Launch Party, Part 7

Posted on 16 Oct 2018 @ 7:14am by Lieutenant Lake ir-Llantrisant & Commander Scarlet Blake & Commander Marisa Wyatt & Lieutenant JG Matthew Plumeri & Petty Officer 3rd Class Constantin Vansen & Lieutenant Aria Rice & Chief Warrant Officer 3 Alexion Wylde & Petty Officer 1st Class Gabriel Stark & Laeon Wylde
Edited on on 16 Oct 2018 @ 7:15am

2,846 words; about a 14 minute read

Mission: Episode 17 - Crystal of Life
Location: USS Galileo-A - Deck 2, Mess Hall
Timeline: MD -182 - 2357 hours

Previously on “Launch Party, Part 6”

In tandem, Lake leaned over the bar so he could hear those whispered words. Lake even turned his head to point his ear in the right direction. As he did so, Lake leaned close enough to press his cheek against Alexion's parted lips. Lake made a point of not moving away, not immediately, to make it clear it was no mistake. Only as Lake started to pull away did he whisper back, "What part of me looks fragile to you?"

Alexion had felt the man through the touch, really *felt* him with his Transference skill. He remained close enough to him for his breath to play across the other man's warmed skin, showing no sign of pulling away as he watched him boldly. "All of you would look fragile, under my hands."

"Uch," Lake spat out, as his shoulders jumped up to join his pointed ears. Lake recoiled from Alexion in a pantomime of disgust, and yet his grin never left his lips and his eyes hardly blinked. A blink would interfere in Lake drinking in the sight of Alexion's handsome visage. "You're so creepy," Lake teased Alexion. "Do all surgeons make small talk like serial killers?”

And now the continuation…


[ON]

"Most of the ones I know? Yes..." Alexion gave a soft chuckle of satisfaction, pushing back as he rested his hands on the bar, holding his eyes without trouble, running his tongue over his lower lip for a moment. "I suppose we just know exactly how to handle a body well. Every inch of it."

Constantin smiled as he spotted Alexion and Laeon, moving over to them. He had enjoyed enough drinks to have a good buzz, but also knew his limit. He wanted to be able to walk home after all. "Hello Doctor, hello Laeon..." he said, hands in his pockets. He gave them both a nod and looked at Leon, his eyes warm at seeing the young man again that he had enjoyed a conversation with in the lounge. The artist. "You look good, Laeon. The look suits you," he said, meaning it. Considering how long Constantin had taken to get ready, he had to applaud the youth for turning out so good at his young age.

"See...." Laeon tapped Alexion's chest with the back of his hand, a pleased smile coming to him at the compliment as he turned slightly to show the lines of the complete outfit of snug black jeans with an indigo t-shirt, his long, blonde hair tied loosely back.

Alexion lifted his hands at the comment with a sharp sigh, directing a look of 'really?' to Constantin, although there was no real bite behind it. "I give up..."

Constantin grimaced, giving an apologetic smile to Alexion before he looked over at Laeon. "Hopefully this will inspire you for your art. I have seem some...breathtaking outfits and styles here. I need to learn from everyone."

"I don't think you need to worry about that," Laeon assured him with a warm smile as he looked to how the man was dressed before glancing down into his glass with a slight blush, chuckling gently.

Constantin seemed oblivious to the look, looking over at Alexion. "And you, as always, look sophisticated," he complimented Alexion, with a warm smile. "I noticed I am down for a check up with you in a few days. What, don't trust me?" he looked over at Laeon and winked.

"No, I don't," Alexion replied without hesitation, but he shook his head with a small, half smile to indicate he was only joking. "Take it as a chance to show me how good you are. So do not abuse your system too much tonight..."

"I'm pacing myself," Constantin admitted with a small chuckle and raised his glass. "Somewhat anyway..." he winked and took a sip. "Do either of you dance?"

At the exact same time, Alexion gave a firm 'no' and Laeon said 'yes'. Alexion arched an eyebrow as he glanced to his son, before looking to Constantin with a small smile of something close to amusement. He wondered if he'd carry through on the question and take Laeon for a dance. The look on his features clearly told Constantin he didn't have to.

Constantin however smiled and nodded, reaching to take Laeon's hand. "I'll bring him back in one piece!" he promised over his shoulder, laughing as he pulled Laeon to the dance floor. He let go of his hand, winking before he started dancing.

Laeon laughed warmly as he moved closer to the dark haired man so that he was actually dancing *with* him. He moved freely and easily, with a confidence that betrayed his relative youth. As he lifted his arms above his head, he not only danced with the rhythm of the music, but also with Constantin's movements. He mirrored and mimicked the way he moved, so they moved in unison with the music, in the way his people liked to dance.

Constantin grinned, dancing with him, moving his body the way he did. "You are really good at this? Is there anything you can't do?" he asked playfully, pitching his voice over the music.

