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Day 21 [1800 hrs.] A Toast to the Cayuga

[Lt. Rhys Williams| Below Decks Lounge| Deck 28| USS Theurgy] attn: @lisavw @Numen @Nolan @DaValle

The messages had gone out the party was on. Rhys had felt maybe party was too grandiose a term, ‘gathering’ might have been better. After all, he was not really certain about how many people would turn up. Though, he felt that it was something that the former crew of the Cayuga would need, he knew he did anyway.

Rhys was not a social butterfly. It was odd in some  ways for a counsellor to be like him. Quiet, withdrawn, reluctant to socialise. It was almost part of a counsellor’s job description to be the opposite of that. Obviously not to an overbearing extent, but a relaxed approachable extent. It was a trial for him to be that, he worked hard at it and against his own inclinations. It worked to an extent, at least in his office on home ground. Away from home where he was expected to be more reciprocal, not just a walking ear, was a tougher proposition. However, even he felt like he needed to unwind with crew he knew better. A comfort blanket of Starfleet personnel.

What had happened to the crew of the Cayuga, had been a whirl wind. From survivors of a horror, to joining up with fugitives to survivors of another horror. He was certain that like him much of the crew would need a place to just be among familiar faces and forget for a while.

So the young Welsh officer found himself sat alone at a table nursing a drink. He was humming a Welsh folk song as he swirled the glass in front of himself. Every now and then a few words would slip out, clearly indicating that he knew the tune well but some of the lyrics escaped him. He had thought of brining a book to read in case no one showed. However, if someone did show he did not wish to look weird for bringing a book to a ‘party’. Rhys was very aware he was weird, but its one thing to know it and another entirely to want other people to know it.

Re: Day 21 [1800 hrs.] A Toast to the Cayuga

Reply #1 –
[ PO2 Kythalie Benmual | Below Decks Lounge | Deck 28 | USS Theurgy ] Attn: @lisavw @Numen  @Juzzie  @DaValle

The message of the reunion party had been received by Kythalie just before she started shift. Thus when her shift ended she had rushed back to her quarters to freshen up and pull on some more comfortable clothes. She wasn't sure what the dress code was so she decided to take on something easy. She replicated a garment that was best described as a sleeveless hoodie. The hoodie hugged onto her frame perfectly and had an opalescent color to it. Underneath she wore a similar colored pants though it had a black embroidery overlay. Almost as if it were netted to give the pants more form. She used some mascara, make up and lip stick before she rushed off to be on time.

She entered the lounge curiously as she looked around for any familiar faces. Seeing the counselor at a table as he nursed his drink she smiled and walked over to him. Her shift had been quite busy and unlike Rhys she was a social butterfly. She assumed they were all going to be off duty, thus she didn't exactly take it as close with the whole superior and non com ranks. She walked in from behind Rhys, just hearing him hum his song before she moved her hands over his shoulders, saying cheerfully at the same time "Hello lieutenant, thanks for the invitation." she stood besides him now and leaned in to give him a kiss on his cheek before she moved her hands off him and moved over to sit opposite of him.

Her eyes moved over Rhys, remembering the last time she saw him, he was in a way worse condition. Their ship taken over by Asurians as they were on a murderous spree. Rhys had been there, emotionally scarred and she wondered how he was dealing with that. Though it was hardly a topic she should open up on now as they were meeting with other crew from the ship they served on. "Am I the first one to show up?" she asked him curiously as she pondered what she'd order to drink "Either way, I'm really glad you took the time and effort to organize this sir." she smiled before she placed an order with one of the holo waiters. Her eyes coming to rest on Rhys while they waited for more people to join in.

Re: Day 21 [1800 hrs.] A Toast to the Cayuga

Reply #2 –
[ Lt. JG Izar Bila | Bellow Desk Lounge| Deck 28 | Vector 03 | USS Theurgy]
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@Juzzie @Nolan @DaValle @lisavw @SilverShadow


If Bila was honest with himself, until he had received the Counselor's message, he was unaware of his presence on the starship. The hybrid chemist had nothing against the human. Simply by some sort of mix of ircumstances, counselor Ejek had become his therapist and the half-cardassian had not delved further into the composition of her department to discover that Williams had been left behind in the Theurgy as well. Like himself. Like Kyth. Like Ekon...

So, as soon as he had read the message a couple of times, he had replied that he would attend. And that had led him to the present moment, where he stood in front of the Bellow Decks Lounge doors. He had chosen a Trill civilian attire, wide and vaporous. It fitted where it should and fell flawlessly in the proper places, so that it concealed the lean and skinny of his figure and made him look like a bit less emaciated. In addition, the colour scheme of the garments, in black, red and gold shades, gave some vividness to his grey skin. Bila sighed briefly and painted his best smile on his face, despite the knot of uncertainty that tied in on his stomach. After all, he was going to a party.

