Preparations - Part III
Posted on Wed Dec 10, 2025 @ 8:11am by Master Sergeant Miranda Schultz & Sergeant Gabriela Sanchez & Commander Cara Letsul & Lieutenant Commander Curtis Thibideaux & Lieutenant Bronwyn P’ril & Charghwl'IH of the House of Soval & Civilian Thavas Th'Omtala
1,760 words; about a 9 minute read
Mission: Chicken Run
Charg looked at the invitation on his terminal grinning. It had been some time since he was at a Marine Ball and he replied letting the Colonel that he was honored at the invitation and that he would be there.
Ktraq entered the Ambassadors chamber, "My Lord, I am having your cloak cleaned and all the emblems, awards, and other adornments cleaned as well."
Smiling at his aide, "I didn't ask for that?
"True, but I knew you would accept the invitation and know how Marines are when it comes to their formal functions I took the initiative."
Looking over to his aide as the elder Klingon came around his desk handing him a tablet. "Always one step ahead..." Charg thought to himself that Ktraq, with his attention to detail, must have been very dangerous on the battlefield.
Walking through the Promenade, Curtis had a flag re-populate into his HUD. He'd put it off for as long as he could but he couldn't see a good reason not to attend the Marine Corp Ball invitation. Having found himself (mysteriously) second officer aboard the station, he knew what the politics required.
That Curtis was the new kid on the block and still trying to settle the shear footprint of the place was taking more work than he'd planned.
And now he had to figure out a date....if he should take one. Going stag had its appeal, but might also indicate that he was socially inept.
Sighing, he sifted his way through the crowded markets he took in the promenade’s atmosphere.
Trade was brisk at Sartorial Splendor, as Thavas and Viza and the staff fitted customers into stock items and measured them for bestoke work. Many of the usual conversational subtleties were dispensed with out of necessity, but not all, and many stray pieces of secrets, gossip, information, and even intelligence were inadvertently dropped in the fitting room. It was amazing what people would say to their favorite or new favorite tailor.
P’ril could not remember the last time she had purchased a dress. It had to have been secondary school. She had worn her dress whites for any formal functions since entering the academy. She didn’t even own any dresses, much less a formal. But where else would she go than the very place she had repaired the lights and seen so many beautiful things?
She didn’t really know where to start, so she just walked slowly through the place, glancing around at everything.
"May I be of assistance, Lady Bronwyn," Viza said, appearing as if from nowhere as was her way. "Master Thavas is quite busy, but I can help you and if we need he who is my master, I'm sure he will make time for you."
“I suppose I do not actually know what I am looking for,” P’ril replied, unphased by the woman’s sudden appearance. “I have been invited to join the Marines’ Ball and require something appropriate to wear to such an event.”
Viza grinned. "Who asked you to go?" Viza said. "Or did you ask someone? You must tell me everything! But we'll have to do it as we work so..." Viza looked P'ril up and down. "Yes! I have the perfect thing... or maybe a few perfect things, and you can choose the one you like best! Come, follow me."
Instantly, P’ril was reminded of her childhood friend Lily and the thought made her grin. How many times had Lily giggled about boys while P’ril humored her? She had lost count. Should she also humor Viza? (That was her name, right? she wondered.) Well, why not? “Alex Rylan invited me,” she replied.
A dreamy expression formed on Viza's face for a moment. "Mmmmm..." she said. "Alex Rylan..." Viza shook her head. "Right... maybe he has an equally hot friend I can convince to take me to the ball. Here's hoping, anyway. Now, a dress for you. Something that will catch his eye and hold it, make him desire you but be too dazzled to ruin the dance or your dress by dragging you off to a closet like a prehistoric man and having his way with you before you get to dance the night away... unless you'd rather he dragged you off, etc., etc.?"
A slight grin appeared on P’ril’s face. “I believe it may be too soon for that,” she replied, amused. “I would like to get to know him first.”
"So... sexy but classy," Viza said. "Good choice. Hmmm... how about... this one? And let's bring this one, too. Let's see... and... YES. There's a fitting room open. Come with me and we'll get it before it's taken!" Viza took the dresses and P'ril in hand and raced them to the door to a fitting room. "Put one on and come out so we can get a look at you in it."
Yes, it was definitely a lot like shopping with Lily, P’ril thought as she looked over the dresses. She picked out the seafoam green sleeveless mermaid gown first. She liked it best on the hanger, but once she got it on, she realized it wouldn’t be a good dancing dress. Still, she stepped out of the fitting room to show Viza. “What are your thoughts?” she asked, turning to show off all angles.
