Dinner?

Posted on Tue Jun 1st, 2021 @ 3:17am by Samantha Prescott [ADMIN NPC] & Captain Garrett Lovejoy [ Taylor] & Lieutenant Commander Aurelia Taylor & Commander Sthilg & Captain Gary Taylor & Lieutenant Baeryn Whavi-Tonelly & Lieutenant JG Miraj Derani

Mission: Season 5: Episode 2: Operation Save Humanity
Location: Commander Garrett Lovejoy's Cabin
Timeline: MD3 - 21h00
3877 words - 7.8 OF Standard Post Measure

Samantha took her time and after much thought, about the different tastes, and chose to set what was called Raclette. She prepared the ingredients and set up the device in the middle of the table. She figured it would allow people to eat and cook their own meals and speak. There was an array of meats, vegetables and of course the Raclette Cheese.

She had sent the invites out, inviting people to arrive at 21h00.

Garrett looked over the spread Sam had set out. As usual she had outdone herself in both her presentation and preparation. "Looks wonderful and smells delicious Samantha."


"I do my best" she smiled back.

**** Taylors Quarters****

"Look Lia I don't want to go but we may get some ideas of what is going on" Gary told his wife. "Lovejoy is an honorable man, I believe that. So we'll go."

"Honorable? You can think what you like, but don't include me in your plans". She turned and continued to dress, she wore a black dress and black flat shoes.

"Plans? I have no plans except to escort my wife to dinner and hear whatever it is Lovejoy has to say." Gary replied. "Nice dress by the way."

Lia turned back to face Gary, "When they arrived onboard and announced their little take over, you stood up and fought for you EX Captain. Now your collaborating with the enemy, and expecting me to join you in doing so. So excuse me if I don't dance with joy, collaboration tends to stick in my throat".

Gary's eyes flashed with anger and he made no attempt to hide it in his voice, "Collaborating?! How dare you! I'm trying to get Intel and information on what's going on. Carrington isn't going to tell us anything but Lovejoy might. In addition if that's what you think of me, don't come to the dinner. Don't want you to get your sensibilities screwed up."

"How dare I? I dare because I'm a Star Fleet Officer, one who will uphold her oath to defend Earth and the Federation. As for the dinner, if you wish to have to explain why your wife hasn't attended. Fine, please feel free to leave right now". Lia's eye's blazed with defiance, "It would appear the new order has already won, the old Command Staff are tearing each other apart". She now sat down, "You want intel? Go get your intel, but just think on. Is Lovejoy really prepared to tell you the truth? Or simply what you want to hear!"

"And I haven't!?" Gary roared at her. "You obviously think very little of my character." He paused and then only slightly quieter said, "Catlin would never had said what you just did. She never would have accused me. She would have trusted me. Something that you seem to be sadly missing Lia."

Lia now stood back up and walked over to Gary, "I married you because I trusted and loved you, I am not Catlin. But even she would find it hard to stay silent when the man she loves appears to be making a mistake, now if you find that fact hard to grasp maybe we should rethink our relationship". She stood only inches away, but made no move towards Gary. "I think the world of you, and you bloody well know that". Her voice dropped, "But I'm not a saint, nor can I live under a shadow. If you miss Catlin that much, you accuse me of not trusting you". Her voice now faltered, "Just go, leave before I say something we'll both regret". She turned and headed for the bedroom, inside her heart broke as the one man she had fully trusted had now turned on her.


Gary stood there looking towards the bedroom but made no move toward it, His head swiveled to look at the door to their cabin but he continued to stand there. Then after several moments his mind made up, he walked over to the sofa and sat down heavily. His shoulders slumped and great heaving sobs exploded from his chest as tears ran down his face. He loved Lia! What was he saying? Thinking? He just continued to sit there. He had lost the one woman he loved more than life itself.

In the bedroom, Lia simply fell on to the bed and cried her heart out. Things had gotten worse for her, first placed under close arrest now it looked like her very short marriage was over. How could Gary say she didn't trust him? He knew what she'd been through, both with her Father and then later with the Romulans. Struggling to sit up, she grabbed a handful of tissues and cleaned her face. Then she heard the sounds of Gary also crying, Lia took some deep breaths and slowly stood up.

Sliding the door over she made her way to the sofa, Lia now sat beside Gary and took his hand. "Still not learned to stop hurting each other, we talk but we're not listening". She handed him a load of tissues and then grabbing some more she wiped her own face, "Look, if you want to go to this bloody dinner. Lets sort ourselves out, and I'll go with you. But please don't expect me to enjoy myself, I don't trust Lovejoy and I most certainly don't trust Carrington".

