Two Souls, One Heart - Greg & Brooke's Engagement Party (Open to All)

[Judith Eastman]

[Gregory Ellis & Dr. Antoinette Ellis - Puzzles]

Despite the vision of his impending mother, Greg could grasp the wisdom behind Judy's words. "Thank you," he said, graciously inclining his head, his face still very pale. "I will bear that in mind. Let's hope that this particular memory won't make it past the next decade." There were memories he shared with his sister that he could laugh over, but in fairness to the siblings, their mother was sometimes a difficult person to think upon with much fondness.

At Max's offer to accompany him, Greg nodded toward the elegantly-clad woman who was growing larger and larger in his line of sight as she approached. "Looks like she's coming to us." Then, in an aside to both of them, he added, "She said she wasn't coming. Too busy with her research facility on Casperia Prime."

"Gregory!"

"Antoinette." Greg had always called his mother by her first name. Theirs had originally been quite the professional, civil relationship when he was a teenager. And well into his twenties, too. He'd been the least rebellious of all the Ellis children. "You told me you weren't coming."

"Oh, nonsense!" The woman declared as she reached her son, and leaned in for a couple of air kisses. "I could not miss my only son's engagement party, now could I? Nor could I pass up the opportunity to meet this waitress of yours." She turned a pleasant smile on the Eastman-Williamses. "Max, Judith, how absolutely perfect to see you both again. And in this very same gastropub, no less."

Greg's eyes were narrowed. It was too early in the evening for murder, right?

"Married life seems to suit you both. Well done."

[Judy & Max - Puzzles]

"I'm afraid this one will stick," Judy said quietly as Brooke's soon-to-be in-law approached. In their very limited interactions, the woman hadn't made too much of a negative impression on Judy and Max, such that they could shrink down the magnitude of the stories they'd heard from Flick and Greg, but her demeanor now, when their attention was on her made that a lot harder going forward.

So did the fact that Dr. Ellis called Prof. Eastman-Williams, 'Judith.' No one under the age of 110 was allowed to call her Judith.
Suffice it to say, Max was rather thankful that his wife's thick glasses did some work in hiding her furrowing brows, for just long enough to squeeze her hand firmly.
"It's a very popular event venue," Max answered Antoinette's comment about the venue with only a little defensiveness, giving Judy more cover to get over it.
"That it is. Best on the station," she said at last, having also taken a moment to look around. "That young fellow over there looks familiar. Peter!"
It was conversational covering fire, Max recognized, an attempt to distract Antoinette while Greg handled the rather offensive waitress comment.
Granted, it may also end up as a sacrifice of Felicity later, but Max did not know this; He had not met this Peter. Judy simply hadn't thought that far.

[Peter Dannenberg]

[Starbase Columbus - Puzzles Bar]

[Judy & Max - Puzzles]

"I'm afraid this one will stick," Judy said quietly as Brooke's soon-to-be in-law approached. In their very limited interactions, the woman hadn't made too much of a negative impression on Judy and Max, such that they could shrink down the magnitude of the stories they'd heard from Flick and Greg, but her demeanor now, when their attention was on her made that a lot harder going forward.

So did the fact that Dr. Ellis called Prof. Eastman-Williams, 'Judith.' No one under the age of 110 was allowed to call her Judith.
Suffice it to say, Max was rather thankful that his wife's thick glasses did some work in hiding her furrowing brows, for just long enough to squeeze her hand firmly.
"It's a very popular event venue," Max answered Antoinette's comment about the venue with only a little defensiveness, giving Judy more cover to get over it.
"That it is. Best on the station," she said at last, having also taken a moment to look around. "That young fellow over there looks familiar. Peter!"
It was conversational covering fire, Max recognized, an attempt to distract Antoinette while Greg handled the rather offensive waitress comment.
Granted, it may also end up as a sacrifice of Felicity later, but Max did not know this; He had not met this Peter. Judy simply hadn't thought that far.

Peter was busy checking out the guests that were already present, automatically his eyes lingered longer on young attractive women in fancy dresses and high heels.

Hearing someone calling his name he turned his head to see Judy. Setting down the empty glass on the counter Peter made his way over to the small group of people.

"Good evening", he greeted like a civilized person not to anyone I particular but rather directed at the group, waiting to be introduced by someone who knew those people he was standing with. Then he then turned to Judy. "Dr. Eastman, nice to see you here. Elanii asks for you now and then."

