A Black Tie Affair to Remember

Posted on Tue Aug 13th, 2019 @ 4:22pm by Captain Michelle Bartlett & Commander Rostra Tang & Major Hailey Weston & Lieutenant Cor Cordale & Lieutenant Commander Shaille Levine & Lieutenant Lily Gomez

Mission: Shore Leave
Location: Dalacari Planet - Dia Medallia Community Center

The beautifuly scripted and embossed invitations had been delivered to each crew member throughout the day, each by black bow tie wearing drones. The auspiciousness of both the invitations and the delivery was just the start of what would no doubt be an amazing event.

An awards presentation ceremony was being hosted for the crew of the USS Wellington at the Dia Medallia Community Center. It would be starting at 6pm sharp and the dress code was strictly black tie. The crew would first be treated to a sumptuous banquet of amazing food and drink and then the presentations would begin.

The Dalacari whom had been enlisted to help plan the evening had left nothing out. Transport had been arranged to deliver each crew member from their temporary lodgings on the planet's surface to the Center, where they would walk the red carpet into the grand hall which had been decorated in the most spectacular fashion.

Tables of various sizes had been strategically placed around the hall, each table covered with a crisp white linen cloth and adorned with the finest crystal and silverware. Soft flickering lanterns sat in the middle of each table surrounded by delicate flowers.

Though the light in the hall was low, it was easy enough to be able to see easily however the high ceiling of the hall appeared almost ink black with what looked like holographic floating lanterns being projected into the air above them. The effect, though subtle, was most definitely stunning.

Soft music was being piped in through seemingly invisble speakers. Though the style was not easily recognisable, it was likely Dalacari in origin, it was definitly pleasing.

All in all, it seemed that the pomp of the invitations was definitely being carried over into the evening itself, and it was going to be an event not to be missed.

T'Kyra had a problem in wardrobe. She had four dresses to choose from, but she couldn't decide on which one. The first dress was a sapphire blue evening gown with royal blue trim around the top half and the bottom of the skirt. The second was yellow with white pearl trim on the shoulders and top of the bodice+neck line. The third was black with silver trim and that gown was satin. So the problem was before her and all she had to do was tru them on and see in the mirror. She put on the black one and fell in love immediately. The other two dresses she put away and kept the black one out. Now she had to do her hair and she knew how to do it exactly as she had been taught by her mother.

It took her an hour and a half to get ready and once she was finished, she was a definite looker. Her hair was done in a French braid with a string of silver inlaid diamonds woven in the hair, her makeup was basically nude and the gown fit her body like a glove accenting her figure.

T'Kyra left her quarters and started walking to the transport that would take her to the hall.

As to no one's surprise, Rostra Tang was already prepared for the evening. What would surprise someone, was she had to rent out fifteen minutes of computation time with the local Thinking Engine to determine the best outfit to wear. Decisions decisions.

This one? No. That one? No. Finally, both she and the engine's predictions landed upon the same dress: A slim and sleek black little number with blue highlights. Earrings and jewelry to match, the pair was a sight to see, and soon (for relatively generous definitions of 'soon') she was ready for her ride. Though she was also aware that she'd be in a ride share with Michelle, who was in the same building as she was. Taking a few steps to adjust for the shoes, the Dalacari made her way to Michelle's door and gave a knock. "You decent, captain?" she asked with a giggle. Plenty of time before the event, though Rostra could always lend a hand or three.

"As decent as I'll ever be." she said, stepping out of the door in a much more comfortable outfit than her dress uniform or even regular uniform was. "I sometimes wish we could just throw on a bit of red and this could be used as a standard uniform." she said. "But, alas... I suppose they have good reasons for this being evening attire."

"The point of a uniform is for everyone to be miserable and uncomfortable together." Rostra added cheerfully. "It makes us all appreciate a nice comfy dress or suit..."

"... from time to time. Still, you look comfy. Shall we?" she offered to lead the way to the transports.

Shaille emerged from the bathroom, carefully smoothing the front of the gown she had decided to wear. Black, floor length, off the shoulder, a soft silky fabric that clung to her hips before falling to her ankles with a teasing split running up the front of her left leg. She had decided to pair it with the necklace that Koh had given her, and a pair of black heels. With her hair pinned up carefully and makeup carefully applied to perfection, the entire effect was simple, understated and elegant. As she stepped into the bedroom she paused for a moment, just watching him, a smile playing across her lips before she walked up behind him and slid her arms around his waist. "Almost ready?"