Gary squeezed her hand. his head down. "I love you Lia and I know you love me. I'm sorry I said anything about you not trusting me." Slowly he turned his head and looked at her, his eyes on hers. "It's not that I want to go Lia but I/we need to go if for no other reason to get a better idea of just what is going on and for the record I don't trust him or Carrington either." He leaned forward and wrapped his arms around her in a hug, kissing her softly. "I am so sorry I upset you. Forgive me?"

"Loving me isn't the problem, we seem to have a trust problem. And do I forgive you? Hell yeah, I'm not about to just throw in the towel over this thing". Lia returned Gary's hug, "I could always do a little digging, there's one or two tricks I can still use?"

Gary shook his head and smiled, "I trust you as well as love you Lia." He replied honestly. "As for digging, do so but do it discreetly and use whatever tricks you have maybe something will turn up and give us some idea of what's going on."

Standing up, Lia now headed back to the bedroom. "I'm going to wash my face and attempt to fix my hair and make up, do you want me to change? I could always wear a Kimono, something more colourful than this black dress". She waited for Gary to answer, they may hurt each other unintentionally but deep down the pair loved each other even more.

Gary shook his head, "Stay with the black dress. It's classy not that the Kimono isn't but for this affair stay with the dress. If something else should happen along then you can wear a Kimono."

After about five minutes Lia returned and stood in front of Gary, "Ok I've done the best I can, shall we go?"


Gary smiled, "You look beautiful. Lets go."

===
The invitation had some as a surprise, no, more like unexpected. Baeryn was unsure how she felt about it but declining would have been more of a statement then attending. With a bottle of wine in hand she tapped the chime before she could talk herself out of proceeded back in the direction she had come.

Samantha opened the door and smiled. "Ah please come on in. You are Baeryn correct? I am Samantha."

Baeryn held up the bottle of wine as she smiled hesitantly, "That I am, and I came bearing gifts." She offered the bottle. "Its a pleasure to meet you Samantha."

"Please come in," Sam waved Baeryn into the cabin. "Garrett!" She called. "Lieutenant Whavi is here"

Garrett came from the back of the quarters. "Lieutenant Whavi, good to see you again." Garrett greeted her warmly.

TAG Whavi

Sthilg was worried. Hearing that the captain was being charged with treason and that there was a new captain had been quite the shock to him. Especially as no one would tell him why the captain was being charged with treason. Hell he had no idea if he was even still third officer. He was no fool this had all the smell and talk of a power grab something hee expected in the KDF not starfleet.

Now with his new granddaughter in the world and the old gorn was feeling chills down his spine at the current mess. When he'd seen the invite to dinner he'd almost wished for an emergency to keep him away and occupied, but the universe has it's awful sense of humor had decided not to give sickbay any traffic this day.

So here he was waiting outside the door waiting for it to open.

Samantha opened the door. "Ah doctor Please come in." She gave a smile. Mentally she reminded herself that this Doctor was not the one she knew.

" Thank you Sssamantha." The gorn said ducking to get his tall bulk through the door. " How are you doing?"

"I am well doctor, and Yourself?" she waved him in towards where Baeryn and Garrett were standing.

" Asss well asss can be given what's happned." the old gorn replied calmly.

Miraj arrived a moments later, a bottle of rum in one hand, uncertain of the protocol, in a tuquoise and magenta sundress that was brighter than her hair. "I hope I'm not late, she asked the hostess

Sam beamed a smile at Miraj, "No you are right on time, please come in."

Miraj followed the woman into her quarters, and waved a hello to Sthilg and Whavi. Commander Lovejoy she hadn't met before, and wasn't sure why he'd want to meet her, but with Baeryn and Sthilg there she felt a little more comfortable. "I wasn't sure of the formalities, so I brought you some rum. I picked up a crate from this place on Earth I like before we left. Its the real deal."

"So hard to find these days," Samantha said. "We are glad you were able to make it. Its just an informal meal, we wanted to meet different members of the crew."

Miraj took a seat next to the doctor. "Thanks you for the invitation, ma'am."

Baeryn smiled warming at Miraj as she took a seat, "That dress looks amazing Miraj, especially with the shade of your hair, I'm beyond jealous."

"Thank you." Miraj smiled, tugging at the strap of the garish monstrosity. "Its one of my favourites."

The door chime sounded signaling other's arrival.

Sam excused herself and went to the door, hoping it was their final guests. She opened it and smiled. "Ah Commander Taylor, Welcome."

"Hello Sam." Gary greeted her warmly, " Have you met my wife Lia?" he asked.

Sam gave a smile and held out her hand to Lia. "Pleasure"

Stepping forward, Lia extended her hand. "Hi, don't think we've met".

"No not in this universe" Samantha said and waved them into the room. "Please come in, And join us."

Gary smiled and let Lia enter the room in front of him, so they could get the evening under way.

As the pair entered the room, Garrett stood and made his way over to them, "Commanders, thank you for coming. I believe you know everyone."

