Pajama Party At Ceres Base

Posted on Sat Feb 2nd, 2019 @ 10:13pm by Commander Rita Paris & Captain Enalia Telvan & Lieutenant Commander Thex sh'Zoarhi & Lieutenant Commander Mnhei'sahe Dox & Lieutenant Asa Dael & Lieutenant Mona Gonadie & Ensign Tathaa & Maica III 47 & Kodria Mizu

Mission: Earthly Visitation
Location: USS Hera, Deck 8, Captain's Table
Timeline: 2396, Sol system pre shore leave

As they were coasting into the heart of the Alpha Quadrant, things tended to be pretty tame as interstellar travel goes. There was some fancy maneuvering to slide in between a few planetary orbits, and the stealth plating got a bit of a workout. Until the mighty starship docked at Ceres Base, in the asteroid belt between Mars and Jupiter was a mining colony that had been abandoned due to safety concerns. But the shafts and chambers gave it a perfect basis for a base, given how difficult it was to scan and locate, and how choppy communications tended to be because of the belt of particulate matter.

With the base's advanced security protocols, no one would be allowed to depart the Hera for another 12 hours, so as to not draw attention to the base with their departures. Thus the crew was on stand down, and the Captain had sent out an invitation to attend a farewell party for Kodria Mizu, who would be going into stasis to travel back to the future from which she had been flung by the universe. After all, the longer she remained in the past- particularly amongst personages to whom she had a relationship in the future- the more she endangered all of their futures, as well as her own existence.

The dress code was casual, attendance was optional. But the young android had endeared herself to many of the crew during her time onboard, and the farewell would likely be a bittersweet one for most.

The first to arrive was Asa Dael, the ships Chief Medical Officer, Asa Daei, who had a pep in their step that spoke of a day drinking too much coffee and a diet consisting of too much sugar. They wore a soft cotton pair of a pajama pants in black with little cartoon planets on them and a sleeveless cotton shirt in a bright blue that read "Warning: This doctor is clinically fun" and had the name of a medical symposium Asa attended during the academy. They were holding a huge tub of buttered popcorn and called, "Yoo-hoo! Can I come in?"

Maica was there to greet them, wearing silk purple pajamas with fuzzy tribble slippers. "Please, come in! Make yourself at home!" The Captain's private mess had been holographically decorated in a colorful manner with angular painted panels, safari scenery playing in the holo-windows, and large bean bag chairs all over the room. Kodria herself was off by the far door talking to one of the holographic wait staff working out the details of the food being prepared.

The door opened again as the andorian and the anear stepped through the doors. Both we wearing a matching seat of blue and black pajamas and carrying a few bottles of andorian ale. " We late for the party?" Thex asked with a grin on her face.

"You're actually a little early," replied Maica, welcoming them in.

The neighbors from next door arrived next, as Rita Paris and Sonak showed up in casual wear- she in stretchy denim blue jeans with white ballet flats and a v-necked t-shirt that read 'Time Tourist- don't tell the DTI', while Sonak was clad in comfortable Vulcan couture. In her hands the first officer carried a box wrapped in colorful paper.

"Hello Maica, thanks for hosting this little send-off," Rita extended to the hostess, the image of her at her wife's living wake in thirty years time flashing through her mind. Ohhh, you'd better knock that off in a hurry. Shove that off into a box somewhere in your head and work very hard to forget it for now, because you've got a lot of ground to cover between now and that moment. This must be what it feels like to be Kodria in this situation... poor kid.

Outwardly Rita fixed that million-watt smile in place to cover her internal process, which never worked.

"It's my pleasure. Please, come in and make yourselves comfortable." Maica motioned for them to do so as well.

~tag any

After a while, Lieutenant Mnhei'sahe Dox slowly wandered in. Casual parties were like alien worlds to the anxious young Romulan pilot. And this was to be both a bittersweet affair and a physically taxing one.

Wearing a pair of black leggings, running sneakers and a baggy dark green sweatshirt with a patch of the Starfleet Delta on the breast, Dox tried to not let it show that she was still not at 100% after her little walk outside of the Hera without a space suit a few days ago.

"Hello." She said with a nod to the room as she visually surveyed the room for the emptiest corner.

Maica greeted Dox as well. "Hello, please, come in and enjoy yourself. Refreshments should be out momentarily."

"Thanks, Maica. Do you need a hand with anything?" Dox replied, sheepishly.

Maica smiled brightly. "Nope. The waitstaff has everything covered today. Kodria is acting as hostess and directing them magnificently."