Koh cleaned up nicely. Black tie event must have meant the same thing across the gulf of space, because Koh was dressed to impress. Black suit jacket, black vest, charcoal shirt, black tie... even his fur looked freshly maintained. It took a lot of work looking this good, and he was just finishing up combing the hair between his ears when she approached. He gave her a smile, leaning his head gently against her's. "I almost wish I could have just worn my dress uniform, but that'd be out of dress code for the night, so I'll have to suffer in a suit." he offered. "I guess this is some form of Earth attire? I'm just glad it had a spot for my tail. Otherwise, that'd make this a long night." he smiled, "You look excellent."

Pausing in front of the mirror, Siobahn grinned at her own reflection before turning to face Lily and Renee. "Well?" she asked, holding her hands out and turning slowly. At first glimpse she was barely recognisable. Her dress was what could best be described as an 'evening' tutu in the deepest shade of emerald green. A crushed velvet strapless corset, laced down her back and pulling in tight around her waist before falling down in layers and layers of deep emerald green and dark purple tulle, slightly above knee length in the front and almost floor length in the back. Paired up with black strappy heels, a small color coordinated tophat pinned into her hair, which was left hanging loosely down her back in soft curls, and a black velvet choker around her neck, she was definitely going to stand out.

Lily nodded in approval. "Looking good Ensign. Very good." Lily said. She herself was all dressed up in a stunning pink dress which went down to just below her knees. Along with that she wore a pair of pink heels, studded with red ruby gems. Her hair was worn in a tight bun, although she didn't wear a hat. "Well, if we're all ready, shall we?" She asked, smiling.

Renee fussed with the choker around Siobahn's neck for a moment, making sure the bow was centered on the nape of the Ensign's neck. Her own slinky and low cut sky blue dress seeming to show more skin than it covered, but very tasteful and a set of two inch heels that matched perfectly. "You look amazing!"

"I look ridiculous." Hailey said in response, her own dress rather modest and flowing, having been handed it by Renee with an order to put it on. It was form fitting and a royal purple that would have been reserved for royalty back in the ages, her own shoes flat since she'd outright refused the heels that Renee had thrust into her hands. She'd rarely worn anything like this and not since she was a teenager. Thirteen, she thought? She longed for her dress uniform, despite the uncomfortableness.

"You look lovely." Renee argued, brushing her own hair back over her shoulder, "I think we're good?" She asked generally.

Where Jack had emerged from was anyone's guess. He really hadn't felt much of a need to engage in any of the earlier shenanigans and merrimaking after previous events, but a black tie invitation he could not resist. And the normally gruff looking human male cleaned up very nicely, with strong, chiseled hollywood features, a smooth, clean shaven mug, hair that undeniably had taken a lot more time and precision to get the slightly nonchalant look absolutely 100% perfect, and ofcourse a tailored and form fitted, impeccable tuxedo, accentuating his trained and athletic build, with all the subtle creases in just the right places. Finally, shiny black shoes completed the look. Silently he stood, awaiting his ride.

Corinne had walked out of her assigned room, carefully smoothing the front of her dress. Every aspect of her appearance was inspired by the regency era, from her empire cut gown to the matching linen slippers on her feet to her hair being piled up in a tumble of curls that had been messily pinned into place yet still somehow seemed to fall about her face chaotically. She stepped up next to Jack and smiled. "Lieutenant Commander Carver isn't it?" she asked politely.

Jack was startled out of deep thought when he heard his name, though he recovered quickly, and offered the young lady next to him a soft smile. His eyes though still betrayed a hint of sadness. "Just Jack, please, tonight." he smiled his most charming smile, reaching for her hand to place the softest of kisses on the back of it, in a bow. "With whom do I have the pleasure?" he asked, his voice gentle.

"Well, aren't you charming?" she said with a smile and a soft laugh. "I'm Corinne. I've seen you on the ship. I'm normally in Security."

"It's a pleasure meeting you, Corinne. And, if I may be so bold, you look wonderful tonight. I like your shoes, they complement your gown nicely." he smiled, though his smile faltered again. There was something on his mind, quite obviously so.

