Sadie Hawkins

 Episode Name:  Sadie Hawkins
   Written By:  Ghorev
         Cast:  Edwards, Ghorev, Haven, Idrani, McAnally, Min, Nevaren, Rivers
                and Zeel.
  Produced By:  Starfleet
  Directed By:  Ghorev
     Aired On:  Sat Mar 09 09:42:49 2002
     Stardate:  52179.1

Time: Fri Mar 08 21:01:24 2002

Stardate: 52206.5

Edwards stands back, next to the refreshment tables that line the wall, like the big ole loser that he is. Absently, he tugs on his uniform jacket.

Min looks around the establishment, a picture of class herself, and leans close to her date to speak softly.

Ghorev stands by the door, meeting and greeting folks as they start to mill in. For the most part, of course, these folks are the usual run of junior officers, the folks that normally stand around following orders. But now two come in the door who are clearly not run of the mill, and Ghorev does the meet-and-greet. "Ladies." He does the formal whites thing going on.

Min whispers to McAnally, "I... I'm... at..."

McAnally grins and nods at the tuxedo-clad woman on her arm, then smiles at Ghorev. "Lieutenant," she says. "I'd like you to meet Lieutenant Min Seraja, from the Beirut. She just arrived at the station today."

Min extends her hand for a handshake, "A pleasure, sir."

Ghorev cocks an eyebrow and extends a hand. "Indeed." If he is put out by the choice of attire on Min's part, the eyebrow is the only sign, though perhaps he gives Min the firm healthy grip he normally would not give a woman in more feminine attire. "Welcome, Lieutenant. Please don't tell me that you came all this way for a dance. THe other senior officers would fear what it does to my ego."

Min chuckles, "But haven't you heard. 419 Upsilon has a reputation for the best parties in the quadrant."

McAnally laughs at Min's comment, looking around the auditorium. "Replicated refreshments, one assumes, and not holographic?" she asks with a grin.

Ghorev tsks. "If you must tell a while lie to soothe our battered spirits, Lieutenant, at least pick a believeable one. But thank you for trying." He motions to the two women, and nods to Gretchen. "Please, help yourself to some punch. The bowls are holographic but the punch my crewmen mixed. In about 10 minutes I'll be formally welcoming everyone and the 'real' music, instead of the piped-in soundtracks, will begin."

Min withdraws her hand, having quite a firm shake herself. "Thank you, Lieutenant." She pats McAnally's hand, "

Min says "Shall we?"

McAnally nods, and begins to drift over towards the afore-mentioned punchbowls, her carriage and demeanor seeming suddenly more feminine than usual in comparison to her companion. Or perhaps because of her.

Min lowers her voice, "His crewmen mixed the punch? Perhaps I should look for a reassignment. You just don't get that kind of cross-departmental training on a starship."

Edwards watches the ladies approach and speaks up, "Well hey there. Who's your date, Gretch?"

McAnally stifles her giggle at Min's comment as the pair approaches Edwards, the self-proclaimed loser, at the punchbowls. "Lieutenant, this is Min Seraja, from the USS Beirut. Min, this is Michael Edwards, Station 419's Second Officer." She performs the compulsory sweeping hand gestures as she performs the introductions.

Min nods her head politely, offering her hand for a shake. "A pleasure to meet you, sir."

Ghorev remains at the door, greeting more junior officers and a few senior NCOs who have arrived. About a third of the women involved wearing formal dress whites, the rest wear, of course, formal dresses in a variety of designs. So far, though, nothing clashes unduly, and no two women are wearing the same formal dress, thank goodness.

Edwards accepts the offered hand, giving it a firm shake, "Good to meet you too, Leftenant. And welcome to the station. Hope you have a good time."

McAnally leans in to inspect the punch. "No EPS conduits mixed in, are there? Never know with those engineering types."

Min smiles, "Well, I am just spending a couple of weeks of shore leave here." She withdraws her hand. "I've heard you've had your share of action out here."

