IKC FHew 7C6110
Training Room – Debrief; Klingon Style
by HoD Ro' Matlh & Lieutenant JG Linx Moonshadow & Ensign Israna Haan & Sogh Germite Ephilom & Ne' Michelle "Mike" Young & Ne' Mariaa'n Si'van & Soghla' Marie St. Helene & Soghla' Jared & Soghla' Terri (Tell) Hope & Soghla' HIchop Matlh
Post Details
The crew were expecting a dry conference room where someone would drone on at them for hours about what they should have done, but what they found was very different. Tables, Groaning with food, both live and Federation. Fresh Blood wine still frothing in open casks. This was a FEAST!.
Ro' and the crew of the FHew who had not been in the lecture were already starting. They all cheered as the crew were brought in. There was much slapping of backs and all soon had food and drink thrust in their hands. The Crew spoke of their adventure as if it had been real since, in all ways but one, it had been for them.
HoS slapped May'bel on the back, "ToH! Full charge at the enemy, eh! That was the right move."
Bruce grimaced, "At one quarter impulse? The Romulans would have been able to stay well clear if he tried it for real."
"Only if they saw it coming and had time to react. They were face on and assumed we were dead in the water. At any rate, it wasn't about how much damage we did."
Lach nudged Jared, "I thought you had figured it out for a second there. Hey, I don't think you have had a chance to challenge either of the new guys to a Drinking contest yet, right? Marria'an, Israna, get over here!"
Israna heard her name being called and walked over towards Lach, "You called me? Did you need anything from me?"
Lach grinned widely, "I was just having a wager here with Jared and May'bel. May'bel says Human and Orion women can't hold your drink, but I recon You can do better than some of the long term crew. You up for a bit of a challenge, Israna?"
"Heh. What makes you think that I am good with my liquor? Oh alright, one challenge only. Hate being drunk. However, I am going to get out of this crew getup and into something more comfortable afterwards.... This is a party after all."
Israna pulled up a seat and sits net to Jared.
Jared raised his eyebrows at Lach. The look said "Really??"
"What bout you Maria'an? I'll wager a weeks Targ duty that neither of you can out drink Jared here."
Maria'an chuckled. "Didn't you ever learn not to place bets with an Orion. Your on!"
"Are you sure about this?" Jared asked Lach. "I don't know what this drink is, but it smells awfully strong!"
Lach played his part, "I know you aren't usually a drinker, Jared, but you're with friends here. We'll look after you."
He filled generous goblets of Blood Wine, and then threw in a dash of Firebrand whiskey, mixing the glasses around so he could not be accused of rigging the outcome.
"yIchech! yIchech! yIchech!," the crew around began to chant.
Israna grabbed one of the goblets of Blood Wine and sniffed at it. It was a strong liquor, nothing she had tried before.... She curled a smile, flashing teeth....
"Well... When you guys are ready...."
Maria'an Was careful to let the majority of the first skull fall around her mouth and down the front of her blouse. Never hurt to distract the males from the fact she was actually drinking only about a third of each mug.
It was Israna's turn. She drank it slowly, taking her time. Finishing it, she put the glass on the table. The grog was slightly gross, yet better... Not what she is used to....
Jaqwi' passed a drink to Tell, his normal language augmented by the UT around the place "You did not grieve for the FHew or any of those lost. That is how it should be. Live and die without regret."
When Tell had got back to the Fhew she changed into something that was both ethnic and very feminine. It's long length exposed a slender midriff that was enclosed in fine delicate lace and just like her, it was unique.
She was on her third drink when Jaqwi' offered her another. "I would have been more upset if I had lost my violins," Tell replied knocking back the snifter in one. "They mean a lot to me, did I ever tell you that they mean a lot to me? Well they do."
She smiled at him, she quite liked Jaqwi' he was ok for a Klingon. "Did I ever tell you how I got my Skeletal violin?"
"No," jaqwI' lied, "Tell me."
