Thani's night just becomes more and more depressing. Between getting rejected from across the room (and told no can-do) and then Vanna ignoring her completely, just talking with the man that almost left after she gave the look, she felt crushed.

The movie is weird and not realistic at all, holding little appeal for her. Her science mind couldn't fathom the logic or the science needed to have any of it help.

"Excuse me." With a catch in her voice. As she gets up quickly to leave. The only thing to remedy her needs was the human food called ice cream, and she needed it badly.

In reply to Katherine Seward (msg # 44):

Jason was brought out of his thoughts by a voice and he turned his head. "Hmm?" It took him a moment to catch up and then he shrugged at Vanna. "I like action type movies more. This is ok." She seemed to like the movie but he was young, black and white wasn't quite his cup of tea.

Kate smiles at Thani. "you look like a girl who could use something sweet and reassuring, want one?" Kate offers a plate of Vanilla cookies to Thani hopefully.
This message was last edited by the player at 06:09, Wed 18 Mar 2020.

Vanna smiles at Jason, "I enjoy so called Chick flicks, and science fiction.  personally.  Action can be nice, but story is more important in the long run."

In reply to Vanna Marie Keyes (msg # 48):

He grined back at Vanna."Figured you would say that," he teased. "I've been tortured before by my sister a few times with 'chick flicks'. And some action adventures do have stories."

A voice calls to her, the barely held back glistening of tears twinkle with the odd projector light as Thani looks towards Kate's offer... A very choked voice, "No... t-thanks." As she pulled into herself more and rushed for the door.

Since he had been facing Vanna, he had the blue skinned woman in his view at the same time along with the Captain. The tone of her voice caught his attention and he shifted his gaze over to see her getting up. Brows furrowed up and he watched her rush to the door. "I think I might call it a night. Shoulder still aches a little," he murmured to Vanna and got up, making sure to not disturb the rest. He gave Vanna a nod and a wave to Cat then he was was following the troubled woman at a slower pace out the door.

In reply to Thani sh'Elliaph (msg # 50):

Not wanting to make more of a scene, Farah waited a bit before begging out of the event.  Captain's duties and all, but she made sure to thank Kate and Maria for the wonderful time and made the unofficial declaration the Sewards were the official Team Cadmus Social Party.

After the 50's monster movie ended, he picked up his trash and clothing. "Kate, Marie, Thank you for doing this, it was great.  I would love to stay for more, but I need to get more familiarized on my new position." He gave Cat a small smile. Turning back to the two hosts, "Again thank you.  Perhaps next time I can stay longer."

Leaving the room he chuckled, saying softly, "Mutated by an atomic blast..."

"Alright but your missing Alien and Jurassic park, amongst other films" Kate says happily after Bartolomy.

About 45 minutes had passed when Thani returns. Much less agitated then before when she had hurried out. Her antennae were standing rigid and quivering as she searched the room. Her eyes were open wider than would be usual. Seeing the opening at the couch with the Seward couple and Catrina, Thani would proceed to join with the other women.

"I apologize for my abrupt departure. I will join you, if you will accept me back." Looking at the screen, "What are we... watching?"

In reply to Thani sh'Elliaph (msg # 55):

"Of course," Cat said, scooting over to make sure Thani had room and offering her a bit of popcorn. "It's called Alien, back from Earth's past before we made first contact.  It's a horror movie, so don't expect it to make a ton of sense.  It's about just scaring you with surprises."

It was then Cat realized she hadn't really spent any time with the Andorian, if she had spent any time at all.  Turning to Thani, she asked, "I don't mean to sound rude, but have we met?  I pretty much lost the entire day when my implant got reset, so if we spoke any, I don't remember."

This message was last edited by the player at 00:21, Fri 20 Mar 2020.

"Thanks." In reply to Catrina. She sat down on the offered spot. "Please tell me it is more accurate than the odd atomic ants. That just made no sense. Mutation on that level would not have been possible, if you understand the nature of mutation and the impact on the creature such results would typically lead to death." As she accidentally lapses into her science-minded talk.

