yavia

The first rule on any new posting was to find the interesting places to get a drink and socialize. On Oed that left far more options than he’d usually have, but that didn’t dissuade Jonathan McBride from seeking out the most unique. And thus he had stumbled upon the Plaza Exchange and through a contact got to know this very odd speakeasy. Inside, he had snagged a table early (fortunately for him) that was in a protectable location and off to the side where they wouldn’t have to worry about people harassing them (much). He’d grab a drink in a minute, but for now he was waiting to see if the person he invited to join him would actually show up. On the surface it didn’t seem like their type of place (they were far too classy). But that he knew was just a partial cover. Maybe this was a test, or maybe he just understood people (and this person in particular) a bit better than his charming grin and confident swagger might suggest. The former pilot turned captain was dressed in black jeans, a white t-shirt and a dark blue and white striped button shirt left open. His leather jacket was draped over the back of his chair.

Captain McBride, Off-Duty CO

Amongst the commotion was another arrival. A off the shoulder long sleeved top covered in gold sequins caught the light as it floated around her body. Her knee high low heeled black boots clunked on the stairs (she’d grumble about going up them later), and her wide flared black skirt swung around her as she moved. Any quick glance at the woman would probably just register her as someone happy for a night out. Abundant black curls settled about her shoulders and she wore vibrant red lipstick and dark shadow on her eyes. A glittery bracelet hung from her left wrist.

It didn’t take her too long to spot her quarry and she carefully maneuvered about the crowd of people that made the night at the art gallery look like a quiet tea party. She slipped onto a stool at the table and McBride starred at her. And then laughed.

He leaned in. “Is that a wig?” he asked so only she could hear. He was trying to reconcile the woman before him with the woman in suits and professional attire and a no-nonsense attitude. the thing was he was certain other than the mass of curls, this was just as much Eela Dasca as that other woman was. It was fascinating.

Eela rolled her shoulder. “Hiding in plain sight,” she said, waggling her arched brows against her forehead ridge.

“Best. Night. Ever,” Jonathan declared.

“Shut up McBride and get me a drink. Aldebaran whiskey on the rocks. You’re buying,” Dasca said, taking in the scene with fascination.

Somewhere very close by and also hiding in plain sight was one of her security detail.

~Eela Dasca, Incognito

As the crowd filed in and drinks began to flow, there was a sense of fun and frivolity in the air. Laughter was abundant and everyone appeared eager for the show to start.

Tonight Yavia was wearing a wig with thick rich chocolate brown curls, each tip died in an array of bright neon colors, hip-hugging dark blue jeans and a button down forest green tank that she had tied the ends to show off her midriff. Their table was lively, and they were waiting to see who this new ‘talent’ was. Drinks and appetizers were ordered. “This place is…” Shrine looked around, “classy. Didn’t take Tenkiller for the type.” Yavia smirked.

A few minutes after the majority of people had arrived, the lights dimmed and the stage was lit up… but the curtains remained closed. The crowd looked around confusedly for a few moments when the sound of an electric piano and guitar filled the room. As they played, a singular voice began to sing:

No I’m not goin’ crazy, but lately my head and my heart
Seem to be at least a million miles apart
My heart says to love ya, my head says to run
It’s like my heart is to afraid to tell my head when it’s done
I know that it can never be the way it was
Even though you’ll be the death of me I can’t give you up
Too much is not enough it’s not the love, it’s not the lust that grips me
It must be the whiskey

Yavia sat up focusing on the empty stage. That voice was welcomingly familiar. Evil man said he only sang in the shower. The night just git a while lot more interesting. Ilena nudged her, “Someone you know?” and wagged her brows.

and the curtains vanished to reveal a band…

With Major General Charles Tenkiller singing and playing the guitar.

“No freaking way, is that who I think it is?” Jonathan asked.

Eela grinned. “Yes, yes it is.”

The music swelled and he continued to sing.