Edwards remarks, "Shore leave? Here? My apologies." He glances toward the punch a moment, "It's liquid plasma, or so they tell me." Bouncing back to Min, figuratively speaking, "Action? Well, sometimes."

Min laughs, "Well, it was more for the company." She nods toward McAnally.

Zeel steps into holodeck 2 from the Dream Factory.

Zeel has arrived.

Rivers steps into holodeck 2 from the Dream Factory.

Rivers has arrived.

McAnally fills a glass of punch for herself and Min, holding one out for her Bajoran companion. She smiles at her words, and adds, "She was to've arrived sooner, but the lockdown, and all..."

Min accepts the punch, standing beside McAnally in a fabulous tuxedo. She sips it as she nods affirmation to Edwards.

Edwards ahs and nods, understanding, "Of course. And you have good taste in company, I must say."

Ghorev stands by the door, greeting newcomers, as the holosuite begins to fill. Right now, between holograms and real officers and crew, there's about 30 or so people present, and as Zeel and Rivers enter, Ghorev greets both of them, as well. "Ladies."

Zeel enters with Rivers. What a pair. Though, no doubt, the majority of eyes shift to Rivers rather than the Orion. Zeel places a hand on a hip and smirks, "Knock 'em dead, Dana."

Rivers follows Zeel through the doors of the holodeck, pausing to flash a smile at Ghorev. "Evening Akeen." Glancing back to Zeel she laughs. "If I get thrown out of here it's all your fault."

McAnally glances over at a couple of new arrivals as she sips her punch over by the refreshments table.

McAnally has to lift a brow at Rivers' ensemble, though she doesn't comment.

Zeel chuckles softly, examining her nails idly, "Duly noted, Lieutenant. I take full responsibility." She smiles brightly a Ghorev and winks roguishly.

Min tilts her head to whisper to McAnally.

Edwards glances toward the entrance, all the way from where he stands with the punch, and blinks a few times. "Wow." he comments.

McAnally leans in also, dipping her head to listen, a sheet of coppery red hair falling softly around her face.

Zeel catches Edwards' expression and smirks, nudging Rivers lightly in the side and stage whispering to her, "See? I told you you'd be the talk of the party in that dress."

Min whispers to McAnally, "... look at... pair.... in... What tripe."

Rivers glances around, probably looking for someplace to duck and hide now. "Well..we'll have to wait and see. I'll probably never be able to make an arrest with a straight face again." Moving forward away from the doors, she does sort of duck behind Ghorev. "You look nice."

Ghorev offers an arm to Rivers. "Dana, hello. Ensign Zeel, I see you helped with the decorations, after all."

Zeel blinks twice at Ghorev, a look of confusion spreading over her features, "Eh...?"

McAnally lifts her head and gives Min a mock-scolding look. Her chin goes up, however, as if to display her poise to its full advantage. "I think the music will be starting soon," she mentions. "Would you rather dance or just find somewhere to talk?"

Min has the good grace to look abashed for a moment, though a moment later it goes back to a dashing grin, "It is up to you. I haven't danced since I was in this room for real."

Edwards decides to abandon his post at the punch and wanders toward the entrance. "Ladies." he greets. "Not gonna have to take you two in for stealing attention from every else, am I?"

McAnally deliberates for a moment, and then says, "Perhaps later. We didn't really get to finish our conversation from earlier."

Zeel laughs softly at Edwards, shaking her head, "No, sir, I don't think you will. Besides, I think it's Lieutenant Rivers here who is the star, no?"

Min says "All right, but I will be very disappointed if we don't get out onto the floor at least once."

Rivers slips a hand around Ghorev's arm with a smile, albeit a bit self-conciously. Glancing to Edwards, the smile spreads to a grin and she laughs. "I most certainly am not," she shoots back to Zeel.

McAnally says, "So will I." Still carrying her glass of punch, she heads off toward the balcony level with its tables and chairs, providing a view of San Francisco at night.

Edwards looks between Zeel and Rivers. "I think there'd be enough blame to go around." he remarks. "What do you think, Ake?"