To jaqwI' Tell was a marvel. She talked constantly, like one of the heroines in the operas. Most women were taciturn and quiet. This human was vibrant and prone to sudden and outlandish bursts of violence and outrage. Who could not be intrigued by that?
"Everyone wants to know." Tell hiccupped and then looked serious. "It's made up of the bones of my enemies. That's very Klingon isn't it?"
jaqwI' shrugged non-committally.
"Some bones have a unique resonnnannceeee." Tell drew some sort of a shape in the air. "The saddle comes from the tongue of a voserapin, voscavapin... a a nasty bug with a big mouth... I think I need some coffee."
JaqWi' went to get Tell some coffee but was warned not to get her any Klingon stuff. She was told by Ro' that she had to mingle and get to know some of the newbies. There was a time when Tell would have rather spent time alone than mingle but that time had passed and she was a different woman now.
'Iw'a'na' took the distraction to move up next to Germite, "I miss judged you. I thought you were weak, like all humans, but watching you work in there... You showed real talent."
Germite downed a shot of firewater. "I did what I had to do. Nothing more and nothing less." He signaled to the bartender that he wanted another shot.
'Iw'a'na' likewise filled his again.
"yichech!" he saluted Germite and swallowed his drink whole. there was a moment pause and then he let out a slight whimper.
Cha'a grinned and toasted at Marie, "You showed the boys you have got it in you. Here's to serving under a female captain before too long."
Marie saw who had spoken and glared. A fresh string of profanities sprang to her lips; her limited knowledge of Klingon was really getting a workout over the last half hour. Her mouth was open but nothing issued: she heard what had been said and checked herself. The Klingon woman, her nemesis, had congratulated her and offered her a compliment. Marie dipped a goblet into a tub of bloodwine, banged it down on the table then repeated the action. She picked up the first goblet and offered it to Cha'a.
“I’ll race you for the honour,” she said and banged her goblet against the one in Cha'a’s hand. Bloodwine sloshed over the rim.
Cha'a laughed freely and filled her own cup in turn.
Marie downed the remainder in one go and immediately wished she hadn’t. She grimaced then scooped up more bloodwine. The second goblet full she treated with more respect.
Ro' singled out HIchop, "Your first command. You did well. How did it feel?"
HIchop did not respond.
Another cheer went up as the doors opened and the injured Starfleet Medical officer was wheeled in on a chair, by an apprehensive nurse.
'My god, they are noisy compared to Starfleet parties,' Mike thought. 'This should be interesting. I don't think I recognize anyone here....'
Tell saw Mike on her own and she cringed at the thought of speaking to the damned Dr after her episode with Dr Death on the holodeck. But strong drink had persuaded her otherwise and perhaps she could get an insult in or two before the night ended.
"Well if it isn't the damned Dr," Tell slurred sitting next to her. "What the hell are you doing on a bucket of bolts like this?"
"Joining this crew apparently." Mike responded. "I'm glad to see that simulation hasn't had too much of a lasting effect on you."
"Pfft simulation, shimulation," Tell answered "I knew it wasn't real from the start. Damned Cap'n pulling one of his stunts again. If I was you, which I'm not and I wouldn't want to be, I'd leave now while I had the chance. This ship is like a helicopter if you get too close you get sucked up into the rotors."
"Too late I think. Klingon medicine interests me." Mike pauses for a moment and looks a little closer at Tell. "Haven't I met you before?"
A sudden noise filled the air and chairs fell over. The party was beginning to look interesting. "I have met loads of people before." Tell turned back to her and Mike wasn't looking directly at her but at the scar on her neck. Tell touched the scar it was a reminder of a battle she had almost lost. She looked intensely at Mike and memories came flooding back to her.
"Michelle!" Tell gasped.
Mike paused for a moment. 'No way.' She thought. "Theresa? I hardly recognized you! Though the circumstance of our last meeting wasn't the best..." She extends a hand to Tell.
Tell ignored the hand and instead hugged Mike tenderly, not wanting to hurt her but wanting to show how pleased she was to see again the Doctor that had saved her life. Tears began to sting at the corner of a hardened engineers eyes. How could she not have recognised her after all this time.
