The Banquet

Posted on Mon May 23rd, 2022 @ 10:14am by Captain Maia Sterling & 2nd Lieutenant Saul Humphries & Ambassador Amanda Blake & Lieutenant Steve O'Carroll & Lieutenant Commander Sheena Toran-Blake & Commander Ryan Blake & Lieutenant Commander Robert Hendon & Lieutenant Commander Havri Belbre & Lieutenant Maria McMahon & Lieutenant Kasey Tanger & Lieutenant Isabelle Raal & Lieutenant Commander Rick Gibbs & Captain Karyn Somers & Lieutenant Marina Tanger & Captain David Blake & Doctor Samantha Blake, Ph.D (Geology) & Ensign Eretria & Senior Chief Petty Officer Henry 'Hank' Keitel & Nicholas 'Nick' DeMarco

Mission: The Riixian Insurection
Location: Ambassadorial Banquet Hall
Timeline: 239504.30

Captains Log Stardate 239504.30

This concludes the mission The Riixian Insurrection, a title that seems most fitting for this particular mission. We conclude as we always do with an after-action banquet thrown in my crew's honour. The foodstuffs have been provided by the royal Betazed assembly and ruling council.., I have received orders that our next mission if it can be called is shore leave. We are to proceed to the Omicron Delta star system For a vacation before we get back into the swing of things around the Federation, We have lost many lives on this last mission and people must learn to grieve and to carry on. This particular planet is an amusement park where any fantasy one has can come true. I will warn the crew of that. Meanwhile, we have assembled as a crew to pay respects to our heroes and honored the dead.

[ON]

The crew had started assembling in the banquet hall first everything had already been set up buffet style and an assortment of all kinds of local delicacies. It was quite a spread by any standard. Captain sterling arrived right on time as was her habit, he was ever punctual, and as MC for the proper event. She saw many of the other officers start filing in as well as the 95th rifles who always seemed ready for some good chow. Maia and her senior officers dined with the Betazed delegation and gave thanks with the Grimordian chimes.

Brannon was looking forward to this banquet, she heard the Betazed Counsel had this made fresh and not replicated. She had been eating Betazed food that was replicated since she was a small child. She was looking forward to Learning about the Betazed ways and traditions... with that in mind, she brought her Padd with her as she was studying her culture.

. Religion
. Betazoid Religions
. Four Deities
. Karawati
. Cult of Karawati
. Khrysaros

Mystics of Khrysaros

Widely accepted Betazoid beliefs include gods, spirits, and heaven. Major Betazoid religious beliefs and religions include the following:

The Four Deities, recognized by the largest religions on Betazed and are commonly used as an exclamation in everyday language ("By the Four Deities").
In the Cult of Karawati Khrysarians, a secret society of Betazoid mystics who practice the teachings of Khrysaros many Betazoids are polytheists, meaning that they believe in more than one god. Betazoid religions assign myths and spirits/gods to certain forces of nature and themselves. They also believe that Nobles and House members are more privileged than the gods.

Mythology

Great Fire: Mentioned in Imzadi I, Great Fire is supposedly a god that reigned before the dawn of the world, Betazed. Some fan-fiction and myths have led to him being a cruel god peaked on destroying life, and letting others determine that he was sacred and kind. This entity in mythology is still being discovered and studied. Jalara Guardians: According to Betazoid mythology, the Jalara Guardians were 'nymph-like' in character, and they guard the Jalara Jungle. They were believed to have planted their nests on the jungle floor, causing the mortal quicksand pits to present today.
Mendissia Historians: According to some fanfiction, there are mentions of 'Mendissian Historians', it was an original plan of Betazoid culture that never fell through. However, it is good to note them as the historians that separated the first Noble houses from the rest of the regular populations after a great war that separated families and friends.

Angels and Spirits: Betazoids do believe in forces such as spirits of ancestors and even some guardian angels. They are entities that protect the dead, and that hold up the ancestral spirits in the heavens.

Marital Forces: These are spirits and fate-like gods that protect true love, and Imzadi no less. They are supposed to guard and give every born Betazoid a 'soul-mate', and also they are supposed to provide fertility and flourishment to married couples.

Fates: Much like Roman and Greek Fates, these are supposed to be special forces that lead a Betazoid to a certain noble truth or fate in their lives.