Laeon blushed, shaking his head with a soft laugh as he leant in closer to him to be heard over the noise, but never stopped his movement. "Drink alcohol, apparently," he made a face, but was good natured about it.

"Overrated," Constantin smiled warmly as he shook his head, holding the youth's eyes. "You are a creative, talented young man. Just...enjoy that. Enjoy all of this!" He winked at that and spun on the spot, the music picking up the beat.

---

Aria laughed warmly as she dragged Gabriel with her to the dance floor. Not that he usually needed much encouragement, but Aria wanted to dance and she just loved this song! The beat, the mood...it made her happy. "Dance with me, sexy!" she spun her body close to Gabriel's, meeting his eyes with a grin before taking his hands, moving them above her head as she moved her body with the driving beat of the music. "Woo ooh!"

Gabriel laughed warmly with her, the hum of the alcohol relaxing him as he let himself feel the beat. He linked his fingers with hers, pressing up close against her, letting his body move with the same motion as hers, holding her eyes as his own shone with energy. "Would never miss a chance to dance with you, Ms Rice...the best dancer in the 'fleet," he grinned, meaning it as he watched his friend with admiration.

Aria laughed warmly, her eyes shining as she moved her body, turning in his grip, their hands still entwined, to have her back against his chest. "Then I hope they get something dramatic so we can dance the tango..." she breathed and looked over her shoulder at him.

"No finer mistress of the tango have I ever found," Gabriel assured with warmth, lowering their arms to have his around her, hands still entangled, moving up close behind her, turning them in a slow circle with the rhythm of the music. "Oh, I missed this..."

"So have I," Aria admitted as she smiled, basking in it as she danced with Gabriel, letting him lead. "I have missed you, Gabriel. My life has been a bit dull without you. And without your light to inspire me..."

"You mean...without me to lead you astray..." he grinned against her ear before lifting her easily, knowing the skilled dancer would hold her core, turning her neatly in the air.

"Details!" Aria shouted, smiling as she held her core, legs and arms elegantly stretched, her back slightly arched and her chin up. She moved her hands to his sides, getting a good grip so he could drop her forward and she would tumble over and land on her feet. He was tall enough and she was short enough for it to work.

Gabriel grinned as he took the cue, tipping her forward, supporting the petite body as she tumbled forward onto her feet. He caught hold of her under her arms, pulling back to urge her to drop into his grip, dipping her low as she kicked her leg high. He pushed her back up onto her feet, taking her hand to turn her neatly on the spot until she was facing him again. He wrapped his arm tight around her waist, tugging hard to pull her body firmly against his, hip to hip as he moved his own to make hers move with them. "I think you like astray...I think not enough people get anywhere near astray."

She smiled as she moved with him, following his movements easily, her breath even as she held his eyes. "I love astray. Astray is where the fun is, where things happen. Astray is adventure..." she smiled and leant close to whisper in his ear. "Astray is fun..."

"It must be where you live then, darling..." Gabriel smiled warmly, kissing her cheek fondly as he lifted her arms above her head so he could feel down the length of them.

Aria smiled warmly as she leant into it, her eyes warm as she sighed softly. "I have missed your spirit. Your beautiful energy...and overall beauty..."

Gabriel just shook his head, laughing softly, content as he danced with her, leading her easily and comfortably. "It takes two to tango, sweetheart...it takes two to perfect a tango..."

---

Scarlet Blake took a single step into the lounge before coming to a halt, just looking around the party that was in full swing. She took a long, deep breath before letting it out slowly to steel herself. Parties really weren't her thing. If she was going to enjoy music and company and drinks, she preferred to do it one to one or in a small group, in more intimate or quieter surroundings. And she definitely didn't drink too much in public. Still, after the Captain specifically mentioned the party at their briefing, she felt duty bound to at least make an appearance.

Scarlet had thought it a good idea to arrive later, so she wouldn't have to stay for the entire thing. Now, she realised it just meant that everyone was way ahead of her and had dialled it up to 11. She headed straight for the bar, her hands smoothing out the 'little black dress' she wore as she delicately took a stool, motioning for Lake with an expression that was remarkably close to her professional one. "Gin and tonic, if you have," she asked briskly.

By comparison, Lake's face was clearly flushed and his uniform tunic was open down the front. His side-part was long gone, leaving his loose curls spinning off in all directions. Professional wasn't the first word one might use to describe Lake ir-Llantrisant on this night, but he wasn't slurring his words yet. "I do," Lake said emphatically; "I do. Have." He spun away long enough to retrieve the gin and he came back quickly to assemble the drink. "I was afraid you wouldn't come..." he said.

Blake relented with a slight chuckle at the words, quirking an eyebrow as she let an elbow rest casually on the bar, crossing her legs lithely in the black satin dress she wore. "You clearly know me better than I thought," she joked lightly. He probably knew her better than most people in reality.