"Okay. Uh... Thanks." Dox replied uncomfortably and nodded as she looked around the room at the others assembled as she walked over to the end of the room.

Having given the popcorn to Maica, Asa walked over to Mnhei’sahe, smiling broadly.

“Hey neighbor,” they said, bumping one shoulder against their neighbors in a familiar way, “Fancy meeting you at a place like this. I’m embarrassed to say this is my first pajama party. I never really did stuff like this growing up, and I wasn’t exactly popular at the Academy. How ‘bout you, you know the protocol here?”

Chuckling awkwardly, Dox tilted an eyebrow up at her friend. "Same boat, Asa. I don't even own any pajamas. I wore running shoes to this. I have no idea what I'm supposed to do here."

"I think...mingle?" Asa replied, one eyebrow arched, "Or at least make sure to give Kodria a good send off. I wonder if the Captain has any movies lined up for the night?"

Turning with a slightly concerned expression, Dox asked, "How are you doing with all of this, Asa. I mean, a lot of us got really... attached. But you spent the most time with her?"

Asa’s smile turned a bit sad for a moment, and they took a deep breath before responding, “I’m going to miss her. Really, really, miss her. She’s special, you know? But I know in 90 years I’ll be there when she wakes up, I promised her after all. So it’s not goodbye forever, just goodbye for now. I have the memories of our time together, and I have 90 years to come up with a pop culture crash course for her since I doubt that’s covered in her education. I’m trying to stay hopeful and focus on the good stuff. This is what is best for her, and that’s what is Important. I’ll probably cry in a few weeks when it all sinks in, you know?”

"I'll probably cry a lot tonight, too." Dox smiled. "I know we're not supposed to know about our future but it's really... nice... to know that something really good will be out there that we apparently had something to do with, ya' know?"

Wistfully, Asa put their head on Dox’s shoulder, standing awkwardly in a half-cuddle. “Yeah, I guess that’s what parents feel like huh? Weird that, never wanted to be a parent, but I guess I get it now. She’s going to do great.”

Lightly chuckling, Dox put her arm around Asa. "You can be a parent. I get to be the 'cool aunt'. So, ya' know, no pressure."

The young android giggled softly at the two. "Come on now, it's not like this is a funeral or anything. I'll just be going to sleep for ninety-six years like some modern-day... Uh... Rip Van Winkle. Relax, enjoy yourselves. Enjoy the crunch and munch." Grabbing a small tub carried by one of the wait staff, Kodria pulled out a handful of caramelized popcorn and peanuts and munched on it.

A deeper wave of chuckles forced their way out of the significantly less anxious young Romulan. Her unassuming future Android Niece had a way about her that was immediately disarming and warmed Dox's heart in spite of herself.

"Fine, gimmie." Dox said with a sly grin as she reached out with her free hand to grab a handful of the confection from the tub in Kodria's hands.

Thex smiled as she tapped the android on her shoulder to get her attention. " I'll miss you when you've gone Kodria, but as I can live to 140 I'll be there to give you a checkup when you wake up. I hope you don't mind if I announce something. This is your party after all. "

"Please, go right ahead." Kodria smiled and motioned for the Andorian woman to proceed when ready.

A smile spread over Thex face as Tathaa came up and put her ara around the andorian. " Well as you all well know me and Tathaa have been seeing each other for a while now. As is customary with andorians I have asked her if she will perform the first half of the andorian bonding ceremony with me." Thex said calmly.

A sly grin was on the annear's face as she spoke up. "I said yes."

With a handful of caramelized popcorn in her mouth, Dox started clapping happily.

Kodria pumped a fist in the air and made a woohoo sound. "Congrats!"

"I had a feeling about you kids!" Rita Paris swept them both into a hug. "Your happiness spreads joy!"

Bouncing up and down on their heels, Asa smiled broadly and gave a whoop of celebration before running up to hug both of the Andorians. "I'm so happy for you! I know you will be happy together!" they enthused.

" Thank you everyone. " Thex said with a smile on her face. " We're going to hold it on the anear holy day three mouths from now so we have some time to plan everything."

“That is exciting news! So, Miss Mizu…” Paris spoke up, directing the conversation as the party had a guest to tend to, who wouldn’t be long for this timeline. “As the guest of honor who is here to say your farewells to some of us before your long winter’s nap, before you see us again, I must ask… what are your impressions of those of us you know in the future, having seen us in our past?”