"Hi Hav'ri what have you got there?" the Captain asked.

She made sure she was early," Hello Captain," As she took a Jalara Fire from the table. "These are very good drinks Captain and I know you will like them." : Betazoid, is an alcoholic beverage made from luciferase from an insect indigenous to the Jalaran Jungles. It is similar to fireflies found on earth, however, their luciferase glows in iridescent pink and purple tones. The drink is somewhat thick, like olive oil, and causes a gentle warming sensation on the lips, mouth, and throat. Finally, the drink will cause the lips and mouth to emit a soft purple/pink colour. I am studying up on my culture." Brannon said.

That is great, I would love to try it. Congratulations on being names First Daughter of Betazed. I'm sure your parents would have been very proud. Are you going to change your name or keep the one you have now that you are no longer in hiding?" Maia asked. Thank you, Captain Sterling, as Havri smiled. I was thinking of taking my parents' names and honouring them.

Maia sipped the drink

"You're right this is an excellent beverage, do I want to know what's in it? I think you should change to your family name." Maia replied.

"The Betazoid Reconciliation Forum hears disputes between its citizens, and on occasion, between citizens and one or more of the Betazoid noble houses. Unlike an adversarial system, compromise and reunion of parties are the ultimate focus. Was very tense and it was a narrow margin of approval to stay in the Federation." Havre read aloud.

"Speaking of the Betazoid Reconciliation Forum I have some bad news for you, Lieutenant. It seems your nemesis Toda has escaped the Betazed authorities it was as if she had gotten up and walked right out. Or perhaps she phased through a wall, she did have some advanced technology at her disposal." Maia said.

"Today is very dangerous to her targets and also to anyone near them. I will put out an alert on Star Fleet making her want by Starfleet too. She did also comment she still wants me also. I have set up security measures with Engineering to check for her DNA if she tries to come on any Federation ships. I will get another shot at her." Maia added.

Thank you, Captain Sterling", as Havri smiled.

Marina stepped into the banquet hall, she was still buzzing from the honour of being made a Daughter of Betazed. It meant a great deal for the Tanger family to become part of the fifth house of Betazed, it was a true honour.

Brannon saw Tanger come in, "Hi Marina how are you doing. As she gave her a glass of Jalara Fire. You need to try this. I was introduced to it by a new friend on Betazed. She loved it. And so do it, it is delicious. And congratulations on your award." As she continued talking to Captain Sterling.

"Yes being named a First daughter of Betazed is tantamount to being knighted on Earth. Congratulations Havre and Marina.

“Thank you, both of you” Marina smiled warmly. “I wasn’t expecting such an honour.”

"If you ask me it's well deserved for all your sacrifices," Maia stated.

“Thank you Captain” Marina smiled warmly. “I’m just glad it’s all over now.”

"Remember the adventure continues, Marina," Maia stated.

After checking on the twins. Hendon entered the hall. He hoped all necessary precautions had been taken. With some of the Betazoid dishes. There was a spice used in one of the Betazoid deserts that could cause a bad stomach. To non-Betazoid especially humans. He had already had to deal with his children’s bad stomachs. He would not wish to do that again for the crew. But Robert was sure that had been dealt with. As he did not see the desert on show.

“ Hello. Something sure smells good.” He said

“Have you tried Betazoid dishes before Doctor?” Marina offered a warm smile. “I’ll admit I haven’t indulged in a few of the dishes here, I like Earth foods.”

Robert smiled.

“ Well. I have tried that dish there. The one with the bright orange leaves. I can’t pronounce the name but it is quite tasty. I’m always tucking into Earth dishes. So it’s good for the taste buds to tuck into something different once in a while. Anything tickles your taste buds?” He said

Marina nodded. “I think maybe the squab. I’m partial to sweet things. I’ll round it off with a good serving of ice cream later, Betazoid chocolate ice cream is something not to be missed!”

“ Yes. But full of calories. They have a strawberry-like fruit here that they roast with melted sugar. It’s my favourite dessert. Plus it has fewer calories so it’s good for the dress uniform.” Robert said

Rick wasn't late this time, however, he was just kind of wandering around a little bit until coming over to where the food was. Looking it over.

"Rick, I'm so glad you could join us, are you at all familiar with Betazoid cuisine"? Maia said.

"Not all of it actually, Maia." Rick smiled.

