Lt. Commander Ross - To the Party

[Hannah S]

(OOC: You can treat the opening as little solo sim until 2nd location tag, sorry for the monologue!)

((En route to Starlight Ballroom – Deck 499))

Somehow, this base seemed to come up with more and more party locations Ross had never heard about. A Starlight Ballroom?! He had immediately looked it up and had been struck by the sheer size of the venue – hiding away on Deck 499, wherever that might be.

Although the occasion called for some more dressing up than usual, he didn't have anything else in him than the ever same black button down, combined with black pants and a pair of replicated leather shoes that made uncomfortable squeaking noises with every movement. He already missed his security boots, which made him feel way more secure in his steps – what coincidence, even though he was pretty sure that was not their sole intended effect.

There had been a time when these Award parties had made him nervous, but within the last few years they had turned into pleasant occasions to spend a night with friends and colleagues. Tonight, however, the old tension was back: but it wasn't related to any ribbons.

Ross was painfully aware he owed Lyra an explanation for his radio silence over the last week. It wasn't like she had set any expectations – they hadn't even settled on a label yet, let alone talked much about what this Shore Leave had changed between them. Maybe they didn't need to, after all, because she could simply read his mind; and maybe that was where all the problems began. How was he to explain his run-in with Sasch? Had he done too much by mentioning her? Would she be upset? Heck, he hadn't even processed that fateful night himself yet, and the thought of her reading anything into it was suffocating. All of this was suffocating. The suffocation was suffocating, because it painfully reminded him of old reflexes – of the urge to run. 

((Turbolifts, Deck 499)) 

But he wouldn't run. He would face this night and whatever consequences it would entail –

...but maybe he was still a tiny bit relieved when he caught a familiar silhouette at the end of the corridor he was approaching. It was their star-pilot Mi'shune. A familiar face to cling on to, so he wouldn't immediately have to explain himself. A social buffer? Maybe. But also someone he hadn't ever shared a proper conversation with – and it was about time. So he raised his hand and called out:

Ross: Lieutenant! Wait up!

He fell into a short jog in order to catch up with the Andorian and smiled.

sh’Sonora: ? 

Ross: Heading for the ballroom? Mind if I join? 

Together they stepped into the turbolift.

sh’Sonora: ?

Ross: Did you enjoy your Shore Leave? Recovered from last mission's maneuvers? 

Maybe they had never properly talked - but that didn't mean he didn't remember her voice very vividly. This is your pilot speaking. Please secure all loose and vital equipment, secure yourselves, and hold onto your butts ‘cause things are about to get interesting. And things had gotten interesting indeed. 

sh’Sonora: ?

--

***

Lt. Commander Evan Ross
Intelligence Officer
StarBase 118 Ops
O240009ER2