Posted by Civilian Alston ‘Fox’ Mace (Colonial Intelligence Agency Asset) in Oed Museum- A Diplomatic Gala- The Vren Arrival (OPEN TO ALL)

Posted by Lieutenant Commander Sharah Fayth (Chief Star Fleet Medical Officer) in Oed Museum- A Diplomatic Gala- The Vren Arrival (OPEN TO ALL)

Posted by Civilian Yavia Crockett (Nurse - Sacred Heart Hospital) in Oed Museum- A Diplomatic Gala- The Vren Arrival (OPEN TO ALL)
Posted by… suppressed (18) by the Post Ghost! 👻

(snip)

All the guests would enter into the Oed Museum through multiple doors at the front into a large open tiled space in the middle, and were directly across from a matching flank of doors at the back that led to outdoor gathering spaces. The two left and right were exhibit areas (North and South Wings) with various rooms surrounding a larger exhibit space. There were a second and third floor with more exhibit spaces and a kids learning centre, but the middle space was open on the main floor, and this openness was copied in each central exhibit in the wings. This central main floor space was where the gala was being held and round tables were staggered through the space, leaving lots of space for people to move about and mingle. Light filtered through from the skylights high above them. Event staff had prepped a podium area where speeches and what not would happen (flanked by the Oed Five and Federation flags) and to the corner were buffet tables with a small set of them set perpendicular for the Vren’s specific food.

(snip)

___ An Hour Later ____________
(snip)

“Director.” Hyrushi said in acknowledgement. “I hope all is in order and rhe children are excited for tonight’s performance.”

“Good evening, Director Enger,” Eela said with a warm smile. “The children look great and I’ve very excited to see their presentation. I’ve heard the practices went very well.”

~Eela Dasca, Lt. Gov.

Karina bowed slightly, “Thank you. They have worked hard. They are very nervous, but Kita,” the small elementary aged child, “has enough confidence for them all. Her antics are helping to dispel the tension.” She bowed slightly again. “I will return to them, but they are ready.”

Enger, DOE

“Very well.” Hyrushi said. “Please extend my most sincere ‘Break a leg’ to them.” and he half-smiled.

“I will. Thank you, Governor.” Karina returned the slight smile, “We will see you all soon.” She left to return to the students and pass along the encouragement.

Enger, DOE

Ana approached the entry and was waved in as an aide to the Governor. She wore a scarlet suit with a black shirt, all well fitted. She sought out the Governor and found him with the Lieutenant Governor and the DOE. She walked over but kept her presence less prominent than the others. She was the Chief of Staff, not anyone fit to draw attention to herself.

-Chief of Staff

Hyrusho looked at her and nodded once. “Ms. Caputo, good evening. Are we ready to make history?” he asked softly.

Erin had been born for this. Regardless of everything else she enjoyed doing in her private life, or the scientific passion she pursued on her professional career, Erin Hazen had always been the life of the party. That didn’t necessarily mean behaving like a drunk sorority girl (which she had… in more than one occasion), but rather that she absolutely enjoyed the elegance and glamour that came with grandiose events, and she loved to play the part. Tonight was no exception.

Gavin Cooper’s inclusion tonight was only possible due to his marriage to OED’s Head of Terraforming, and that was just fine with him. As a retired member of Starfleet, he was eligible to wear his Starfleet Commander’s Mess Dress on formal occasions. However, he was perfectly happy to be in the striking black tuxedo he sported this evening… never one to even think of taking attention from his stunning bride, a woman that only got more beautiful ever day of his life. The only service connection was the wear of his miniature aviator wings on his left lapel.

From the moment she had received the invitation, Erin had taken every single second of free time preparing the logistics of the evening up until the moment her and Gavin’s slider stopped at the museum’s door. She had been even more overjoyed when she found out that Alex had also been invited, and that by extension, her sister would be attending it as well. Still, when she had approached Molly with an offer to help her out, she had quickly been shut down… but that would be a story for another time.

Through the window of the slider, Erin could see the building coming into view… the lights, the cameras, the gold carpet… everything was stunning! When the vehicle came to a stop and the door was opened, her eyes were finally able to take in the full scale of the event.