When he stepped forward, the doors opened in front of him and Bila entered the lounge. It didn't take him long to find the small group of Cayuga' former crew members. At the moment he was the third member of the meeting: the organizer of the party was there, more shy and awkward than the hybrid. Kyth was also there of course, as the social buterfly she was. Bila was neither an absolute social incompetent nor a party monster, but he knew how to deal with social situations and make good use of the gift of the gab that was his trademark.

"Three is a crowd so we can call this a party now" he said cheerfully as an introduction as he placed a bottle on the table in front of the other Cayugers. In the container there was a whitish, innocuous powder that was among the hybrid specialties as far as moonshined alcohol was concerned. "Thank you for the invitation, Counselor, I'm glad to see you again and in one piece," he said with a gentle smile before he turned to face the betazoid. Without being able to avoid it, a slight brown tone grew on his cheeks and, suddenly, the collar of his suit seemed to squeeze a little too tightly around his throat. Bila struggled slightly with the neck of the garment to loosen it a little while his smile took on an undeniable nervous appearance. "Kyth..." he greeted her in a strangled tone. "It is always a pleasure to see you again."


OOC: i'll format the dialogue asap

Re: Day 21 [1800 hrs.] A Toast to the Cayuga

Reply #3 –
[[Lt. Kaylon Jeen | Below Decks Lounge | Deck 28 | USS Theurgy] Attn: @Numen @Juzzie @Nolan @lisavw @SilverShadow
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This day was one of the few days aboard the Theurgy one could called a normal day, at least thus far. No malfunctions of the engines that could led to the death of the whole crew, no Alien that’s going to attack the ship and no other kind of incident with devastating outcomes. Just a normal day and after a normal day was a visit in one of the Holosuits a normal way for Kaylon to wind down.

“Computer, shut down the active Holonovel.” The problem, or dilemma, was now that one of the old members of the Cayuga decided to organize a little party for the old crew in the lounge. Kaylon was certainly the last one who would turned a blind eye to a party just to play a Holonovel and therefore he ended his current session earlier than he would normally. Before he left the room checked the Trill his current outfit. The next best casual top and pants, he found in the database of his replicator. Let’s hope they’re not expecting anything special for this.

The door opened and Kaylon was able to overview the lounge for some moments before another crewmen signalled him unmistakeable that he wished to use the Holosuit now. Kaylon stepped aside and glanced again in the lounge. There were some small gatherings around, but still nothing he would have called a party. Nevertheless the Trill was able to identify the group quite fast, but before he would say hi, he walked over to the bar and ordered a Klingon Martini. With the drink in his hand he headed to their table.

He recognized the faces of the persons sitting at the table, but as he came closer he realized how few contact he had with the rest of the Cayuga crew yet. At least it wasn’t only his vault. You haven’t got so much time, when you’re working in the repairing team of ship always under fire. He decided to uses this event as an easy way for him to improve his relations with the rest a little bit better.

“Hi guys. I’ve heard here’s somewhere someone who wants to start a little party.” An open and hearty smile upon his face, he took the next and last free chair at their table.
[PO2 T’Kolla]
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Oh and if there's anything fundamentally wrong with the text above, then please don't hesitate to point it out to me.

Re: Day 21 [1800 hrs.] A Toast to the Cayuga

Reply #4 –
[Lt. Rhys Williams| Below Decks Lounge| Deck 28| USS Theurgy] Attn: @Numen  @Juzzie @Nolan  @lisavw  @SilverShadow @DaValle

Rhys’ humming was cut short when he flelt the hands of Kythalie on his shoulders and a kiss on his cheek. Rhys blushed luminous red, like a red alert sign. Rhys was dressed informally, he wore a pale blue t-shirt and a warm looking coat was slung over the back of his chair. On his slim hips hung a replicated pair of jeans. He did not particularly stand out either unconsciously or consciously.

“Oh I er… hello Kythalie.” He smiled awkwardly but the smile was clearly warm and happy to see her. “How could I not invite you? You helped fend off the Asurians.” That was something he would not forget in a hurry, after the blow to the head had given him a concussion and left him vulnerable to their attacks. He answered her question. “Yes you are the first to arrive, and you are welcome. I felt like the crew may need something to improve their spirits.”

“Ah here come some of the others.” He said pointing at Iza Bila. This was his opportunity to fade a little into the background. As Iza approached, the way he behaved and interreacted with Kythalie indicated attraction. Rhys could well understand why, the Betazoid lady was very attractive. “You are very welcome Iza” Said Rhys eyeing the white powder in the container with curiosity.

Next along was Kaylon Jeen, who Rhys also knew relatively well. “Party is perhaps overdoing it. No balloons sadly. Its more of a get together.” He smiled warmly, this had been a whim so he had not organised a huge amount.

[OOC. Hi guys I apoolgise if this post is a bit short, I am not welll at the moment.]