“Looks good doesn’t it?” Isabelle smiled as she appeared alongside Rick at the banquet table. “I’m not sure what to pick from all of this.” Lt. Real said.

"It's Buffet style try a little of everything," Maia suggested.

He gave a glance to Isabelle a moment and then Rick looked back to the food. "I'm keener on meats than I am all of these vegetables. Though I know those are more of the Betazoid's diets. Vegetables and seafood."

"What kinds of meats do you like?" Maia asked.

"The Squab is good, both sweet and tangy," Maia said.

Isabelle smiled. “Not all Betazoids, I’m half Betazoid but I’m more partial to off-world dishes. Not that I’d refuse to eat what’s here, after all, vegetables are good for you.”

"I do particularly believe that the 'spots' give that away. Which is amusing that you were able to be joined, or do you not have a symbiote, Lieutenant?"

“Please call me Isabelle” She smiled warmly. “I’m not joined, I’m one of very few half Trill’s they’re not even sure I’d be able to be joined.”

Rick gave a nod, "That is why I asked. however, it should have been easy to have looked to see if you have the particular genome required to even attempt it. Which other species do have as well occasionally."

“I think I’m more of a scientific curiosity back on Trill, the symbiosis commission-only seems interested in pureblood Trill’s when it comes to being joined.” Isabelle shrugged her shoulders. “Not that I’m worried about it.” She motioned to the food. “Anything you like the look of?”

"Probably the Espra cheese, I suppose."

“Just the cheese?” Isabelle grinned. “There must be something else? If not I’ll have a word with the catering crew and get you something else.”

"Try the Jalara if you get the chance it's got a nice kick to it," Maia suggested.

There was a very warm smile given to Maia when she came over to them. Looking back again to the table. "I appreciate it, but you don't have to do that Isabelle." Rick took a little glance at Maia again, "What's Jalara? I may be working on 250 years old but I've not tried everything," Smirking.

"Jalara is a cocktail Lieutenant Brannon talked me into trying. It's pretty good. Though I don't think you want to know what's actually in it." Maia said.

"I shall do that, but it doesn't quite solve the food conundrum," Rick asked one of the staff if they would please get him a Jalara.

"Jalara Fire is the actual name and is an alcoholic beverage made from luciferase from an insect indigenous to the Jalaran Jungles. It is similar to fireflies found on earth, however, their luciferase glows in iridescent pink and purple tones. The drink is somewhat thick, like olive oil, and causes a gentle warming sensation on the lips, mouth, and throat. Finally, the drink will cause the lips and mouth to emit a soft purple/pink colour. I am studying my culture. Havri said.

And in response to an earlier question Captain, I have been thinking and will be taking on my Betazed name now. With the Caliphate in shambles and everyone already knows me by Earth's name so I am not able to hide behind it anymore. I plan to use Havri Belbre and honour my parent's name."

"I shall notify the records officer Lt Belbre," Maia replied.

Thank you, Captain Sterling. I feel I need to honour my real parents more and this lets me do so.

Lt. Tanger was sitting with Lt Coleman and enjoying her company. The two of them were feasting on the variety that was offered, Kasey had spent most of his time off of Betazed and so getting to eat the food of his heritage was a treat. He was like a child eating it for the first time in some cases but the ones he had before were so good that he made sure to get a sample of them as well. Kasey and Emily were getting to know one another as they had caught the eye of one another off and on so they figured they would see what happens. This was also a good time to start a new pursuit for Kasey after his life had changed so much just before the mission that was coming to wrap with this banquet.

The party was well underway when Karyn arrived at the party, she entered quietly and unnoticed and made a beeline for the banquet table, the food looked delicious even though it was traditional Betazoid dishes, she got herself a drink and a plate and began to choose what she wanted.

Ryan arrived with his parents. He glanced at the array of ribbons and medals on his father's dress uniform and wondered if he would ever earn even half those awards.

David looked at the banquet spread and smiled. He recalled his time on Betazed during the war and some of the dishes he had eaten while in hiding. He gestured at the serving tables. "Shall we indulge?"

"Of course my dear husband," Amanda said.

She filled her plate

Ryan looked at his mother and nodded. "Sheena will be here soon. She wanted to check in on her parents first."