Ghorev pats Rivers' hand where it holds his arm. "Michael, Zeel, would either or both of you care to take over meet-and-greet duty while I head stage-wards?"

Zeel chuckles softly, offering up a sly, Cheshire grin to Rivers, "Oh, sure you are, Dana. I would say that dress looks better on you than it ever did on me."

Min walks alongside McAnally. When they reach a table, she sets her punch glass down and pulls out a chair for McAnally. "This is lovely," she notes.

Zeel beams at Ghorev and winks, "Sure thing, Chief. I'd be happy to."

Edwards comments, "Doorman was always my second career choice."

McAnally takes a seat in the chair with a quiet word of thanks. "It is. I'm glad you wanted to come. It's good to relax after everything this station's been through."

Min helps McAnally into her seat, pushing it forward as she sits and then takes a seat beside her, rather than across, so they can watch the room together. "Have you had a hard time here?"

Ghorev nods. "Then thank you. Dana, do you mind accompanying me at least as far as the near-stage tables? I should at least make the welcome announcements so the live music can come astage."

Rivers sighs at Zeel, though she grins. "So say you." Glancing up to Ghorev she nods to him. "Certainly."

McAnally shakes her head, speaking in a musing tone. "Not me personally. But this station's had its share of crises. It's a good crew, though. And," she pauses a little before making her next statement. "You know, I've never really said it before, but it's true. I'd rather be here than anywhere else."

Min gives a warm, though somewhat wistful smile, "Its wonderful that you've found such a good home. I don't think I'm going to feel settled anywhere until the war starts to turn."

Ghorev leads Rivers away, then, with nods of thanks to both Edwards and Zeel. Ghorev whispers to Rivers, "..."

Edwards glances sidelong at Zeel, "You volunteered for this way too easily."

Rivers whispers to Ghorev, "... from feeling... fish out of... to... again."

Zeel peers innocently over at Edwards, bringing a hand to her chest, "Why, sir! Whatever are you implying?" Then she flashes a wide grin and winks.

"What's the Beirut been assigned to?"

McAnally claims that.

Min sighs, "We were on the front lines for a while. We've seen a lot of action. Thankfully, they've rotated us off of that. Now they're doing patrols away from the lines for a while. It feels good to get away from the fighting. I thought I was done battling Cardassians, you know?"

Edwards clasps his hands behind his back and replies, "Me? Imply something? Surely not."

Ghorev smiles lightly at Rivers. He shakes his head. Ghorev whispers to Rivers, "A... out... water?... sense?"

McAnally nods slowly. "A lot of the Bajorans on the station are having a hard time with the war. Particularly the toll taken on Betazed."

Zeel chuckles softly, folding her hands primly in front of her, "Well, good, sir. As long as we understand each other."

Rivers whispers to Ghorev, "It's... like..."

Edwards nods slowly and glances toward Rivers briefly. "Your idea?" he inquires, looking back to Zeel.

Min says "Do you remember Lt. Margolis in Security?"

A smile spreads across Gretchen's face. "Is he the one that played the tuba?"

Ghorev nods and is about to say something, but by this point, is close enough to the stage. He escorts Rivers to a table, right nearby, and says "Pardon me for just a moment?"

Zeel chuckles softly, shaking her head. "My clothes," she corrects, "Rather fetching on her, don't you think, Michael?"

Min nods, but she doesn't smile, "Yes, that's him. We lost him and half a security team on an infiltration of a Jem'Hadar cloning facility just inside Dominion space."

McAnally gasps. "Oh no! His poor wife."

Edwards mutters, "Would have to be blind not to think so." That said, he turns his attention toward the stage, and watches politely.

Min nods, "Yes, she's all right, though. They gave him a distinguished service award. Its little consolation, I guess, but she is taking it as well as anyone can."

Rivers smiles to Ghorev and settles into a chair at the table. "Of course." She squirms a bit to get comfortable and then folds her hands in her lap.

Ghorev returns the smile lightly and then ascends around the stage.

Zeel chuckles softly and leans towards Edwards, murmuring slyly, "Just imagine Bela in that outfit, Michael."