"I'm so sorry Michelle for being so horrid to you." Tell almost sobbed "You of all people too."
Mike hugs Tell back. "Considering the circumstances upon which we met, there is no need to apologize. I'm just glad you made something of yourself. Come on, I think we have a bit of catching up to do." Mike gestures to a corner.
"We can't talk here," Tell replied "We'll be overheard and gossip spreads like wildfire here. Lets meet up later in engineering, I have workshop there and we won't be disturbed."
"Works for me. You'll have to show me were it is, I'm still learning my way around, plus I ain't gonna be walking for a few days yet." Mike smiles. "Guess I should get further into the party than the front door!" Mike smiles.
"I'll look after you," Tell promised "and I'll give you a personal tour. Though I have to go for now, reputation to uphold, and a party that will no doubt end in a fight. But I can hold my own now, so don't worry. I was trained well. Will you be ok? Do you want to be moved somewhere else?"
"I'll look forward to seeing what you have learned, and if I wasn't in such a bad condition I'd test you myself." Mike grinned. "Closer to the food and drink would work fine for me."
"I can do that" Tell replied pushing her to a nearby table that was groaning with food and drink. "Plenty of food to suit everyone even Klingon muck. Can't stand it myself. Be back soon."
Mike reaches and picks up some meat from a nearby plate, and a plain glass of water, while watching Tell with an amused look. 'She's really come into her own.' Mike thinks to herself.
Music started to play and Tell, without a second thought dragged a very surprised Jaqwi' on the dance floor. jaqwI' was more of a mosh dancer and it was hard for Tell to get an idea of the rhythm the band were playing, since it was modern Klingon Music, heavy on percussion and dissonance, not Federation style.
Marie took a look at the officer then the nurse. She couldn’t make up her mind which to chat up first. Maybe stay away from an officer, she thought. Could raise too many complications.
“Excuse me,” she said to Cha’a. “I’d like to thank the doctor for her efforts today.”
As she turned to walk over to them, she caught sight of someone out of the corner of her eye. All thoughts of the doctor and her nurse fled Marie’s mind. Tell had joined them and Tell looked drop dead gorgeous. Marie knew this was forbidden territory; she knew Tell wasn’t interested in her but she was like a moth to a flame. She could not help herself.
She scooped more bloodwine out of a conveniently placed urn as she walked over. “Tell, you look radiant. You look.... You look good enough to eat.”
jaqwI' growled but Tell cut him off.
"Marie I thought you had got this out of your system. How many times do we have to go through this? Were good friends, great ma... buddies nothing else. C'mon Marie lets have a drink together."
Oh, gods, why did I say something so stupid! Marie thought. “I mean.... I mean.... You look like I’ve always imagined you.”
That’s not helping, Marie, she chastised herself.
She drew a deep breath. “I must have drunk a bit too much bloodwine,” she said. “What I meant to say was that dress clings to all the right places.”
Tell sighed, looked at her friend and tried to change the subject. "There was a dress for you remember? You should have worn it you would have looked good in it." Damn it now I've said the wrong thing. Tell did not want to lead Marie on.
Again she chastised herself. She knew what she wanted to say but it was as if her mind had different ideas. It seemed to be acting of its own volition, contrary to whatever she might actually want to say.
“I think I’ll just go away and hope this conversation never happened.”
"I think you should," jaqwI' snarled.
Tell shrugged and wondered if the old Marie would ever surface. she grabbed another drink from a passing waiter and downed it in one. It was Firewater whiskey and went down a treat. However Tell was not in the mood for the usual 'drink as much as she could' night. There were to many things on her mind and one of them was sitting right over near the buffet. She had said so many hurtful things to Michelle but she would make up for it.
Marie knew she had made a fool of herself. She walked away disconsolately. She didn’t know where she was heading until something Tell had said returned. She left the ‘debriefing’ and hurried back to her quarters. She wasn’t at all sure if she had packed what she wanted but she had to check.