Nick had been making the rounds as an unofficial greeter to some of the Betazoid visitors before finding Maia. He obtained another Jalara Fire before stepping up next to her. "How is Starfleet's loveliest Captain holding up?"

"Nick, I've been looking for you, Turns out our next assignment is shore leave. There will be plenty of off time and I can't think of anyone I'd want to spend my time with than you if you're up for it?" Maia said.

Nick slid an arm around Maia and gave her a quick kiss on the cheek. There was a mischievous twinkling in his eyes. "Of course. No one I would like to spend quality alone time with. So where is the ship going for its R&R stop? Risa?"

Seeing Ryan, Marina made her way over to him offering a warm smile. “Hi, Ryan” if it wasn’t for Sheena she would have been happy to pick up where they’d left off. Instead, she was happy to just be friends.

Ryan gave Marina a warm smile. It was a pleasure to have her back in the fold per se. He glanced about the deck. "This is a remarkable thank you celebration the Betazed government is giving us."

Samantha stepped in just behind Ryan and their parents. She saw Marina with them and came up to greet Marina. "Hey, Marina. Sorry I haven't had the chance to speak with you during the mission. It was a busy one for all of us I guess."

Marina offered Samantha a warm smile. “That’s okay it’s been pretty hectic for everyone.”

Samantha nodded and sighed. "True that."

Samantha moved off in search of a drink before deciding to mingle. It was time to celebrate the win and have some fun. She wondered if Karyn was already present and what the fiery marine was doing after the celebration.

Maria had now arrived in the hall looking round to see where the food was and now with the added problem of writing a new encryption code before they embarked on their next mission, time was not on her side. she thought to herself oO those kids must be geniuses to get past that Encryption, Oo as she headed over to the nearest table to get some food.

Ambassador Saagu walked in and smiled, She was glad everyone was having fun. She had introduced Belbre to several of the key people she needed to know and was happy when she found out she planned to use her mother's name. She saw several enjoying the Jalara fire. And got one, she walked over to Captain Sterling. Another great mission was completed. Word of caution, on the Jalara Fire, it is not replicated. It was made on Betazed and does have alcohol in it.

"Ambassador Saagu, congratulations on the unification of Betazed and your continued membership in the United Federation of Planets. Thank you also for helping us complete our mission." Maia said.

Saagu replied, "It was an honour to have helped. And without the Federation's help, the Caliphate could never have been defeated. LT Belbre was instrumental in helping when she discovered the computer ship on her mother's locket. Without that information, the Caliphate members would still be unknown."

Belbre turned and smiled, "Thank you Ambassador Saagu. It was an honour to aid Betazed and to help protect the people from the menace of the Caliphate. They were bad and needed to be stopped at all costs. Even if I had died, they did come close a couple of times to doing so."

Saagu replied, "It was close especially when you and LT Somers along with LCMD Toran rescued her parents and you all destroyed the Caliphate weapon. And congratulations on you being named a Daughter of Betazed. Your wounds were severe and for a while, I did know if you would survive them."

Maia nodded. She was very proud of her crew, all of them.

Ryan nodded to his parents. "Please excuse us for a moment. I have a matter for Captain Sterling I need to address." He turned to Marina. "Would you mind coming with me? It concerns you."

Marina was surprised and curious. “Of course” she nodded and followed Ryan.

Ryan led the way through the crowd to where Maia was standing. He gave her and Nick a nod. "A moment of your time if I may Captain?"

"Yes of course what can I do for your Number One?" Maia asked.

Ryan dug out a PADD from the inside pocket of his dress uniform jacket and handed it to Maia. "Lieutenant Tanger's transfer orders from Starfleet Intelligence Command Covert Operations Branch to the USS Leto arrived via channels at the end of the last watch. I thought you might like to know Captain." He glanced at Marina with a wry grin. "You're ours now Lieutenant. Thought you might like to [i]officially[/i] report to your new Commanding Officer."

Marina’s smile practically shone as she looked toward Maia.

“Lieutenant Marina Tanger, Reporting for duty Captain!”

"Welcome aboard the Leto, enjoy yourself for now but I would like to see both you and Mr Blake at my ready at 0900 hours tomorrow to discuss an opportunity for you."

Marina nodded. “An opportunity? I can barely wait to find out what it is!” She grinned.

"Yes, a great opportunity for you," Maia said.

