Lt Millie Stepanova, Couns. — 09/12/2023 9:08 PM
It’s opening night at the Bolshoi Ballet in Moscow, and the senior staff of the Mercutio have been invited to rub elbows with the dignitaries before the performance! The space consists of two floors of vaulted ceilings and stained glass. A small ensemble of musicians plays what appears to be early Earth classical music on traditional Klingon instruments. Several dancers in ornate costumes, most with Klingon facial prosthetics, mingle with the guests.
Cdr Edra Crow — 09/12/2023 9:14 PM
::arrives with both girls, all of whom walk into the front hall, taking in the grandness of it.::
::the girls are even impressed with the classic architecture. Karissa homes in on the music being played, her attention firmly in that direction::
Lt. Cmdr. Statzia Liski
BOT
— 09/12/2023 9:17 PM
::smooths the skirt with her hands as she steps out of a transport vehicle, making her way up the outer steps::
Lt. K’Naut, Chief Engineer — 09/12/2023 9:17 PM
::Enters, tugging at the neck of his dress jacket. Takes a flute of champagne from a passing server.::
Cdr Edra Crow — 09/12/2023 9:19 PM
::Karina obtains a program, and begins flipping through it to read up on the performance and performers::
Lt Millie Stepanova, Couns. — 09/12/2023 9:19 PM
::gives a laugh, placing her hand on the arm of one of the Klingon dignitaries, excusing herself as she notices members of the crew starting to arrive::
Cdr Edra Crow — 09/12/2023 9:20 PM
::Edra notices K’Naut and migrates his way:: good evening Mr. K’Naut.
Lt. K’Naut, Chief Engineer — 09/12/2023 9:21 PM
::still fiddling with the collar of his jacket, nods to her:: Commander
Cdr Edra Crow — 09/12/2023 9:22 PM
::smiles warmly:: Tonight we don’t have to be so formal. Edra, please.
Lt. Cmdr. Statzia Liski
BOT
— 09/12/2023 9:24 PM
::pauses just inside the doorway, stepping to the side to let other guests enter, and surveys the space::
Lt. K’Naut, Chief Engineer — 09/12/2023 9:24 PM
You got it…Edra. ::laughs:: And you can call me K’Naut
Cdr Edra Crow — 09/12/2023 9:26 PM
::nods with a snicker:: have you ever been in a place like this, K’Naut?
Lt. K’Naut, Chief Engineer — 09/12/2023 9:26 PM
One moment, Edra :: has noticed Statzia and walks over to her:: Wow, Z, you look amazing. ::offers his arm:: Shall we?
Lt Millie Stepanova, Couns. — 09/12/2023 9:26 PM
::makes it to the two girls first, giving each a hug and a kiss on each cheek in greeting::
Cdr Edra Crow — 09/12/2023 9:26 PM
::lookimg and gesturing around::
Karissa>> ::returns the embrace:: this is amazing!
Lt Millie Stepanova, Couns. — 09/12/2023 9:29 PM
::looks momentarily girlish:: I know, right? Did you see the musicians? Do you know how hard it is to get Klingon musicians to play Brahms? ::bites her lower lip and laughs::
Cdr Edra Crow — 09/12/2023 9:29 PM
Karina>> ::also mimics the gesture:: this is really yours?
Lt. Cmdr. Statzia Liski
BOT
— 09/12/2023 9:30 PM
::seems to flush slightly, and loops her arm in K’Naut’s::
Lt Millie Stepanova, Couns. — 09/12/2023 9:31 PM
::nods:: I became the Director about a year after I came on the ship. I coordinate a lot back-and-forth from space, which got very interesting during our last mission, and everything was recorded messages back and forth.
Lt. Cmdr. Statzia Liski
BOT
— 09/12/2023 9:33 PM
::lets out a breath:: I didn’t know that Earth still had buildings this old that weren’t museums…
Cdr Edra Crow — 09/12/2023 9:33 PM
::approaches Millie herself, and gives the traditional greeting:: you’ve outdone yourself tonight!
