Captain Reynolds - Party Preparations

[Quinn Reynolds]

(( Holodeck 666, Astrofori One ))

::Quinn would rather have hosted the awards ceremony on the Gorkon. It was her crew, and their moment, and she preferred more intimate gatherings. Private celebrations, where people could enjoy the congratulations and well-wishes of their friends.

::But Astrofori One was the Federation's shining beacon of diplomacy in the Corridor, and how they *loved* to remind everyone of it. So as soon as she had submitted her recommendations for commendations and decorations, her idea of a quiet ceremony in one of the Gorkon's staff lounges had gone out of the airlock, replaced by something more akin to a circus.

::Ambassadors. Politicians. The Press. All were in attendance. Cassie was -- wisely -- staying out of it, but Quinn had no doubt that *someone* had tried to rope the regional commander into things. Though she rarely envied her friend's post at the top of the regional food chain, today was one of those days. Instead, it fell to her to play ringmaster at the proceedings.

::Along with the mandatory guest list had come another demand. They wanted to show people the lighter side of Starfleet life, they said, not another stiff ceremony with everyone in dress whites. They had read about the holodeck program she had used last time, and thought that was a wonderful idea. How about something historical? Educational for their diplomatic allies, as well as entertaining.

::So there she was. Stood in a ruby-red silk dress that was lovely to look at, but an uncomfortable feat of engineering. How in the world had any woman managed to spend any length of time in these things? What purpose was a bustle supposed to serve? And what evil mastermind had come up with idea of *corsets*, for goodness' sake?

::She sighed -- though not too deeply, thanks to the structural engineering wrapped around her torso.::

REYNOLDS: Computer, run program: Clerval Manor.

::The computer chirped an acknowledgement. The stark, harshly-lit grey walls of the holodeck faded into a thick fog that shrouded moonlit moors. A Gothic mansion loomed above her, lights blazing from most of the windows, the large doors of the gabled porch thrown open to receive guests. None were here yet, though they would be soon -- the decision had been made to provide real wait staff and entertainment, rather than relying on the holodeck.

::Quinn shivered. It was cold, stood outside in the damp fog, and she made her way inside, pausing once she crossed the threshold to admire the grand staircase that dominated the entrance hall. The manor smelled of lamp oil and candle wax inside, and in the quiet she could hear the crackling of log fires warming the many rooms. And there were many rooms -- a drawing room, a dining room, a library, study,  and a muniment room --the list went on, and that was only the ground floor.::

TAM: What do you think?

::She startled, turning to see the Trill nurse with a huge grin plastered on his face. He was wearing a Victorian gentleman's suit in black, complete with a top hat and accented with teal waistcoat, and held up his hands to make a slow turn for inspection.::

REYNOLDS: I think I'd like to swap.

TAM: ::He laughed.:: I bet you would.

REYNOLDS: ::She breathed another shallow sigh.:: It seemed like a good idea at the time.

::He grinned again, and removed his hat, placing it on one of the intricately carved tables that stood against the wall.::

TAM: All set?

REYNOLDS: Yes. It'll be drinks, a buffet and the ceremony in the dining room. Afterwards we get to mingle and hopefully avoid embarrassing ourselves in front of a reporter, or creating a diplomatic incident, or ruining our careers by saying the wrong thing to a politician.

TAM: Feeling optimistic, I see. 

::She managed a small smile at that, stepping to the side as the wait staff began trooping in. There were musicians mingled in among them, carrying the familiar black instrument cases, and she wondered what they might be listening to that evening.::

REYNOLDS: It'll be fine. ::She said it with conviction that she utterly lacked.::

TAM: Yes, it will. Let's take a tour while we wait. ::He grinned again, and held out a bent arm for her to take.:: This is how I'm supposed to do it, right?

::She smiled, shook her head, and took his arm. A turn about the manor before dinner -- it seemed appropriate, given the setting.::

 

--
Captain Quinn Reynolds
Commanding Officer

USS Gorkon

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