Re: Day 21 [1800 hrs.] A Toast to the Cayuga

Reply #5 –
[ Lt. T'Panu | Below Decks Lounge | Deck 28 | USS Theurgy]
@Numen @Juzzie @Nolan @SilverShadow @DaValle

T'Panu received her invitation, which she could hardly believe. The remaining crew of the Cayuga had passed each other here and there on the Theurgy, but not much had ever been said since everything went down. She was still dealing with it all in her own way; which, was really not at all. Once in a while she would have the horrors come back to her, reliving the past. Reliving the death and destruction, the survival mode, the endless fear that it would never end. But it did, and here they were, still alive to try and normalize day-to-day, returning to life as 'normal'. Or the new skewed version that she had come to be a part of.

She wasn't sure how to reply at first. To be honest, she was nervous. All she could think of was the past that they had been through, trapped in her own mind yet again. But then she thought about her friends, especially Ejek. She thought about all the fun times they had, bumming around the ship together, making jokes. She missed her old friend. She missed his laugh, the way he lit up a room just with his presence; sometimes in a good way, sometimes in his awkward way he had a habit of being. She knew he wouldn't want anyone to suffer, none of them would want anyone to suffer.

She went to the replicator, had something she thought would be appropriate made. She pondered for a while before making her choice. "Maroon tank top, white cardigan, black pants, black flats." Casual but dressy, which should work no matter what everyone else decided to wear. She thought about a dress, but didn't risk it in case it was a little too dressy.

"Whisky, neat," she ordered. One drink before she left to relax. She savoured the strong, smooth taste of the hard alcohol to help her relax. She was already pushing the time when she finally left, realizing she would be fashionably late as always. Perhaps a little bit longer than fashionable, but she had never gone to many parties to even know what to expect.

She finally made it to the party when everyone had appeared to be already assembled and talking. Excitedly nervous, she felt her heart racing as she walked into the room.

"No balloons sadly. Its more of a get together," Rhys had said as she walked in.

"Balloons or not, it's great to see everyone!  Thank you for the invite, I apologize for being so late. How has everyone been the last little while?" T'Panu asked, slightly nervously and quizzically. She genuinely hoped they all were well, but she couldn't keep her nerves at bay. Perhaps it was her Betazoid side acting up, she really wished she would act upon her Vulcan side more often with her unexpected feelings. She began to relax as she settled in, looking forward to conversing with everyone.

Re: Day 21 [1800 hrs.] A Toast to the Cayuga

Reply #6 –
[Lt. Kaylon Jeen | Below Decks Lounge | Deck 28 | USS Theurgy] Attn: @Numen @Juzzie @Nolan @SilverShadow @lisavw
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The Trill sat there and listened to the welcome of the human Lieutenant Rhys, but before he could answer this arrived the next “party” member at the table. T’Panu, the half Betazoid and half Vulcan woman stood there and Kaylon recognized that she was quite nervous. To break the ice, he decided to offer her his chair, before he answered her question. “Oh, well I guess before anyone is answering you, you have to sit down first. Take my chair and I take simply this one here .” He stood up and pointed on his chair, while he glanced at the next free table and grabbed a chair from there.

The table was now probably a little bit overcrowded, but not to much in the opinion of the Trill. He hasn’t expected to many to appear, but maybe more than just three or four. So in that point they could actually called this party a success, still the fact that there were no balloons here yet was definitely a missed opportunity. As he sat down again the Trill answered, even if it came a little bit to late now, T’Panus question. “You know how work’s around here. On the one day you face a warp core breach, on the other it’s just an annoying crewmember and if you’ve got bad luck it’s both.”

The Trill took a little zip of his drink, it wasn’t same taste a not-replicated drink had but not to bad either. “I hope all of you had a more comfortable last month than I had. Not that I think that’s a to complicated thing to archive.”
[PO2 T’Kolla]
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Oh and if there's anything fundamentally wrong with the text above, then please don't hesitate to point it out to me.

Re: Day 21 [1800 hrs.] A Toast to the Cayuga

Reply #7 –
[ Lt. JG Izar Bila | Bellow Desk Lounge| Deck 28 | Vector 03 | USS Theurgy]
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@Juzzie @Nolan @DaValle @lisavw @SilverShadow

As he waited for Kythalie's answer, the counselor thanked him for the gift he had brought to the meeting. Although he valued his courtesy, Bila was somewhat annoyed that he addressed him by his surname rather than by his name, as he had done with the betazoid. At this point in his career he should be familiar with the fact that most humans were unaware that his first and last names were bajoran and, therefore, they used them incorrectly. Nevertheless, it still irked him when someone he had known for a long time kept using them wrongly. The hybrid clicked the tongue against his teeth. "My, my, are we still in the phase of adressing each other by surnames? With all we've been through together, Mr. Williams" he asked, adopting a overly dramatic pose that gave a glimpse of how mocking his question was.

