Command Dinner

Posted on Friday, 19 February 2021 - 10:57am by Lieutenant JG Maximus Mackenzie & Captain Barret Stillwater & Lieutenant Talarn Zilth

Mission: Operation: Trail of Tears
Location: USS Standin Bear | CO-Quarters
Timeline: 2394 MD 04

ON:

The ship was well on its way to the Neutral Zone. Mac's dinner with Adrianna had served as a catalyst for Haru's recovery and he had another plan. It hinged on the two men he was going to see now. Maximus stood outside their quarters. He knew that it was early and he knew that they were getting ready for their shifts but he hoped to catch them before they left with his plan.

Talarn grinned at Bear, over his shoulder in the mirror. “It was short when I met you, you know,” he said to Stillwater, as he worked to pull back the Cardassian’s long hair. “It didn’t take this long... then... ouch!” He made a face in the mirror.

"Mine has been long and short over the years, but when we first met, I wasn't graying," quipped Stillwater. "If I don't start treating it, I'll be silver in a few years time."

Talarn pulled away when the chime happened. “Were you expecting anyone? You might want to put on a robe. Just in case. Don’t want to open the door to some surprise admiral and you in your boxers.” He winked at Barret. “Just a second!” he called out to the door and slowly headed for it to give Stillwater time to dress.

"Expecting, no," replied Stillwater. "However, I am the Captain. There is no telling who or what will require my attention at any hour. I doubt it's an Admiral. Soral and I have an unspoken agreement, anyone above the rank of Captain isn't coming aboard without me getting a warning."

Stillwater disregarded the suggestion of the robe. "I don't give a damn if the crew sees me in my boxers." The Captain proceeded towards the door and triggered it to open. "Yes, Lieutenant?"

Taken off guard Mac nearly jumped out of his skin at the sight of the CO in boxers. "Um... my apologies, Captain, I did not want to intrude, but I um... came to talk to you and the Lieutenant." He looked behind Stillwater at Talarn. "I could come back at a more convenient time... preferable when I won't be interrupting... not that I'm getting any mental pictures... crap, okay now I am... crap I should go."

"Nonsense," replied Stillwater, stepping side. "Come in. You aren't intruding and don't let the Cardassian say otherwise. We weren't getting at anything worth the mental images scrolling through your mind."

Mac suddenly blushed. He edged his way around Stillwater and moved towards a corner keeping his eyes level at the Cardassian. "I... uh came to speak to you both to make a personal request."

"Go ahead," replied Stillwater. "You have my attention. What personal request do you have, Lieutenant? If you are looking for more shore leave, you'll have to work that out with Kingsley and Soral."

"No actually... I was hoping that I could invite you and Lieutenant Zilith to dinner. Haru seems to make the most progress when we have company."

Talarn had stood where he had been standing and he crossed his arms over his chest and smiled a little. He had never been very comfortable at dinners, but the young Lieutenant and boyfriend were people that he might take an exception for. "I think that would be nice..." he said simply and looked over at Bear.

"Cardassians do love their festivities," teased Stillwater. He nodded agreeing with the acceptance of the invitation. "We would be honored to have dinner with you and Gary, Lieutenant."

He cleared his throat. "Haru, sir. His name is Haru." He gave a nod. "Great. I will work with Grol to schedule a time that is good for you both."

Talarn nodded, giving Bear a long side-eye. Stillwater knew that this Cardassian wasn’t like the other when it came from festivities. “It looks like a... date? I have to ask though, Lieutenant. Why did Haru pick us? Or was that your idea?”

"Actually it was my idea, Sir. You were both of such great help when Haru was injured and... I had a dual purpose. To thank you both for your kindness and perhaps to inspire Haru to keep trying. He has... been uncharacteristically depressed as of late. Having a couples dinner, a double date, will boost his mood."

Talarn smirked at Barret and shrugs. “See... it’s a double date. Not a party. We’ve never gone on a double date.” His tone was teasing. “I’m intrigued.”

Mac bid them farewell and headed out before they changed their minds. He was looking forward to this. Haru and he had never gone on a double date and hew as looking forward it. He smiled. Haru would protest but he knew that he loved guests so it would work out.

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