I’ve been drinkin’ to remember and drinkin’ to forget
I got I love you on my mind, I got Jim Beam on my breath
And loneliness has got the rest, I’ve got nothin’ left within me
It must be the whiskey
Oh oh oh
No I’m not goin’ crazy, but lately these thoughts in my head
Are a whirlwind of a world of a million regrets
All the things I should’ve done, all the things I should’ve said
All the pain that comes with hatin’ the mess you’ve made of yourself
I know I’m chasin’ rainbows thinkin’ I could make it work
But the fact is that my actions speak louder than my words
And it only makes it worse thinkin’ of her, thinkin’ she’ll forgive me
It must be the whiskey
I’ve been drinkin’ to remember and drinkin’ to forget
I got I love you on my mind, I got Jim Beam on my breath
And loneliness has got the rest, I’ve got nothin’ left within me
It must be the whiskey
I’ve been drinkin’ to remember and drinkin’ to forget
I got I love you on my mind, I got Jim Beam on my breath
And loneliness has got the rest, I’ve got nothin’ left within me
Sometimes it hits me whenever I’m a little tipsy
Oh, it hits me whenever I’m a little tipsy
It must be the whiskey
Oh oh oh
It must be the whiskey
Oh oh oh
It’s that whiskey
Oh oh oh
It must be the whiskey

(Cody Jinks ‘Must Be The Whiskey’ - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jpeB8p4b8Sg)

Tenkiller

Zerbo heard about the exotic drinks and wanted to taste them to see if he liked them and then purchase big quantities of them and if he didn’t like them, then to purchase medium amounts of them to have for his collection and gifts. You never know what might come in handy and what beings like. The second reason he was here was to see what beings were seeking or could get. If they were good he would hire them for.... jobs.

He walked in and went straight to the main bar. He ordered the first exotic drink on the list and then asked to talk to the person in charge of getting them so he could buy some. Drinking his new drink and really liking it he saw the general singing and playing the guitar. He ordered another drink like his for the general and then toasted him while he played.

Zerb, Colonial Finance Minister

Yavia’s attention was rivited in the stage. The man had the voice of a siren. Temple laughed and took her napkin and waved it at Yavia, “Someone cool her off.” Yavia laughed and smacked her hand away. Shrine sighed, “If I was 20 years younger.” Temple coughed, “You mean 30.” Shrine shrugged, “That man has a voice like warmed honey whisky. Smooth, comforting
And completely intoxicating.” They were all watching to see if Yavia agreed. As the song wound down and tbe lyrics settled every single person at the table stared at Yavia. Ilena asked what they were all wondering, “What they hell did you do on that date?”

Yavia flushed and smirked behind her glass and gave a little shrug. She clapped loudly as the song ended, letting out a loud whistle as well.

Yavia

Tenkiller looked out at the crowd and smiled. He was dressed in powder blue, pearl-snap button down shirt in a style humans called ‘western’ with the sleeves rolled up to his elbows and blue jeans with worn brown boots and black cowboy hat with a brown band. He was front and center holding a black enamel guitar with brass frets and tuning pegs. To the left of him and back a bit was another human guitar player. To his right, an Andorian was playing bass. And behind them on a small riser was a drum kit with a Tellarite holding drumsticks. To finish the ensemble was a keyboard with a Vulcan standing behind it.

Eela clapped loudly and shook her head. That was unexpected!

McBride joined in on the whistles and raised a glass to the man, even if Tenkiller probably wouldn’t know who he was in the crowd. He looked at Eela and her expression and laughed aloud. “Aren’t you glad I dragged you out now?”

Captain McBride, Starfleet CO

“Not gonna lie, my night is looking way more interesting than the piles of reports I’m still trying to get caught up with.” Dasca was highly impressed. Charles had a fantastic singing voice and she had to admit she could listen to it for quite some time. Which… apparently she was going to get to! She knocked back some of her whiskey, smirking at the coincidence of her drink choice and his song.

~Eela Dasca, Incognito Lt. Gov.

“Thank y’all for comin’ out tonight. My name is Skip Tenkiller and these here are the Rattlesnakes.” Tenkiller said and introduced each one by name. “We appreciate you folks being here, and hope ya enjoy the show” and he turned to face the band and started playing slow and low, then he turned to sing.

“Skip? You call him Skip?” Yavia shushed Temple. She was not telling them what she called him or not. Nosey women would start using it, and she was certain TK would not like it. She wouldn’t either.

