Dinner with Akiashiro's
Posted on Tue Jan 2nd, 2018 @ 12:17am by Captain Liarra Von & Colonel S'er'in'e & Samanthia Akiashiro
Mission:
A Day in the Life
Location: Deck 1403 : Samanthia's Apartment
Liarra Von had stared down politicians and warlords. She had kept her cool when a Sojourner invasion trapped her on Myaz. She had faced a Caitian Overseer and convinced her to allow her air group commander to remain on the station. She had survived a shuttle crash and multiple attempts on her life. And yet through all of that, she was nervous facing the prospect of dinner with a friend. She had no idea why why had butterflies. Maybe it was because it was the first time she had been down on the infamous Deck 1403. Maybe it was because she wanted to make a good impression to Ms. Akiashiro for her friend S'er'in'e. Or maybe it was because she never quite felt like she fit in when it came to social situations like this. Whatever the case, she needed to get herself ready because that deck indicator was coming up on 1403 awfully fast. She used her free hand to smooth out her dress, a modest black number that she had forgotten she even owned, and took a deep breath to compose herself just before the doors slid open.
Immediately the area around the 4 central turbolift stalk was clear with occasional grouping of chairs were people visiting the residence could wait while the resident concerned, showed up to sign them past the security checkpoints. Security Guard in their pristine uniforms eyed those getting off the lifts and those waiting. Some were busy checking Employee ID that lead into the business half of the deck. Around one of the Checkpoints, several Security Guards hung out near those on duty, either in uniform or in civilian attire. The Three Security guards, looking alert and bored, obviously lead to residential section of the Level of deck 1403. Placed strategically about the area was well taken care of potted plants.
Liarra stepped out of the turbolift and made her way to the three guards in front of the entrance to the residential section. It was strange being on a deck of the station that Starfleet officers rarely got to see. Arrangements made with the Akiashiro family several commanding officers ago gave them this section of the station for their own purposes. The Akiashiro's never gave Liarra a reason to terminate that agreement, so the relationship continued. But she couldn't shake the looks she was given as she made her way to the checkpoint. "Hi there," she greeted the guards. "I'm here to see Ms. Akiashiro."
The Senior of the three Security Guards, spoke up from his seated position. "Name? Nature of business with Ms. Akiashiro," In a well modulated voice that sounded polite, yet authoritive in tone. The other two expression became more alert, with a glint of eagerness for some action. But none the less glad for break of just watching the more busier checkpoints.
Von gave him a bit of a confused look and glanced behind her, waiting to see the joke. It was hard to imagine that she wasn't immediately recognized, but she played along. "Von, Liarra. I've been invited to dinner with Ms. Akiashiro and Colonel S'er'in'e."
S'er'in'e had just exited the shower having engaged in the near hour long dry and grooming session he subjected himself to. While dinner was a social event standards had to be maintained and a presentable and maintained appearance was required. Fangs were cleaned and sharpened as were his claws with the latter being polished as well. Donning a two piece gold and green outfit he stepped out of the bedroom and helped prepare the home for the guest.
Samanthia finished setting the table for three with the fine china plates with assortment of flowers around the rim in various festive colors, crystal wine goblets and silver eating utensils. S'er'in'es a bit larger to be easily grasped by his feline structured hands. Fine linen white napkin's folded into origami three point cones that sat on the plate. She looked over the arrangement and nodded as she smoothed out loose gown that allowed freedom of movement and semi-hid her state of pregnancy. She hoped the young'un within her stayed still during the Visitation of the Starbase 332 Commanding Officer.
Eventually the door chime sounded and the voice of one of the guards came through the comm. "I'm sorry to bother you, Ms. Akiashiro, but I have a Liarra Von here that claims she has an appointment with you.".
S'er'in'e spoke up. "She does, I invited her to dinner." S'er'in'e spoke, knowing that she'd be escorted, hardly a dignified impression he opted to collect the Captain himself.
Seeking his Mate he spoke. "My Mate, I will collect the Captain. I doubt an escort would be a dignified means of arrival by security." He rubbed his cheek to hers and then departed for the security check point.