McAnally sighs. "I'll have to send her a message. We were friendly before she transferred out of Operations and wound up on a different duty shift."

Min smiles, hesitating a moment before she places a comforting hand atop McAnally's, "She'd be very happy to hear from you."

Edwards frowns and gives Zeel a look. One that isn't happy-go-lucky.

Min falls into silence as Ghorev takes the stage, perhaps a little pleased for the distraction.

Zeel sighs and rolls her eyes, "All right, fine. Sorry I mentioned her. Geez, you're a hard nut to crack, y'know that?"

Edwards' frown becomes a bit more severe as he looks back to the stage.

McAnally turns to look where Min is looking, politely attentive.

Ghorev approaches the microphone. He makes a motion to one of the engineers who stands by the arch, not too far from Edwards and Zeel, and who taps a console with a fingertip. Much more impressively ceremonial than ordering the computer to lower the volume, after all, and soon the soft background music dims but does not die. He looks out over the assembled throng of mostly younger officers and says "Greetings, all, and welcome to the first, but hopefully not the last, annual Sadie Hawkins Dance of Station 419-Upsilon."

Min raises her hands and gives soft, polite applause, a dignified expression on her face.

McAnally claps along with her tablemate.

Zeel is quite less dignified and gives a small hoot of recognition.

Min rolls her eyes slightly, mouthing something that looks distinctly like "hussie." But not to anyone in particular.

Rivers unfolds her hands from her lap and joins in the applause, loosing her nervousness enough to actually relax and enjoy things a bit.

Edwards applauds what everyone else is applauding while they applaud it.

Ghorev says "As you all know, this is intended to be our .... what's the word, again? ... " He looks to a young Ensign in whites in the front row of tables. "Oh, yes, ... our 'homage'" -- he actually pronounces it reasonably correctly, even -- "to the Sadie Hawkins Dance we all know, either for better or for worse, at our mutual adopted home, Starfleet Academy." A smile as his gaze moves over the crowd. "We've tried to get as close to the feel of things as possible while still acknowledgeing that we are all older and somewhat wiser now." He eyes one particular clump of junior officers. "Well, most of us, anyway."

A light chuckle drifts up from some corners of the room; Min joins in politely.

McAnally laughs at Ghorev's words, glancing over at Min at the particularly relevant words, however inadvertently so.

Min meets McAnally's eye, a darkness crossing through them for the hint of a moment.

Rivers joins in the humor with a silent smirk.

Ghorev continues. "In any event, I know some of you will be so very tempted to relive your glory days when codes of honor could be codes of honor and still permit the leeway to play the occasional prank." A light smile. "Especially given that we have six or seven punch bowl over there, and many decorations that may seem very tempting to the merry prankster. Rest assured, however, that I, too, will play my part tonight, and to this end, I have attained the most inccrruptable assistants I can to ...." He waves a hand lightly " .. assist me in my duties as chaperone." He makes two sharp claps, and a good half-dozen holograms of Ghorev himself pop into being at various places in the room, all standing around making mostly identical gestures of greeting at people.

Ghorev adds, after a moment, "Handsome devils, too." Ah, punchlines.

Haven steps into holodeck 2 from the Dream Factory.

Haven has arrived.

Zeel chuckles softly, looking over at the punchbowls, "I didn't even think of that. Must be loosing my touch."

McAnally laughs obligingly.

Edwards stifles laughter when the Ghorev holograms come out. "Oh my..."

Rivers turns around in her seat, making note of the multiples Ghorev's with a quiet groan. "Heaven forbid I lose track of the real one.."

Min bites back a laugh and simply shakes her head. She tips her head in McAnally's direction, "Is he always like this? I didn't think Andorians had senses of humor."

"Oh, Lieutenant Ghorev's very clever. A pleasure to serve with," Gretchen responds.