[Aryn Corliss]

[Personal Quarters --> Puzzles]

Alec had been thrilled upon his return to learn that his friend Greg had become engaged to the owner of The White Rose. Slightly less excited than finding out he was going to be a father, but that was understandable.

The couple had just finished dressing and looked like an elegant matched set: he wore a regal blue suit with a white shirt and silver bow tie, which had a subtly textured flower design; Aryn wore a silver, tea length dress with regal blue flowers across the bodice and on the sheer sleeves. The slightly flared skirt accommodated her small baby bump.

Alec offered Aryn his arm and guided her inside the bar, looking around for people they knew. Aryn spotted Judy and Max standing with the soon-to-be groom, his mother, and a man they didn't know. She tugged Alec's arm and led the way to join the group.

With a cheerful smile, Aryn greeted those she knew. Judy, Max, good to see you. Greg, congratulations! I'm so happy for you and Brooke. Is the bride here yet?

[Felicity Ellis]

[Judy & Max - Puzzles]

"I'm afraid this one will stick," Judy said quietly as Brooke's soon-to-be in-law approached. In their very limited interactions, the woman hadn't made too much of a negative impression on Judy and Max, such that they could shrink down the magnitude of the stories they'd heard from Flick and Greg, but her demeanor now, when their attention was on her made that a lot harder going forward.

So did the fact that Dr. Ellis called Prof. Eastman-Williams, 'Judith.' No one under the age of 110 was allowed to call her Judith.
Suffice it to say, Max was rather thankful that his wife's thick glasses did some work in hiding her furrowing brows, for just long enough to squeeze her hand firmly.
"It's a very popular event venue," Max answered Antoinette's comment about the venue with only a little defensiveness, giving Judy more cover to get over it.
"That it is. Best on the station," she said at last, having also taken a moment to look around. "That young fellow over there looks familiar. Peter!"
It was conversational covering fire, Max recognized, an attempt to distract Antoinette while Greg handled the rather offensive waitress comment.
Granted, it may also end up as a sacrifice of Felicity later, but Max did not know this; He had not met this Peter. Judy simply hadn't thought that far.

[Starbase Columbus - Puzzles Bar]

Peter was busy checking out the guests that were already present, automatically his eyes lingered longer on young attractive women in fancy dresses and high heels.

Hearing someone calling his name he turned his head to see Judy. Setting down the empty glass on the counter Peter made his way over to the small group of people.

"Good evening", he greeted like a civilized person not to anyone I particular but rather directed at the group, waiting to be introduced by someone who knew those people he was standing with. Then he then turned to Judy. "Dr. Eastman, nice to see you here. Elanii asks for you now and then."

[Personal Quarters --> Puzzles]

[...]
Alec offered Aryn his arm and guided her inside the bar, looking around for people they knew. Aryn spotted Judy and Max standing with the soon-to-be groom, his mother, and a man they didn't know. She tugged Alec's arm and led the way to join the group.

With a cheerful smile, Aryn greeted those she knew. Judy, Max, good to see you. Greg, congratulations! I'm so happy for you and Brooke. Is the bride here yet?

[Gregory Ellis & Dr. Antoinette Ellis - Puzzles]

It was becoming more and more apparent that Judy had been correct; and that this experience wasn't one he'd forget any time soon. His mother was nodding along with polite interest as Max spoke of how popular Puzzles was. "It would appear so," Antoinette agreed, a smile playing around the corners of her mouth, "Do they do funerals? Likely you'll all want to be buried here."

Greg was still staring at her, his eyes hard. There was nobody quite so adept as Antoinette at the art of the backhanded compliment. He tapped her elbow and pulled her aside ever so slightly as Judy distracted by waving over another guest. Greg took the opportunity to impart a subtle warning. "Brooke is a very successful business woman, who is hands-on and works extremely hard. You'd do well to remember that I will not stand for any of your games this evening."

Antoinette glanced down at her son's hand on her elbow, and then at the resolve written all over his face. "Oh darling, there's nothing wrong with being a waitress, there's no need to get so defensive. We are what we are."