Samanthia nodded to S'er'in'e as she returned the cheek rub. Giving him an awkward hug and let him go collect Captain Von. She glanced over the set up, and main common room. Everything was neat with a lived in look. She opened the blast shutters to let in the night starry sky to be seen. Edging into view was Archia IV off in the distance looking like a blue, green and greyish white marble.
S'er'in'e reached the security checkpoint. A smile on his face, the tips of his fangs could be seen. "Liarra." A bow as usual. "You look beautiful." Complimenting her on her appearance.
"Thank you, S'er'in'e," Von replied. She tried to hide the sight of her slight blushing by wiping some lint off of her dress. "I can't say I've had many chances to dress up. At least not when I'm not wearing my dress whites." She followed him away from the checkpoint after the guards stepped aside to let them pass.
Once passed the Security Checkpoint, it was abrupt change as if stepping off the Starbase into museum with carpeted floors, muted lighting, luscious plants tastefully trimmed mingled in with heavily Asian artifacts; Paintings, armor, assorted weapons and big vases or urns. There were doors mingled in neatly on both sides of the corridor, ending in a lavish ornate door with base relief icon of the Akiashiro Merchant Family Dynasty. Samanthia and S'er'in'e's were on the left of the ornate doors.
"This is all very impressive," Liarra mused to her escort S'er'in'e. "If I didn't know any better, I would have guessed that we were no longer on the station."
"The Akiashiro's have taken time to make the deck more homely than most would have, it create a warmer feeling that the standard construction bulkhead plating." S'er'in'e replied as he walked with her.
Samanthia smiled at the simple, yet elegant layout of the table. Nice, yet not to overbearing. While S'er'in'e was out collecting Captain Von, she changed into a more formal kimono that allowed freedom of movement while minimizing her pregnant look.
After S'er'in'e opened the door, Liarra followed his lead and stepped inside. While not lavish, Samanthia and S'er'in'e's quarters were much more decorated than Liarra's. Even though she was granted a large living space as the station's commander, her's was pretty barren in comparison. She offered a warm smile to Samanthia and extended her hand. "Thank you for having me. You have a very lovely home."
"Thank you and welcome to our home and den." Samanthia gently grasping Von's hand with a firm grip. She released it after the proper handshake of greeting. "It's our pleasure to having such an esteemed personage visiting. Please get comfortable."
Liarra handed Samanthia the bottle she was carrying in her other hand. "I don't know much about proper food pairings, but I've been saving this bottle of wine from Trill for a while. I thought this might be the perfect occasion for it."
Samanthia took the bottle of wine and with a polite quick look over the bottle. "It'll be perfect for the occasion. Since we're having multi-species dinner. I'm sure it'll be fine. But unfortunately, due to my condition..." She smiled at the vintage as she glanced warmily at her bulging belly, "... I'll get it chilled immediately." She moved with easy grace to kitchen area and rummaged through the cabinets for the wine bucket and ice, letting S'er'in'e and Von get settled.
Liarra felt silly when Samanthia pointed out her pregnancy. She should have thought of a better gift. She would just have to add it to her list of social faux pas. "Perhaps I'll see about getting another bottle to celebrate your little one."
Samanthia looked back at Von with a soft smile, letting Von know the gift of Trill Wine was very acceptable and forgiven. She was sure that it was an oversight on S'er'in'e part for being so busy and with her being pretty active with taking care of her establishments on the Base. "This is wonderfully fine, make yourself comfortable." Waving a hand towards the vacant seats available to be sat on.
S'er'in'e finished with preparations prior to serving. "Can I get you anything Liarra?" He offered trying to play the good host and doing what he could for the pair of ladies. "A drink, something light to eat perhaps?"
"Bring out the herb'de'vours. Everyone likes nibble foods." Samanthia spoke as she nodded to the Trill wine sitting in the bucket of ice to be properly chilled. She looked over at Von. "Liarra.. Enjoying your time here at SB three three two?
As Samanthia took her seat, she motioned Liarra to another comfortable seat, letting S'er'in'e serve.
