Tea Time with a Comet - Part II

Posted on Fri Jul 31, 2026 @ 4:27am by Civilian Gertrude Helsing & Lieutenant JG Ace Cannon & Civilian Livia Sagan & Civilian Florence Cooke & Civilian Beatrice Weatherford & Civilian Henrietta Barton

1,364 words; about a 7 minute read

Mission: Jubilee

Walking into the studio she was apologetic. "Sorry sorry, but with all these comet groupies on the station it's taking forever to get anywhere."

"Glad you were able to make it." Henrietta greeted Beatrice.

When the other ladies were settled, Gertie modded that they were ready to begin the broadcast.

"Welcome to another addition to Tea Time. We have some interesting gossip to share, and more news on the comet that has finally entered the system. So, first, let's talk about our chief counselor..."

Gertie turned to Henrietta. "Would you like to start us off?"

Ace's eyes started to cross. They were going to talk about T'Lul? What was to talk about with that woman? She was a Vulcan. There was never anything interesting about Vulcans. Heck, the probably were most efficient about coitus, just doing what was necessary to procreate. How dull! This show was going to die fast if they were going to talk about her. Obviously that's why they needed him to sing...to keep up ratings....

Henrietta's sharp eyes didn't miss Ace's look of boredom. She looked at the camera with a sweet smile. "Yes the station's lead counselor, one who is normally seen in just her uniform, she's now being seen in civilian clothing that looks rather flattering on her. Not that she'd think of it as such, but to those who are not Vulcan it is something not to be missed." She took a deliberate sip of her tea before continuing on. "Not only that, she's been seen on dates. Something that is difficult to miss. Could there be love in the air once more? Well perhaps that isn't a question to be asked. However, it gives me delight to see that she is spreading her wings."

Beatrice's mouth wrinkled into smile/smirk.

Ace blinked in disbelief. Were this not on the air, he might have said something. The counselor was attractive, if you liked a Vulcan with long hair who would bore you to death with logic, but dressing out of uniform? Out on dates? This was not the counselor he knew for the last few years. There had to be a mistake. Perhaps there was a changeling on board. Perhaps he should bring this to the Captain's attention. He met her at least once, didn't he? The bigger question was, did he really care enough, or should he attempt to seduce the counselor, or both?

"I've also seen the doctor out with a gentleman," Gertie said. I think it's lovely that the station has settled down enough for some of the senior officers to begin socializing again."

Deciding to get to know Livia a bit more before she turned her attention to Livia, "Now I seem to recall you have a shop on the station? I would like to know more as to what you sell. Could you do that for me please? And I am sure the rest of the audience would like to know."

Pretending to be shy, Livia gave a polite wave at the cameras and a girlish smile. "Hi!" she told everyone, her voice becoming lighter and airier. Only Geral would know that it was an act, she hoped. He probably was not watching. "I'm Livia. I do have my own pop up on the promenade. We are here only for a short time. Most of the time when I dock here, I conduct business out of my ship, but for the comet, we have special wares, just for you!"

The sales pitch started to rise, and her smile became more professional and practiced. "As you will see here, I have a vast array of comet glasses. These glasses are specially designed so that you can observe the comet in all of its wonderous glory. With these glasses, you should be able to see the comet in a vast spectrum of colors and fields."

Beatrice shook her head subtly at the pitch, but still could blame her. If someone wanted to fall victim to hype...let them. Pour their guest a cup of tea, "When not chasing comets you don't work with any of the merchants here on the station to market your 'wares'?"

"I have a working relationship with at least one well known merchant here, but I would rather not discuss that. Our relationship remains confidential. I'm certain that you understand," Livia replied with a small wink and apologetic shrug. "However, if someone wants to get really close to the comet, I'm selling tours, as well. Just a small jaunt in my ship and you can use those comet glasses for the most promising effect."

"Just what do they do is it like using glasses for an eclipse?" Henrietta asked.
TAG - Tea Time Ladies

"Some of you know there's a convention of Elvis impersonators on the station. Our own Lieutenant Ace Cannon is one of them," Gertie said. "So, to end today's Tea Time, the lieutenant is going to sing for you."

Sitting back Beatrice sat back with her cup, "Just so you know...I was in Vegas the last time I was on Earth. That'll be a tough act to beat."

Ace put on his best Elvis impersonation, saying, "Thank you.... Thank you very much...." He gyrated his hips once and said, "My number for the contest is not going to be sung here. It is reserved. After all, I want that person to hear it live, like the rest of everyone when I do sing it." He hoped that Bri would hear him sing "Blue Suede Shoes." After all, that sort of was their song, if there could be such a thing. There were friendship songs, weren't there?

"But, we have a good deal of lovely ladies here, so, perhaps this song will do...."

"You know I can be found
Sitting home all alone
If you can't come around
At least please telephone
Don't be cruel to a heart that's true

Baby, if I made you mad
For something I might have said
Please, let's forget my past
The future looks bright ahead
Don't be cruel to a heart that's true

I don't want no other love
Baby it's just you I'm thinking of, mmh

Don't stop thinking of me
Don't make me feel this way
Come on over here and love me
You know what I want you to say
Don't be cruel to a heart that's true

Why should we be apart?
I really love you baby, cross my heart
Let's walk up to the preacher
And let us say I do
Then you'll know you'll have me
And I'll know that I'll have you
Don't be cruel to a heart that's true

I don't want no other love
Baby it's just you I'm thinking of
Don't be cruel to a heart that's true
Don't be cruel to a heart that's true
I don't want no other love
Baby it's just you I'm thinking of...."

Ace completed his song, giving a winning grin to the camera. However, he wondered why he picked that song. "Don't Be Cruel" was a song of faithfulness, not one of having fun with women. He could have selected anything else from "A Big Hunk of Love" to "Devil in Disguise" to "Hound Dog" to "Whole Lot-ta Shakin' Going On," and this was what he selected. Something's wrong with me. What in the hell is wrong with me?

Livia raised an eyebrow at Ace while he took a bow.

Henrietta applauded Ace, ""That was fantastic!" Though she wondered if there was someone on his mind.

Gertie was impressed. "You're very good. I hope you win." She smiled. "That is a perfect ending to our show today. So, everyone, don't be cruel and vote for our Lieutenant Cannon."

Ace favored Gertie and Henrietta with a wink and with his best Elvis impression replied, "Thank you! Thank you very much!"

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A post by

Civilian Henrietta Barton
Tea Time Lady
Deep Space 5

Livia Sagan
Merchant of All Varieties

Lieutenant JG Ace Cannon
Assistant Chief Operations Officer
Deep Space 5

Gertrude Helsing
Tea Time Lady
Deep Space 5

Florence Cooke
Tea Time Lady
Deep Space 5

Beatrice Weatherford
Tea Time Lady
Deep Space 5

 

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