The colour of anger was rising in his cheeks ever so slightly, but he released his slippery mother and returned his attention to the growing group surrounding him. He would try his best to ignore her, and the arrival of a newcomer did help with that. "Greg Ellis," he introduced himself to the man who seemed familiar with Judy, holding out his hand to shake in greeting. "Tortured Groom-to-Be," he added with an easy grin.

When he saw Alec and Aryn approach to offer congratulations, he was beginning to feel a little more comfortable and a little less terrified. How could he not feel bolstered surrounded by his friends and well-wishers? "No, not yet," he said in response to Aryn's curiosity, "I hope soon, or I'll have to resort to something stronger than champagne."

[Judith Eastman]

[Starbase Columbus - Puzzles Bar]

Peter was busy checking out the guests that were already present, automatically his eyes lingered longer on young attractive women in fancy dresses and high heels.

Hearing someone calling his name he turned his head to see Judy. Setting down the empty glass on the counter Peter made his way over to the small group of people.

"Good evening", he greeted like a civilized person not to anyone I particular but rather directed at the group, waiting to be introduced by someone who knew those people he was standing with. Then he then turned to Judy. "Dr. Eastman, nice to see you here. Elanii asks for you now and then."

[Personal Quarters --> Puzzles]

Alec had been thrilled upon his return to learn that his friend Greg had become engaged to the owner of The White Rose. Slightly less excited than finding out he was going to be a father, but that was understandable.

The couple had just finished dressing and looked like an elegant matched set: he wore a regal blue suit with a white shirt and silver bow tie, which had a subtly textured flower design; Aryn wore a silver, tea length dress with regal blue flowers across the bodice and on the sheer sleeves. The slightly flared skirt accommodated her small baby bump.

Alec offered Aryn his arm and guided her inside the bar, looking around for people they knew. Aryn spotted Judy and Max standing with the soon-to-be groom, his mother, and a man they didn't know. She tugged Alec's arm and led the way to join the group.

With a cheerful smile, Aryn greeted those she knew. Judy, Max, good to see you. Greg, congratulations! I'm so happy for you and Brooke. Is the bride here yet?

[Gregory Ellis & Dr. Antoinette Ellis - Puzzles]

It was becoming more and more apparent that Judy had been correct; and that this experience wasn't one he'd forget any time soon. His mother was nodding along with polite interest as Max spoke of how popular Puzzles was. "It would appear so," Antoinette agreed, a smile playing around the corners of her mouth, "Do they do funerals? Likely you'll all want to be buried here."

Greg was still staring at her, his eyes hard. There was nobody quite so adept as Antoinette at the art of the backhanded compliment. He tapped her elbow and pulled her aside ever so slightly as Judy distracted by waving over another guest. Greg took the opportunity to impart a subtle warning. "Brooke is a very successful business woman, who is hands-on and works extremely hard. You'd do well to remember that I will not stand for any of your games this evening."

Antoinette glanced down at her son's hand on her elbow, and then at the resolve written all over his face. "Oh darling, there's nothing wrong with being a waitress, there's no need to get so defensive. We are what we are."

The colour of anger was rising in his cheeks ever so slightly, but he released his slippery mother and returned his attention to the growing group surrounding him. He would try his best to ignore her, and the arrival of a newcomer did help with that. "Greg Ellis," he introduced himself to the man who seemed familiar with Judy, holding out his hand to shake in greeting. "Tortured Groom-to-Be," he added with an easy grin.

When he saw Alec and Aryn approach to offer congratulations, he was beginning to feel a little more comfortable and a little less terrified. How could he not feel bolstered surrounded by his friends and well-wishers? "No, not yet," he said in response to Aryn's curiosity, "I hope soon, or I'll have to resort to something stronger than champagne."

[Judy & Max - Puzzles]

Max shook his head at overhearing the interaction between Greg and Antoinette, thinking about how lucky he was that Diane Eastman - though her first question to him was about his, ahem, manhood - wasn't this condescending.
He got back under control quickly, though, as Judy turned to complete the round of introduction.

"You know you can just call me Judy, Peter. Professor Emerita, Retired Lieutenant Commander, Judith Eastman-Williams, lady of Alphabet Soup, is simply too long a title. The others here are Aryn Corliss, chief of Ops, Alec Trenzal, a doctor, and of course the incomparable Max Williams, my beloved husband. Folks, this is Peter Dannenberg, of the Shran."
Max blushed just a little bit at Judy's words, but he was used to it. She loved to show him off because she loved him, and he loved her back.
"How did you meet Judy, Peter?" Max asked curiously. Was it that trade summit he'd heard about?