Corinne found herself beaming at the fact that he had noticed. "Thank you," she said happily before lapsing into small talk until their transport arrived.


=/\= Dia Medallia Community Center =/\=

The line of transport vehicles had started to arrive, each one stopping at the red carpet, a small army of waiting drones standing by, immediately moving out to open the doors and escorting the guests along the red carpet before announcing their arrival at the door and returning to escort the next new arrival.

Inside the center yet another army of drones were circulating with trays of local drinks and cocktails, while yet more circulated with trays of delicate canapes and snacks. Off to one side the bar was open with a Dalacari bartender slinging bottles easily.

Waiting by the doors to greet each member as they entered was a living Dalacari. Dressed in a stunning violet dress with earrings to match, a streak of dyed hair to match, and an identical twin to match, she stood a stunning contrast to the red carpet and white cloth that dominated the color scheme of the hall.

It was around then that the transport with Rostra and Michelle arrived. Perfect timing, or well engineered drivers, no one for sure would say. As smooth as silk, the ride came to a stop and the attendant drone at the curb opened the doors up for the two of them. "Watch your step." they warned, though they were literally miles from any danger. Rostra took one look up the carpet, up to the doors, and she saw who was there.

"That's Vera Tarre. She's the head of Dalacari Interspecies Relations and Hospitality." Rostra whispered almost in disbelief. Step by step, each of the guests was walked to the front by a drone who was 'dressed' for the night. Sleek black matte plating over the golden understructure, truly made them look impressive. "By your permission." each would ask, and each would escort their honored guests up the walkway towards the doorway, and to the lady to greet them within.

Michelle arrived, her hair fixed up a bit more than it normally was. The regular standard do screaming "I'm in Starfleet!" gave way to something a little more elegant, as she fixed adjusted her ball gown one last time. "Director..." Michelle said. "It is a pleasure to meet you."

Vera gave Rostra and Michelle a pair of smiles, wide and honest, warm and welcoming. "In Dia's grace, I welcome you traveler. Be comforted, and enjoy your night." her voice was pleasant. Years of training as a diplomat, combined with a natural desire to be welcoming, made for a dangerously soothing combination. Once inside, the drone would announce each guest by name and rank, each envoys of the United Federation of Planets. Within the hall, diplomats from the Dalacari Republic would applaud their entrance and stand to recognize.

T'Kyra stepped from her ride and entered the hall and was almost floored by what she saw. It was beautiful and the Dalacari knew how to decorate. It was awesome. With her dress sweeping the floor behind her, she walked across the floor and then suddenly spun around allowing the dress to flow in its entirety. T'Krya had made the right choice.

Having shared transport with T'Kyra, Siobahn, Lily, Renee and Hailey all arrived simultaneously, being escorted along the red carpet to the doors before being announced to the Dalacari diplomats that were awaiting them. It was only once they were clear of the entry and had been escorted to their table that Siobahn giggled slightly. "It's all so fancy isn't it?" she said to the others. "Nothing at all like back on the ship. You know, I wonder if they have a medical exchange program, I think I'd love to stay here longer!"

“Oh no you don’t!” Lily said, smiling. “I’m not having any of my medical officer swanning off on a paid vacation, no matter how nice it is!” She answered, only half joking, as she took a sip from her presented drink, which she’d preordered before their arrival.

"As long as I have a chance to hit the stores again before we go!" Renee's eyes glittered at the thought, "I've got a list of stores I wanna hit again... Going to need to expand my closets some more!" She snagged a drink off a tray and held it delicately in her left hand.


Taking the drink offered, T'Krya sipped it and smiled. It was delicious and it was made just right. Looking at her companions, "Ladies I have to confess, I never have been treated so special since I was seven", she said.

The next vehicle to arrive at the red carpet contained Jack, Corinne, Shaille and Koh. Again, each being escorted along the red carpet and introduced to the diplomats before being escorted to their table and left to sit.

As a drone moved behind them, Shaille grabbed a drink from the tray and took a sip. "So many drones," she said with a shake of her head. "I mean, I know they're serving a purpose, but still..."

"This many Dalacari in one place, this many guests." Koh said with a nod as he took a glass from the tray as well.

"Though I have to confess, they have done an outstanding job with the decoration, the entire venue is incredible. It looks absolutely perfect." Shaille replied as she took a sip of her drink.

