JP Lt. JG Rhodium Wells, Cmdr. Avander Promontory, Lt. Jack Kessler, Lt. Cmdr. Nesre Salo, Lt. Cmdr. V'Len Kel - The Trilldorian Upgrade Bacchanalia Part 3
Teayl Thorn
Wells: ::leaning in, eyes alight with mischief::…You've met someone special, Avander? How wonderful. Is she a nice girl? What does she do? What does her family do? Has your mother or your grandmother met her yet?
V’Len looked down trying to hide a chuckle.
Jack grinned from ear to ear. Was she a nice girl? Jack wanted to giggle like a school girl, Avander would have probably followed her anywhere during that trip given slightly different circumstances. Of course the murder caper did throw a little wrinkle into things but it was a trip that none of them would ever forget.
Kessler: ::sarcastically:: Very nice girl wouldn’t you say Avander? ::beat, laughing:: Very graceful on horse back as I recall.
Promontory: Uh… it was a few years ago… We haven’t kept in touch. The Gamma Quadrant’s a long ways away.
But while he was back on this side of the wormhole, perhaps it would be worth popping back over to Earth and checking-in.
Nesre wasn’t blind, and she caught the tease as well as the note in Avander’s voice. While the Promontory tried his best to hide his emotions and put on a mask for all the universe to see, Nesre knew the man held his feelings very close to the chest. It was a dangerous game to play. That, however, was not the time or place to address it, and perhaps she could encourage him in a fashion.
Salo: She might be pleased to hear from you.
Wells: ::nodding in mischievous agreement with Nesre:: Distance is a fragile excuse for one of our kind, no?
Kel: I’m sure we can find you a vehicle.
Jack was poking fun at his friend but in all reality he had hoped Avander would have kept in touch or gone back to check on Moira. She was a nice and attractive woman and Jack could have seen Avander enjoying a more pleasant reunion with her.
Kessler: Well, I am always up for a trip back to the castle. Never did get to see the grounds like we wanted.
Promontory: (sincerely) I’d love to join you.
And hopefully that would be enough of that conversation…
Salo: I wouldn’t mind going myself.
Not that Nesre had to, but she did enjoy castles, and it was particularly interesting comparing Earth castles in various places, to what would be considered castles on other planets.
Wells: ::wistful:: Ah, castles of Earth? They are fascinating and beautiful things, those that have endured the passage of time and wars hold many memories. ::Almost to herself:: Ahh, le château de Versailles… Si seulement je pouvais y rejouer comme un enfant.
Kel:::looking at Rhodium:: Gesundheit.
As the others continued the conversation Jack eyed each of his friends. It was usual for Starfleet personnel to be assigned to different vessels or bases during their time in Starfleet. It was rare that someone would spend their entire career on a single ship or base, especially for those in the line of duty like each who stood before him now. He had new friends and colleagues aboard the Ronin but it wasn’t until now that he truly realized who had become his extended family on the Oumuamua and the Butler. The people he cared so very much for stood here as testament to their friendship.
Kessler: We should not allow this much time to pass before getting together again. I cannot tell each of you how much this really means to me to see you guys again, face to face.
oO Maybe Jack, you should tell her that you are thinking about going back to the Butler. ::beat:: tell her the truth Jack, that you can’t stand being away from her…..No, don’t put that pressure on her. Let it develop as it has been. She is here, enjoy every sight, sound and smell while you have the time. She’ll let you know when she is ready for the next step, if there is one. Oo
Avander grabbed a fluted glass from a passing waiter and raised it up.
Promontory: Here here! To regular visits with lasting friends!
Kel: ::raising a glass:: Companions in the stars.
Salo: To friends, new and old!
Nesre accepted a glass and lifted it in a toast. She hated how distance had come between those she cared about, but was grateful for the time together. With a glance at Wells she smiled - it was also a chance to meet others as well.
Rhodium glanced between them, sensing a subtle current, invisible threads tying these Starfleet officers and friends together across ships, across quadrants and time itself. A faint, knowing smile touched her lips as she lifted her glass.
Wells: To Commander Kel! And the company he keeps. May the currents of time carry you safely on your travels… and, when the moment is right…return you to one another again.
V’Len raised his hand sheepishly at the mention of Commander Kel. He still wasn’t sure he was ready for the change.
Joining those standing around him, Jack grabbed a glass as well and held it up. His thoughts jumped from one toast to another as his friends voiced their heartfelt moment. He was not sure what to say or add that had not already been delivered by the others.
Kessler: ::eyeing each person, one by one:: To each of you….
Kel: Thank you all for coming.
A chorus of crystal chiming rang through the luminous gardens of Lolagi IV. Time moved people apart…but sometimes it folded them back together again.
[End of JP]
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Science Officer
USS Ronin - NCC-34523
R240107T14
&
Cmdr. Avander Promontory
Intelligence Officer
Quadrant Chief
Deep Space 14
O239910AP4
&
Lieutenant Jack Kessler
Chief Tactical/Security Officer
USS Ronin
T239901JK1
&
Lt. Commander Nesre Salo
Counsellor
USS Octavia E. Butler
M239008AD0
&
Commander V’Len Kel
Chief Science Officer, Second Officer
USS Ronin NCC-34523
T239811VK2