Gavin stepped out into the waiting cameras and lights first, knowing the protocol for red (or in this case, gold) carpets well… as a performer in his own right and as the husband of one of the Federation’s most admired individuals. Stepping out, Cooper smiled warmly before shifting to the side and holding out his hand to help Erin from the slider. As soon as her feet hit the carpet, the flashbulbs sparkled like a million diamonds around the couple.

The lights let the emerald satin of her gown shine even more than Erin had imagined, and the sleeveless and strapless bodice made the cool night air a very welcoming feeling. With her long red hair was put up in an elegant knot, Erin felt as glamorous as she’d ever be. Her eyes scanned the attendees for any familiar faces, before smiling at Gavin as she joined him. With her hand lightly on his arm, the couple walked up the stairs leading to the venue.

Erin Hazen-Cooper, Director of Terraforming

He knew in his heart of hearts that he would never, ever tire of being on this woman’s arm. Erin had gone from a dream to his whole world and he was happy he got to share these adventures with her.

Gavin Cooper, Senior Helmsman - Holloway Starlines

General Calvin Harris, Commandant General of OED’s Colonial Customs & Defence Authority, was both the uniformed head of the planetary military and the closest thing OED had to a Secretary of Defence. The former Starfleet Marine officer had worked very hard to build tradition and heraldry into the structure and uniforms of the agency. The uniform he wore this evening was a strong example of that effort.

The dark blue uniform tunic was styled similarly to old Earth’s US Marine Corps Evening Dress Uniform, with a high leatherneck collar trimmed in red and the tunic’s trim down the chest with gold buttons. The collar and the buttons sporting the CCDA crest. His chest was covered with the honors of Starfleet, the Federation, and OED in full-sized medals, badges, and wings. A pair of thick, gold bullion aiguillettes hung from his right shoulder. Gold bullion shoulder knots were on both shoulders and the cuffs each featured four embroidered silver stars, bordered in a gold bullion trim. Beneath the tunic, which flared out toward the bottom, was a white vest with small gold buttons. Matching dark blue slacks rounded out the formal uniform with 2” gold stripes down each leg. The formal officer’s sword finished out the ensemble. It made for a dramatic first impression for anyone who had never seen the uniform, which… outside the CCDA’s officer corps… before tonight, no one had.

The invitation had been unexpected, for Molly, at least, but it hadn’t been exactly surprising. After all, Calvin was the Head of the CCDA, and her own position with Holloway Heavy Industries, one of the largest companies in OED, made her attendance of the gala nothing but natural. What also hadn’t been surprising was her sister’s immediate offer to help with logistics. In other words, Erin believed that Molly was a complete inept at social gatherings and she wanted to make sure that she didn’t make a fool of herself. She wasn’t wrong, but enough had changed in the past few years that she wasn’t right either. Molly had refused the offer almost instantly, intent on having this be the first time where she’d do everything with only Calvin’s input. After all, she had to start somewhere.

And Molly didn’t feel like she had done too bad. Unlike Erin, she had taken a more modest approach, deciding to wear an light green gown with a long flowing skirt and a bodice that wrapped elegantly around her figure. However, it was the complexity and beauty of the lace appliqués covering it that made it a stunning piece. Her fiery red hair was braided into an elegant low bun completed with a hair comb with green and white flowers matching the patterns on the dress. In the end, she had barely recognized herself in the mirror when she had finished.

As Molly emerged from their room, Calvin stood in the entry absolutely dumbstruck. “Wow… Molly…” The former Marine stuttered as he blushed, Boomer excitedly running around his master’s legs. “I…” He began breathlessly. “… I don’t even know what to say… You look absolutely stunning!” Without another word, he walked over to the bottom of the stairs and kissed Molly’s hand. “You look like a princess, Molly… you really do…”

It was Molly’s turn to blush. “Oh shush.” She waived a hand dismissively, but the drunk smile on her lips and the bright pink on her cheeks remained. “I mean… I have to look the part when my partner looks as good as you.” She winked playfully, but Cal would know it was a diversion from the fact that she’d deeply meant her words. Nervously, her hand made its way gently to his arm.

At that moment, the Executive Ground Vehicle rolled up outside. Looking into Molly’s eye, Calvin looked briefly punch drunk. “I… I think that’s our ride love. Shall we?”