Liarra took a seat, smoothing out the lines of her dress as she did so. It wasn't often that she was out of uniform, so it was one of the rare glimpses of her spots running down her neck and over her chest. "It's certainly been... a learning experience, since coming to the station. I certainly never would have dreamed that I'd be in command, but here I am. This station has its challenges, but it's home. I'm sure you feel the same way. You've been living here even longer than I have." She took a sip from the wine glass in front of her, and awkwardly took a bite of hors doeuvres. Her hosts hadn't started eating, so she hoped that she wasn't breaching protocol.
Samanthia took piece of food from the tray. "I arrived just before the major Fleet push to station Fleet personnel here. From what Elder Akiashiro says, 'he and few other Civilians ran the station with a small Fleet presence. They... Fleet pretty much kept the armaments and ammo storage under their control. At least fleet stuff, letting the Consortium run and police the station. Which the Consortium left alone as they had their own weapon stockpiles." Her eyes sparkled, "I wished I arrived sooner. You don't hear much about a Major starbase being in the control of Civilians."
Liarra shook her head. "You really don't, especially not one located at the hub of a lot of major space lanes. Then again, that's probably why Starfleet wanted to establish a bigger presence here. I don't know much about the region from before we became the new command crew, but the previous station commander was getting a bit overwhelmed. Starfleet hoped that Alexander, Captain Gunning, could bring some organization to the chaos, if you will. As to how successful he managed to be, I suppose that's open to debate."
Samanthia gave a small giggles and a smile that brought warmth to her features. "Well he was a bit rough looking. Not like those clean cut poster board cut outs that are usually seen in the fore front of a major push. And Civilians with their stereotypical preview on what a starbase Commander should appear like. I thought it quite refreshing to see such an unkempt looking Starbase Commander. He would fit in on a border station this close to the Ritorians."
Samanthia paused to take a sip of her drink, then spoke. "He sure did pave the way for the... well.. you and the current command of fleeters."
Liarra laughed. "I'm not sure how Alex would have felt about being called unkempt and rough looking. He was almost always in uniform, or at least the Alex Gunning that I knew would have been. But then he wasn't afraid to get his hands dirty when he needed to. And he took his job seriously, even turning himself gray at a younger age. Not a day goes by since I've taken command that I don't wonder if I'm living up to the potential he saw in me."
She shook the thought out of her head. Lamenting about the past was not going to bring back her friend and mentor. "So, when are you due? I'm sure you're excited to have a little one running around."
As the females spoke between themselves S'er'in'e busied himself with final preparations for food and drink playing the good host even if it really was not required. Experience had learned him to keep a towel close to hand at all times when in the Kitchen, should he need to wipe his claws and in this case with Liarra present he could use it to hide his claws from her view. "The food, should you wish it is ready."
Samanthia nodded at S'er'in'e alerting them for food. She stood up a bit awkwardly due to being pregnant. "I'm looking forward to it." Waving a hand for Liarra to join them at the dining table. "Sooner the better as the little one becomes more and ..." Sharp intake of air, continuing on as if it didn't happen. "...more active." Her hand dropped to her belly and gently patted it to calm the young'un down.
Samanthia spoke softly to Liarra looking her in the eyes, "Don't live up anyone's expectations. One less worry to deal with. Make this Your Command and lead with confidence with the wisdom, knowledge and hard won experiences given to you. You ain't him. Starfleet put you here because of your efforts, dedication and what you're capable of doing. What you can't do, you have your subordinates do. Give the commands and orders. Stand back an supervise if when needed." She smiled at Liarra. "It'll free up time to take care of what is important... yourself." Giving Liarra a big warm cheeky smile that caused her eyes to squint a bit. "If you have to micromanage, replace the lazy subordinate. You won the privilege to be lazy, not them."
Liarra laughed at that last comment and nodded along to the rest. "You're right. All too often I tend to worry more about everyone else, any not enough about me. Maybe I need to spend more time worrying about Liarra." She rose to her feet to head to the table.
"Perhaps, if I may, you should spend some time out of uniform as you are now. I am sure the crew will be pleased to see the Captain let her hair down and out of uniform as you are so often seen in it." S'er'in'e replied as he sat down himself to eat.
"Yeah," Liarra replied, as if the idea never really occurred to her. "Maybe you're right."
Captain Liarra Von
Commanding Officer
Colonel S'er'in'e
Commander, Air Group
Samanthia Akiashiro
