Marine Corps Ball - Part 2
Posted on Fri Jan 23, 2026 @ 3:09am by Captain Brina Tracy-Hall & Colonel Nicholas Means III & Lieutenant Bronwyn P’ril & Lieutenant T'Lul & Senior Chief Petty Officer Alexander Rylan EMT-P & Civilian Thavas Th'Omtala
1,865 words; about a 9 minute read
Mission: Chicken Run
[PREVIOUSLY]
Brina walked alongside Nicholas as they wended their way through those who were gathering. She felt her skin prickle up as she could 'feel' something in the air. A matter of excitement and yet there was something else. She couldn't place a finger on it. " I do know that Cara is here, but don't see her as of yet. I am sure she's picked up on me being here as well. Right now, let’s get a drink."
[CONTINUED]
"What are you planning on getting?" Nicholas asked, as he scanned the area his eyes lighting upon the bar. "This way." guiding her in the direction.
"Oh, I plan on ordering an Irish Maid." Brina having a grin.
"Well now, I have something in mind of that, later on!" Nicholas having a saucy smile and pulling her in for a kiss before they approach the bar.
They made quite the pair, the rather tall Nordic-looking man, a high charisma, with an air of command even though he was now a civilian.
When they approached the bar, Brina ordered the Irish Maid, and Nicholas ordered a bourbon, neat.
Her eyes drifted over to where Means was at, "Oh! Colonel Means!" she immediately went into a stance of respect. "Captain Brina Tracy-Hall. It looks like we have found you."
Taking his drink, "I was told you were looking for me. I was needing to talk to you before everything kicked off. But before I get into that...did Cara mention anything about tonight?"
"No, she hadn't, she just sent me an invitation to this function. That is all. We immediately started packing, couldn't wait to celebrate, to be here on this important day. And to see Cara plus, well here." a bright smile appearing. Brina's eyebrow raised, a look of curiosity appeared.
"Hopefully there isn't anything the matter, is there?" just then her drink as well as her husband's drink arrived, she took a drink, all the while she looked at Means. Her posture though could be seen she was prepping herself for possible needed action.
"Thank you." Brina looking towards the bartender, then back to Means.
Means looked at her, "Well how do you feel about being our guest of honor and sitting at the command table? I know this is a 12th hour request..."
Brina was stunned at hearing this, "Well, um" her mouth was having a bit of trouble connecting with her brain, then she replied after squaring her shoulders. "I would be honored, Sir." feeling like a deer caught in the headlights of a vehicle, she smiled though recovering from her surprise.
Nicholas gave a chuckle at her reaction, "Colonel Means, I'm Nicholas Hall." holding out his hand in greeting towards Means.
[Marine Corps Ball | Deck 12 | Cargo Bay Event Area]
Kael entered without ceremony.
The cargo bay had been refitted for celebration. Draped lighting warmed the industrial space, and quiet music layered beneath the buzz of formal conversation. Officers mingled in dress uniforms, civilians sparkled in tailored evening wear, and Marines moved with practiced posture. The mood was bright, but not chaotic. Kael appreciated that.
His presence didn’t announce itself. He moved with calm precision, slipping through the fringe of the crowd like he belonged to the architecture more than the event.
His uniform was regulation dress black. Immaculately tailored. No sash. No sword. Just clean lines and disciplined bearing. The silver delta insignia rested on his chest, opposite a trim vertical row of three medals.
He wore only what mattered.
The Christopher Pike Medal of Valor, distinguished by its understated gold trim
The Star Cross, silver-blue and narrow, awarded for interstellar operations in hostile conditions
The Grankite Order of Tactics, rarely issued, marked by its octagonal medallion and matte finish
Together, they told only fragments of a longer story. One that Kael had no interest in sharing aloud.
His collar bore black-on-silver rank pips, arranged neatly. No ribbon rack. No commendation clusters. Just the essentials.
Eyes followed him, briefly. A few glances, some quiet recognition, but no approach. That suited him. Intelligence did not lend itself to small talk.
He accepted a glass of water from a passing steward with a nod and circled to the edge of the crowd, where a support strut framed the edge of the dance floor. The lighting was softer there, the visibility unobstructed.
Kael stood at ease, hands loosely clasped behind his back, watching the flow of the room.
He wasn’t here to be seen.
He was here to see.
Alex and P'ril ran into Viza and her date on the lift and the four of them entered the ball venue together. "Wow," said Alex. "They really went all out."
"They did indeed," Viza said. She squeezed Joel's arm affectionately. "Thank you so much for inviting me!"
“Of course,” replied Joel. “Thank you for coming with me. I’ll be the envy of every man here with you on my arm.”
P’ril couldn’t stop the grin that sprang to her lips. He was a smooth one, that was for sure.
"Except for me," Alex said with a grin. "You're gorgeous, Viza, but I'm partial to Bronwyn!"
"Well, I think Lady Bronwyn and I will be the envy of all the ladies here!" Viza said, diplomatically with a grin.
