USS Paladin - August 2007 Compiled by Jason French ======================================================================================================================== Mission: New Beginnings Day: 2 Stardate: 2407.04.03 ======================================================================================================================== (USS Paladin - Holodeck 2 - CSO Lieutenant (jg) Joran Matthew Brownlee and ATAC/ASC Ensign (jg) Rana Apar - 17:56) (USS Paladin - Hollodeck 2 - ACTO Ensign(SG) Detron Trei - 17.57) (USS Paladin - Holodeck 2 - Lt(jg) Menelian - 1804) (USS Paladin - Holodeck 2 - CSO Lieutenant (jg) Joran Matthew Brownlee - 18:04) (USS Paladin - Holodeck 2 - Counsellor Lt Ayesha Kotal - 1805) (USS Paladin - Hollodeck 2 - ACTO Ensign(SG) Detron Trei - 18.05) (USS Paladin - Holodeck 2 - COUNS Ayesha Kotal - 18:06) (USS Paladin - Holodeck 2 - COUNS Ayesha Kotal - 18.07) (USS Paladin - Holodeck 2 - Pilot Officer Smith - 18:08) (USS Paladin - Holodeck 2 - Lieutenant Menelian - 1810) (USS Paladin - Holodeck 2 - COUNS Ayesha Kotal - 1812) (USS Paladin - Holodeck 2 - Lt Menelian - 1814) (USS Paladin - Holodeck 2 - COUNS Ayesha Kotal - 1816) (USS Paladin - Holodeck 2 - Lt Menelian - 1817) (USS Paladin - Holodeck 2 - COUNS Ayesha Kotal - 1819) (USS Paladin - Holodeck 2 - ACONN Ensign (jg) Christian Soval Brownlee - 18:20) (USS Paladin - Holodeck 2 - CSO Lieutenant (jg) Joran Matthew Brownlee - 18:25) ======================================================================================================================== (USS Paladin - Holodeck 2 - CSO Lieutenant (jg) Joran Matthew Brownlee and ATAC/ASC Ensign (jg) Rana Apar - 17:56) Joran stepped out of the turbolift and began leading his date, and wife, Rana, to the holodeck. He was wearing an old fashioned tuxedo, complete with waistcoat and bow tie, as well as a plain black mask hiding his eyes. Rana was wearing a flowing muted blue gown that hid her growing belly very well, when she wanted it to, and white gloves reaching up to her elbows. In her left hand She held a white mask attatched to a stick. They reached the holodeck, and walked in. Joran looked around at the visible yellow and black hologrid, and turned to Rana. "I suppose we'll have to do something about this then. Computer, access Earth vista files. Create the Main Ballroom in the Catherine Palace, St. Petersburg." She computer chirped, and Joran found the two of them in an opulent high-ceilinged room with beautiful marble floors and ornate goldwork decorating the white walls. "Now, computer, create a Piano Sextet in the far corner with a full repertoire of chamber music." The computer complied, and a small orchestra appeared in the far corner of the room, consisting of three men in matching suits, and three women in matching black dresses. "Now for the final touches. Computer, create a large Federation banner hanging above the windows with the words 'Welcome Home' written below the seal and create about 20 guests, dressed appropriately." The computer did so. "Very good, Imzadi," Rana said. "Thank you. I just hope some more people show up. Copmuter, run simulation." (reply any partygoers) (posted by Spencer) ======================================================================================================================== (USS Paladin - Hollodeck 2 - ACTO Ensign(SG) Detron Trei - 17.57) Detron walked into the Earth St Petersburg , Russia palace ballroom scene wearing a black suit and black bow tie.. He held a black mask to his face that didn't really cover his warrior ridges. He looked as silly as a Klingon could look at a masquerade ball. He picked up a glass of champagne from an attendant and mingled over to Jonas Brownlee and Rana his very pregnant date wearing a lovely blue gown. (Reply Brownlee, Any) (Posted by Edward) ======================================================================================================================== (USS Paladin - Holodeck 2 - Lt(jg) Menelian - 1804) ~What a hellhole.~ Menelian thought as he stepped into the holodeck. He was wearing his duty uniform, he'd found the idea of wearing a black earther formal-wear suit disgusting, how anyone could move in such apparatus was completely beyond him. Further, when he'd looked up a 'masquerade ball', he'd been slightly insulted at the idea of having to wear a mask. The idea was second only to a Costume Ball- he'd been forced to attend one of those in the past as well. The result still nauseated him. A waiter passed close with champagne, Menelian grabbed one before the man could get to far. If he was going to survive much more then five minutes of this night, he was going to need some alcoholic reinforcement- even if the stuff was as weak as Champaign or Wine. He brought the glass up and sniffed it gently as be began moving deeper into the holodeck. He wasn't sure where he