[Fells Halgerdur]

[Apartment]
The two girls were beaming with excitement. There was so much happiness and joy all of a sudden that Fells face lit up, too.
"Yeah....very exciting."
Flicks gaze flickered to him while she was still hugging Lea.
"Triplets? Funny!"
Briefly he double checked with Lea.
"Do you have children, Flick?"
He didn't know much about Leas best friend, only that she had a good sense of humor.

[Leanna Mazal]

[Felicity Ellis - Outside Lea & Fells' Quarters, Starbase Columbus]

"It feels like I've been gone for far too long," Felicity murmured when Leanna proclaimed it good to see her. But any melancholy was quickly forgotten in the face of Ari's excitement. Something strange tugged at her inside as she watched the scene, and Felicity knew she'd never tire of seeing any child quite so content.

When the girl wrapped her arms around her legs and thanked her, Felicity reached down and stroked her silky, tangled hair. "You're welcome, little oulike." She laughed aloud when Ari went straight to the sofa to rearrange her line of My Little Targs. Then she turned a lively stare back toward the happy couple as they updated her on what they'd been up to.

When Fells said that Lea had something to share, and placed a hand on her back, Felicity's mouth opened of its own accord. Was this going where she thought it was?

Was Lea...

Was she...

"Oh my god!" Felicity exclaimed when her friend confirmed it quickly. Felicity's hands shot up to her mouth and she stared at the two of them for a moment. "Congratulations!" She breathed when her mouth finally caught up with her racing thoughts. "That is... amazing, you two!" She stepped in to pull Leanna into another hug, but when she pulled back she couldn't help but ask, "It's not triplets, is it!?" She looked from Fells and back to Lea, and then she started laughing; a happy, delighted sound. "There's obviously something in the air here on Columbus."

[Apartment]
The two girls were beaming with excitement. There was so much happiness and joy all of a sudden that Fells face lit up, too.
"Yeah....very exciting."
Flicks gaze flickered to him while she was still hugging Lea.
"Triplets? Funny!"
Briefly he double checked with Lea.
"Do you have children, Flick?"
He didn't know much about Leas best friend, only that she had a good sense of humor.

[Lea & Fells' Quarters]

Flick's reaction to their baby news, was more than she imagined it would be and knew that she had done the right thing, in waiting to tell her face to face, instead over subspace. Feeling the love and excitement from her and Fells as she was enveloped into another hug, which she always loved. This was such a happy moment, especially after not seeing each other for so long and it made Lea realise just how she had missed her, her equal love for Ari and her ever growing collection of figures and toys from Auntie Flick.

" Thank you and definitely very exciting" she managed to say, once the hug had ended, before Flick let out a delightful laugh as she asked if it was triplets and that there was something definitely in the air on Columbus. For a moment Lea was lost, until it dawned on her as to why the triplets comment had come up, knowing that she still had to congratulate Aryn and Alec.

When Fells then looked at her, she immediately wanted to reassure the pair of them, that she was only carrying the one baby. " No not triplets, only the one" she said, as Fells then asked if Flick had kids. She was sure that she had told him that she didn't and at the same time, decided to mention another important question after a few moments.

" Speaking of children, we would love for you to be Baby Halgerdur's Godmother".

[Felicity Ellis]

[Apartment]
The two girls were beaming with excitement. There was so much happiness and joy all of a sudden that Fells face lit up, too.
"Yeah....very exciting."
Flicks gaze flickered to him while she was still hugging Lea.
"Triplets? Funny!"
Briefly he double checked with Lea.
"Do you have children, Flick?"
He didn't know much about Leas best friend, only that she had a good sense of humor.

[Lea & Fells' Quarters]

Flick's reaction to their baby news, was more than she imagined it would be and knew that she had done the right thing, in waiting to tell her face to face, instead over subspace. Feeling the love and excitement from her and Fells as she was enveloped into another hug, which she always loved. This was such a happy moment, especially after not seeing each other for so long and it made Lea realise just how she had missed her, her equal love for Ari and her ever growing collection of figures and toys from Auntie Flick.