Lt Millie Stepanova, Couns. — 09/12/2023 9:34 PM
::laughs:: Thank you, Edra. ::greets her with a kiss on each cheek:: This has been quite the undertaking!
Lt. K’Naut, Chief Engineer — 09/12/2023 9:35 PM
::looking around as he leads Statzia over to the others:: It’s certainly opulent. I have to say, that dress is doing nothing to slow my upcoming p’rau.
Lt Millie Stepanova, Couns. — 09/12/2023 9:36 PM
There’s a shift in the music, and the Klingon instruments to shift to a tune that is very decidedly Klingon, as the diplomatic delegation kicks into a rousing rendition of the song–but with champagne flutes instead of bloodwine.
Cdr Edra Crow — 09/12/2023 9:37 PM
I can only imagine. ::her expression changes from one of awe to something a bit more serious:: Henry will be here as soon as he can. He got pulled into an emergency meeting. He’s hoping it won’t take long, but one never knows with Admirals. Thankfuly, I don’t think he’s in trouble.
Lt. K’Naut, Chief Engineer — 09/12/2023 9:38 PM
::muttering::an oldie but a dischordie…
Lt. Cmdr. Statzia Liski
BOT
— 09/12/2023 9:38 PM
::for the smallest of moments, there’s a hint of an actual smile–it then vanishes as she searches his face:: It’s…that time?
Lt Millie Stepanova, Couns. — 09/12/2023 9:39 PM
Well, if he’s delayed, I’m sure I can put in a word to my Klingon friends, requesting they make a fuss about diplomatic relations and insist on his presence. ::she winks:: You sure he’s not just dodging having to wear his dress uniform?
Lt. K’Naut, Chief Engineer — 09/12/2023 9:39 PM
::nodding:: very close. I was planning on spending it at the Caitian embassy, but if you’re not busy…
Cdr Edra Crow — 09/12/2023 9:41 PM
::gives a knowing look:: while I wouldn’t put that past him, no, I don’t think that’s the case this time. ::chuckles::
Lt. Cmdr. Statzia Liski
BOT
— 09/12/2023 9:41 PM
::gives his arm a squeeze:: My shuttle can wait for as long as you need.
Lt. K’Naut, Chief Engineer — 09/12/2023 9:42 PM
::squeezes back::I was hoping you’d say that. Wait…your shuttle?
Lt. Cmdr. Statzia Liski
BOT
— 09/12/2023 9:44 PM
::gives a quick glance around the room, almost as if she thinks someone would overhear:: The Rule Thirty-Four is currently parked in the Mercutio’s shuttle bay. I–might have had a little help. ::There it is–that glimmer of a genuine smile::
Lt Millie Stepanova, Couns. — 09/12/2023 9:45 PM
Of all the productions we’ve done in the past few years, this one is more of his type. It has been quite interesting to see how Klingon battle lore translates into Russian-style ballet.
Cdr Edra Crow — 09/12/2023 9:45 PM
::snatches a glass of champagne from a passing tray, then points out another of non-alcoholic drinks for the girls::
Lt. K’Naut, Chief Engineer — 09/12/2023 9:45 PM
Huh, you continue to surprise me, Z. ::briefly bumps his forehead to hers::
Cdr Edra Crow — 09/12/2023 9:46 PM
I…think I can imagine that.
(The Rule Thirty-Four…LOL)
Lt Millie Stepanova, Couns. — 09/12/2023 9:47 PM
The delegation did have something to say about how our stage-bat’leths were not quite up to historical standard…
Lt. K’Naut, Chief Engineer — 09/12/2023 9:47 PM
Let me guess, they were expecting you to use real bat’leths
Cdr Edra Crow — 09/12/2023 9:48 PM
Not surprising…i doubt they’d even consider blunt weapons for a demonstration…
Lt Millie Stepanova, Couns. — 09/12/2023 9:48 PM
Yes, very much so, Mr. K’Naut. I had to advise them that ballerinas were not, in fact, actual warriors. We’ve agreed to disagree for the sake of art.
