Posted by Major General Charles Tenkiller (Vice Commandant, Colonial Customs and Defense Agency) in Oed Museum- A Diplomatic Gala- Tenkiller

Posted by Captain Eela Dasca (Lt. Governor) in Oed Museum- A Diplomatic Gala- Tenkiller

(snip)

In her dress uniform and looking a helluva lot more poised than she had been when she first arrived at the museum, Lieutenant Sherri Watts left her husband at the table they were sitting at and slipped across the space towards a tall man she needed a word with. She casually came to stand next to Major General Charles Tenkiller. She didn’t look at him, rather letting her gaze sweep across the room. She could spot the various people she knew, including the vibrantly dressed Dasca. “Thank you,” she said, just loud enough for him to hear over the people without broadcasting the conversation. “And thank you on behalf od Dasca as well. I think you saved her from a possible stroke and when I do tell her in a few days, knowing you dealt with it will have her not go immediately to red alert. I hope.”

Lt. Watts, Aide-de-Camp

Tenkiller looked straight ahead, took a sip of his drink, and said “Lieutenant, I have no idea to what you are referring. I’m a General with the Colonial Customs and Defense Agency. I simply do not have the time to show up unannounced at some pompous-ass Fleet Brass’s room and make him so scared he peed himself juuuuuust a little bit.” He turned and looked at her and grinned. “But it’a been a helluva sight if that did happen. Which it didn’t. ‘Cause of my busy schedule and all that.” and he took a sip.

Tenkiller, VC- CCDA

Watts couldn’t quite hide the smirk that tugged at the corner of her mouth. “Naturally. I mean, I swear there was a whole to-do about non-interference with the colony that would make certain people very upset if it was found to have happened. I mean I would have thought that the last Starfleet folks that mucked with Oed being arrested and all would have been a really good deterrent. But what do I know, I’m just an assistant.”

~Lt. Watts, Aide-de-Camp

“Exactly.” Tenkiller said and looked around the room. “You really should be more mindful of that, too. ‘Mere assistants’ need to mind their roles and keep in mind that they are just the help.” He took a sip, set the empty glass on a passing tray, and then looked fully at her. “And if anyone ever tries to pull that on you again… come see me. I could always use ‘just an assistant’.” and he nodded once at her and then walked away to look for another drink.

Tenkiller, VC-CCDA

Sherri chuckled and amused herself for a moment of telling Eela she had a competing offer. Given the two were good friends, she imagined it would be a lot of mock competition. Or not. Dasca had quite the competitive streak, though you wouldn’t know it from initial interactions. Taking a deep breath, she moved over to her boss and smiled. “Have you eaten?” she asked softly, watching the Lieutenant Governor taking in the event intently.

“A bite,” Eela said before turning her attention to Watts. “I’ll get there. But right now when everyone is up is a good chance to to do some mingling.”

“Speaking of… ten o’clock incoming,” Sherri said as she watched a Human appearing man in a tux move towards them. She swore there was a slight swagger to his walk and she looked at Dasca out of the corner of her eye to see how the empath was perceiving him. Not unexpectedly, the woman wore a pleasant and calm smile belaying any of her true emotions.

The man had dark short hair that was half way to being silver and a very subtle beard, equally in flux. His hazel eyes were a similar colour to Eela’s and he took in the Lieutenant Governor and her aide with a beaming smile. “Lieutenant Governor Dasca! I was so hoping we’d get to meet tonight. It’s such an honour to be invited to such a historical event.” When there was no look of recognition from her, he offered his hand. “Thurston Kennick, CEO of Devray Technologies.”

Eela extended a gloved hand and gave his a solid shake. “Ahh, yes, one of our esteemed business community members. I’m glad you are enjoying the evening. There are plenty of opportunities for learning tonight.”

Thurston grinned. “Indeed. And I must commend you on your tenure as Lieutenant Governor thus far. To be honest, there were some of us who were quite skeptical.”

Dasca snorted. “Oh, trust me, I was made well aware that I had an uphill battle to fight in order to be accepted here.”

“But the statement to the Federation Council? Bold move. And the whole Starfleet scandal. It would be enough to demoralize even the best politician.”

Her eyes focused on him intently. “I assure you those weren’t stunts, Mr. Kennick. It was the right thing to do, for Oed.”

He waved his hand. “Oh of course, I didn’t mean to imply anything by it.

Yes, you did, Eela thought. Was he aware that his emotions were rather obvious. The name was very familiar too. Where did she know him from? “Hmm, well, I just hope that everyone understands that I’m not afraid to fight for them, for what needs to be done. I don’t know how to work any other way.”

“Well, it seems to be working and you’ve been here longer than the last few of your predecessors, so congratulations,” Thurston said, on the surface seeming very pleasant. He bowed his head to her. “Well, I’ll let you get back to your evening. Lieutenant Governor.” He gave a quick nod to Sherri as well and then walked away.

Lt. Watts turned to Eela and looked ever so slightly taken aback. “Please tell me I’m not reading too much into it and that really was as awkward as it seemed.”

Eela smiled. “Oh, he was being a complete jackass with a smile, don’t you worry. I see him.” She shrugged her bare shoulders. “I’m not bothered by his opinions, but it does feel like he’s playing a game. Worth keeping an eye on.” She smiled at Sherri. “Come on, let’s go see what other trouble we can get into tonight.”

“You’re enjoying this way too much, you know,” Watts said with a grin. Eela just winked at Sherri and floated off to continue her circle of the event space.

~Dasca, Lt. Watts & Thurston Kennick