As the couple walked to the EGV, the Astro Control Service Commander in Dress Whites and the aiguillette of an adjutant snapped smartly to attention and after a sharp salute, opened the door for the couple. As soon as the couple was in the vehicle, they shot off for the gala.

From over a mile away, Calvin could see the lights. He could also see the Intercepters floating protectively at around 2,500 feet above the event. As they closed on the event, Cal smiled at the bristling security. Then they made the final turn and the flashbulbs dazzled the couple before they even reached the gold carpet.

Despite appearances, Molly was terribly nervous, and Calvin would know it better than anyone else, especially as from the moment they stepped foot inside the vehicle that would take them to the gala, her fingers had intertwined with Cal’s and had squeezed them tightly. It was even worse when she saw the press apparatus outside of the building.

When the uniformed officer stepped out and headed to open the passenger door, a cheer went up from the gathered crowd. A moment later, the door snapped open and the flashbulbs blazed as Calvin stepped out and turned to help Molly from the EGV. In spite of all the lights and cameras, when Calvin turned back to face Molly… he had never looked more in love. There might have been hundreds of press and media from across the Federation there, but in that moment, Molly was the only being in time or space before his eyes. “I wish you could see the vision I see when I look at you…” Harris said as Molly stepped out and he offered his arm. “… you make me feel like the luckiest man to have ever lived.”

Harris, CCDA

Molly smiled, stepping out of the car and taking the offered arm. She could see it in his eyes how much she meant to him, and she could only hope that he could see it in hers how much he meant to her. For a moment their gazes lingered before they stepped away from the slider and started climbing the stairs. “Nah… I’m far luckier than you in that regard. After all, I have you.” She squeezed Cal’s arm softly, trying not to think about how close she had been from that not being true.

As her eyes scanned the people around them, she spotted Gavin and Erin further ahead. Happy to see more familiar faces, Molly took a deep breath she accompanied Cal up the stairs, and the pair waited behind the small crowd gathering around the Governor, just inside the main doors.

Molly Holloway, CEO Holloway Heavy Industries

Jal’na was used to such events. She often represented Sacred Heart and her department. Tonight was important for the colony - the home she had built for herself. Everyone would be watching her that night. She was attending in a new role tonight. One that felt much heavier - The Lady of House Duroc. Despite their acceptance, she knew they all watched to see how she would do. Perhaps it was just her own expectations of herself.

Her green, black trimmed dress had long laced cuffs to her elbows, a high close neck that drew attention to the medallion Urg had placed on her. Across her shoulders sat a decorative piece, imitating armor pauldrons, that ended in a green, black, and blue insignia that identified her as Lady Duroc. A thin blue metal belt, a testament to the skill of the house smiths, framed her waste. The skirt moved and billowed impressively. Her mother had teased her for her primping, but had declared that Jal’na would bring honor and distinction to her house.

As the slider passed the last checkpoint
Jal’na shook her head at the scene out the window. She never understood why the media and the people were so concerned with what people wore and who arrived with whom when much more important events were happening.

Jal’na, Lady Duroc

Urg’tohn, Son of Kavaar’ton the Builder and Lord of House Duroc sat beside his wife. His bulk almost filled the passenger compartment of a normal slider on a regular day. This evening, the pair was in a sleek and armored Klingon-built slider emblazoned with rhe House Duroc insignia; and it was still a tight fit. Urg was wearing a full suit of Klingon Noble armor: each piece a deep black with fine green lines of crystal running through it. Unlike most armors, this was made of a stone mined from House Duroc lands and crafted by their masons into an armor unlike any other. Chest and back, shoulders, forearms, and legs were covered in the material… adding even more imposing mass to the already massive Klingon. Between the stone was fine blue-tinted chainmail over leather. He shifted slightly and growled. “Remind me to tell the armorer this needs a cooling system. I swear to all the gods, first things I do when we get inside is find the punch bowl and pour it down my pants.”

It was difficult to tell if he was joking.

Hyrushi, Governor

Urg, Lord Duroc

Jal’na had no experience with the wearing of armor. Though she was sure if given the chance, she could make quick work of removing it. “Do you know what the embassy grounds are missing? A secluded outdoor bathing pool. The pond simply won’t do with the vlyk in there.”

The massive ar.ored slider drew attention even before it silently came to a stop. Their guards appeared outside the door just as silently and looking just as dangerous. There was a pause and then the door opened allowing her massive husband to at least get out of the cramped space.