After that little performance, he turned to the Betazoid another time, but she still didn't give him an answer or even look at him, as if she was distracted by something else. Bila suppressed a frustrated sigh and turned to watch as the group gradually grew larger with further additions. First, the former chief engineer joined them, and soon after, the original Cayuga's CMO. The chemist had had little contact with the former, but had interacted quite a fair amount with the latter, especially after being dumped in the Theurgy. During the last days, Bila had been avoiding her, consciously or unconsciously. A way to avoid confronting Ekon's death again, and the role that T'Panu had played in it. He knew it wasn't a healthy behavior. He knew that sooner or later he should talk to her and adress the issue. But it wasn't the time. That was a party, after all. So, even though his posture was stiffer than it ought to be, he greeted both newcomers with a friendly smile. A smirk more untrue than a Ferengi's charity, but Bila knew how to conceal his thoughts if that was what he wished. Advantages of his reptilian heritage.


Shortly afterwards, Jeen took the lead in the conversation, offering his chair to the half-vulcan. In a gesture so gallant and so quixotic that made Bila rolled his eyes. Notwithstanding this, there was a kind of homey feel in all of it. Actually, it was almost as if he was back on board the Cayuga, preparing that bollian party, before everything went south. But, there was something amiss. Something lacking. What could it be? The half cardassian rubbed the sparse beard that covered his chin, trying to find the answer. Suddenly, his eyes opened abruptly, he looked around confused and exclaimed.

"Has anyone contacted Vanya?"


OOC:

This is an excuse to introduce @Jesaya  on the thread, if she wants to.

Re: Day 21 [1800 hrs.] A Toast to the Cayuga

Reply #8 –
Salem Martin |Below decks lounge] attn: @SilverShadow @Juzzie @Numen @DaValle @lisavw @Nolan
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Did he bother with the party? Salem tapped his foot for a moment thinking about it. Social gatherings were something he did enjoy, but the Cayuga had two rather big staffing problems, and if either one of them showed up to the party he would probably end up in a situation where he had to talk with them. That hadn't gone extremely well when he had tried to talk to Durmal. On the other hand these were his shipmates, and he didn't have any plans for the day. He had put himself as a maybe in the conversation.

And as he rode the turbolift down to deck 28 he had to wonder if this was technically party crashing. He had not reached out to many of his former coworkers. He was kinda interested to know who among them had come to join the Theurgy.

He closed his eyes for a moment. just don't make a big deal out of this. You are joining a party you're a member of the crew you have every right to be here. He was still kinda nervous telling himself what if Durmal showed up, then he would have a drink of something and play nice same if the other one was there. Billa?

The door opened and he walked from the turbolift, to the door of below decks, entering in. His eyes immediately came across one of the people he had sort of dreaded to meet up with, but that was par for the coarse he had decided to come here, and he would not allow himself to walk out. Walking to the replicator he thought for a second. "Mango Lassi, two hits of honey."  The non-alcholic beverage appeared and he quickly took the ice cold beverage to help him adjust to meeting people.

Walking up to the large group Salem took a breath. "Hello."


OOC: I hope you all don't mind if I jump in, Salem was from the Cayuga and it seemed like it was open invite.

Re: Day 21 [1800 hrs.] A Toast to the Cayuga

Reply #9 –
[ PO2 Kythalie Benmual | Below Decks Lounge | Deck 28 | USS Theurgy ] Attn: @lisavw  @Numen   @Juzzie   @DaValle @Masorin @SilverShadow 

When Bila joined the duo, Kythalie had smirked slightly as she was gazing into Rhys' eyes, her shoulders rose and fell "I don't know really, I imagined most Cayuga crew members were officers and this would be an officer's gathering." she offered the counselor "But like I said, I'm glad to be here." she concluded before Izar Bila greeted the both of them "Bila, the pleasure is all mine." she answered him with a wink, knowing how easily the Bajcardie was affected by her involuntary teasing.

More people came in and Kythalie simply nurtured her drink as she saw a few unfamiliar faces. She mingled where she could and eventually came to stand besides Bila, bumping her shoulder against him as he had asked if they had contacted Vanya. Whilst waiting for an answer Kythalie waited for Bila's attention before asking him "I remember you still owing me a dinner." she offered him with a coy grin "Either way, how have you been?"

Out of all the people present, Bila was probably the one Kythalie had the most contact with. Rhys being second as the rest were really strangers to her. Not that she didn't know who they were, yet she had very little interaction with them aboard the new ship. T'Panu she recognized from a few brief visits to Sickbay on the Cayuga, making a mental note to ask how the physician had been doing as of late. For now she chose to socialize with Bila and would check in on Rhys later as well.

As more people came to flock to the group, Kythalie greeted each and every one of them with a short wave or a "Hello" followed by a warm smile.