was, or when, but the ambience was enough to give him severe pains right behind his eyes. Someone tried to stop him from going further in by stepping in front of him and gaily saying, "Excuse me, but this is a Masque!" Whoever it was, they had a couple masks in hand and was offering one to the Romulan. Menelian was pretty sure the man was a holo-creation; he didn't know anyone with teeth THAT perfect. Nor did he know anyone in the ship's crew who could laugh and smile like such an idiot. ... Well, make that one or two. Perhaps three, maybe four... Menelian finished the entire glass of champagne in one gulp, and then daintily wiped the excess off his lips. A quick flick of his fingers and the excess fell to the floor. "You might be ugly enough to need a mask in order to find a mate for tonight:" Menelian said as he placed the empty champagne glass in the man's hand, instead of taking a mask. "I, however, am not. Run along now and bother someone else." He stepped past the man, who's smile had frozen on his face, and continued the hunt for -someone- he recognized and halfway liked... or at least someone who wasn't dressed up like a penguin on the prowl. (reply: any, if you dare) (posted by Trout) ======================================================================================================================== (USS Paladin - Holodeck 2 - CSO Lieutenant (jg) Joran Matthew Brownlee - 18:04) Joran looked around at the people that were beginning to file into the masquerade As a waiter passed, he took a glass of champagne for both Rana and himself, and sipped it. At the same time, Ensign Trei, in full Earth regalia and sporting a black mask similar to Joran's own, came up to him. "Hello, ensign, glad you could make it. Are you enjoying yourself?" (reply Trei, room for more) Counselor Kotal also came by, wearing a stunning sari and veil concealing her face. However, the veil could not conceal that she was having a good time from Joran. "Good evening," she said smiling. "Thank you for organising this party for us all, Joran." "You're quite welcome, counselor. I'm glad you could make it. And I must say you look stunning in that sari of yours." (reply Kotal, room for more) Joran smiled as she moved off, and gestured to the sextet, and they began playing a waltz. Joran took Rana's hand and led her out onto the dance floor and started off the dancing. (reply any) (posted by Spencer) ======================================================================================================================== (USS Paladin - Holodeck 2 - Counsellor Lt Ayesha Kotal - 1805) Aya looked around the scene in the holodeck with delight. The room was truly beautiful and wonderfully decorated. There were a few people there she recognised, and she made her way over to Lt Brownlee, the host of the party, who was standing together with his wife talking to someone. NRPG I wasn't sure if Detron would still be talking to them at this point, so I didn't mention him by name RPG: She had chosen to wear a deep blue sari edged with silver which she wore North India style and in place of a mask she wore a gauzy veil. which covered but did not conceal the lower part of her face. In the centre of her forehead was a tilaka decorated with a tiny sapphire. "Good evening," she said smiling at them all. "Thank you for organising this party for us all, Joran." (reply any of the above, room for more iyw) After speaking with her host, Aya moved off, accepting a glass of champagne from one of the servers. As she did so she noticed the Security Chief, Lieutenant Menelian. He didn't look as though he were enjoying himself much. ~Maybe he doesn't know many people~ Aya thought. She didn't really either. She knew some of the officers by sight from staff meetings, but there were a lot of people present she didn't recognise. She made her way over to Menelian. "Good evening, Lieutenant," she said. She had noticed he wasn't wearing a tuxedo, unlike the other male guests, nor had he chosen to wear a mask. "Are you on duty later?" she asked. (Reply Menelian, any) (Posted by Liz) ======================================================================================================================== (USS Paladin - Hollodeck 2 - ACTO Ensign(SG) Detron Trei - 18.05) "Yes I am having a great time. I have never experienced an Earth Ball before, but it feels right so far. Aya what a wonderful dress. Glad to see you. I don't dance very well, but would you like to try." Detron saw Menlan making people nervous coming in without a mask and beeing his normal surly self. ~What a shame Menlan can't have fun.