Jal’na, Lady Duroc

Lord Duroc stood tall and imposing, looking at the press and onlookers. A few in the crowd he knew; some friends… some acquaintances… some plants put there by his order. He reached down and offered his hand to Jal’na, who drew cheers and many more flashes of vid cams than Urg himself. This was her first real appearance as Lady Duroc, and the media started shouting questions.

Jal’na was not expecting cheers as she took Urg’s hand and exited the slider. She recognized a few faces among the crowd from aquantinces and the media faces of course and one member of their house, though she knew there were others.

“Who designed your dress?”
“How did you meet him?”
“Was this an arranged marriage?”
“Did he win you in combat?”
“Is Lord Duroc really as mean as they say?”

The only question she might have been inclined to answer was about the dress. Their artesian had done a magnificent job, and she had no qualms praisingbtheir work. The other questions threatened to pull a snarl from deep in her throat.

Urg took a deep breath and simply ushered Jal’na inside, ignoring the questions in favor of getting out of view.

Urg, Lord Duroc

Urg’s movement prevented that, and she moved in step beside him. Which was no easy feat considering he towered over her.

Jal’na, Lady Duroc

Sharah was neither looking forward to nor dreading the gala. She and Helaky had been at the museum that morning. They had made sure there were ample emergency medical supplies on hand. Of course security for the event had examined every last item. That was more than okay with her.

Now she stood in front of the mirror as she put the last of the pins in place that would keep her medusa-like curls somewhat tamed. The Star Cross pinned to her uniform taunted her as it reflected the light. Please let me be worthy of it, she prayed silently.

Her uniform was pressed and immaculate. Black trousers over black dress boots. Her white dress tunic was crisp with beautiful pops of medical blue piping. She felt proud to wear the uniform. Her Lt. Cmdr. pips combadge reflected the polish she’d given them. Maybe she would send Eilah a holo.

Yavia was excited. A chance to be on the arms of the loves of her life and dressed up. The evening would be wonderful, she was sure. She wore a delicate headdress of gold filigree and tiny blue gems and iridescent feathers. Her dress was delightful. She had gone to great lengths to make sure it went with the dark navy of TK’s CCDA dress uniform and the white, black, and medical blue trim of Sharah’s dress uniform. Yavia’s silver blue grey dress was a halter sheath that hugged and shivered deliciously over her form. The halter had a high neck that framed around her bald head and smoothed into a v-neck that was almost too low. The skirt fell to her feet in a gentle pool, with a slit all the way to her thigh.

The whole look was brought together with sandals that mimicked the delicateness of her headdress. She stood in the living room waiting for the other two to join her.

Tenkiller, dressed in the new CCDA Formal Dress Uniform with his long black hair tied back and hanging in a single perfect braid down his back and carrying the white uniform cover with a black brim and gold band around it, climbed the stairs and looked at Yavia and grinned. He carried the officer’s sword in his hand. “You lookin’ ta steal all the attention away from the dignitaries? ‘Cause that’ll do it, for sure.”

Yavia smiled, “Well I had to at least look like I belong with the two of you. No one will much notice me with the two of you standing side-by-side.”

Yavia was a stunning vision at the top of the stairs. She looked incredibly put together and complimented Charles’ uniform perfectly. Sharah was dazzled by them. He was the personification of a mythic hero, and the way Yavia was staring at him proved he had some magical power. Sharah grinned laughing softly.

She was not disappointed. They were enough to make anyone want to be a damsel in distress. Sharah might love TK in his cowboy hat, but Yavia absolutely did not care that Sharah laughed at the way her heart raced over TK in that uniform. “Everyone is going to wish they were me tonight. Maybe I should bring my bat to protect you both from unwanted suitors.”

Yavia, Sacred Heart, Head of Special Cases

Sharah felt very unprepared. The events on the Centurion still weighed heavily on her. She feared what people would expect of her. Especially if things went poorly. Watching them she was reminded of how lucky she was to be near them, even for a little while.

She had thought she was over that insecurity, but she had only been fooling herself.

The storms were already chaotic. Sharah wished she didn’t have to go. She wished more that she could use her head band, but the potential risk wasn’t worth it. She still had a duty to do.