Kodria composed herself as the room quieted. She had expected something like this question and prepared a few things to say. "Young and full of anxiety. Less experienced. Some of you look exactly the same while others are more mature. While some faces will be missing, those that remain will be far wiser for it. I've met most of your descendants and can say that those that choose to be parents and eventually grandparents are going to be great at it and I can see each of you in them. Those that I already knew, It's been amazing knowing you in this time and I look forward to seeing you again in my time. I look forward to harassing everyone's kids and grandkids with stories about you."

"I've written several letters of encouragement that will be delivered not at specific times, but at specific events, just in case. Maru has all my instructions." The young android looked between all of her guests, a smile gracing her features and moisture forming in her eyes. "I've seen how far all of you will go and know the great accomplishments you will all achieve. Heck, I'm one of them. But just remember that none of it is written in stone. Don't get cocky or relaxed because you've met me. If I wake up and history has changed or if I no longer exist... I'll be a little upset."

"Now... Who's ready to watch the remake of the Hobbit holo-vids that are coming out in fifty years? Yes, I have a copy of my favorite movie in my matrix and they've been fully restored." Grinning wickedly, she winked at Asa.

"I don't think that specifically violates the Temporal Prime Directive. So long as no one here plans to go make them ten years earlier, which I somehow doubt- but I will look for your name in the credits," Paris grinned. "Movie night it is!"

Taking the young android aside, Rita Paris looked into those matte black eyes and sighed. "I am really going to miss you for a very log time, young lady. You are an amazing person, and I'm glad I got the chance to know you. I'll try to keep your Gran on an even keel, I promise. As for the future... we have no future save that which we write ourselves. So I'll see you in 84 years or so," the older than she looked lady officer unsuccessfully tried to dam the tears, but she'd grown incredibly find of the little android in the time she'd been here. An innocent in an abattoir, she had been brave and held out hope when most would have given up, and Rita admired the spunky kid.

Sweeping Kodria up into a rather tight hug, Rita sniffled. "I wish you could stay, kid. 84 years is going to be an awfully long time to wait to see you again. But you know too much, and you endanger yourself every moment that you are here. But ohh, how I wish that were not so, and you could stay."

"And you'll have a few kids of your own to raise as well as..." Kodria shook her head and smiled, lowering her voice so only Rita could hear, wrapping one arm around the gold wrapped Commander's waist as the movie started. "I'll need a lot of help those first few years. Mom won't even get my initial motor skill functions written right the first three times. Bloody cybernetics genius but programming? Sorry, but she's only flesh and blood."

"I have absolutely no idea what I'm doing in a lab in ninety years, considering I'm already a century behind the times here and the ship's computer does all the real work." Rita patted the bulkhead and whispered, "Thanks."

"Doing what you do best," Kodria replied innocently.

"You can't predict where the universe can take you or how it will change you. The one constant is you, and being you is the one thing that we all do best. Dr. Pinderschloss taught me that when he was helping put me back together, and it's still true today." Rita smiled wistfully, hesitantly stroking the android's hair. "Somewhere out there future me isn't worried that you vanished in an anomaly, because plans were already in motion to release you from stasis. It will be like the ballad of your life skipped a beat, then played on."

Sighing contentedly, Rita nodded. "The universe is an odd and wonderful place. I'm so glad we got to meet you."

As usual, Rita Paris always had all the right words for the right moment. Watching and listening, Dox was struggling to not do what it often felt like she did best: cry.

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The next morning, all was in preparation on Celes Base, which was where Starfleet Intel had chosen to put Kodria Mizu to sleep for nearly another century. The parties involved had gathered by her 'bedside' and were saying their final goodbyes.

"I want you to have this, Kodria," Rita Paris said through tearing eyes. "It's my comm badge, the modern one that I never wear with the two bars and the delta. Like you, it's ahead of its time, and represents something that in a short time has come to mean the world to me. I want you to have it... a modern iteration of a very old principle, kinda like me."

Leaning in, the ancient astronaut kissed the android on the forehead. "Sleep well, little one. I'll see you again very soon."

"I will, Aunt Rita. Thank you. All of you take good care of each other, okay? I'll see you all in a few minutes." With a knowing smile, Kodria looked between each of them in turn, then pulled the stasis pod hatch down to seal it up, starting her own hibernation cycle so her semi-organic and inorganic parts would both sleep through the intervening years.

Though she was asleep, the little android dreamed. She dreamed of logic and algorithms. Of the people she knew and the things she'd experienced. The past and the future.

Though she dreamed, the intervening years passed quickly for her and soon her stasis pod was being opened, her semi-organic parts starting to reactivate, which triggered her inorganic parts to reactivate as well.

Opening her eyes, she looked around sleepily as if waking up from an afternoon nap and smiled at those around her.

"Hello everyone. Did you miss me?"