Re: Day 21 [1800 hrs.] A Toast to the Cayuga

Reply #10 –
[ Lt. T'Panu | Below Decks Lounge | Deck 28 | USS Theurgy]
@Juzzie @Numen @Masorin @Nolan @DaValle @SilverShadow @Jesaya

As T'Panu stood awkwardly, she noticed that Jeen must have noticed how uncomfortable she was. But thankfully, he was nice and offered her his seat. It was a very kind gesture and it really helped her to feel more relaxed! T'Panu nodded briefly trying to hide her slightly flushed, blushing face. She relaxed in her chair as she realized in her nervous stupor, she had forgotten to replicate something to drink! Well, too late now, it'll have to wait...

T'Panu listened as Jeen answered her question. She chuckled out loud as he mentioned on bad days you get both, and she couldn't help but take his cue at a joke. A rather great one too, as it had caught her off guard. She noticed as she relaxed further into her chair and was feeling far more at ease.

"The last month has definitely been interesting. No attacks from other species, just the typical day to day issues now. Scrapes, bruises, cuts and falls. Nothing major, but enough to make daily life still a little odd. Still adjusting, but each day is getting slowly easier," T'Panu replied. She didn't want to delve too deep but she also wished to stay genuine with him.

More members started piling in slowly, settling in with their drink in hand. Everyone looked well, like they had been adjusting to life on the Theurgy decently so far. Which was a great sign. Smiles on their faces slowly showed up as they got more comfortable in everyone's company; it was a nice thing to see, after everything. T'Panu was trying her best not to go back to their last encounter, which still felt like a fresh wound that might never heal.

She glanced over at Martin, Benmual and...Bila. Flashes of that last encounter with Ekon...no...even saying his name was too hard. She fought back a tear, as she turned towards Kythalie. She walked over to the replicator, "Vulcan Spice Tea."

Walking away with her delicious smelling drink, she ran into Kythalie. They had met a few times, when she recalled how nice she had been. She had always hoped to talk more to her before things went awry. "Hey! How have you been? You're looking well!" T'Panu waited as she gave her a chance to reply. "I recall you inviting me to share quarters, I apologize for not getting back to you. Is that offer still on the table? It would be nice to catch up more and would help me to be less of a hermit," T'Panu stated. Her nerves were starting to settle and she was finally comfortable to just be herself.

Re: Day 21 [1800 hrs.] A Toast to the Cayuga

Reply #11 –
[ PO2 Kythalie Benmual | Below Decks Lounge | Deck 28 | USS Theurgy ] Attn: @lisavw @Numen

Whilst awaiting Bila's reaction, Kythalie was addressed by T'Panu, the frivolous hair of the Betazoid swirling as she faced the medical officer and she couldn't fight the urge to stand in attention before relaxing again. It was a habit that was drilled in since boot camp. The Betazoid's eyes went over the drink she was having before she smiled at the woman warmly.

"I've been doing fine, thank you ma'am. How have you been?" she answered politely as she ran a hand through her hair before chuckling lightly "You look quite dashing yourself, but thank you." she answered as she quickly thawed from her original stance. She hadn't ran into the doctor ever since the final encounter with the Borg. The day they lost Ekon. It was a dark day and Kythalie would remember that day for years to come most probably. However this was a party, a time and place to focus on the good things.

The petty officer was a bit surprised when T'Panu asked if the option to reside in the shared quarters was still on the table. The Betazoid frowning lightly but still smiling at the idea "I would believe so, my roommate has just moved out. Transferred to new quarters." she informed the lieutenant "But I believe an officer with your rank would be entitled to the privacy of a room to yourself?" she offered her before learning that T'Panu saw herself as a hermit.

"A hermit? In any case, you'd be a hermit with quite a fashion sense." she snickered as she nodded "I'd be open for it. I would love to bunk with an old shipmate. We should see what the quartermasters have to say though." she answered her. She liked the idea of it and was looking forward to it really now that her mind was settling in on it.

Re: Day 21 [1800 hrs.] A Toast to the Cayuga

Reply #12 –
[Lt. Rhys Williams| Below Decks Lounge| Deck 28| USS Theurgy] Attn: @Nolan @Numen

Rhys’ small smile melted as his faux pas was made clear to him. He had just insulted Bila, though the Bajoran was playing off his anger as a joke.  However, Rhys felt it was more than that. It was as stupid mistake, a slip of the tongue. All the more embarrassing, as he had served under a Bajoran Counsellor when he first started on the Cayuga.

“Oh goodness I am really sorry.” His face was red, as a combination of embarrassment and more than a little professional discomfort came off him in waves. Counsellors were not meant to say culturally insensitive things.

That in the end was all he needed. After his apology, he did what he always did. He faded into the background. He still gave every indication he was listening, but he said nothing as he continued to linger on his mistake when the more sensible thing to do would have been to move on from it.

It was always the same at events like this, the first social error and Rhys was eager to get out. He sat saying nothing drinking his drink and trying to avoid catching anyone else’s eye for the moment. Unfortunately, as the organiser there was no way out for him. He would have to stay till the bitter end.