~ (Reply Kotal, Any) (Posted by Edward) ======================================================================================================================== (USS Paladin - Holodeck 2 - COUNS Ayesha Kotal - 18:06) "You're quite welcome, counsellor. I'm glad you could make it. And I must say you look stunning in that sari of yours." "Thank you," she said. "And both you and Rana look very smart too," she added with a smile. It was true, he did look smart in the tuxedo and Rana looked positively blooming. "And I think since this is a party and a celebration, that we can drop the formalities, don't you? Just call me Aya." She looked around. "This setting is really lovely. I think you made the perfect choice. But I mustn't keep you from your guests, or from enjoying yourselves." With a smile, she left them to it. (reply Joran, any iyw) (posted by Liz) ======================================================================================================================== (USS Paladin - Holodeck 2 - COUNS Ayesha Kotal - 18.07) "Yes I am having a great time. I have never experienced an Earth Ball before, but it feels right so far. Aya what a wonderful dress. Glad to see you. I don't dance very well, but would you like to try." Aya smiled at the TAC/ASC. "I'd be delighted, Detron, once the dancing starts. For now, I think I should mingle a little bit, but I'll hold you to that dance later, if I may?" NRPG: Edward, there isn't time for them to dance now I'm afraid, since I already posted that she was talking to Menelian a few minutes later RPG: (Reply Detron iyw) (Posted by Liz) ======================================================================================================================== (USS Paladin - Holodeck 2 - Pilot Officer Smith - 18:08) Jennifer walked into the Holodeck with Kennith beside her. She was waring a long dark blue dress which hugged her in the right places. She looked over at Kennith who had arrived at her quarters waring full dress uniform along with his sword. When she had ask him if a suit might have been better. He had replied that the marines had given him a dress uniform he should atlest ware it. She shrugged as they moved into the room. She was Lieutenant Menelian talking to a woman who was waring a sari. ~Looks good on her too. Must ask her where she got it~ "So Madam can I offer you a drink from the bar?" She grinned and looked at Kennith. "Yes kind Sir. Only as long as you don't get drunk and stab any one with your sword?" He rolled his eyes shook his head slightly. "That were years ago and I apologised afterwards." "You stabbed him through the thigh and then the arm pinning him to the wall." "Well he did started it." She smiled as she conceded the fact as they headed for the bar. (reply any) (posted by Robbie) ======================================================================================================================== (USS Paladin - Holodeck 2 - Lieutenant Menelian - 1810) "Good evening, Lieutenant, Are you on duty later?" Menelian, who by now had already grabbed another glass of champagne and was holding it at chest level, took a moment to look at the woman who had walked up to him. Being senior staff, of course he knew her, but if he'd traded more then 10 words with her... he couldn't remember when it would have been. "Unlike some, I am always on duty Counselor." He said. "I grew up near humans, and Klingons, and between them all I have never seen such foolish attire as is being paraded around tonight. These people have no fashion sense, at all." He paused and looked the Counselor up and down once. "Knowing something of human attire, you at least appear to be following some cultural guidelines. Besides which, your dress isn't as horribly colorless or unflattering as what they are wearing." He gestured with his glass to those on the floor. The Romulan grinned then, but it was a sarcastic- somewhat evil grin. "But, I'm supposed to be an officer and a gentleman according to the Starfleet Code of Conduct. So, I have shown up as I have been directed. But not even the Articles of War or the Code of Conduct dictate that I have to wear anything but my uniform." Menelian took a sip of his drink, and then looked down at the Counselor again. "At least the booze is free." He said, in soto-voice. (reply: any) (posted by Trout) ======================================================================================================================== (USS Paladin - Holodeck 2 - COUNS Ayesha Kotal - 1812) "Unlike some, I am always on duty Counsellor." He said. "I grew up near humans, and Klingons, and between them all I have never seen such foolish attire as is being paraded around tonight. These people have no fashion sense, at all." Aya couldn't quite suppress a grin. The old-fashioned tuxedo worn by most of the men present did many of them no favours, at least in Ayesha's eyes. Menelian looked Aya up and down once. "Knowing something of human attire, you at least appear to be following some cultural guidelines. Besides which, your dress isn't as horribly colourless or unflattering as what they are