Stuffed inside one of her cases was what she was looking for. Fortunately the material was one of those which didn’t crush. She pulled off her uniform and pulled the dress on. Rummaging around, she found a string of pearls she had bought in a market Tell had taken her to. They went well with the dress.
She didn’t have any shoes which particularly went with the outfit but, casting around, she saw a pair of Tell’s. She tried them for size: they were a bit tight across the balls of her feet but not uncomfortable.
She walked out feeling like a different woman.
Back in the ‘debriefing’ she made, not for Tell, but for Cha’a. “I’m sorry, that took longer than I thought it would.”
Cha’a' did a double take.
“Would you like to dance?” Marie asked. “Or would you prefer a spot of recreational combat on the holodeck? Mind you,” she added with a slight smile, “I’m not sure the two would be all that different right now. This new Klingon music seems to have an overt martial flavour, even for your people.”
Cha'a' grinned and threw her mug over her shoulder.
"Let's go an make some men bleed," she agreed.
When Marie left the dance floor she felt like she’d taken a pummelling. She’d given as good as she got though and she felt good about that. The dress was a marvel. It clung to her but moved with her, allowing her freedom of movement for the most outrageous dance steps.
Part way through she realised Cha’a was not the Marine who’d made a pass at her and then humiliated her. That particular Klingon had more than once made her presence felt and Marie ensured that her dance moves had a telling effect. She suspected she'd broken the Marine's kneecap but, credit where credit's due, the Klingon masked any pain well. A well placed stiletto heel undoubtedly did some damage too.
Improper thoughts of Tell left her as adrenaline flowed and the exhilaration of the dance swelled. She saw Tell on the floor but the engineer was obviously enjoying herself and Marie did not want to spoil that. She made sure she steered clear of where Tell was dancing and although they exchanged the occasional smile, that was as far as familiarity went. Marie felt good about that too.
by HoD Ro' Matlh & Lieutenant JG Linx Moonshadow & Ensign Israna Haan & Sogh Germite Ephilom & Ne' Michelle "Mike" Young & Ne' Mariaa'n Si'van & Soghla' Marie St. Helene & Soghla' Jared & Soghla' Terri (Tell) Hope & Soghla' HIchop Matlh
Post Details
| Title | Debrief; Klingon Style | |
| Mission | Training Room | |
| Author(s) | HoD Ro' Matlh & Lieutenant JG Linx Moonshadow & Ensign Israna Haan & Sogh Germite Ephilom & Ne' Michelle "Mike" Young & Ne' Mariaa'n Si'van & Soghla' Marie St. Helene & Soghla' Jared & Soghla' Terri (Tell) Hope & Soghla' HIchop Matlh | |
| Posted | Mon May 12, 2014 @ 1:55am | |
| Location | Conference Room 17 | |
| Timeline | After the 'Lectures' |
Ro' and the crew of the FHew who had not been in the lecture were already starting. They all cheered as the crew were brought in. There was much slapping of backs and all soon had food and drink thrust in their hands. The Crew spoke of their adventure as if it had been real since, in all ways but one, it had been for them.
HoS slapped May'bel on the back, "ToH! Full charge at the enemy, eh! That was the right move."
Bruce grimaced, "At one quarter impulse? The Romulans would have been able to stay well clear if he tried it for real."
"Only if they saw it coming and had time to react. They were face on and assumed we were dead in the water. At any rate, it wasn't about how much damage we did."
Lach nudged Jared, "I thought you had figured it out for a second there. Hey, I don't think you have had a chance to challenge either of the new guys to a Drinking contest yet, right? Marria'an, Israna, get over here!"
Israna heard her name being called and walked over towards Lach, "You called me? Did you need anything from me?"
Lach grinned widely, "I was just having a wager here with Jared and May'bel. May'bel says Human and Orion women can't hold your drink, but I recon You can do better than some of the long term crew. You up for a bit of a challenge, Israna?"
"Heh. What makes you think that I am good with my liquor? Oh alright, one challenge only. Hate being drunk. However, I am going to get out of this crew getup and into something more comfortable afterwards.... This is a party after all."
