Ensign Lera Michaels - This Is Why I Never Get Invited To Parties

[steve...@yahoo.com]

((Ventral Ring Beta Module, Mellow Mushroom, Deep Space 33))

The waiter returned and began distributing the beverages. Lera hesitated only a moment before holding up the small glass of sapphire blue liquid.

Michaels: I would like to propose a toast. To the success of our ship, our success of our ongoing friendships, and to those who are not with us here today, whether because of other appointments, duties, or more permanent circumstances.

Any: Response

After the clink of glasses, Lera sat back down and wondered briefly if that toast had somehow been inappropriate. It did not matter. If it was a mistake, it was done and in the past. She gave a slight smile at Ezra and looked at her menu again.

Mattia: If everyone is ready to order?

Michaels: I will have the spinach enchiladas with rice and charro beans. I also have a question.

Mattia: Yes, ma'am.

Michaels: The menu list Doubles. Is the chef who prepares those from Trinidad?

Mattia: That particular chef is from Earth. The Caribbean region, if I remember correctly. Shall I ask her?

Michaels: It is not important as long as they are made with fry bread and chickpeas. I will also have one doubles, plenty pepper.

Banks: That sounds good. One for me as well please, light on the pepper. And I’ll have the aubergine parmigiana, cooked Lunar-style, please.

Michaels: ::Leaning toward Banks:: You will want to be careful with your doubles. They can be very messy.

C. Matthews / Banks / Zerva / Mattia / Any: Response

Ras was next. He awkwardly took a sip as Banks finished her order. Then wiped his mouth with his sleeve before ordering himself.

Mattia: And you sir?

El’Heem: Just the stuffed mushrooms.

Lera nodded. That was what she had guessed he would order. She watched him as inconspicuously as she could, and pointedly refused to glance at the missing hand. The thought that should never have let him go out to the probe by himself. She was the engineer, not Ras. She was the one who had studied the device's interior. She was the one who understood the physics of trying to disable the sensors. But Ras, poor Ras, was the one who suffered the consequences of her incompetence. She had made the assumption that the suit did not require an inspection. The mistake was hers, not his. All she had suffered was a short blackout. He had lost his hand. He had barely survived. She looked away and shook her head.

Any: Response

El’Heem: I’ve been fine. Just trying to right my quarters.

Banks: I feel for you on that front – all of you. My quarters were a total disaster and I basically hadn’t even unpacked yet. I can’t imagine the wreckage you’ve all been dealing with. ::a wince::

Any: Response

Banks: Actually, if anyone needs any help with clean-up let me know – my quarters were pretty quick so I still have some energy for tidying you’re welcome to exploit. ::a grin::

Lera turned to Ras and her expression was filled with a level of grief seldom seen on a Vulcan face. There had to be something she could do to at least minimally make all this up to him. At that moment, she could think of nothing but to apologise.

Michaels: Ras. It is difficult for me to express just how sorry I am about all that happened. :: beat and then spoken softly. :: Your ... I can not imagine how a loss like that must ... It was my fault.

El’Heem: No, it’s okay. Chief Ohnari has been working on the replacement. It should be done soon.

Michaels: It should have been me. I made the mistake. Not you. If I had just checked my suit first, it would have been me. And you would be...

Lera's guilt threatened to overwhelm her. Her eyes began to water, which was something she was certain no Vulcan ever did. For a moment, she regretted saying anything. This was an emotional outburst inappropriate for a Vulcan. Despite her earlier resolve to abandon trying to be more Vulcan, the old ways did not get swept away by a single conversation with T'Dara. Lera closed her eyes briefly, nodded her head, and forced herself to be more composed. The fact that Ezra was squeezing her hand helped more than she expected. She looked up again at Ras.

Michaels: I must say it again. I am sorry. I hope you can forgive my ineptitude.

C. Matthews / Banks / Zerva / Mattia / Any: Response

El’Heem: I’d do it again, if it meant you all could sit around the table and enjoy another meal.

Ras hoisted his beer to the table fellowship and nodded to them. Lera matched his gesture with her glass. A moment later, she settled back into her chair and wondered if she had spoiled the occasion for everyone with such an overt display of emotion.

Michaels: ::whispering to Ezra :: I hope I have not ruined lunch. I could not help myself.

Zerva: Response

Any: Response

El’Heem: Yeah. The rumors are true. I am moving to Science. ::winking at Richard::

Any: Response

Banks: Actually… help a newbie out?

She looked around the table, pointing at each person in turn. For some, she was clearly extrapolating from parts of the conversation.

Banks: Lera, I know, is Engineering. ::to Zerva:: Ezra Zerva, Security. ::to El’Heem:: Ras El’Heem, Science, since you just said so. ::to Richard:: Richard… Matthews? And from the wink, I’m guessing Science as well? ::to the ‘Other Matthews’:: And here I’m drawing a blank. All I know is ‘Other Matthews’.

C Matthews / Any: Response

TAGS/TBC


Ensign Lera Michaels

Engineering Officer
USS Khitomer
K240106LM2