Pre-Launch Party Part I
Posted on Mon Oct 27th, 2025 @ 12:46am by Captain Elijah Rutherford & Commander Craig Braxton & Lieutenant Commander T'Par & Lieutenant Rynna Csira & Lieutenant Cadence Tyree & Sebastian Everett & Lieutenant Junior Grade Tara Marsh
1,683 words; about a 8 minute read
Mission:
Mini Mission-Adjustments [USS Orcrist]
Location: The Prancing Pony
Timeline: MD 03 2100 Hours
It was two days before the official launch of the USS Orcrist and Rynna got permission from the captain to have a pre-launch party. She set it for two days before so that everyone would be well-rested when they left Earth. Those who were on duty were encouraged to come during their lunch so that everyone could have a chance to celebrate.
For most of the evening, the computer would provide the music, but she also sent out an invitation for anyone who wanted to sign up and perform a live set. She'd been corresponding with Vanya and Laural and signed up for an early set. She hoped Raf would show up as she hoped to persuade him to dance with her. She was also working on a song that may or may not be inspired by him. Either way, she was keeping the reason for the song to herself.
Twenty minutes before the party, she arrived to help with setup for the musicians, wearing a little black dress with gold undertones. Her hair was loose and her high heels looked good enough for performing but had enough support to dance in because she hoped to dance.
She found the shelf set aside for storing instruments and set her keyboard on the second shelf so she wouldn't have to carry it around, then went to get herself a drink and a table.
Cade let his feet carry him to the Prancing Pony, carrying his harp-guitar by the neck. The counselor wasn't sure if he'd play it, but he'd brought it with just in case. After a few days bouncing around Earth and the Orcrist, (and a heated moment with the ships captain) Cade was ready for a break. He'd dressed simply in black linen trousers and dove grey silk oxford shirt with a gold/red patterned tie. His socks matched the tie and he was shod in soft black leather loafers.
Slipping through the pub's doors, Cade first tucked the guitar away at the back of the stage, then headed for the bar and whatever brandy they were serving.
Craig walked into the Prancing Pony and ordered a grilled Ham and Cheese sandwich and a synth whiskey sour. And looked about to see who was there. He then pulled out his PaDD and scanned over it while he ate.
Tara walked into The Prancing Pony with a smile on her face and a spring in her step. She was dressed in black yoga pants that clung to her body, showing off her muscular legs and thighs. They would also show her shaped rear, except that Tara wore an oversized tie-dyed blue, red, and yellow T-shirt that hung beyond it. Her hair was barely brushed, which she considered a huge effort; however, after all, it was a party. She should look presentable, right?
When she walked in and saw Cade and Ryn dressed up, Tara had second thoughts. She quickly rushed up to Ryn and asked, "Did I miss the message about a dress code?"
Ryn shook her head. "Not at all. I'm doing a number tonight, so I decided to dress the part. You're perfect the way you are."
"I think perfect may be quite a bit much where I'm concerned, but I'll take the statement in the way it was intended to put me at ease." Tara bent a knee and put a hand near her hip and asked, "So, what kind of number are we doing tonight? Tall, dark, and handsome?" she asked with a playful laugh.
"I think a number of men will appreciate a woman who doesn't mind being casual," Ryn replied.
Tara looked at Ryn rather confused. What did that have to do with Ryn finding someone? Did Ryn think that Tara wanted or needed someone? She was not certain. "When you find someone, let me know," she said non-committally.
"Sorry?" Ryn shook her head. "You said tall, dark, and handsome, so, I just meant that a lot of men appreciate a woman who is comfortable dress casually." She waved her comment off with her hand. "Never mind. I just meant you're fine."
Tara shook her head, "I meant tall, dark, or handsome for you...." She sighed heavily. "My timing must be really off today."
"Or mine is." Ryn chuckled. "I think a number of us would like to find someone who fits that mold, but this ship is a little short on those."
Tara shrugged nonchalantly. "Eh. It is not a priority for me, anyways. I came to serve, not get my M.R.S."
"That's good. I'd be concerned about a security officer who's out to find a mate. They tend to get a bit too aggressive."
"I'm only aggressive when I have to be. I'd rather serve with a smile," Tara explained.
"You can do both." Ryn grinned. "You can smile while being aggressive. They won't know how to respond to that."