Well, I started on the whiskey pretty early this morning
That’s alright, I was up all night
But I passed out before the sun came up
I really wanted to see one of those
I know that’s no way for a man to behave
With a mortgage due, and a baby on the way
But somehow I made it to where I’m at
It’s been a living as a matter of fact
I get a bad attitude from being tired and running ‘round
I never ask for anyone to say they like my sound
I’ve never been a part of any musical scene
I ain’t just talking Nashville, if you know what I mean
They don’t write about me in their magazines
And I don’t ask for no reviews on the songs that I sing
I never had a lot of friends and I’m alright by that
But people keep on coming back

Raising hell with the hippies and the cowboys
They don’t care about no trends
They don’t care about songs that sell
Yeah, tomorrow I’ll be gone
So tonight everybody just sing along
Raising hell with the hippies and the cowboys

I’ve been standing on the outside for all of my life
But I like the view, I’m not gonna lie
Yeah, the yuppies and the hipsters and the wannabe scenes
That ain’t down-home to me
I like two dollar beers, I like three dollar wells
At some old honkytonk bar that I know by the smell
Some old drunk on a barstool on a Merle Haggard tune
That’s my kind of room

Raising hell with the hippies and the cowboys
They don’t care about no trends
They don’t care about songs that sell
Yeah, tomorrow I’ll be gone
So tonight everybody just sing along
Raising hell with the hippies and the cowboys
Raising hell with the hippies and the cowboys
They don’t care about no trends
They don’t care about songs that sell
Yeah, tomorrow I’ll be gone
So tonight, everybody just sing along
Raising hell with the hippies and the cowboys
And I’ll be raising hell with the hippies and the cowboys

(Cody Jinks, ‘Hippies and Cowboys’ https://youtu.be/Dd5pDryFTrY )

Oj’kiv, an L&D nurse, waved a hand to get her attention, “Hey Yavia…think you can get ‘Skip’ there to get on the intercom and talk, sing, whatever, for the maternity ward? Those mommas would be on cloud 9 listening to his voice.” That caused the other nurses to giggle and laugh. Yavia rolled her eyes, “Oh stop. Really.”

Ilena chuckled and leaned over, “Did you know he could sing?”

“He said he could. Said he used to sing for his family, I haven’t heard him sing before.” Yavia snagged a mozzarella stick of the tray.

Ilena laughed, “I think he owes you a private concert.”

Yavia

Eela was trying to remember the lat time she had done anything like this and it had admittedly been awhile. She had been grooving to the music the entire time, with clearly a sense of rhythm. Taking a sip of her whiskey, Dasca leaned in towards Jonathan. “How well do you think it would go over if I asked him if he would sing at whatever Cabinet party we might have?”

~Eela Dasca, Incognito Lt. Gov.

“Absolutely not!” Had come Molly’s near thunderous response when Calvin had first mentioned the invite. She had, rightly so, lectured him on taking it easy… as he had promised both Dr. Fayth and Lucas he would do… but he had shot back that he’d sat on his ass for the better part of a month and he was sick & tired of being coddled! “I’m not a child, Molly… nor am I a goddamn invalid! Fayth also said it was good for me to get out and stretch my legs when I could. I think this is a perfect opportunity to do so. Please… I promise, I’m just going to sat in a booth and listen. That’s it… deal?”

For a moment, Cal thought Molly looked as though she might throw something at him before she sighed in a rather defeated fashion. It was at that very moment, Cal’s savior arrived in the form of his former Exec… and current host… Amelia Manning. With her normal good-natured approach, Amelia had offered to go with Calvin… knowing Molly deplored crowds… to keep an eye on her former Commander and more importantly, ensure he didn’t over-do it. It was then, and only then, that Molly conceded. As so long as he took it easy and did NOT get drunk, he could go… but she made a point that she was still not thrilled with the idea.

Aside from family and closest friends, Amelia Manning was possibly the person that knew the most about the ins and outs of the couple. Not because she liked to gossip or to meddle, but rather because she had taken upon herself to help them through one of the hardest times of their lives together, when both had been too stubborn to do anything about it. It hadn’t been easy, and it hadn’t been glamorous, but she would do it all over again.

Amelia knew Molly’s reservations, and she had her own to add to it, but she also knew her former Commanding Officer to know how tired he likely was of being indoors ‘taking it easy’. So Manning knew she’d be the perfect person to keep an eye on Cal when many would be afraid to do so. She had done it before, she would do it again. Plus, it would be a nice excuse to go out with an old friend that she hadn’t seen in quite a while.

