Lt. Ian O'Connor- Let the Awkward Begin
rob mahardy
((Transporter Room 1, Deck 9 , USS Ronin))
Ian felt a lump in his throat and the dryness of his mouth as he waited. Though his hands were clasped behind his back, his fingers kept fidgeting. He slowly turned and nodded his head at the technician behind the console and took a long slow breath.
Thrax’s fingers worked the console. Two figures and a couple small cases materialized on the platform. Both mother and daughter were dressed in long semi-formal attire, although T’Flora’s was lower cut than usual.
Ian stepped forward a few steps and while performing a Vulcan salute, gave a more Starfleet greeting.
O’Connor: Welcome aboard.
T’Para stepped down from the platform but avoided direct eye contact.
T’Para: It pleases me to see you again.
Ian tried to read into the tone and mannerisms but all he came up with is that things seemed “off.”
O’Connor: It’s good to see you again as well, T’Para. I hope your trip went well. :: changes his gaze to take in both of them::We have you both set up in guest quarters on deck four of the catamaran. Crewman Thrax will show you to your rooms and I can meet you for dinner as soon as I get off shift.
T’Para: Thank you Ian. We are appreciative of you accommodating our request to…
T’Flora: ::stepping in front of her daughter:: Actually, I was hoping you would show me to my quarters.
O’Connor: Uh, of course. Sure. :: Ian nodded for Crewman Thrax to grab the two small pieces of luggage:: Just give me a moment to make sure my other duties are attended to.
He stepped over to the console and sent a short message to Vomek on the bridge letting him know that he’d be delayed.
T’Flora gave her daughter a look and T’Para followed the Andorian crewman into the corridor and off to guest quarters. Ian stepped back away from the console and closer to his almost ex-mother-in-law.
O’Connor: All set, ma’am.
T’Flora paused and stepped directly in front of Ian. Her stern expression made him feel like his collar was too tight.
T’Flora: My daughter was a fool…
Ian wasn’t sure if his jaw actually physically dropped or it just felt that way.
T’Flora: …and my husband more so when it came to you Ian. ::her eyes seemed to soften:: I, as well. However, even though it is illogical to dwell on past misgivings, I wish to seek your forgiveness.
O’Connor: Ma’am, uh, there is nothing,.. I mean… I…really…you don’t…
T”Flora: ::she gave the tiniest hint of a smile:: Ah, Now I see what T’Para meant.
Ian gave her a quizzical look.
T’Flora: T’Para is here to tell you she is now betrothed to another. She believed that she “owed it to you” to do this in person. Her father, ::with a hint of anger:: my husband, arranged the new pairing. She is agreeable. ::softening again:: As I said, fools.
O’Connor: Whoah, um…ok well…but…why are you?… uh…why are you the one telling me?
Once again there was slight evidence of a smile on T’Flora’s face.
T’Flora: When one door closes another opens.
O’Connor: I don’t follow
T’Flora: I do not forsake opportunities when they are presented. There are expressions from your Earth heritage I believe are expressed as “Life is too short” and “Seize the Day.” I am here to open some doors Ian.
Her eyes pierced him, one eyebrow raised slightly and her lips curled ever so slightly on one side. She put her arm around his and led him out the door. Then Ian saw something he’d never seen from a Vulcan before. T’Flora winked at him.
T’Flora: And do not call me ma’am.
TBC
((OOC: Feel free to let me know if anyone wants some crazy scenes with T'Flora as her pon farr progresses))
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Lieutenant Ian O’Connor
HCO
USS Ronin NCC-34523
R240009IO4