Not only that, he noted that Kythalie had noted his discomfort and his blushing at having been touched by her earlier. Her faint amusement was twisting him up inside even more. If he was filled with anymore embarrassment Rhys could well explode. ‘So this is how it will be.’ He thought to himself. ‘Sitting here looking like an weird ornament.’ He sighed internally.

Re: Day 21 [1800 hrs.] A Toast to the Cayuga

Reply #13 –
[ Lt. JG Izar Bila | Bellow Desk Lounge| Deck 28 | Vector 03 | USS Theurgy]
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@Juzzie @Nolan @DaValle @lisavw


Bila mumbled for a brief moment, unable to give real form to the whirlwind of opposing thoughts that bubbled in his brain in an attempt to give a witty retort to Kyth's greeting. At the end, he let out a strangled hissing sound, like a punctured kettle, before he sank into a silence filled with sienna coloured cheeks. As the hybrid struggled to find his own voice, the betazoid distracted herself and started to chat with the doctor, which plunged the chemist further into an anxious stillness.

When he was finally able to find his voice one more time, the two women were talking about sharing quarters, with the dark skinned one pointing out that perhaps it wasn't the standard arrangement for an officer. "Well..." he finally spoke with a tiny voice. "It may not be the most common situation, but in fact I'm sharing quarters with a close friend." He spared them the details that more than sharing room with Ravon he was couchsurfing the Lone Wolf's main room without his permission. However, Thom had not yet asked him to leave, despite the many protests he had expressed about his presence and the fact that he had gradually appropriated a nice portion of his quarters. Perhaps he had been on the verge to kick the hybrid off that day Bila had expressed his intention to assemble a distillation still in the bathroom, but since the chemist had ceased in that endeavor the pilot seemed almost happy with his presence. Or so Izar thought. "Maybe it's a good arrangement for you two. Well, as long as you wanna break some hearts" added the half-cardassian, recovering part of his wit from somewhere between his heart and his stomach. "A-a-and a-a-a-about that dinner... Day after tomorrow, transporter room 4, formal attire. I've need some time to arrange some details but i've NEVER forget about it" He hastened to say, building confidence as he spoke and even daring to wink at Kyth at the end of the sentence. He had two days to plan that dinner, what could go wrong?

Bila waited long enough to hear the answer (or the giggles) elicited by his stupid and gallant statement, before clearing his throat and excuse himself to take the path to the nearest replicator and pour himself a drink. "Kanar, cold" he asked. As the dark drink materialized in the appliance's alcove, Bila stared around him and observed the increasingly large crowd. A smile drew on his lips. Even despite the absence of some crewmembers who were close to his heart... And the presence of other officers who were... difficult to deal with in their best days... That was almost like a celebration, indeed. The half-bajoran searched for the man who had promoted all that and found him secluded in a corner, cradling his drink between his hands. By the Prophets, Bila knew well that situation. Years ago he had also been a weird young man seated in a lonely stool, unsure about how to face a social gathering.

The chemist took his drink and approached the counsellor, he dropped into the closest seat to the one Rhys had taken. "Hey, thanks for arranging everything. It's good to see the crew reunited again," he thanked with a grin on his gray face.

Re: Day 21 [1800 hrs.] A Toast to the Cayuga

Reply #14 –
[Lt. Rhys Williams| Below Decks Lounge| Deck 28| USS Theurgy] Attn: @Numen @Nolan @DaValle @lisavw
 
It was amazing to the few people that knew Rhys well that he was a Counsellor. On paper no one seemed so ill equipped to handle the problems of others than Lieutenant Williams. He was awkward and uncomfortable socially. He spoke carefully and slowly like he was measuring every word against the possible reactions of those around him. He threw in the odd comment here or there, but mostly remained quiet when in social situations. His self-confidence was non-existent and belied a deep self-loathing that he was still unwilling to confront. Of course, there was the biggest reason and one he was never prepared to tell his crewmates, though he was sure senior officers knew. Rhys had been in the position of his patients many times himself, being certified unfit for duty after his first ship was destroyed. He himself struggled to understand why he was in the position he was, imposter syndrome bit him hard.

So that was why he found himself at a party he himself had arranged fading into the background. That is why when Bila chose Rhys to sit next to, there was a distinct tensing of his shoulders. Interaction was expected, and as a result a cold dread slipped down his spine like he was sat under a freezing waterfall. Why was he so nervous? Rhys even knew Bila a little, not hugely well but well enough for a normal person to engage in small talk. Rhys did smile, and it was a good smile façade though it was. “It’s er… not a problem.” He sipped his drink and looked out over the crew of the late Cayuga enjoying themselves. That at least gave him pleasure, he did like making others feel better. His next response was slow to come as it always was with Rhys as he carefully measured his words. “I felt it would be best for everyone. At lost has happened we have been grafted on to a strange crew in less than ideal circumstances.” He paused his hand moving in a gesture over their crewmates, “When all around you is changing sometimes its good to be able to have something familiar to cling to.”