Sam headed to the kitchen and began bringing out the trays of meat for people. She turned on the device and smiled. "So i know everyone has different dietary requirements, so, thought this might be easier for everyone."

"Looks amazing Samantha." Gary replied diplomatically, "I'm sure we all can find something we like."

" I hope no one mindsss my ssspeciesss eating habit." The gorn said as his stomach grumbled at the sight of the meat. He'd only had a small gorn sandwich for lunch.

"Eat up Doc," Baeryn commented with a wink hearing the doctors stomach talk. Turning to Samantha, "Did you need any help brining it out?" She readied herself to stand and offer her assistance.

"Thanks but i have it." Samantha was pretty expert on handling many different trays.

"It doesn't count if it comes out a replicator," Miraj assured the doctor as she helped herself to some of the more rare cuts of meat with relish. "Guilt free and extra delicious." She pointed to the steak tartare. "You don't want all of that do you?"

" Feel free to help yourssself my dear. I prefer my meat cooked." The gorn said helping himself to a mixture of pork, chicken, lamb and a peice of salmon.

Lia stepped forward and scanned the food, she turned to Gary and smiled. "I could always make some Dango, you could always make your chicken dish".

Gary nodded and smiled and then whispered so only Lia could hear, "Satisfied, Lovejoy isn't trying to poison us all?" Then added, "Lets see what we can come up with."

Whispering, Lia answered. "I don't trust him, but I don't think he's that daft to try and poison us". She glanced at the table again, and spoke aloud. "Everything I need for Dango is here, so I'll get started on them. Guess you'll have to look for what you need".

Gary leaned to her and kissed her cheek. "I do so love you Lia. Never forget that." As his eyes drifted to the array of food on the table. "You make your Dango and I'll find something to fix."

It wasn't that her intention was to come off as rude, Baeryn had just lost her appetited as of late. Her mind elsewhere, but going through the motions. She added a few slices of meat to her plate but was more so nursing her water cup.

Gary saw Baeryn and she looked distracted. He moved to her. "Hello Baeryn, forgive me for intruding but you look distracted. Is everything alright? or should I say as alright as it can currently be?"

Baeryn gave Gary a warm smile that didn't reach her eyes. "Well isn't that a loaded question Gary," She chuckled at the attempted joke, then let out a sigh. "I'm just worried about David. He hasn't woken up yet. The doc says he'll be alright, that its up to him when he wakes. Just has me a bit distracted is all."

"Yes, I suppose it is Baeryn but David is in good hands and he'll wake up and everything will like it was." Then in a lower voice he said. "You could have begged out of this. You didn't have to come."

"I needed the distraction." She said in an equally low tone. Then after a pause she looked Gary in the eye. "How are you doing? Really?"

"I'm coping Baeryn. Which is what I think the whole crew is doing." Gary remarked with a wry smile. "Trying to find my footing as I go."

Gary's unwavering optimism caused Baeryn to frown. She could see the pain he was covering up. It wasn't until then she really thought about what Gary must be going though. She knew he and Phoenix were more then just captain and xo, they were friends, and Baeryn couldn't stomach having to endure what Gary was. "Well if you trip I'll be there to steady you." She nudged Gary playfully with her elbow.

Gary didn't answer right away and when he did it was straight from the heart. "Thank you Baeryn, that means a great deal to me as I need all the help I can get." As he gently patted her arm. "I mean it thank you."

Baeryn wrinkled her nose, "Don't mention it, I know you'd do the same for me."

A smile crossed Gary's face and lingered for a second maybe two. "Damn straight I would."

Lia had overheard the small talk between her husband and the Lieutenant, she moved a little closer. "When you two love birds are finish, shall we introduce each other?" She held out her hand, "I'm Lia, Chief Security/Tactical Officer. Oh I'm also his wife, and you are?"

Baeryn couldn't help but laugh as she accepted Lia's hand. "Baeryn, Chief of Operations. Just a fellow officer."

"Lia, Baeryn is being modest. She is the new second officer for the Elysium." Gary pointed out diplomatically avoiding mentioning Arri's removal.

"Ah, yes, still getting used to that title." Baeryn bit the inside of her cheek.

"Oh another with a poisoned chalice, seems to be a few of them going around". Lia smiled at the Lieutenant, "Well if you get stuck with your new duties, just ask Gary. I'm sure he'll point you in the right direction, that's unless somebody puts a road block in the way".

"Will certainly give it my best job. As chief diplomatic officer, I do have a few perks that I can use to deal with roadblocks."

Samantha gave a faint smile. "Can I get anyone a drink?" she offered

Before answering Samantha's question, Gary asked Lia. "Lia, you want a glass of Sake?"

"Ah, yes please". Lia continued to scan the table, "You know what, I may have to ask Samantha if I could use her kitchen. If she has one of course".