" Thank you and definitely very exciting" she managed to say, once the hug had ended, before Flick let out a delightful laugh as she asked if it was triplets and that there was something definitely in the air on Columbus. For a moment Lea was lost, until it dawned on her as to why the triplets comment had come up, knowing that she still had to congratulate Aryn and Alec.

When Fells then looked at her, she immediately wanted to reassure the pair of them, that she was only carrying the one baby. " No not triplets, only the one" she said, as Fells then asked if Flick had kids. She was sure that she had told him that she didn't and at the same time, decided to mention another important question after a few moments.

" Speaking of children, we would love for you to be Baby Halgerdur's Godmother".

[Felicity Ellis - Outside Lea & Fells' Quarters, Starbase Columbus]

Felicity laughed and mimed wiping sweat from her forehead. "Phew. Just one sounds perfect." At Fells' question, she shook her head. "No, no kids. I would like some though, eventually." She thought of her current life on Shran, and how unlikely it was she'd want to have children while she was in command.

Not to mention the fact that she was horrifically single at that moment.

Then Lea asked their question and she stilled. She'd lost count of the amount of times she'd been shocked speechless so far that day. Wasn't coming home supposed to be relaxing? Not that she'd change this moment for anything in the world. "Really?" Her voice sounded almost unnaturally high; making her surprise obvious in such a normally calm person.

She looked at the two of them, each in turn, to ensure that they weren't yanking her chain. When they appeared to be serious, she nodded enthusiastically. "Oh, I would be delighted, guys. Absolutely delighted." She wiped away the first sign of a quick, pesky tear from the corner of her eye. "How wonderful."

[Jenna McKinson]

[ Guest Quarters - McDuo -> Puzzles ]

After a quick bout of showing Lawrie to her favorite music shop on the Promenade, she told him she would like for him to accompany him to the party. It felt odd being back for a small amount of time. She would shake any anxieties she had if that meant seeing some old familiar faces. Though she had been back for some much- needed one on one time with Dr. Eastman and especially seeing her close friend T'Prina, it was Leanna she missed the most. She finished her look and smiled at Lawrie's. She eyed him up admiring him before she got the self-satisfaction that he was all hers. She gave him a peck on the cheek before they departed for Puzzles.  Bash would be taken care of by a baby sitter. Though she wanted Lea to properly be introduced, this was no party for kids. It was nice to have a date night with Lawrie for once.

The two walked in with their hands held. As the familiar surroundings came into view Jenna flashed one of her rare full smiles. Though she was genuinely a happy person, that smile was saved for a few places and moments. Noticing a familiar face from afar, Alex looked over to Sam, Reuben, and Lewis. The four men walked over and caught the attention of Jenna. She mildly gleed in happiness offering each a hug. "My boys it's been ages! Oh, it's so good to see you! Alex, Sam, Reuben, Lewis this is my boyfriend Doctor Lawrie McGellen. Lawrie my love these are the members of Devine Temptation. Not only the wonderful band that performs here at Puzzles on the regular, but they have been my backing band when I used to perform here."

[Fells Halgerdur]

[Apartment]
Leas question didn't only surprise Flick, which was more than obvious, but also Fells. It wasn't like her to make lone decisions but maybe she hadn't had a chance because of the Tribble trouble. All pokerface he hid his surprise well but decided to ask about that later.
He didn't have anything against Leas choice. Who would he choose Petriel? Not likely. Fells wasn't this close to anyone and the only person he could think of was living weeks away on a different Starbase.
So he noddedand picked up Ari again who had been attracted by the high pitched cheerful sounds.
"Are we going party now?"
She had a kids birthday party in mind.
"Er...no." Fells answered. "Only mom and Flick are going."
Needless to say that Ari joined in Flicks tears for a whole different reason. Perhaps Fells and her should go, too.

[Leanna Mazal]

[Felicity Ellis - Outside Lea & Fells' Quarters, Starbase Columbus]

Felicity laughed and mimed wiping sweat from her forehead. "Phew. Just one sounds perfect." At Fells' question, she shook her head. "No, no kids. I would like some though, eventually." She thought of her current life on Shran, and how unlikely it was she'd want to have children while she was in command.

Not to mention the fact that she was horrifically single at that moment.

