[sb118-ops] LT. JG S'zurak - Crash Into Me
Alex Leatherman
((S’zurak’s Quarters, Habitat Deck 817, Apartment 10A, StarBase 118))
S'zurak's PADD chimed with Commander Foster's invitation to the mission celebration aboard Deck 499. Music, dancing, food, elegant attire... and, according to the note, Commodore Taybrim apparently had "a surprise in store."
oO The Commodore always has a surprise in store. It’s hardly a surprise if everyone is expecting a surprise. Oo
Deck 499 wasn’t familiar to S’zurak. He looked it up in the station’s directory:
463-499: Unlisted
S’zurak blinked. Curious.
Clothing wasn't difficult. Clothing that belonged in a ballroom was. His wardrobe consisted primarily of uniforms, cargo shorts, work shirts, and garments selected almost entirely by whether they were comfortable in warm environments. He considered replicating the ceremonial attire he'd worn previously. Too much. He considered simply wearing his duty uniform. Too little.
Eventually he settled on something in the middle: charcoal slacks, polished black shoes, which still felt unnatural, and a deep forest-green dress shirt with the sleeves rolled neatly to the forearms. It looked respectable enough. After a moment's hesitation he added a simple gold chain. Elegant enough.
((Starlight Ballroom – Deck 499))
The ballroom was larger than he'd expected. Warm golden lighting reflected from polished floors. Music drifted through conversations. Officers from every department gathered beneath panoramic windows that overlooked the immense framework of the starbase's docking facilities. Starships rested beyond. For a moment S'zurak simply stood there.
It was... beautiful.
S’zurak managed to grab a drink and take a sip while taking everything in. He was content to observe everyone else mingle. Then a face caught his attention. An older looking human with gray hair, moustache, and beard. He was not familiar. Their eyes met. S’zurak smiled briefly and started meandering his way over.
Ivalyan: Wha....
THUMP.
Something bounced off his chest. He didn't budge. He looked down.
S’zurak saw someone laid out on the floor. He glanced around. Everyone was watching. He smiled sheepishly and extended his clawed hand to the figure below. That’s when he realized his nails were still painted. They still shone like the stars themselves. He’d really need to ask Lyra how to take this stuff off.
S'zurak: Oopsss. Sssorry. Are you alright?
Ivalyan: Sz-sz...s-s-s...::gulping:: Lieutenant! I'm so s-s-sorry...
Once she was standing, S'zurak realized something unusual. They were nearly the same height.That was new. Her bright blue hair was new as well.
S'zurak: Sssorry, I didn’t sssee you. Were you leaving?
Ivalyan: No I umm, I wasn't l-leaving. Just...::deflating:: I was leaving.
oO What? She had been leaving... but wasn't leaving? Or she still was? Oo
S'zurak: Are you sssure you don’t want to ssstay for the party?
Ivalyan: Yeah, ok-kay. I think I saw everyon-ne else over that way...
S'zurak: Looksss like you’re ssstuck with me now ::smiling a toothy grin::
Ivalyan: Response?
S’zurak: Welcome to the… ::he forgot the name of the room and began looking around for clues. Then he remembered.:: Ssstarlight ballroom. I don’t believe we’ve formally been introduced. I am Lieutenant S’zurak. Tactical officer.
Ivalyan: Response?
S’zurak: It is a pleasure to officially meet you. That would explain why we have never met. I have not been in for counssseling in some time.
Ivalyan: Response?
The man S’zurak had intended to meet caught up.
C. Foster: Response?
S’zurak: Yesss, I believe we are all alright here, thanksss.
Ivalyan/C. Foster: Response?
Lieutenant JG S'zurak
Tactical Officer
Starbase 118 Ops
O240205S13