"Except I was wrong, because here you are," Lake replied. He tone was teasing enough on the surface, but she could read the look in his eyes that betrayed he knew her as well as she suspected. "Colour me pleasantly surprised," he added, smiling at Blake warmly.

"Hm," she sounded doubtful, but there was a small hint of humour playing on her lips. "I don't know. You were at the senior staff meeting," she said with a hushed tone, reaching for her glass. "I'm not sure I could have gotten away with not coming," she knew she could be honest with him without him judging.

Lake brought his hands together at mid-chest level and he interlaced his fingers in a universal sign of I know a secret and I shouldn't tell. Immediately, he leaned against the bartop, and he stage whispered, "I've been here all night and I've yet to notice the Captain."

Scarlet watched him with surprise for a moment before twisting on her stool to cast a look around, her eyes narrowed slightly. "Sneaky, sneaky, sneaky," she tsked playfully, shaking her head as she looked back to him. "Still, means you're safe..."

Matt needed a break now and he came back to the bar for refreshment. He saw Commander Scarlett Blake talking with Lake and he wormed his way in closer. When there was a break in the conversation he said, "Commander Blake! It's great to see you here!" he said with enthusiasm.

Scarlet half turned on the stool towards Matthew, summoning up a smile for him, not wanting to dampen the party spirit with her own misgivings of such festivities. Although, he seemed fairly....high spirited himself, so she doubted that would be dented. Which was good. It was good for all of them. "You look like you're having a good time..."

"Awww hell's yes! This is what I'm talkin' 'bout!" he said with an air about him that was exciting and happy. "I like the threads Commander, it's good to have 'play clothes' yeah? I mean, take tonight for example, you never know when a party is going to break out." He smiled lovingly. Big enough for teeth to show, "Can I get you some sauce?" he indicated to the bar now. Lake seemed busy but enjoying it all. Not waiting for an answer he launched into, "Or, you want to dance first?" her said with a hand extended. Modesty was not going to get in his way it would seem.

"Let's...stick to a drink," Scarlet replied quickly and firmly with a motion of her hand. She had absolutely no intention of dancing. A drink was infinitely safer...besides, it was becoming clear she was far behind the drinking level of everyone else. That was never a fun place to be. She wouldn't want to get drunk at a large party like Lake's, but two or three drinks to try and relax was probably required. "Lake got me a gin and tonic."

Matt didn't want to ask the bartender/counselor for another drink. He managed to hide his feelings and smiled back, "Gin & tonic is just fine. I'll pace myself a little. Are you enjoying yourself then Commander?"

"It's good to see the crew...bonding," Scarlet chuckled softly at the delicate choice of words, sipping her drink as she glanced around at the way people were dancing and close, drinking and laughing. "I hope you've had the chance to get a little closer to the rest of the crew."

He nodded, shrugged a little, "I'll get there. I've got at least three-years to get to know people. How about you? Are you glad that the ship is finally under way?"

Scarlet didn't even have to think before giving a firm nod, a smile coming to her at the prospect. "It was a long time coming. The time is right, and now I want to get to work. It's what we're all here for after all."

---

Marisa had several polite conversations and watched some rather unusual antics, but it had ben two hours and she was ready to go back to her quarters for some quiet meditation. Before she left for the night, she decided to go into the lounge and walk around once, maybe get a glass of something to drink, and see how things were going.

Seeing Marisa, Matthew reached a hand out in hello and said, "Sandoval, hey there! You want a drink? Want to take my spot here at the bar?"


[OFF]

To Be Continued…



Lt. JG Aria Rice
Security
USS Galileo-A
[PNPC Vansen]

Lt. Tris Shizn
Conn Officer
USS Galileo-A

LTJG Matthew Plumeri
Science Officer
USS Galileo-A

Lieutenant Lake ir-Llantrisant
Chief Counselor
USS Galileo-A

PO3 Constantin Vansen
Operations
USS Galileo-A
[PNPC Vansen]

CWO2 Oliver Sylver
CONN
USS GalileoA
[PNPC Vansen]

CH Verity Thorne
Chaplain
USS Galileo-A
[PNPC Blake]

CDR Scarlet Blake
First Officer
USS Galileo-A

PO1 Gabriel Stark
Security
USS Galileo-A
[PNPC Blake]

Dr. Alexion Wylde
Medical
USS Galileo-A
[PNPC Blake]

Laeon Wylde
Civilian Dependent
USS Galileo-A
[PNPC Blake]

Cmdr Allyndra illm Warraquim
Second and Chief Medical Officer
USS Galileo-A

Crewman Draia Theroh
Engineer's Mate
USS Galileo-A
[PNPC ir-Llantrisant]

Chief Petty Officer Kala Gorvel
Engineering Officer
USS Galileo-A
[PNPC Wyatt]

LuAnn Lovegood
Counselor
USS Galileo-A

Lieutenant Marisa Sandoval
Chief Science Officer
USS Galileo-A

 

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