Karyn found a spot to park and began to eat, she found her dress uniform annoying at such times, but her dress uniform consisted of a Jacket that was based on the original Rifle Officers dresscoat from the Napoleonic era, but this one was more feminine in style. It had some dangled braided fabric chains on the left shoulder coloured gold, a unit patch on the upper right shoulder, and on the upper left the White Cord. The collar was high at the back and sides and displayed her First Lieutenant rank, the front tapered into a V shape, and the blouse that went under it was specially adapted for the tunic which did up in the old style.

The cuffs were also braided, the skirt went down to mid-thigh and was Olive Green, like the Jacket, the banding around the front edge of the jacket was black on Karyn’s, she would have to wear stockings, the shoes were 20th-century style court shoes with a 3-inch heel, Karyn had coffered her hair and made her face up using minimal makeup.

She had just finished a bit of food that left her fingers messy, she was about to lick it off her fingers when she sensed someone approach where she was parked.

Samantha gestured at the seat opposite Karyn. "This seat taken?"

Karyn paused fingers frozen partway to her mouth as she looked at Samantha "certainly, please join me" she said with a smile and proceeded to lick the bits of food off her fingers, her parents tried to impress upon her the use of a fork when she was little, but apart from special functions she preferred to eat with her fingers, she finished sucking the food bits off her fingers and wiped her hand in a napkin she had as she looked at Sam, she used the shortened version in her head.

"So, what have you been doing of late?" Karyn asked.

Samantha let out a tired sigh. "Spent the majority of this mission in the science labs trying to develop defences to the psionic resonance weapons the Caliphate was employing. Not the easiest task to accomplish. Let me tell you."

"I can guess, I still remember the mess that used to be Gorbet's head," she said and shuddered, she was rather proud that she did not want to vomit at the memory, recently I had to blow something up that belonged to the Caliphate, otherwise all has been normal for me," Somers said and she took a bite of some more food and took a sip of her drink.

Samantha sighed with a shake of her head. She took a long pull from her glass. "The Chinese have a curse. 'May you live in interesting times.' Never did truly appreciate that statement until the Federation Science Council sent me to work on the [i]Leto[/i]." She raised her glass. "Here is to a nice and quiet next mission."

"Poor Captain Gorebets what an ignominious end for a good marine." Mr O'Carroll said.

Looking at the Sudden appearance of O'Carroll "dammit El-tee please don't sneak up on a marine, you could end up injured" Karyn said surprised by him being there all of a sudden "while it was a sad way to go, I barely knew the guy" Somers added.

"At a social occasion? My apologies Kren I didn't mean to startle you, just wanted to pay my respects." Steve said.

Sheena shuffled in with Verinnia on her arm and headed towards an open table on the far side and sat with her mother. Not looking for anyone, in particular, she went and picked up two plates of food and headed back to her mother. "Here you go, mom. The food is good and I am going to have to go on a diet," she said laughing.

"So will I. All this wonderful food does put a few inches on the waistline. Isn't that Ryan over there," Verinnia said pointing to where Ryan was.

"Yep that sure is my Imzadi," Sheena said looking at him. Wishing she could run over there and kiss him. This whole mission got in the way, but thankfully everything went the way it was supposed to go. But now the mission had ended and she had a hard time controlling the urge to go to her intended. Yet she did and her mother's saying flooded her mind, All good things come to those who wait patiently.

[OFF]

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A post by:

Captain Maia A. Sterling
Commanding Officer
USS Leto NCC-80916

&

LT Havri Belbre
Chief of Security/ Chief Weapons officer
USS Leto Ncc-80916

&

1st Lieutenant Karyn Somers
Marine Commanding Officer
USS Leto NCC-80916

&

Lieutenant Commander Ryan Blake
Chief Strategic Operations Officer/Acting First Officer
USS Leto NCC-80916

&

Lieutenant Commander Dr Robert Hendon
Chief Medical Officer
USS Leto NCC-80916

&

Lieutenant Commander Sheena Toran
Executive Officer/Chief Engineering Officer
USS Leto NCC-80916

&

Lieutenant Steve O'Carroll
Operations/Engineering Officer
USS Leto NCC-80916

&

Lieutenant Isabelle Raal
Chief Counsellor
USS Leto NCC-80916

&

Lieutenant jg Marina Tanger
Infiltration Specialist
USS Leto NCC-80916