Then Lea asked their question and she stilled. She'd lost count of the amount of times she'd been shocked speechless so far that day. Wasn't coming home supposed to be relaxing? Not that she'd change this moment for anything in the world. "Really?" Her voice sounded almost unnaturally high; making her surprise obvious in such a normally calm person.

She looked at the two of them, each in turn, to ensure that they weren't yanking her chain. When they appeared to be serious, she nodded enthusiastically. "Oh, I would be delighted, guys. Absolutely delighted." She wiped away the first sign of a quick, pesky tear from the corner of her eye. "How wonderful."

[Apartment]
Leas question didn't only surprise Flick, which was more than obvious, but also Fells. It wasn't like her to make lone decisions but maybe she hadn't had a chance because of the Tribble trouble. All pokerface he hid his surprise well but decided to ask about that later.
He didn't have anything against Leas choice. Who would he choose Petriel? Not likely. Fells wasn't this close to anyone and the only person he could think of was living weeks away on a different Starbase.
So he noddedand picked up Ari again who had been attracted by the high pitched cheerful sounds.
"Are we going party now?"
She had a kids birthday party in mind.
"Er...no." Fells answered. "Only mom and Flick are going."
Needless to say that Ari joined in Flicks tears for a whole different reason. Perhaps Fells and her should go, too.

[Lea & Fells' Quarters]

The relief from Flick over learning that Lea was only having the one, made the Betazoid smile, before her best friend answered Fells' question. Lea knew that Flick would make a fantastic mother some day, just from how she was with Ari. When she then responded to being asked to be Godmother, it made Lea emotional seeing her react, as she looked at her and Fells, before accepting and she wiped away the tear.

" Oh that's fantastic Flick and you were the only one, that I wanted to ask" she replied and quickly realised that she hadn't told Fells, although was certain that she had. Deciding not to sour the mood, she made a mental note to speak to him later about it.

However it seemed as though Ari was the one to dampen the atmosphere, when she got upset over not being able to go to the party. Lea had already talked to their daughter about it, but it wasn't always straightforward with a three year old. So she scooped her up and spoke gently to her.

" Ari, Mama already told you that its not a kids party, its going to have a lot of grown ups there and no other children, but I promise that tomorrow we'll go do something fun with Daddy Fells and if you're a good girl, you can have some ice cream, when Mama and Auntie Flick leave".

Ari seemed to think about it for a moment or two, before she stopped crying and held onto Lea. " Ari wants ice cream Mama and yay fun tomorrow".

" That's my girl" she said as she put her down and she ran off to play with her toys again.

[Felicity Ellis]

[Apartment]
Leas question didn't only surprise Flick, which was more than obvious, but also Fells. It wasn't like her to make lone decisions but maybe she hadn't had a chance because of the Tribble trouble. All pokerface he hid his surprise well but decided to ask about that later.
He didn't have anything against Leas choice. Who would he choose Petriel? Not likely. Fells wasn't this close to anyone and the only person he could think of was living weeks away on a different Starbase.
So he noddedand picked up Ari again who had been attracted by the high pitched cheerful sounds.
"Are we going party now?"
She had a kids birthday party in mind.
"Er...no." Fells answered. "Only mom and Flick are going."
Needless to say that Ari joined in Flicks tears for a whole different reason. Perhaps Fells and her should go, too.

[Lea & Fells' Quarters]

The relief from Flick over learning that Lea was only having the one, made the Betazoid smile, before her best friend answered Fells' question. Lea knew that Flick would make a fantastic mother some day, just from how she was with Ari. When she then responded to being asked to be Godmother, it made Lea emotional seeing her react, as she looked at her and Fells, before accepting and she wiped away the tear.

" Oh that's fantastic Flick and you were the only one, that I wanted to ask" she replied and quickly realised that she hadn't told Fells, although was certain that she had. Deciding not to sour the mood, she made a mental note to speak to him later about it.

However it seemed as though Ari was the one to dampen the atmosphere, when she got upset over not being able to go to the party. Lea had already talked to their daughter about it, but it wasn't always straightforward with a three year old. So she scooped her up and spoke gently to her.

" Ari, Mama already told you that its not a kids party, its going to have a lot of grown ups there and no other children, but I promise that tomorrow we'll go do something fun with Daddy Fells and if you're a good girl, you can have some ice cream, when Mama and Auntie Flick leave".