wearing." He gestured with his glass to those on the floor. "Thank you," Aya said a little ironically ~I think~. "I have to say the sari has one big advantage over the formal clothes the others are wearing. It looks dressy, but it's really very comfortable to wear." The Romulan grinned sarcastically. "But, I'm supposed to be an officer and a gentleman according to the Starfleet Code of Conduct. So, I have shown up as I have been directed. But not even the Articles of War or the Code of Conduct dictate that I have to wear anything but my uniform." Menelian took a sip of his drink, and then looked down at Aya again. "At least the booze is free," he said in an undertone. "So it should be," Aya replied, amused. "It's synthehol, I imagine. A holodeck creation." She looked around. "Just as well, I don't see any food here. Although I suppose there may be some later." ~At least I hope so~ "But it's nice to see people enjoying themselves. Well," she glanced up at the Romulan shrewdly, "most of them. It makes my job easier. Yours too, I should think. Happy people are less likely to get into trouble. Although if this were real champagne, you might have a few problems to sort out later." She watched the dancers for a moment, then glanced back at Menelian. She had recalled something in his record, and found herself involuntarily picturing the Romulan in a leotard, practising at the barre. It was such an unlikely image that she almost giggled, but hid it by hastily finishing off her champagne. It really did taste very much like the real thing. A passing server exchanged her empty glass for a full one. "Tell me, Menelian - may I call you Menelian? And since we're off-duty, or I am in any case, you can call me Aya, if you wish - do you ever do anything so frivolous as to dance the waltz?" she asked, failing to suppress a slightly mischievous twinkle in her eyes as she did so. "At one time in Earth's past it was considered a shocking thing to do." (reply Menelian, any) (posted by Liz) ======================================================================================================================== (USS Paladin - Holodeck 2 - Lt Menelian - 1814) "At least the booze is free," he said in an undertone. "So it should be," Aya replied, amused. "It's synthehol, I imagine. A holodeck creation." She looked around. "Just as well, I don't see any food here. Although I suppose there may be some later." Menelian grunted a reply and finished off his glass as she continued with, "But it's nice to see people enjoying themselves. Well, most of them. It makes my job easier. Yours too, I should think. Happy people are less likely to get into trouble. Although if this were real champagne, you might have a few problems to sort out later." "Indeed." Menelian said, neutrally. If there were a bar brawl, things would at least be interesting enough to keep him here for more then thirty minutes or so. NRPG: I -will- get you back for bringing up the ballet... RPG: "Tell me, Menelian - may I call you Menelian? And since we're off-duty, or I am in any case, you can call me Aya, if you wish - do you ever do anything so frivolous as to dance the waltz? At one time in Earth's past it was considered a shocking thing to do." The Romulan, who had started eyeing the Counselor half-way through her request, was outright staring at her by the time she had finished. His left eyebrow quirked ever so slightly and he shook his head, mostly at himself. "Counselor," he finally said. "I haven't 'danced' since I left Nimbus III, and for very good reason. I've had no good dance partners. Do you think you, hmm, have the necessary grace?" (reply: any) (posted by Trout) ======================================================================================================================== (USS Paladin - Holodeck 2 - COUNS Ayesha Kotal - 1816) Menelian stared at her for a long moment before answering. Finally, he said, "Counselor, I haven't 'danced' since I left Nimbus III, and for very good reason. I've had no good dance partners. Do you think you, hmm, have the necessary grace?" Aya considered the question, which by any stretch of the imagination argued a considerable amount of arrogance. "I can dance," she said evenly. "I can even dance well, with the right partner. I'm generally thought to be light and graceful on my feet. Whether *you* would consider me to have the 'necessary grace', I sincerely doubt. I'd be amazed if anyone met your doubtless exaulted standards. However, if that is meant to be an invitation to dance, I would be delighted to accept." (Reply Menelian, any) (Posted by Liz) ======================================================================================================================== (USS Paladin - Holodeck 2 - Lt Menelian - 1817) "I can dance, I can even dance well, with the right partner. I'm generally thought to be light and graceful on my feet. Whether *you* would consider me to have the 'necessary grace', I sincerely doubt. I'd be amazed if anyone met your doubtless exalted standards. However, if that is meant to be an invitation to dance, I would be delighted to accept." ~To this watered down fluff that's playing, no doubt- a paraplegic could win a dance competition to this.