A brief frown crossed Samantha's face before it was schooled into a blank mask. "Of course Commander, Its through there" she said. "I will get your drink. Anyone else?"

Catching the frown crossing Sam's face, Lia simply smiled. "Some people no longer use kitchens Samantha, I didn't wish to insult you in case you were one of those people". She pointed in the direction Sam had, "In there right?"

Gary watched the interaction between Lia and Samantha and prayed no sparks would fly between the two women. He was well aware of Lia's opinion of Lovejoy but hoped it didn't carry over to Samantha.

Samantha seemed to shrink for a moment then she straightened. "Yes" her tone was monotone. She turned and headed to the sideboard for the drinks. Every inch of her showed she was containing her emotions.

Stopping, Lia turned to face Sam. "If you have a problem Samantha, please say so". She didn't want an argument, nor did she need a scene. But since there appeared to be something bugging Samantha, Lia thought it best to clear the air.

Sam jumped back as if scalded. Fear flitted across her face before she ruthlessly shoved it down. "No problem." She picked up the glass and held it out. "Your drink."

Baeryn bit the inside of her cheek watching the exchange between the two woman, her eyes shifted quickly towards the other guest wondering if they had witnessed what she had. Rather then intervene she squeezed commander Taylors forearm as she walked past him to her seat.

Sam moved away from Lia swiftly as she fought to contain memories in her mind.

Gary was instantly alert as Baeryn squeezed his forearm. Looking about he saw Lia and Samantha in the kitchen. rising smoothly and unhurriedly he walked into the kitchen. "Lia? Samantha? Everything alright?" He asked looking at the two ladies.

Samantha ignored him and walked out to play hostess. She was silent as she did so.

Gary watched in stunned silence as Samantha ignored him. He turned to Lia, "What the hell is going on Lia?"

"There's that lack of trust again, I don't know what's up". Lia watch Sam with a bemused look on her face, "Where is she from? I've seen that behavior before, I have an idea what might be wrong but tell me where she's from". Inside Lia's head, the words 'MIRROR UNIVERSE' now blazed.

"There's no lack of trust Lia. I trust you completely and totally." Gary answered. "I'm simply asking what is going on. As to where Samantha is from, she's from here, this universe but she was trapped in the mirror universe for a number of years."

Lia nodded slowly, "That explains a lot, she's having flash backs. I'm wearing black, my mirror universe self always wore black. Perhaps she met my mirror self at sometime, who knew?"

Gary nodded, "Could be Lia. More to the point perhaps she was tortured by your self and those confrontations were always painful for her both physically and mentally."

She moved towards the door, "It might be better if I returned to our cabin, short of confronting her forcibly she's going to continue to relive her past life in the mirror universe".

"No." Gary replied with quiet forcefulness. "Samantha has to learn to deal with the people here and remember that they aren't their mirrors and this running to avoid a confrontation just prolongs the inevitable when she does go off."

"Unless you've forgotten, we're not exactly flavour of the month right now. If I stay she might suddenly revert to slave mode, and that wouldn't be pretty for anyone". Lia moved towards the door again, "I've been a slave, I know what she's feeling right now. She's confused and frightened, you need to talk to Lovejoy. He might get through to her, I need to stay away from her".

"Fine stay away from her but don't leave. Talk to Miraj, Baeryn or even the Doc. You have plenty of choices and if you really get desperate you can even talk to me." Gary finished with a grin.

Lia smiled, "I won't be talking to you, because your gonna be talking to Lovejoy". She glanced at Sam again, "That girl is on the edge, so make it quick will you. I'm going back into kitchen, if she can't see me it could calm her down plus I can make my Dango". She smiled at Gary, "Trust me I won't poison anyone nor will I burn the place down".

"Well, I will be talking to you after I finish talking with Lovejoy." He leaned forward and kissed her softly on the lips. "I sure do love you Mrs. Taylor. and save a piece of the Dango chicken for me. Oh, thank you for not poisoning anyone or burning the place down." The last said with a wink and a smile.

She lent into Gary and returned his kiss, "Move yer butt Mr. Taylor, I love you to and I'll save us the best of the Dango". She blew him another kiss and quickly slid into the kitchen out of sight.

Gary chuckled softly, "Message received and understood Mrs. Taylor and you better." He said with a grin as Lia went into the kitchen to prepare her Dango. Just the thought of it made his mouth water,

Inside the kitchen Lia got busy, making the Dango would not only keep her out of sight. It would keep her occupied while Gary and Lovejoy talked to and with luck calm Samantha down, *You just can't have a quiet day can you girl??* she thought.

-

Samantha moved around the table taking drink requests.

The rest of the evening proceeded more smoothly and it was deemed a pleasant night by all.

OOC:
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Raclette