Ari seemed to think about it for a moment or two, before she stopped crying and held onto Lea. " Ari wants ice cream Mama and yay fun tomorrow".

" That's my girl" she said as she put her down and she ran off to play with her toys again.

[Felicity Ellis - Outside Lea & Fells' Quarters, Starbase Columbus]

When Leanna said that she hadn't wanted to ask anyone else, Felicity's eyes glinted. "You do realise I am going to spoil that child absolutely rotten, don't you? I'll be the one pumping them full of sugar while I babysit and then returning them to you both hyper and climbing the walls." It was an exaggeration. She wouldn't really be that bad. Sort of.

When Ari decided she wanted to go to the party too, Felicity was quick to add her voice to her parents' in support. "Grown up parties are really boring anyway, oulike. I'd much rather have ice-cream and do fun things with your Mama and Daddy Fells." That wasn't too far from the truth. She was very much looking forward to seeing everyone and catching up and celebrating with her brother, but she was also very tired. The events of the last few months had taken its toll on her, and after the meeting she'd had this morning, it didn't look like the work was going to stop any time soon.

When Ari scampered off Felicity glanced at Fells, who apparently wasn't coming, and then at Lea. "We should probably make a move. If I'm much later Greg might uninvite me to the wedding."

[Peter Dannenberg]

PO2 Peter Dannenberg
[Starbase Columbus - Puzzles]

[Gregory Ellis & Dr. Antoinette Ellis - Puzzles]

It was becoming more and more apparent that Judy had been correct; and that this experience wasn't one he'd forget any time soon. His mother was nodding along with polite interest as Max spoke of how popular Puzzles was. "It would appear so," Antoinette agreed, a smile playing around the corners of her mouth, "Do they do funerals? Likely you'll all want to be buried here."

Greg was still staring at her, his eyes hard. There was nobody quite so adept as Antoinette at the art of the backhanded compliment. He tapped her elbow and pulled her aside ever so slightly as Judy distracted by waving over another guest. Greg took the opportunity to impart a subtle warning. "Brooke is a very successful business woman, who is hands-on and works extremely hard. You'd do well to remember that I will not stand for any of your games this evening."

Antoinette glanced down at her son's hand on her elbow, and then at the resolve written all over his face. "Oh darling, there's nothing wrong with being a waitress, there's no need to get so defensive. We are what we are."

The colour of anger was rising in his cheeks ever so slightly, but he released his slippery mother and returned his attention to the growing group surrounding him. He would try his best to ignore her, and the arrival of a newcomer did help with that. "Greg Ellis," he introduced himself to the man who seemed familiar with Judy, holding out his hand to shake in greeting. "Tortured Groom-to-Be," he added with an easy grin.

When he saw Alec and Aryn approach to offer congratulations, he was beginning to feel a little more comfortable and a little less terrified. How could he not feel bolstered surrounded by his friends and well-wishers? "No, not yet," he said in response to Aryn's curiosity, "I hope soon, or I'll have to resort to something stronger than champagne."

[Judy & Max - Puzzles]

Max shook his head at overhearing the interaction between Greg and Antoinette, thinking about how lucky he was that Diane Eastman - though her first question to him was about his, ahem, manhood - wasn't this condescending.
He got back under control quickly, though, as Judy turned to complete the round of introduction.

"You know you can just call me Judy, Peter. Professor Emerita, Retired Lieutenant Commander, Judith Eastman-Williams, lady of Alphabet Soup, is simply too long a title. The others here are Aryn Corliss, chief of Ops, Alec Trenzal, a doctor, and of course the incomparable Max Williams, my beloved husband. Folks, this is Peter Dannenberg, of the Shran."
Max blushed just a little bit at Judy's words, but he was used to it. She loved to show him off because she loved him, and he loved her back.
"How did you meet Judy, Peter?" Max asked curiously. Was it that trade summit he'd heard about?

Peter's face lighted up when Greg introduced himself as Felicity's brother and the groom-to-be and was quick to reciprocate the greeting with a firm handshake. "Right, so you're Greg. Pleased to meet you", Peter smiled. "Weddings can be scary, eh?", he grinned, rubbing the light stubble at his chin that he always wore. "I mean, I have no idea, but I'd be terrified", he jested.