Tara laughed hard. "I like the way you think! I definitely will have to do that." She screwed up her face so that her eyebrows narrowed and her smile was malicious, as she asked Ryn, "How's this look for that?"
"That looks terrifying." Ryn thought for a moment. "Try looking sweet. Then tell them if they try that again, you'll rip off their fingernails with your teeth."
For an answer, Tara put a finger to her cheek, imitating a dimple, and her other hand on her hip as she smirked. "More like this?"
Ryn laughed. "You know, I'm probably not the best person to talk to. My luck with men is pretty poor."
"Why's that?" Tara asked curiously. "You seem like a catch to me. I mean, what guy wouldn't want an outdoor gal like you who can also dress like that and apparently with all sorts of other hidden talents, including music?"
"I have no idea. If I ever find out, I'll let you know." All Ryn knew was that the guys she found attractive weren't interested in anything more than friendship--if that. Many just weren't interested in anything. But she wasn't going to change who she was, so she would just live with it.
"Please do," Tara insisted.
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Sebastian stepped into The Prancing Pony and took a look around. It had only just been made official that he was going to be taking it over as the Lounge Manager in the next couple of days, so why not take a chance to look around his new digs and meet some of the crew in the process?
He had opted for his best black dress pants and shoes, an emerald green rolled sleeve button up shirt with a black unbuttoned vest over the top, and a couple of his signature silver rings. Situating himself closest to the bar, Sebastian ordered a syntheholic gin and tonic and chose to people watch for a bit.
_____________________________________________________________
T'Par arrived in a loose fitting, sleeveless, silver dress with a high collar. It was the first time most there had ever seen her out of uniform. She quickly but briefly glanced about the room to take in all who were there. Then she made her way to the bar, ordering a water and a tray of celery and carrots with dip. She turned her gaze on Rynna first, her expression as seemingly impassive as it almost always was. "Thank you for arranging this event, Rynna. I think it will do well for morale."
"Thank you." Ryn smiled at the Vulcan. "I'm glad you could make it."
Tara looked at T'Par and wondered why the Vulcan did not acknowledge her existence. Did she do something to upset her? Were they not supposed to go rock climbing together? She looked at the Vulcan in her dress and exclaimed, "T'Par, you look wonderful, but shit, Ryn, I thought that you said I was perfect.... I don't really have a dress or anything fancy...." The perky Assistant Security Officer bit her lip as she maneuvered it to the side.
T'Par looked to Tara. She gave no sign of being upset with her. It was not unusual for a Vulcan to miss a social bear surrounded by humans, even one with T'Par's experience, especially in a crowded room. "Thank you, Tara," she said. "Your outfit is quite charming. I apologize if I've been delinquent in realizing our climbing plans. I am still interested if you are."
"Of course I am. I know that you said that you would find it stimulating and I just love the physical activity," Tara answered, even though she did not know what was charming about yoga pants and a t-shirt.
"I expect the launch will be a busy time for everyone," T'Par noted, "but soon after, we shall make arrangements."
"That would be lovely," Tara enthused. "Would you mind if Ryn came, if she wanted? We had a ball kayaking."
"Not at all," T'Par agreed.
"Yes, I would love to go, but next time, don't ask her in front of me," Rynna said with a chuckle.
"Oh, yes! Sorry!" Tara replied, starting to blush. "I'm usually smarter than that."
"It's okay," Ryn assured her. "I didn't want T'Par to feel obligated to invite me." She smiled at both women.
"Vulcans do not issue invitations simply to avoid social awkwardness," T'Par said, more or less truthfully. "You are welcome to come."
"Thank you. I would love to join you," Ryn replied. "It sounds like fun."
"We shall find a convenient time soon," T'Par affirmed.
"Perfect." Ryn smiled at the two. "Now, if you'll excuse me, I need to make sure I'm ready to perform. See you later!" With a wave, she headed off to find Vanya.
Tara waved vehemently at Ryn, as she called out, "Break a leg!"
Lieutenant Rynna Csira
Chief Operations Officer
USS Orcrist
Lieutenant Junior Grade Tara Marsh
Assistant Chief Security Officer
USS Orcrist
Lieutenant Commander T'Par
Chief Science Officer
USS Orcrist
Lieutenant Cade Tyree
Counselor
USS Orcrist
Sebastian Everett
Prancing Pony Manager
USS Orcrist
Commander Craig Braxton
Executive Officer
USS Orcrist
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