There it was again. Alex had a way of making P’ril uncomfortable, but also drew her to him at the same time. Why was that? She had never experienced such a sensation. Was this what humans meant by frenemies? Did she enjoy disliking him? No, that did not make any sense. She did not always feel like this around him. Perhaps she was simply unaccustomed to having someone pay so much attention to her.
Belatedly, she realized Viza had said something to her. What had it been? Something about looking better than everyone else, she thought. “Most certainly,” she replied. “I can already feel their envious stares.”
"Well," Alex said, the dazzling grin that both entranced P'ril and annoyed her at the same time still on his face. "Would you ladies like a drink or shall we dance a bit first. Dinner doesn't seem to have started yet."
"I say dance!" Viza said. "If my charming date will oblige me that is."
“Of course!” replied Joel in that same ‘how’s the weather?’ tone. “That’s what a ball is for.” He offered her his hand. “M’lady,” he offered.
Viza took the offered hand. "Lead the way!" she said.
P’ril, however, was less sure. She had watched people dance and it didn’t look difficult, but she had never actually attempted it. She hesitated just a little too long, however.
"Are you okay?" Alex said. "We don't have to dance if you don't want to. Whatever makes you comfortable."
At that very moment, T'Lul walked up to P'ril, giving an acknowledgment to Viza and Alex, as well. "Live long and prosper." noticing P'ril's hesitation, T'Lul inquired, "Why the hesitation, P'ril?"
P’ril glanced between Alex and T’Lul, mildly overwhelmed for a moment. She managed to school her thoughts, though, and answered, “I… have never danced before. I am not sure I will not step on your feet,” she told Alex.
"I'm sure you'll be fine," Alex said. "But don't worry. I'll survive if you step on my feet. Just follow my lead as best you can. I've got you. So, what do you say?" Alex gallantly held out his hand, one of his dazzling smiles on his face and a youthful twinkle in his eye. "Would you like to give it a try?"
Like was a strong word, P’ril thought. But she was willing to give it a try anyway. “I believe I am up for the challenge,” she replied evenly.
Alex led P'ril onto the dance floor. "We'll go slow," he said. Alex positioned her hands and his correctly. "We'll go nice and easy. Just follow my lead and I'll guide you around the floor." He grinned. "Worst case scenario, we'll shuffle around the dance floor like a couple of school kids at their first dance. It'll be fun!"
P’ril gave T’Lul a nod of respect as she allowed Alex to lead her away. She felt a bit awkward as Alex showed her where to put her hands, but she decided that must be normal for first time dancers. “Or we demonstrate the drunk giraffe for everyone here,” she replied.
Alex grinned. "Never heard of it," he said. "But I'm game if you are. You lead, I'll follow!"
P’ril grinned, eyes dancing for half a moment before she schooled her features once more. “Perhaps later,” she suggested. And after several alcoholic beverages, she added mentally.
"As you wish," Alex said. "You have a beautiful smile, P'ril. It really lights up the room." Alex's voice had a surprisingly shy tone to it, a change from his usual youthful confidence or suave and debonair mannerisms. Whether it was intentional or not, an effort to provide a little variety, only he knew, and he wasn't telling.
There it was again- that awkward feeling that often plagued P’ril around Alex. How did he manage to make her feel so off-balance? His tone didn’t help, either. She was unsure if he was acting a part or being sincere. Never mind. She could figure that out later. “Th-thank you,” she stammered, unfamiliar with receiving compliments.
"Don't take this as a cue that I want to stop dancing with you," Alex said. "I don't. But if you'd like a drink, we can take a little break. I assume dinner will be served at some point."
“I am just beginning to get the hang of this,” P'ril replied. “As long as nobody is going to ask me the difference between a waltz and a foxtrot, that is.”
"We can keep dancing if you like," Alex said. "I'm certainly having a great time." Alex continued to lead Bronwyn around the floor. "Reminds me of a song from an Old Earth musical called My Fair Lady. It's duet, a man and a woman after a party they'd attended, singing a song called 'I Could Have Danced All Night'."
“I am familiar with it,” P’ril replied. Having a thespian for a friend meant she knew most show tunes from the 20th century to the present day. She even enjoyed some of them herself. “While dancing all night has its appeal, I am not sure it is wise."
Alex chuckled. "Probably not," he said. "How about we finish this song and then go get something to drink and maybe something to eat?"
“That sounds like a much wiser plan,” she agreed.
To be continued...
Captain Brina Tracy-Hall
Marine XO
Guest on Deep Space Five
Nicholas Hall
Guest on Deep Space 5
Colonel Nicholas Means III
MCO - 21st MEU
Lieutenant Kael Tharien
Chief Intelligence Officer
Deep Space Five
Senior Chief Hospital Corpsman Alex Rylan
Independent Duty Corpsman
Deep Space Five
Lieutenant Bronwyn P'ril
Chief Engineer
Deep Space 5
Viza
Apprentice to Master Thavas Th'Omtala
Assistant Manager
Sartorial Splendor
Lance Corporal Joel Wiseman
Marine
Lieutenant T'Lul
Chief Counselor
Deep Space Five
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