~ he thought. "Indeed... " Menelian paused and looked around. He found what he was looking for a few moments later and looked back down. "Hold that thought, Counselor, I will be back in one moment." (reply: if desired) He nodded to her and took off to the side of the room, bypassing those officers and crew who were -attempting- to dance and making way straight for the live holo-band in the corner. He walked up to the director and whispered in his ear quietly. The man gave one generous nod and held up a hand with one finger, which Menelian took to mean one minute. The Romulan made his way back, listening for the song to end and undoing the collar of his uniform. He was moving slowly, timing it so that he'd end up at her side as the next song started up. A long childhood of training allowed for such a thing to be possible- thankfully. He pulled a long-stemmed flower from a vase on a table close-by as the gentle song that had BEEN playing ended. And, with the first note of the new song, he theatrically slapped his foot against the dance floor and snapped his hand out, waiting for hers. The flower, a blood-red rose, he kept lightly against his chest... he'd have uses for it later. The music, the only kind of human music Menelian had ever enjoyed, filled the room and caused the blood of anyone not tone-deaf or dead to heat and start pumping a bit faster. The small band had begun playing a sensuous, and very lively, Tango. Menelian's lips curled slightly in amusement at the look on the Counselors face. (Reply: any) (Posted by Trout) ======================================================================================================================== (USS Paladin - Holodeck 2 - COUNS Ayesha Kotal - 1819) Aya had waited, wondering what he had in mind, as he went to speak to the director of music. By the time he returned to her side, a red rose in one hand held loosely against his chest, the music changed and she knew. As the strains of the tango began she stared at him in surprise. He smiled slightly and after a moment's shock she smiled back, then drained her glass and set it aside. A sari was comfortable to wear, and suitable for most occasions. It was, however, most unsuitable for this kind of dancing. It could also be downright hampering if it got caught up anywhere. Two deft twists of the fabric in the right places and it pooled at her feet, revealing a short skirt and cropped top in the same dark blue fabric as the sari, edged in silver. She stepped forward, smiling brightly and holding out her hand to the Romulan with a confidence she was far from feeling. "Our dance, I believe?" (Reply: any) (Posted by Liz) ======================================================================================================================== (USS Paladin - Holodeck 2 - ACONN Ensign (jg) Christian Soval Brownlee - 18:20) Christian walked out of the turbolift, wearing a birght blue tuxedo and matching mask. Crewman Allison Rumore was on his arm. He wanted to make sure that the rest of the ship saw that the messy breakup thathad happened between him and Olesia a few weeks ago was finally a thing of the past. He secretly prayed that she would not be here tonight. As he walked into the holodeck, he breathed a sigh of relief, seeing that she wasn't there. There were a few people there already, and they were dancing to an upbeat waltz. However, when the song ended, the music changed, and started playing a sultry tango. Christian smiled, and looked at Rumore. He held out hisleft hand, and said, "Computer, a rose." A long-stemmed rose materialized in his hand, and he held out his hand to Rumore. "May I have this dance, Allison?" She smiled, and said, "Yes, you may." Christian placed the rose in his mouth, and led her to the dance floor. (reply any) (posted by Spencer) ======================================================================================================================== (USS Paladin - Holodeck 2 - CSO Lieutenant (jg) Joran Matthew Brownlee - 18:25) The tango ended, and Joran clapped along with the assembled guests. He then walked over to Menelian as another waltz started up. "Hello, Lieutenant," he said, "are you enjoying yourself?" (reply Menelian, room for more) "It seems to me that it may be just about time for supper. What do you think?" (reply Menelian, any) (posted by Spencer) ======================================================================================================================== *** End Transmission ***