"I'm sorry," She gives another apology, but the antennae are forward, "No, we have not been properly introduced."

She paused to remember the human method of greeting before offering her hand, "Hi, I am Thani sh'Elliaph, lieutenant commander, science division and chief science officer." She waited to see if Catrina accepts the form of greeting.
This message was last edited by the player at 03:43, Fri 20 Mar 2020.

In reply to Thani sh'Elliaph (msg # 57):

"Catrina Matheson, formerly Chief Engineer of the USS Mihoshi, but my friends call me Cat," Cat said as she shook Thani's hand.  There was a hint of sadness in Cat's introduction.  She had given up her ship only a day before and hadn't figured out what she would do next.  Not wanting to dwell on it, she looked back to the movie.

"The ant movie was made when we barely had a true understanding of the effects of radiation," Cat explained.  "We had only just split the atom and lots of stories were made up about all the possible effects."  She chuckled a moment.  "Maybe I shouldn't tell you the one about the scientist who turned into a giant green hulk after being exposed to high levels of gamma radiation."

She glanced back at Thani. "Humans like stories, even if they're not scientifically accurate.  We have something called a suspension of disbelief where we let go of certain knowns in order to allow a story to be told."

In reply to Catrina Matheson (msg # 58):

"I was saddened to see you step down so suddenly."

Thani shakes her head at utter silliness over mutation. "You seem to know the difference between stories and true science. Would you mind if I bounce ideas off of you about the photon torpedo technology later?"

Then it dawns on her as her mind is racing from one idea to the next, "Wait, you said your friends call you Cat, but you told me this information, does that mean you consider me a friend and wish to be called this by me?"

In reply to Thani sh'Elliaph (msg # 59):

Cat had never considered the nuances of her greeting, but Thani's parsing and questioning Cat about it made her pause. Literally.  For a few seconds, Cat stared blankly into space before returning to herself as if no time had passed.  "Sure.  Can't have too many friends and I'd love to bounce ideas with you.  "Doctor Dupoint said I'm not supposed to do much thinking for another say or, but..."  Cat leaned into to whisper to Thani.  "I won't tell if you won't."
This message was last edited by the player at 13:57, Fri 20 Mar 2020.

Aurin Malko wound up being called to the bridge for a little bit despite his having arranged leave.  He bore it in good graces and apologized to his date with a kiss on the wrist, then the lips, when he reached her quarters.

Malko ordered his favorite Earth dinner from the replicator--first an onion cut, breaded, and fried to resemble a flower for them to share, followed by a steak with steak sauce and a boiled artichoke with Holondez for each of them.

He only spoke a little while they ate, mostly to show Istala how to eat an artichoke and to comment on the steak, "This is good.  I learned to cook this when I was in the academy, using a red wine marinade.  The alcohol all cooks off but I thought you might prefer the steak sauce to the hint of Chateau Picard.  I never had the steak sauce before, though.  Do you like?"

Istala's reply?

Malko took a lot of enjoyment just watching Istala's face as they ate, but he was also looking for hints whether she liked his assertiveness or not--most noticeably choosing the meal.

Istala's reply?

When they were done, Malko asked the computer for the time, then snagged a pad and checked the movie night itinerary.  "It looks like my request for early 21st century superhero movies didn't make.  These sound like fun, though.  Jurassic Park is directed by Steven Spielberg.  He was one of the top movie makers of his time.  The music was done by John Williams.  My roommate at the Academy said he was incredible.

"Then the last show of the night is called Alien.  It was the start of a huge franchise with a big fan following that did a lot of creative things.  I stopped looking to cut down on the spoilers.  Looks like Jurassic Park starts in fifteen minutes.  But we're not dressed."

Malko grabbed a sling bag he'd brought along.  "It's a pajama party.  What will you wear?"

In reply to Aurin Malko (msg # 61):

Istala never knew how much she liked being fussed over until someone started fussing over her and Malko was a fusser extraordinaire.  The dinner and setting were wonderful and she kept a stupid looking grin on her face the entire time she ate.  Part of her felt like she didn't deserve such attention, but the rest of her was so very glad she had it.