When the evening had arrived, Harris dressed… with the added ‘dapper’ of the polished black ebony cane he was still having to use for the time being… in his favorite pair of dark blue jeans, black cowboy boots he’d gotten for his 25th birthday from the old boot shop next to Langston’s in Stockyard City, dark crimson dress shirt and his grandfather’s silver bolo tie, and the black Stetson his mother bought him when he’d graduated Top Gun. When he’d walked out into the living room, Jersey & Ali had both had nearly fallen off the sofa they were sitting on laughing and Erin had stopped mid-sentence with Gavin… raising her eyebrow with a chuckle, she had added. “Really Alex!?!” Harris touched the tip of his hat to Erin and smiled. “Dr. Cooper.” The response was greeted with an eye roll from Erin before she and Gavin went back to their conversation. Ten minutes later, Amelia stepped out… equally dressed to the nines and the pair headed out to Diamond Jim’s.

Through the course of her Starfleet career, Amelia had had the fortune to see a great number of unexpected things. Still, she was not expecting to see Calvin Harris, former Marine, and her former Commanding Officer wearing… a cowboy outfit? Trying her best not to laugh and to keep it together for her evening date, the smirk that still made its way to her lips told Harris all he needed to know.

When compared to Cal, Manning was wearing what she considered to be a much less flashy outfit. A pair of snug dark blue jeans, a black pair or flat ballerinas, a boatneck black lace shirt. Her hair was tied up in an elegant knot, and a thin gold necklace and pair of delicate golden earrings adorned her frame.

“Nice hat.” She said as she walked up to Harris. “I didn’t know we were going to a barn dance. Or is this what you Yanks wear to outings all the time?” Amelia winked, grabbing his arm in an exaggerated formal manner. “Shall we get on our way?”

“Smart ass..” Harris playfully grumbled as Amelia took his arm. As they headed for the door, out of sheer habit, he turned to address the girls but was cut off before he could say a word by Ali… in the most obnoxious accent she could manage saying “Y’all kids behave now.. ya hear!” Ali, Jersey, Erin and Gavin all burst out laughing as Calvin sighed and walked out to the car with Amelia.

It was not a long drive from the Manning’s place to The Speakeasy, so it didn’t take long for Cal and Amelia to find themselves at the door.

Walking up to the door, seeing three previous couples turned away, Calvin stepped forward to the guard… who was eyeing the CCDA General in a manner that told him the guard expected to turn them away at any second. “General Calvin Harris, Commandant General of the CCDA, and Lady Amelia Manning. I’m here at the invite of Skip Tenkiller.” The guard’s eyes widened ever so slightly before he merely nodded and opened the door for the couple… to the clear annoyance of the couple he’d just turned away.

Walking down to the hostess stand, Harris once again gave his name and with a smile, the young woman took the pair to a booth near the stage, the concert already in progress. As they sat, Calvin motioned to Tenkiller. “I never woulda guessed in a million years that that boy could sing! I mean… he’s not as good as I am, but…” Harris shrugged with a smirk. “… aside from Erin’s boy, not many are!”

Calvin Harris

“As good as you are, huh?” Amelia said with a smirk, taking a seat at their allocated table. “Feeling modest today, I see.” She gave Cal a playful wink. “Although, I have to say… we’ve served together for what? Two years? And I never really heard you sing! Heard a few things about it though… so I’m curious… when are you going to grace us with a concert of your own?”

Capt. Amelia Manning

“I’m classically trained on the piano, Amelia…” Harris began with a smirk. “… I started playing at five and began vocal lessons at eight. Mom always hoped… I guess, that if I could do something in music I’d be less likely to follow Dad into the Corps.” He chuckled. “Needless to say, it didn’t work! I did eight years of musical theatre, almost all of them in lead roles… Les Mis’, Oklahoma, Beauty and the Beast, hell… even West Side Story! I have a whole wall of awards from my time on stage at my folk’s place! But… I found piloting was something I was even better at my Senior year of high school and the rest… as they say… is history!”

After a short pause, Calvin added. “I still practice almost daily… it’s a way to relax and unwind. Needless to say, most don’t think a combat-hardened aviator as a musician. It makes me happy… what can I say!” He shrugged.

Gen. Calvin Harris