Israna pulled up a seat and sits net to Jared.
Jared raised his eyebrows at Lach. The look said "Really??"
"What bout you Maria'an? I'll wager a weeks Targ duty that neither of you can out drink Jared here."
Maria'an chuckled. "Didn't you ever learn not to place bets with an Orion. Your on!"
"Are you sure about this?" Jared asked Lach. "I don't know what this drink is, but it smells awfully strong!"
Lach played his part, "I know you aren't usually a drinker, Jared, but you're with friends here. We'll look after you."
He filled generous goblets of Blood Wine, and then threw in a dash of Firebrand whiskey, mixing the glasses around so he could not be accused of rigging the outcome.
"yIchech! yIchech! yIchech!," the crew around began to chant.
Israna grabbed one of the goblets of Blood Wine and sniffed at it. It was a strong liquor, nothing she had tried before.... She curled a smile, flashing teeth....
"Well... When you guys are ready...."
Maria'an Was careful to let the majority of the first skull fall around her mouth and down the front of her blouse. Never hurt to distract the males from the fact she was actually drinking only about a third of each mug.
It was Israna's turn. She drank it slowly, taking her time. Finishing it, she put the glass on the table. The grog was slightly gross, yet better... Not what she is used to....
Jaqwi' passed a drink to Tell, his normal language augmented by the UT around the place "You did not grieve for the FHew or any of those lost. That is how it should be. Live and die without regret."
When Tell had got back to the Fhew she changed into something that was both ethnic and very feminine. It's long length exposed a slender midriff that was enclosed in fine delicate lace and just like her, it was unique.
She was on her third drink when Jaqwi' offered her another. "I would have been more upset if I had lost my violins," Tell replied knocking back the snifter in one. "They mean a lot to me, did I ever tell you that they mean a lot to me? Well they do."
She smiled at him, she quite liked Jaqwi' he was ok for a Klingon. "Did I ever tell you how I got my Skeletal violin?"
"No," jaqwI' lied, "Tell me."
To jaqwI' Tell was a marvel. She talked constantly, like one of the heroines in the operas. Most women were taciturn and quiet. This human was vibrant and prone to sudden and outlandish bursts of violence and outrage. Who could not be intrigued by that?
"Everyone wants to know." Tell hiccupped and then looked serious. "It's made up of the bones of my enemies. That's very Klingon isn't it?"
jaqwI' shrugged non-committally.
"Some bones have a unique resonnnannceeee." Tell drew some sort of a shape in the air. "The saddle comes from the tongue of a voserapin, voscavapin... a a nasty bug with a big mouth... I think I need some coffee."
JaqWi' went to get Tell some coffee but was warned not to get her any Klingon stuff. She was told by Ro' that she had to mingle and get to know some of the newbies. There was a time when Tell would have rather spent time alone than mingle but that time had passed and she was a different woman now.
'Iw'a'na' took the distraction to move up next to Germite, "I miss judged you. I thought you were weak, like all humans, but watching you work in there... You showed real talent."
Germite downed a shot of firewater. "I did what I had to do. Nothing more and nothing less." He signaled to the bartender that he wanted another shot.
'Iw'a'na' likewise filled his again.
"yichech!" he saluted Germite and swallowed his drink whole. there was a moment pause and then he let out a slight whimper.
Cha'a grinned and toasted at Marie, "You showed the boys you have got it in you. Here's to serving under a female captain before too long."
Marie saw who had spoken and glared. A fresh string of profanities sprang to her lips; her limited knowledge of Klingon was really getting a workout over the last half hour. Her mouth was open but nothing issued: she heard what had been said and checked herself. The Klingon woman, her nemesis, had congratulated her and offered her a compliment. Marie dipped a goblet into a tub of bloodwine, banged it down on the table then repeated the action. She picked up the first goblet and offered it to Cha'a.
“I’ll race you for the honour,” she said and banged her goblet against the one in Cha'a’s hand. Bloodwine sloshed over the rim.