Cdr Edra Crow — 09/12/2023 9:49 PM
::laughs::
Lt. K’Naut, Chief Engineer — 09/12/2023 9:49 PM
:: nods knowingly and finishes his champagne:: Where’s the vodka?
Cdr Edra Crow — 09/12/2023 9:49 PM
::continues to giggle as the thought of a klingon in a tu-tu enters her imagination::
::recovers for the sake of propriety, and takes a sobering drink of champagne: :
Lt Millie Stepanova, Couns. — 09/12/2023 9:51 PM
In hiding. If I made the strong stuff accessible to our diplomatic envoys prior to the performance, they are likely to cause a disturbance. We…learned our lesson when we hosted a touring production of Shevok’tah gish. We had to remodel one of the boxes after the performance.
As if on cue, the Klingon contingent lets out a rowdy cheer.
Cdr Edra Crow — 09/12/2023 9:52 PM
Good plan…
Lt Millie Stepanova, Couns. — 09/12/2023 9:52 PM
We’re a little more gracious when it comes to ‘theatre etiquette’ for these cross-cultural endeavors.
Lt. K’Naut, Chief Engineer — 09/12/2023 9:53 PM
:;shrugs, grabs another glass of champagne, hands it to Statzia. Then replaces his empty glass with a full one:: here you are, Z
Lt. Cmdr. Statzia Liski
BOT
— 09/12/2023 9:55 PM
::takes the glass but leans in close:: I appreciate the gesture, but–I probably won’t partake with so many people around. Old habits…
Lt Millie Stepanova, Couns. — 09/12/2023 9:56 PM
I’m sure the Klingons will be in a festive mood at the end of the production–or they’ll be drinking to my demise. Either way, if you’re wanting a more lively affair, I can direct you to the after-party. ::winks::
Lt. K’Naut, Chief Engineer — 09/12/2023 9:56 PM
::nods:: maybe some of what the girls are having?
Lt. Cmdr. Statzia Liski
BOT
— 09/12/2023 9:57 PM
::gives him a sarcastic side-eye::
Lt. K’Naut, Chief Engineer — 09/12/2023 9:58 PM
::laughs:: Don’t change,Z. After-party, eh? We’ll see, Counselor.
Lt Millie Stepanova, Couns. — 09/12/2023 10:01 PM
As if on cue, a chime sounds in the hall, and the Klingon contingent lets out a unified cheer.
Lt. Cmdr. Statzia Liski
BOT
— 09/12/2023 10:01 PM
::smirks:: Perhaps you’d prefer a Klingon woman to take off the edge?
Cdr Edra Crow — 09/12/2023 10:01 PM
I dunno if I want my husband around alcohol and boasting klingons….he’s bound to get involved…
Lt. K’Naut, Chief Engineer — 09/12/2023 10:03 PM
::smiles at Statzia::You know there’s only one woman for me
Lt Millie Stepanova, Couns. — 09/12/2023 10:03 PM
That would be our cue to find our seats! ::waves over an assistant:: This is Oleg–he’ll direct you to my private box. I have to make a brief stage appearance, but I’ll join you shortly.
Cdr Edra Crow — 09/12/2023 10:03 PM
::looks toward the sound:: I guess that’s our cue
Lt Millie Stepanova, Couns. — 09/12/2023 10:04 PM
((Any last words? Otherwise, find pausing points!))
Lt. Cmdr. Statzia Liski
BOT
— 09/12/2023 10:04 PM
::there’s a brief flicker of concern, but she forces a smile to her face::
Cdr Edra Crow — 09/12/2023 10:04 PM
::waves the girls over and they all follow Oleg::