When she finished, Istala chose a black off-the-shoulder nightshirt that went down to her knees with boxers beneath to make sure nothing was seen she didn't want seen, except Malko, of course, for whom she put on a little show as she changed into it.  A pair of white socks later and she was ready to go.  "How do I look?"

In reply to Catrina Matheson (msg # 60):

Thani nods, her antennae quivering at attention, "I am excited, you are the second friend I have on board this ship." her voice lowered to a conspiratorial whisper, "I will entrust this shared knowledge and let it not be divulged to any who ask." Her face solemn as she takes what Cat has spoken perhaps too seriously.

Raising her tone slightly, "Any theories that have you on the edge of your seat to see in practice?"

  Malko drank in the show with hungry eyes.  "I love it!  Cute and gorgeous.  My turn."

  The towering trill hurried to shed his uniform.  His pajamas weren't' so cute.  Red flannel pants and shirt.  The shirt had big wooden buttons.  Malko slipped into <url=https://cdni.llbean.net/is/ima..._2>moccasin-style leather slippers.</url>  Taking Istala's arm, he lead her to holodeck two.  "Let's catch some saurians."

  Nynev arrived at the pajama party a few minutes before Malko and Estala.  The blue skinned girl wore a nightie that would be fairly modest--if it weren't snug lace from bellow the neck to most of the way down her cleavage.  The powder blue girl had freshly renewed the platinum highlights in her hair.  Matching glitter sparkled on her mostly bare shoulders.

 "Even everyone," she sing songed.  "Sorry I'm late.  I wanted to try my hand at baking."

  She put down a platter of coarse cookies with little dried fruits.  "Centauri breakfast cookies.  Rolled Arnathy and Dried Thora Berries with Meenlock Honey for most of the sweetening.  I replicated all the ingredients, honestly, but i did everything from there by hand..."

  Nynev giggled a little, "Then I spent half the time i was going to spend getting dressed cleaning up the work bench!"

  Nynev nibbled on one of her cookies, giving a happy smile, then browsed on the other snacks for a moment before looking for a girlfriend with whom she could share a platonic cuddle during the film.

  The first earthling to try the cookies would note no meaningful difference between Centauri Breakfast cookies and earth's oatmeal cookies.

The film does a transition from Them to Alien.  Kate snuggling up to Maria and nibbling on her ear playfully as she watches. "So, your not scared are you? I don't think i've ever shown you this movie"

In reply to Katherine Seward (msg # 66):

"Should I be?"  Maria hadn't seen the movie and Kate's warning suggested she might not like it, though she hardly needed a reason to snuggle with her wife.  "Just tell me when to close my eyes."

Taking on of the cookies Nynev offered, she took a bite.  It was tasty despite its replicated ingredients.  "These are quite good," she told the Andorian.  "Is there a recipe?"
This message was last edited by the player at 02:25, Sat 21 Mar 2020.

Jason had a spring in his step as he returned to the holodeck with a padd in hand. He happened to be carrying a rather large cup of coffee too. Stepping back in, he halted and looked around to find a spot out of the way. There was more people there now and he froze, seeing Thani there next to Cat. That almost made him retreat back out of the holodeck but he found a space empty away from most of the group to sit.

He moved to his chosen spot so he didn't disturb them and glanced up at the movie to see the beginning of Aliens. Quietly turned his attention to the padd, scrolling through data and making notations while sipping at the coffee.
This message was undeleted by the player at 02:26, Sat 21 Mar 2020.

With Malko leading the way, Istala entered shortly after Nynev to see the array of couches and recliner with most of her shift in attendance.  Tubs of stuff called popcorn and Nynev seemed to be offering cookies.  "Wow, looks like there's a full... Fates!" she squealed as she suddenly remembered why the movie sounded familiar and all but dragged Malko to the closest loveseat and cuddled up next to him.  "It's the one... ooh, don't want to spoil it."