As they neared the gala, Sharah withdrew as much as was possible into herself. Not only was it visually and auditorily chaotic, it was emphatically disastrous. Fear, anger, hope, curiosity, ambition, alertness, boredom, apprehension, giddiness, protectiveness, stress, worry, nervousness all warred to take hold of her.

The slider came to a stop. It was time to manage, despite it all. There was no other option.

Fayth, Star Fleet Chief Medical Officer

Charles looked at her and then past her to Yavia. “Hands. Hands, hun.” he said as the door opened and he stepped out, turning to grasp Sharah’s hand and help her out of the slider. He knew, for whatever reason, the touch of he and Yavia eased the onslaught of emotional and psychic energy Sharah recieved.

Tenkiller, CCDA

Sharah took his hand with a grateful look and stepped into the flashing lights and onslaught of questions. She felt Yavia step out immediately behind her. Sharah reached for her hand.

Yavia nodded and slid quickly out of the car behind Sharah. Yavia couldn’t quite explain it either, she only knew ot worked. She would stay attached to Sharah all night if need be. She took Sharah’s other hand and then posed rather dramatically, drawing the attention off of Sharah and TK for a moment. The enticing Deltan was worth several pictures. She laughed and with a wink waved away the questions shouted their way.

Yavia, SHN

The intensity of the storm was immediately held at bay as they took her hands. Sharah couldn’t explain it either. She tried to describe it, but that didn’t explain how or why it worked. They couldn’t stay attached to her all evening, but she wouldn’t refuse their help. Even if she had been inclined to do so, Charles and Yavia wouldn’t put up with that anyway. That thought brought a dazzling smile to her face as they made their way toward the entrance and inside.

Fayth, SFCMO

Dressed in an impeccable dress uniform with his service medals, Jonathan had been working for the last bit seeing to last minute details. But the dashing Commanding Officer and former pilot arrived in plenty of time and more or less when he had wanted to. He had entered through one of the security entrances rather than the front with the media so he could check on final other detail and confirm it was handled with the person he now sought out.

Approaching from behind, McBride weaved through the gathering crowd and greeted some of the Starfleet officers he came across before he stepped up to the Governor and Captain Dasca. “Good evening, Governor. Captain,” he said with a formal bow of his head.

“Captain McBride,” Eela greeted with a warm smile. “I trust everything is good to go?”

He leaned in towards Eela and spoke low into her ear. “Because we’re nothing if not efficient,” he told her with a grin as he stepped back.

Captain McBride, Starfleet CO

She smirked. “Just the way I like it. I’m glad. Thank you for all your hard work. Please extend my gratitude to the rest of the crew on duty.”

Eela leaned towards Kenzo and spoke solely to him. “Everything above ground is calm and secure. No further airspace incidents.”

~Eela Dasca, Lt. Gov

Alston made his way through the crowd coming down the gold carpet, doing his best to not draw the attention of the cameras. Most people would only know him as a visiting trader, which would make them wonder why he had been invited to the event. It was still useful to maintain that cover, so there was also no bypassing the line and using a different entrance.

Having made it through the gauntlet of the media, he adjusted his bow tie, and tried not to let the smirk show too much on his face. White shirt, black tux, black bow tie, all he was missing was a small side arm. But that would have never made it through security. Walking past the receiving line he nodded towards the Governor and Lt Governor before slipping inside the museum.

• Mace

At the main entrance, Erin guided Gavin through the crowd, and when an opening presented itself, she walked to the man who was effectively ‘her boss’.

“Governor Hyrushi, nice to see you tonight!” She said politely as a greeting. “I don’t think you’ve met my husband Gavin.” Erin gently pulled her partner forward.

Closely behind them, Molly and Calvin followed on open path left by Erin and Gavin. Holloway’s gaze silently following the man wearing black tuxedo and bow tie who had just gone by them and into the museum. Yet, her thoughts didn’t linger as a sudden hold of her arm brought her back to the present just as her sister’s voice reached her ears.

“And of course, you already know my sister, Molly and her fiancé, Calvin.” Erin told Hyrushi.

“Yes, we are acquainted.” Molly said with a polite smile, nodding at the Governor. “How are you tonight, Sir?.”

Erin Hazen-Cooper, Director of Terraforming
Molly Holloway, CEO Holloway Heavy Industries