Dinner and Drones - Part IV

Posted on Fri Feb 6th, 2026 @ 5:51am by Lieutenant Rynna Csira & Lieutenant Commander Rafael Montoya

1,329 words; about a 7 minute read

[PREVIOUSLY]

She stopped and turned to face Raf's sister. She had a good idea why she asked that question. "You do your brother a disservice. He's a wonderful man because of who he is. He's intelligent. He has a great sense of humor. He treats people kindly. He makes me feel like I'm special because that's who he is. Yes, I think he's handsome. But it's not because of his pheromones. It's because he IS attractive, inside and out. I've been with other attractive men, but he's different because he's Raf. I'm happier when I'm with him. That's not pheromones, either. I get that you're protective, but trust your brother to know if someone likes him for himself or not. And, for the record, this is only our second date." If they could even count the first time as a date. Nor was she sure this was, either.

[CONTINUED]

Even as she was getting put in her place her smile grew until she was grinning from ear to ear. "That's perfect! For a minute there, I was beginning to worry. But since you put me in check, I couldn't be happier..." taking Ryn's hands in hers, "...for both of you.

"Sorry to put you on the spot, but relations with Deltans, even half-Deltans, can be...intense. And men can get a little cavalier when it comes to...well, you know. Ask him about our brother's ski trip when they were younger. With both of them going into Starfleet it's too easy to ...well, I'm rambling. I'm just glad to hear Raf's taken our mother's words to heart."

"I understand." And she did. In theory, anyway. But happy for both of them? She wasn't sure if Karmen was right about Raf's interest in her. She looked to where the two men were talking and smiled. She would have to wait and see. She wasn't going to assume anything. But maybe now she could relax and enjoy dinner. She pulled her gaze back to the other woman. "And thank you for caring enough about Raf to ask."

Smiling, "Not just him, but you, too. But enough of the heavy, let's go eat."

Ryn nodded. "Yes." Then the two continued their walk to the restaurant.

Raf was standing near there table with David as the two ladies finally entered the restaurant. As they approached, "So, did she pass inspection?"

Looking to Ryn, Karmen grinned. "I think so."

Ryn raised an eyebrow and replied humorously. "Good to know I almost pass muster."

David stood next to his wife whispering, "Did you really need to do that?"

Raf helped Ryn with her chair and he leaned in, "Sorry about all that."

Ryn smiled up at him. "She's just being protective. But if you're really sorry, you can buy me ice cream later." He didn't need to buy her ice cream, but she did appreciate his apology, even though she understood his sister's caution--although it was a bit misplaced.

As he moved around to his seat, "You got it."

Picking up the menu Raf looked it over, even as David was ordering already. "Two orders of the brisket Rangoon."

"Perfect. Any drinks?

"I will have a Might Thai Tea," looking to Karmen, "and I know she'll want the 'You wanna peach of me'."

Looking up and not knowing what she wanted, Raf motioned to Ryn to go first.

"I'll have the Brisket Rangoon as well, please. And a lemon tea." She turned to Raf to see what he would order.

Looking up over the top of his menu. "That's a lot of appetizers..."

"I was thinking of the won tons. This gives each of us four, each, with two extras," Ryn said, justifying her extra order.

David interjected. "Oh, they'll get eaten trust me. We have been waiting on this place to rotate back down here just for those things."

Karmen nodded, "Good things we got here early, in half an hour the line will be half way around the promenade."

Chuckling, Raf just got a drink to start. "I'll try the Mighty Thai tea as well."

"Perfect. I will get these in and be right back with your drinks."

"With three, there should be plenty to share with you," Ryn said to Raf once the waiter left. She enjoyed a good appetizer as well as a good dessert when she had the opportunity.

Then she took a data crystal out of a small pocket and slid it over to the other couple. "This is for you. It has command overrides for the two drones, and it will let you track them if they go astray. There are also instructions for some simple modifications."

Karmen took the crystal as her head nodded subtly. "Thank you, this will come in handy. And give me away to keep them from getting out of hand. You know when you two first mentioned the drones I envisioned the worst, but this definitely helps." As she pocketed the crystal, she thought how Ryn had gone up a notch.

"You're welcome. If you need any modifications I didn't put on the list, let me know." As much as she liked the boys, she had no delusions about them--or what trouble they could get into, even with the limitations she programmed into each drone.

"Such a kill joy." Raf grinned and wink in her direction. "Speaking of modifications...think you could add a small cloak to mine?"

"I think so... I'll need to do some experimenting." Ryn grinned mischievously "And there may need to be some negotiating."

As their drinks and appetizers arrived Karmen reached over to touch Ryn's arm. "Good. Don't give him an inch."

Raf hit right back. "Careful sis. I still have that holo of you when you..."

Karmen flushed and she pointed at her brother. "Ahahahah...Don't you dare!"

"I think Raf won that one," Ryn replied, grinning. And she'd probably give him more than an inch, but that would be another conversation. First she'd have to see if she could make a modified cloak for the drone.

The sibling banter and fencing was normal but David stopped as he was about to pop another appetizer in his mouth, "What holo?"

Raf had reach across the table and patted Ryn's hand and was about to thank her, but David's question pulled his attention. Leaning towards his brother-in-law he spoke behind his hand. "I'll send them to you later."

Karmen dropped her face into her hands but her face darted up in shock as her brother's words sank in. "THEM?!"

Rynna started to laugh, then quickly covered her mouth. "I'm sorry." And she was...but she couldn't help laughing at the situation. "If it helps, my younger brother probably had some embarrassing holos of me, too." Fortunately, he--and they--were still on Fareni.

She slid a tray of appetizers closer to Karmen. "Here. This will help. They're almost as good as dessert."

Brushing her hair back, "Thanks. The one I know of is bad enough, but now I have to wonder what else he has."

Raf lifted his drink with a devilish grin and an evil laugh, "Muahahahaha..."

Their server finally returned and took their orders before disappearing again. As she walked off Raf turned to David to bring up a new topic of discussion. "So how are things on the ocean floor?"

David grinned at the interest, it being his favorite subject. "Well, the new subcontinent is growing. The great thing is the positioning won't disrupt any of the major currents and once it's above the surface it will be in the eastern part of what was typically referred to as the Sargasso Sea."

That piqued Ryn's interest. "I'm afraid I know nothing about that. So, if I may ask, why are you growing a new subcontinent?"

David adjusted in his chair, "You are familiar with the legend of the Atlantis?"

(To be continued...)

Lieutenant Rynna Csira
Chief Operations Officer
USS Orcrist

Lieutenant Commander Rafael Montoya
Chief Medical Officer

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