Sitting at the table next to Jack, Corinne smilled as she took a drink of her own. "It's going to be a shame to have to go back to reality when this is all over," she said quietly. "I mean, everything here has been so relaxing and so tranquil, it makes a nice change, especially after everything we've been dealing with."

Jack had remained fairly quiet so far, speaking when spoken to - always pleasant of course, but rarely initiating the conversation. Corinne was right when she'd said 'after everything we've been dealing with'. Things just still didn't sit right with Jack, and to him, all this fancy high-to-do rang hollow. He heaved a quiet, soft sigh, then put forth a smile, realizing he was being a Debby downer. "Gotta hand it to the Dalacari. They have a memorable society and know how to plan."

"Dalacari strive for this. They're social creatures, in every sense of the word." Koh said with a smirk. Whatever he was about to say next was cut off at the announcement of the next batch of arrivals. Included among them were the head engineer Cor Cordale and the head of sciences Valeria Mordin.

They looked adorable together.

Cordale filled out his tux rather nice, even considering the modification for the Thux's tail. His left sleeve, contrary to his uniform design, was intact and hid his prosthetic limb up to the wrist. All that could be seen of it was his artificial hand, which was polished to a shine that it probably didn't have on the original manufacturer date. To his side was Valeria Mordin, dressed to impress in a sleek black slip that left little to wonder. Deciding on flats rather than heels, the rabbitess wore a necklace set with a soft blue stone to compliment her eyes. Wherever they were.

Hoops adorned her ears where standard earring studs would normally rest, with a cuff of sorts near the tip of her left ear with another soft blue stone set within. Cordale himself seemed chosen to escort her for the simple reason that his blue fur complimented her jewelry choice perfectly. Blue on blue, black on black. His white shirt, her white'ish fur. Once the announcements were made, the pair started to mingle in their respective circles: Cordale heading towards the food, while Valeria headed off to mingle with the other women of the Wellington.

T'Kyra walked towards the table where the food was in hopes of sampling the fine cuisine. The layout of food was awesome, so many things, one did not know here to start, so she started in the middle and went from there.

The drones serving the food line were more than pleased to inform T'Kyra of each foodstuff, with various estimations as to whether or not she'd enjoy it. Her plate was as full as she'd want, and her glass never saw the bottom. Apparently the Ts'usugi saying held some truth: Dalacar spelled sideways is Decadence.

"Grub good?" came the voice of Cordale as he approached the food line. Each drone that offered a suggestion, he listened. Each drone that served, he thanked. Each time he asked, he said please.

"Chief! The food is outrageous! You got to try this", T'Kyra said, pointing to her plate. It looked almost like fried potatoes but had a different color to it.

Corinne looked across at Jack, offering a smile. "Shall we?" she asked warmly. "When all else fails, bury your sorrows in good food, good alcohol and good company. I can't comment on the food and the alcohol so far, but I can guarantee you have good company." She held her hand out toward him as she stood up from her chair.

"My pleasure." Jack offered a smile and rose to his feet, taking her hand in his and heading to the buffet with her.

With plates full of food, Corinne and Jack returned to their table, still making small talk as they sat down again to enjoy their meal.

Between the walk down the long red carpet and the glitz and glamour of the hall, Siobahn felt like she had fallen through the looking glass. She had already been complimented several times on her unusual dress, she'd had a few of those delicious kalawam drinks that the drones remembered that she had liked and now she was walking along the buffet, helping herself to anything that looked good, which was almost completely everything. Finally, her plate piled high, she returned to the table to Lily, Renee and Hailey, giggling as she slid her plate onto the table and sank into her chair. "I am going to need to go on such a diet when we get back to the ship!" she said with a laugh.

"I know I am definately going to have to diet when we get back. I may not be able to get into the cockpit of my fighter after eating all this delicious food", T'Kyra said chuckling and eating.


=/\=

Meal service had concluded with an astoundingly mouthwatering array of delectable deserts. Plates had been cleared, and now drones appeared to be coursing around the hall serving drinks to anyone that stopped them.

The only thing that alerted anyone to any great change in circumstance was the hush that suddenly fell over the room as Michelle, Rostra and the Dalacari guest Vera Tarre moved to the front of the hall, a gentle spotlight falling on them as they stood up from their table, following them as they moved to stand in position.