Of course Rhys was not lucky enough to avoid that little voice in his head, as it told him he had done this for selfish reasons. He needed an anchor, and he was afraid for his position and thought this little initiative would make him like more competent to his rival. He knew most people had little metaphorical voices in their heads and it was normal. However, it was never a good sign when one of those voices HATED you.

Rhys looked at BIla, “How are you coping with our new circumstances?” He said slipping momentarily into counsellor mode.

Re: Day 21 [1800 hrs.] A Toast to the Cayuga

Reply #15 –

[ Lt. JG Izar Bila | Bellow Desk Lounge| Deck 28 | Vector 03 | USS Theurgy]
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@Juzzie @Nolan @DaValle @lisavw

There was no need to be overly smart to realize that the counselor wasn't too comfortable with his presence. Whether it was due to the chemist himself or due to something inherent to the counsellor, Bila was unaware of the circumstances, but he tried to appease any nervousness he could can provoke in the human being by addressing him his best reasuring smile. One that made his teeth suddenly shone on his greyish face. "It is certainly nice to be among the old crew," concurred the half-cardassian while his eyes roamed idly among those present. When his gaze rested on T'Panu and Benmual the smile bittered on his lips. "Well, it's nice to be, you know, ALMOST all of us..." he corrected himself by recalling who had deceased the last time half of those present had been together.

The hybrid ran a hand over his face and scratched the sparse beard that garnished his chin for and, for a split second, his hazel eyes strayed beyond the room they filled, in a memory that only he could see. Before he fully engulfed himself in his remembrances, Rhys' question arrived. It catched the mongrel off guard and left him staring dumbfoundedly at the counsellor "Well, I'm... working on it," he said vaguely. "So far my meetings with Counsellor Ejek have been a bliss and have given me... a lot to think about. Not just all of... This," he explained, gesturing with both hands around him,  as he referred to the Theurgy as a whole. " But she' s helping me to reconnect with a part of me that I have lost for so long," he added more steadfastly as he continued speaking. "I've even recovered part of my name."

Re: Day 21 [1800 hrs.] A Toast to the Cayuga

Reply #16 –
[ Lt. Kala Marika | Below Decks Lounge | Deck 28 | USS Theurgy ] Attn: @DaValle
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For Kala, the comm message from Lt Williams had been both a welcome message, but also one that provoked a measure of nervousness. After the events that'd lead to the Cayuga's destruction, she'd buried herself in work, trying not to dwell on the destruction of her home, her first field posting. But even as she tried to ignore the pain, she couldn't escape the memories, the people she'd lost, friends, coworkers, crew-mates. The one memory that kept surfacing, the one she couldn't put down in her sleep, was the Borg attack on Theurgy. She'd been forced to kill, but unlike the attack on the Cayuga, the Borg she'd been forced to kill was one of her own, a fellow Bajoran, a fellow star-fleeter. She couldn't forget that memory, watching the life drain from the woman's eyes, her gaze at Kala something the Bajoran would carry forever.

But the more immediate concern, the reason for her nervousness, was not knowing who was still alive, who'd died. She didn't expect a lot of people at the party, and it'd taken some measure of personal reflection and soul searching before she'd decided, then screwed up the courage, to go to the party. So that was how she found herself here, stepping into the lounge, glancing around. She wasn't the first there, and glancing at the group, she recognized faces, even if in the moment her memory escaped her, the names of everyone but her boss escaping her.

She walked up to the group, unsure what she'd do or say when she saw the survivors, but in the end she grabbed a chair, moving it to an open spot around the table. "Evening." She said, glancing around. "This everyone?"

Re: Day 21 [1800 hrs.] A Toast to the Cayuga

Reply #17 –
[Lt. Kaylon Jeen | Below Decks Lounge | Deck 28 | USS Theurgy] Attn: @SummerDawn

Kaylon was pleasantly surprised by the party thus far. He hadn’t expected that more than three former crewmates would come, but the longer he waited the more came. Kaylon noticed how fast the most found something to talk about and someone, but somehow Kaylon wasn’t able to do this too. The most stories he had to tell were more boring than interesting.

After some time came a new one to the group. At least was this time not the first time Kaylon saw her aboard the Theurgy. Nevertheless it was the first time Kaylon really saw her when he wasn’t working at some kind of plasma conductor or energy grid. She picked up a chair and sat down between the others.

“I think so. Well I’ve also thought so before you came across, but anyhow I don’t think there’re coming so many more.” He made a short stop and took a sip from his Martini and continued. “Do you come straight from work? I hope there was no new incident somewhere because there’s nothing more annoying than explaining a crewmen that Blue would only break his arms or so and not directly kill him.” Kaylon stopped and scratched his head during he considered the possibility of Blue starting a rampage cause of a broken conductor. “Well… At least not in the most cases.” He added a little bit less unserious than he wished for.

[PO2 T’Kolla]
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Oh and if there's anything fundamentally wrong with the text above, then please don't hesitate to point it out to me.

