Dressing the Part - Part I

Posted on Tue Jan 13, 2026 @ 7:28am by Commodore T'mpest Michaels & Civilian Gertrude Helsing & Civilian Geral Lasuma & Civilian Beatrice Weatherford

1,325 words; about a 7 minute read

Mission: Chicken Run
Location: Lasuma's
Timeline: MD01

After she checked on the preparations for the Marine Corps Ball, T'mpest walked into Lasuma's for lunch and paused by the maître d'. "Is Mr. Geral available?" She came her for lunch every day and, when he was available, Lasuma would often join her. Today, she also had a question for him--as long as he would still be on the station for the ball.

Seeing the now familiar face of the station's commanding officer, he nodded. "For you Commodore always. Please have a seat and I will let him know you are here." Stepping into the back he called upstairs to let his boss know he had guest.

The communique he was reading was not good and Lasuma was staring at it as he considered what to do when word came in that T’mpest was in the cafe'. The news softened his mood and he closed his terminal and took several deep breaths to relax his features before heading down.

Once on the lower level he peaked over the half wall and planter, "Hey stranger."

She turned and looked up, smiling. "Hello. Just the person I was looking for. Are you free for a few minutes?"

"For you...always." As he came around the partition he gestured to one of the staff before looking back to T'mpest. "Your usual?"

She was far too predictable, but she did have a favorite. Two, if she included the owner. "Yes, please."

Before she even got to their table Lasuma turned back to her and mouthed "usual"; she nodded in understanding and went to get there drinks. Taking his seat across from her, "Any more zoo ships scheduled to dock any time soon?"

"No. Fortunately." She couldn't help smiling as she added, "But the Minnow was not scheduled. At least the recovery is going well." She raised an eyebrow and asked, "How many have you seen?" She knew the promenade had seen more than its share, and some of the restaurants had acquired some of the injured and dead animals.

Smirking, "Well, we managed to keep the critters out of the stores and the bar but we did take delivery of two turkey's, a few rabbits, a handful of ducks and chickens, and a small bovine-like animal. Chef's been busy."

"I imagine he was. I was updated on the number of animals that did not survive their escape--or the ones reported, anyway. At least they will still be of some use." Although she would have preferred to rescue all the animals if she could. But she was grateful that some of the station's population had not considered this open season for game. "Have you heard the colonel is hosting a Marine Corps Ball on the station?"

"I have. He stopped by the Box to have H'Milla's people provide the music, and she sent him to talk to me about his other needs. I wasn't quite sure what he was talking about at first but have explaining everything. It was a simple matter and I was planning on refunding the stations account...after all, we can't celebrate a birthday without having a present."

"I will be attending and am in need of a date." She raised an eyebrow, her gaze warming as her eyes met his. "Would you consider being my companion for the evening?"

He made a show of hemming and hawing about his reply but in the end he smiled, leaning back as their drinks arrived. "Of course I will. Any idea as to which dress you're going to wear--but this is a station event so it'll probably dress uniform, yes?"

"Actually, I was thinking of wearing a formal gown. It is optional for women Marines, so it should be fine for Starfleet personnel as well."

He was actually surprised at that, but then he pursed his lips a bit, "Decided which one you are going to wear, or do you need another?"

"I have yet to decide," she admitted. "First, I wanted to ensure that you would accompany me." She really had no idea if she'd wear one of the dresses Lasuma gave her or get one with some color. And she still had to write a speech.

Lowering his glass, "Well I'll have to check my schedule...Oh of Course I will." Adding with a bit of a smirk, "Like I would let anyone else."

"Good. And, for the record, I am not interested in going with anyone else." She would have gone alone, but she was glad he would be free that evening.

"Well, that's good to know. So, with this being an official function, I assume something closer to a traditional tux would be appropriate for me?"

"That's my understanding." Her meal had arrived and she paused to take a bite before continuing. "I look forward to dancing with you again."

His fork cut and stabbed a bit but he paused, looking across the table. "We going to show those Marines how it's done?" Popping the bit into his mouth.

"That I cannot say, but I will enjoy another opportunity to dance with you." She had no doubt there would be other good dancers there and had no desire to show anyone up. She just wanted to enjoy the evening.

"Ohh fine then...No dance competitions. I assume there will be the usual ceremonial pomp and circumstance. From what I've seen Marines are sticklers for the traditions."

"Yes, they will. I have to give a speech, as well as the colonel and a few others."

Leaning back, he counted off the various items to take place. "Formal function, multiple speeches, ceremonial pomp..." adding with a chuckle, "good thing it's a Marine function so at least there will be real alcohol."

"Indeed. A ceremony followed by a party. It will definitely be interesting." T'mpest had attended a number of official functions, but nothing like a Marine Ball. She put her hand over his. "I am glad you will be there with me."

He looked from her hand to her as he smiled, "I wouldn't have it any other way. How about after this we go shopping? I believe Red is the Marine Corps main color, or do you need to get back to work?"

She mentally ran through her schedule. "I have time. And yes, red is one of their colors." She raised an eyebrow. "What do you have in mind?"

His grin widened at her question and a single brow shot up. "Will I know what I would like to see you in, but as it's an official function THAT'S not gonna happen."

She grinned and raised her glass to him. "Well then, we shall have to find an appropriately unofficial place for that."

His glass clinked against hers, "Best news I've gotten all day." Sitting back as he took a sip he casually glanced off to the side, through the cafe and across the promenade. After nodding to the... 'celebrities' across the way. "Seems we have an audience."

"Oh? They must be terribly disappointed that we are simply dining together." She raised an eyebrow. "Or should we say hello?" She glanced around to see if there was a reflective surface she could use to see who was watching them without turning around.

While T'mpest was glancing in the other direction he waved the pair over. "Might as well just have them join us instead of them speculating."

Outside, Gertie beamed at Beatrice. "Oh, look, he's inviting us in. We can't turn down such a lovely invitation." She didn't wait for her friend to respond before she was heading inside.

It didn't take long for them to make their way and Lasuma rose as the arrived. "Evening Ladies. You weren't following the Commodore were you? He asked with a smile, edge with humor.

(To be continued...)

Geral Lasuma
Owner - Lasuma Enterprises

Beatrice Weatherford
Teatime Co-host

Gertrude "Gerty" Helsing
Tea Time Lady
Deep Space 5

Commodore T'mpest Michaels
Commander
Deep Space 5

 

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