"You look beautiful, Lady Bronwyn!" Viza said. "But... do you know if he can dance? If he's planning on leading you around the dance floor, that dress might not be the best option."
“He claims to be very skilled,” P’ril replied. “The thought had occurred to me that it might be difficult to keep up in this dress. I am glad you agree with my assessment. As lovely as this gown is, another may be better suited.
"I await your next example, Lady Bronwyn," Viza said, with a slight and polite bow of her head.
So, P’ril returned to the fitting room and tried the royal blue A-line with tulle skirt and plunging neckline. The neck was a little too low than what she was used to and she was afraid she might fall out of it, but she appreciated that the color and style were very flattering for her. So, she stepped out of the fitting room to allow Viza to have a look.
Viza smiled. "You look stunning!" she said. "I know we can make the adjustments to that so that it fits you perfectly, and I know a perfect, hypoallergenic body adhesive we can use if you find you have more of... well... you peeking out than you'd like."
Body adhesive? P’ril had no idea that such a thing existed. She turned in front of the mirror, examining the dress from every possible angle. Though she did not smile with her lips, her eyes danced. “I believe it meets with my approval,” she said. “Should I try the third one just to be certain?”
"If you wish, but this one is lovely on you," Viza said. "Sexy, classy, elegant, with a bit of glamor, too."
The more P’ril admired the blue dress the less she wanted to try on the red sheath dress still in the fitting room. The blue went so well with her skin tone and she knew the red would make her stand out more than she was comfortable with. “I’ll take this one,” she decided.
"An excellent choice, Lady Bronwyn," Viza said. "Allow me to take a few measurements and we'll alter it and have it ready for you in time for the ball."
The Andorian apprentice worked her magic and quickly had Bronwyn measured and was ready to work. "Go," Viza said. "Change and bring me the dress. I'll get right to work on it! Just leave the other ones. I'll have someone come and restock those for us."
P’ril did as she was instructed and returned to Viza carrying the dress. “Thank you so much,” she said to the other woman. “You have been incredibly helpful. I am looking forward to this event more now that I have found something to wear to it.”
"Hopefully, someone will ask me," Viza said. "Otherwise, I'll have to go by myself. Maybe I'll do that and see if I can find someone in the same position or... " Viza winked. "Maybe I'll steal someone's date. Not yours!" the girl said quickly. "And probably not someone else's. My sense of honor would forbid it." Viza slipped into her professional demeanor. "I will contact you as soon as your gown is ready for you to try on and hopefully take home, Lady Bronwyn."
P’ril felt her lips twitch up into a half grin. She quite liked Viza. “I will await your call,” she replied. “Thank you again.” And with that, she left the shop.
Sergeant Trent Busby with a bouquet of roses. He had watched the Tea Time Ladies, recognizing the name of Henrietta Barton. Her husband as a matter of fact. He arrived at her door, the door opening to a surprised Henrietta, once he told her why he was there at her door, she cried tears of happiness. Not feeling alone anymore.
Cara was delighted David Scarlet was willing to be her date for the Marine Birthday Celebration. The time was nearing, and she was ready.
Gabriella and Miranda spent an entire day prowling through the dress shops on the promenade, looking for the perfect gowns for the ball. As both had been stationed on Pangaea, they'd put it off until the last minute. Fortunately, there were plenty of shops and some still had options for the occasion.
"You know, if I didn't think we'd get razzed for not showing up, I'd opt for a good book and a glass of wine instead," Miranda said.
"Why? There will be plenty of men going stag. And I do like a man in dress blues," Gaby countered. "Plus, I want to dance. Come on. We still have time to get our hair done."
With a sigh, Miranda followed her friend. She hoped it would all be worth it.
A post by
Charghwl'IH of the House of Soval
Klingon Ambassador
Ktraq
Aide to Klingon Ambassador
Commander Curtis Thibideaux
Head of Strategic Operations Officer
Deep Space 5
Lieutenant Bronwyn P'ril
Chief Engineer
Deep Space 5
Viza
Apprentice
Sartorial Splendor
Commander Cara Letsul
XO
DS5
Sergeant Trent Busbyt
Marine
Henrietta Barton
Civlian
Master Sergeant Miranda Schultz
Marine
Sergeant Gabriela Sanchez
Marine
RSS Feed