Re: Day 21 [1800 hrs.] A Toast to the Cayuga

Reply #18 –
[ Lt. Kala Marika | Below Decks Lounge | Deck 28 | USS Theurgy ] Attn: @DaValle
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Kala was a bit disappointed that there weren't as many here, but she also supposed many were busy on shifts or otherwise occupied. "I was off shift early today. Blue was in a good mood when I left, repairs to the Theurgy are on track assuming we have two full weeks in dock." She was grateful for the time, there was no doubt about that. Making running repairs were at best a stop gap until they could dock at a starbase, and the Cayuga had seen her share of running repairs before her destruction.

She went over to a replicator and grabbed a tumbler with a double shot of vodka. Going back she took a sip, setting the glass down. "And to think I asked for the transfer from ASDB to the field." She sighed, "I sometimes wonder how wise that request was, not that I can change it now. And I suppose the adventure is why we all signed up, right?"

Re: Day 21 [1800 hrs.] A Toast to the Cayuga

Reply #19 –
[Lt. Rhys Williams| Below Decks Lounge| Deck 28| USS Theurgy] Attn: @Numen  @Nolan  @DaValle  @lisavw @SummerDawn

Bila smiled as he talked and Rhys noted that the Chemist had a face built for smiling. It looked natural and good doing so. His own smiles in his head at least always looked more than a little awkward. Rather he was holding in an exclamation of pain from someone standing on his foot. Rhys even found himself smiling back a little in genuine response. However, that did not last long when Bila caused him to remember many of the crew that had been taken from them. Unsure how to respond Rhys simply nodded. His smile remained where it was but the rest of his face sagged like a melted candle around the smile.

However, Bila was not the only one committing a faux pas, Rhys’ question seemed to stop him in his tracks for a moment. That had been perhaps a bit insensitive no one who had been through what they had could be said to be doing ‘well’. Bila however seemed to be doing well in his sessions with Ejek from what the other man was saying. Rhys tried to keep the discomfort out of his face at the mention of her name. To say their relationship was testy would be an understatement. She was ambitious, self-confident and more driven than he could ever dream to be. So naturally there was tension, but on top of that she had made it clear by her attitude to him that she felt he was incompetent. He felt quite threatened by her presence. “I see I am glad to hear you are doing well. She is a good counsellor.” He might not like her but he was not going to deny she was good at her job.

Rhys did wonder what Bila had meant exactly by reconnecting with a part of himself. He felt one some level like a bad crew mate. He knew very little about the other members of the Cayuga despite having been on that ship for a little over a year. It meant that he had had very little social impact on their lives. He felt a desire to ask all about BIla, however, in the end it was none of his business. He was not going to pry or step on Ejek’s toes. “Some people are more than a little afraid of counselling, its good that you are thriving in her care.” He remained quiet as other members of the crew trickled in. So few of them left, he took another drink.


 

Re: Day 21 [1800 hrs.] A Toast to the Cayuga

Reply #20 –
[ Lt. JG Izar Bila | Bellow Desk Lounge| Deck 28 | Vector 03 | USS Theurgy]
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@Juzzie @Nolan @DaValle @lisavw

Oh boy. Bila knew better than anyone else when people tried to look more confident than they really felt. Not that Rhys was giving a particularly brilliant performance on the matter in any case, if he was honest with himself. The human seemed to be agitated and so frightened that he seemed able to jump out of his own skin if Bila or anyone else in the room pushed him in any way. He wasn't sure if it was fear, nervousness, or something inherent in the counselor. He wasn't even sure if he had triggered that reaction with his words or if the brief conversation had just added more fuel to a fire that was already blazing within the human male, but the fact was that Bila seemed to make him uncomfortable in some strange fashion. It was something that couldn't keep worsening. After all, Rhys was the host of that meeting and Bila was a social butterfly. Clearly he would never manage to make Williams become the soul of the party, but he was going to make sure that the human, at least, felt at ease in the meeting he had arranged. By the Prophets, he sure would. Unconsciously, the hybrid raised his hands to touch the d'ja pagh that adorned his right ear.  The delicate chain on the earring jingled musically with the little gesture.

Meanwhile, Rhys was praising him for his lack of squeamishness with regard to therapy. A hearty laugh erupted from the hybrid's chest at the statement. "Williams, I assure you that someone who has become a citizen of the UFP as a refugee after the camp and everything else has had to deal with counselors enough times to throw away any fear about deal with therapists" he teased him a little. "Leaving aside the slim chance I had to find a counselor of my father's specie," he continued somewhat more seriously but never letting the smile leave his lips. "I think I know better than anyone else when to ask for help. I' ve never understood that reluctance to do so, the mere fact to have around professionals who have decided to dedicate their lives to trying to solve other people' problems is a blessing from the Prophets in my opinion. You should be proud of the career you have chosen." He flattered him.

"Your patients, however, should be grateful for that decision," he added, winking at him in complicity.

- FIN
 
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