Cha'a laughed freely and filled her own cup in turn.
Marie downed the remainder in one go and immediately wished she hadn’t. She grimaced then scooped up more bloodwine. The second goblet full she treated with more respect.
Ro' singled out HIchop, "Your first command. You did well. How did it feel?"
HIchop did not respond.
Another cheer went up as the doors opened and the injured Starfleet Medical officer was wheeled in on a chair, by an apprehensive nurse.
'My god, they are noisy compared to Starfleet parties,' Mike thought. 'This should be interesting. I don't think I recognize anyone here....'
Tell saw Mike on her own and she cringed at the thought of speaking to the damned Dr after her episode with Dr Death on the holodeck. But strong drink had persuaded her otherwise and perhaps she could get an insult in or two before the night ended.
"Well if it isn't the damned Dr," Tell slurred sitting next to her. "What the hell are you doing on a bucket of bolts like this?"
"Joining this crew apparently." Mike responded. "I'm glad to see that simulation hasn't had too much of a lasting effect on you."
"Pfft simulation, shimulation," Tell answered "I knew it wasn't real from the start. Damned Cap'n pulling one of his stunts again. If I was you, which I'm not and I wouldn't want to be, I'd leave now while I had the chance. This ship is like a helicopter if you get too close you get sucked up into the rotors."
"Too late I think. Klingon medicine interests me." Mike pauses for a moment and looks a little closer at Tell. "Haven't I met you before?"
A sudden noise filled the air and chairs fell over. The party was beginning to look interesting. "I have met loads of people before." Tell turned back to her and Mike wasn't looking directly at her but at the scar on her neck. Tell touched the scar it was a reminder of a battle she had almost lost. She looked intensely at Mike and memories came flooding back to her.
"Michelle!" Tell gasped.
Mike paused for a moment. 'No way.' She thought. "Theresa? I hardly recognized you! Though the circumstance of our last meeting wasn't the best..." She extends a hand to Tell.
Tell ignored the hand and instead hugged Mike tenderly, not wanting to hurt her but wanting to show how pleased she was to see again the Doctor that had saved her life. Tears began to sting at the corner of a hardened engineers eyes. How could she not have recognised her after all this time.
"I'm so sorry Michelle for being so horrid to you." Tell almost sobbed "You of all people too."
Mike hugs Tell back. "Considering the circumstances upon which we met, there is no need to apologize. I'm just glad you made something of yourself. Come on, I think we have a bit of catching up to do." Mike gestures to a corner.
"We can't talk here," Tell replied "We'll be overheard and gossip spreads like wildfire here. Lets meet up later in engineering, I have workshop there and we won't be disturbed."
"Works for me. You'll have to show me were it is, I'm still learning my way around, plus I ain't gonna be walking for a few days yet." Mike smiles. "Guess I should get further into the party than the front door!" Mike smiles.
"I'll look after you," Tell promised "and I'll give you a personal tour. Though I have to go for now, reputation to uphold, and a party that will no doubt end in a fight. But I can hold my own now, so don't worry. I was trained well. Will you be ok? Do you want to be moved somewhere else?"
"I'll look forward to seeing what you have learned, and if I wasn't in such a bad condition I'd test you myself." Mike grinned. "Closer to the food and drink would work fine for me."
"I can do that" Tell replied pushing her to a nearby table that was groaning with food and drink. "Plenty of food to suit everyone even Klingon muck. Can't stand it myself. Be back soon."
Mike reaches and picks up some meat from a nearby plate, and a plain glass of water, while watching Tell with an amused look. 'She's really come into her own.' Mike thinks to herself.
Music started to play and Tell, without a second thought dragged a very surprised Jaqwi' on the dance floor. jaqwI' was more of a mosh dancer and it was hard for Tell to get an idea of the rhythm the band were playing, since it was modern Klingon Music, heavy on percussion and dissonance, not Federation style.
Marie took a look at the officer then the nurse. She couldn’t make up her mind which to chat up first. Maybe stay away from an officer, she thought. Could raise too many complications.