Turning to Judy, who reminded him that he could call her by her first name, went on and introduced them to everyone in their little group. "Nice to meet you", Peter nodded at them.
There was one person though who had been overlooked. The woman who was standing next to Greg. "I believe we haven't met before either, Ma'am", he said to her, hoping to prompt her to introduce herself to him.

At Max' question Peter replied readily. "Judy attended a banquet on the Shran a while ago. She was lovely and Elanii, a little six year old girl from a world named Veloria, was totally crazy for her.

[Fells Halgerdur]

[apartment]

"Come on, monster....we'll play a game and let the ladies go." He kissed Lea goodbye, long and passionately, maybe a little longer than company called for.
Then clapped her bottom in a playful manner. "Off you go. Have fun, godmother in spe." He told Flick and went over to grab a holo board game for Ari.

He was more than happy to stay behind with her but wondered what Lea initially had planned for the id, which was answered a moment later when he mother arrived.
"Why are you still here? Hello Flick! Lovely to see you!" Her mom chirped before she scooped up her grandchild.

"I guess we're playing a game with grandma then." He grinned a little but started to wonder what was worse, playing board games with the competitived grandmother or going to a busy restaurant.

[Leanna Mazal]

[Felicity Ellis - Outside Lea & Fells' Quarters, Starbase Columbus]

When Leanna said that she hadn't wanted to ask anyone else, Felicity's eyes glinted. "You do realise I am going to spoil that child absolutely rotten, don't you? I'll be the one pumping them full of sugar while I babysit and then returning them to you both hyper and climbing the walls." It was an exaggeration. She wouldn't really be that bad. Sort of.

When Ari decided she wanted to go to the party too, Felicity was quick to add her voice to her parents' in support. "Grown up parties are really boring anyway, oulike. I'd much rather have ice-cream and do fun things with your Mama and Daddy Fells." That wasn't too far from the truth. She was very much looking forward to seeing everyone and catching up and celebrating with her brother, but she was also very tired. The events of the last few months had taken its toll on her, and after the meeting she'd had this morning, it didn't look like the work was going to stop any time soon.

When Ari scampered off Felicity glanced at Fells, who apparently wasn't coming, and then at Lea. "We should probably make a move. If I'm much later Greg might uninvite me to the wedding."

[apartment]

"Come on, monster....we'll play a game and let the ladies go." He kissed Lea goodbye, long and passionately, maybe a little longer than company called for.
Then clapped her bottom in a playful manner. "Off you go. Have fun, godmother in spe." He told Flick and went over to grab a holo board game for Ari.

He was more than happy to stay behind with her but wondered what Lea initially had planned for the id, which was answered a moment later when he mother arrived.
"Why are you still here? Hello Flick! Lovely to see you!" Her mom chirped before she scooped up her grandchild.

"I guess we're playing a game with grandma then." He grinned a little but started to wonder what was worse, playing board games with the competitived grandmother or going to a busy restaurant.

[Lea & Fells' Quarters]

" Well I can't think of anyone better to do spoil him or her, you already spoil Ari and that's what the fun Aunt's and Godmother's get to do" Lea said in response to Flick's comments about her new role. Knowing that their child would have a lot of fun with Auntie Flick as well as a supportive and loving Aunt, which is more than any child could ask for.

Lea also appreciated her best friend's support in regards to Ari, before she mentioned that they should get going. " You're right, we don't want that to happen" she said as Fells then spoke to Ari, before pulling Lea in for a very passionate kiss, which she immediately reciprocated and grinned at his playful pat to her rear.

" I'm sure we'll have a lot of fun".

However as she prepared to leave, they were joined by Lea's mum, who she had completely forget to call to let her know that she might not be needed. Wondering if her appearance would result in Fells joining her after all, especially when he grinned and invited her to play games.

" We're just about to leave Mum" she said then looked at Fells. " You know where we'll be, if you decide to join us".

With that Lea blew him and Ari a kiss, then headed out of the door with Flick.

[Puzzles]

Of course no trip to Puzzles, would be complete about catching up further and Lea loved the fact, that she was getting able to do this with Flick, especially after all of this time. Still walking into the party, arm in arm, Lea smiled as she saw those who had already arrived and had a feeling that it would be one hell of a night. " Wait till you see what Brooke has planned" she said as she led the way into the bar.