Almost as soon as the trio stepped into place, drones appeared behind them. Clearly this part of the evenings events had been well thought out and already appeared to be running seamlessly as one of the drones handed a small microphone to Michelle to get things underway.

"Remind me, I may have to see about obtaining one of these to be my next Yeoman." Michelle added with a smirk. "Honoured Guests, Crew... Good evening." she said with a pause. "We could have done the lounge, but I think given by how much you all seem to have enjoyed dressing up, this might have been the better option." she added. "I wanted to do something a bit differently for awards, and I think it's as good a time to say that we all deserve this."

"Here here." Cordale said gently with a smirk, raising his glass to Michelle. Indeed, he felt, they deserved this.

Shaille cast a glance at Koh that was really more of a displeased yet forced smile. "The day we have drones on the ship is the day I hand in my transfer request," she murmured quietly with a shake of her head as she took another cocktail from a passing drone.

"I think I would rather fly my own fighter instead of handing it to a drone. Takes the rush away if your not flying by the seat of your pants", T'Krya muttered quietly taking another drink from a passing drone.

"Neither of you have to worry." Koh said softly, more to calm Shaille than anything else. "They don't work without an Engine, and as nice as the Wellington is, she's nowhere near the power you'd need to run an Engine." and then he gave Shaille a goofy smirk, "Squishy brains win another day." before the goofy smirk turned into an honest smile. "Hope there's room on that transfer for one more."

"Jokes aside..." Michelle said "I have no intention of importing drones, so those ideas of 6 month shore leaves and letting the robots do the work are just going to have to wait indefinitely." Michelle added as Jason and Gervais chuckled a bit. "They don't get mad being called robots, right?" Michelle asked Rostra playfully.

Rostra gave a shake of her hears, "No. They don't get mad." her answer tried to be equally playful to the moment.

"It's been a while since we were all able to get together and celebrate presentation of medals, any promotions... Captain Ross always said it was one of his favourite things to do." Michelle said, thinking for a brief moment about her predecessor. "Obviously, the events of the last few months have weighed down on us heavily. But... Tonight... I think it's important we celebrate our accomplishments, and our successes. Nobody believed that a crew could come together and work as effectively and smoothly as we all have these past few very difficult months. You have all put in a lot of effort and work, and dedication to your roles and I am pleased beyond measure to see that. That goes not only for Commander Tang and myself, but Commodore Myers as well." Michelle said. "But I know you don't all want to hear me blabbing on all night. So... does handing out awards so we can get back to drinking and being fancy sound good?" she asked.

There was another 'Here here' from the Thux seating section.

"Right then... Well... It's time to start with awards." she paused.

There was the oddest sound, like the sound that would be made by high-fiving a deck plate. After three such sounds it stopped as suddenly as it began, and then from the Thux section there rose the muttered whisper of "Oops, was supposed to wait till the end."

After the racket had died down and laughter had stopped, the presentations commenced, names being called, crew members moving to the front, shaking hands, receiving their awards and returning to their seats as the next took their place.

Citation of Exemplary Service
Captain Michelle Bartlett
Commander Rostra Tang
Lieutenant Shaille Levine
Lieutenant Cor Cordale
Lieutenant Renee Salchin
Lieutenant Valeria Mordin
Lieutenant shaille Levine

Commendation for Service
Lieutenant Janice Soran,MD, DVM
Lieutenant Jack Carver
Lieutenant T'Kyra "Hunter" Madison
Lieutenant JG Odelle Lin
Warrant Officer Koh Otassu
Lieutenant JG Sandra Garcia
1st Lieutenant Patrick O'Shea


Silver Star
Major Hailey Weston
Staff Sergeant Nyx'e'Trixe Valentine
Gunnery Sergeant Ami Rori


Distinguished Flying Medal
Lieutenant Calypso Skyie

Departmental Commendation, First Class
Ensign Siobahn Fallon

Departmental Commendation, Third Class
Lieutenant Renee Salchin
Lieutenant Shaille Levine
Lieutenant Valeria Mordin
Lieutenant Commander Jack Carver
Lieutenant T'Kyra "Hunter" Madison

As the last of the names had been read out and the last of the crew had returned to their seats, a thunderous round of applause broke out through the room.

Happy, confused, smiling widely, T'Krya clapped for all her crewmates.