“Excuse me,” she said to Cha’a. “I’d like to thank the doctor for her efforts today.”
As she turned to walk over to them, she caught sight of someone out of the corner of her eye. All thoughts of the doctor and her nurse fled Marie’s mind. Tell had joined them and Tell looked drop dead gorgeous. Marie knew this was forbidden territory; she knew Tell wasn’t interested in her but she was like a moth to a flame. She could not help herself.
She scooped more bloodwine out of a conveniently placed urn as she walked over. “Tell, you look radiant. You look.... You look good enough to eat.”
jaqwI' growled but Tell cut him off.
"Marie I thought you had got this out of your system. How many times do we have to go through this? Were good friends, great ma... buddies nothing else. C'mon Marie lets have a drink together."
Oh, gods, why did I say something so stupid! Marie thought. “I mean.... I mean.... You look like I’ve always imagined you.”
That’s not helping, Marie, she chastised herself.
She drew a deep breath. “I must have drunk a bit too much bloodwine,” she said. “What I meant to say was that dress clings to all the right places.”
Tell sighed, looked at her friend and tried to change the subject. "There was a dress for you remember? You should have worn it you would have looked good in it." Damn it now I've said the wrong thing. Tell did not want to lead Marie on.
Again she chastised herself. She knew what she wanted to say but it was as if her mind had different ideas. It seemed to be acting of its own volition, contrary to whatever she might actually want to say.
“I think I’ll just go away and hope this conversation never happened.”
"I think you should," jaqwI' snarled.
Tell shrugged and wondered if the old Marie would ever surface. she grabbed another drink from a passing waiter and downed it in one. It was Firewater whiskey and went down a treat. However Tell was not in the mood for the usual 'drink as much as she could' night. There were to many things on her mind and one of them was sitting right over near the buffet. She had said so many hurtful things to Michelle but she would make up for it.
Marie knew she had made a fool of herself. She walked away disconsolately. She didn’t know where she was heading until something Tell had said returned. She left the ‘debriefing’ and hurried back to her quarters. She wasn’t at all sure if she had packed what she wanted but she had to check.
Stuffed inside one of her cases was what she was looking for. Fortunately the material was one of those which didn’t crush. She pulled off her uniform and pulled the dress on. Rummaging around, she found a string of pearls she had bought in a market Tell had taken her to. They went well with the dress.
She didn’t have any shoes which particularly went with the outfit but, casting around, she saw a pair of Tell’s. She tried them for size: they were a bit tight across the balls of her feet but not uncomfortable.
She walked out feeling like a different woman.
Back in the ‘debriefing’ she made, not for Tell, but for Cha’a. “I’m sorry, that took longer than I thought it would.”
Cha’a' did a double take.
“Would you like to dance?” Marie asked. “Or would you prefer a spot of recreational combat on the holodeck? Mind you,” she added with a slight smile, “I’m not sure the two would be all that different right now. This new Klingon music seems to have an overt martial flavour, even for your people.”
Cha'a' grinned and threw her mug over her shoulder.
"Let's go an make some men bleed," she agreed.
When Marie left the dance floor she felt like she’d taken a pummelling. She’d given as good as she got though and she felt good about that. The dress was a marvel. It clung to her but moved with her, allowing her freedom of movement for the most outrageous dance steps.
Part way through she realised Cha’a was not the Marine who’d made a pass at her and then humiliated her. That particular Klingon had more than once made her presence felt and Marie ensured that her dance moves had a telling effect. She suspected she'd broken the Marine's kneecap but, credit where credit's due, the Klingon masked any pain well. A well placed stiletto heel undoubtedly did some damage too.
Improper thoughts of Tell left her as adrenaline flowed and the exhilaration of the dance swelled. She saw Tell on the floor but the engineer was obviously enjoying herself and Marie did not want to spoil that. She made sure she steered clear of where Tell was dancing and although they exchanged the occasional smile, that was as far as familiarity went. Marie felt good about that too.