Ghorev waits for the modest applause and hooting of the crowd at the appearance of his holograms and his resultant bad joke to die down, then continues. "Thank you, thank you. Now, I'd like to thank those of you who cared enough to send me musical suggestion ideas. I did my best to compile them. THe overwhelming majority were for a specific style and theme of music that best hearken to the ideals of the Sadie Hawkins Dance, though we've done our best to accomodate the other requests with music that will be 'piped in' between our main entertainment's sets."

Haven steps in then turns sharply to walk along the wall. Her fingers trail behind her slightly, fingertips light on the surface of the wall as she uses the tactile sensations to keep her grounded in the here and now. Locating a place that is slightly darker then the rest of her room, she seats herself, eyes closed listening to the buzz of conversation around her.

Min calls out, a politely joking chide, "Open the dancefloor already."

Ghorev nods. "Indeed," he says to Min. "And so without further ado, the man who best represented the origins of the Sadie Hawkins Dance, of mid 20th century Earth. Ladies and gentlemen, a former serviceman himself, the man most Terrans still refer to as the 'King of Rock and Roll' ..... Mister Elvis Presley." Without turning around, Ghorev gestures at the edge of the stage. And suddenly there he is, shimmering into view and then strutting on stage, in a 50s era suit, wide shoulders and blue suede shoes .... and blue skin, and white hair, and antennae. What the------? Elvis as an Andorian?!?

McAnally laughs, and applauds, daring to whistle with two fingers in her mouth.

Edwards tilts his head in Zeel's direction and comments, "I remember him differently."

Min blinks, staring at the stage. After a moment, noticing her date's reaction, she leans close to her. "Is there a joke I'm not getting?"

Zeel looks back at Edwards blankly, "I don't even know who he is."

Rivers has to laugh, giving in to applause with a cheerful whistle.

Edwards eyes Zeel, "You need to get in touch with your human roots."

"Yeah, that's another thing..." Zeel states, motioning to the stage, "I thought Earthers didn't have any contact with other life until the Vulcans. That guy's Andorian!"

Edwards glances back toward the stage, "Hopeless. Simply hopeless."

Ghorev turns to peer at 'Elvis', smiling. And then ... his jaw drops. And then, after a moment, the Andorian engineer bursts out laughing. He grabs the microphone again. "Well, I certainly wasn't expecting *that*," he says. "Let that be a lesson to you young officers who aspire to your own commmands." He's still laughing. "No matter how tightly you rein in your men, they'll find a way to surprise you every time and make you pay." He brings his own hands together as 'the King' mounts the stage. "Enjoy the dance!" And he himself leaps down from the stage as Blue Elvis begins to play.

McAnally nods to Min, still smiling. "That hologram bears a striking resemblance to Elvis Presley - a Terran musician of the mid 20th's century."

Min glances at the musician, tilting her head and frowning. After a moment, she communicates her comprehension, or lack thereof by saying "Oh."

"Only there he's not blue," Gretchen amends hastily. "Though his footwear is."

Haven peeks an eye open as the music begins to play. A frown creases her forehead as she opens the other eye to stare at the stage. Funny, she seems to remember Elvis going through a lot of stages in his career but never one where he was blue...

Well, except when he died on the bathroom floor.

Oh, out of my head!

Min nods. "Terran humor," she notes simply as if this explains everything.

Rivers laughs harder, applauding loudly. "I think he looks better like this," she quips in humor.

Ghorev makes a beeline towards one of the junior engineers, still laughing, as the song 'Blue Suede Shoes' begins. After a brief moment or two, in which the younger man appears to be making nine thousand kinds of apologies to the Andorian lieutenant, Ghorev collects two glasses of punch from the punchbowl and makes his way back towards the table he shares with Rivers.

"Rather wait for a slower one?" McAnally asks Seraja. "It'll be a little hard to dance quickly in this dress."

Min nods, "Yes, please." She picks up her glass, "Do you need some more punch?"

Edwards glances toward the entrance, which he probably ought to be paying more attention to. "Exciting, isn't it?" he inquires of Zeel.

McAnally downs the last of hers then passes the empty glass over to her Bajoran date. "Yes, please."

Rivers taps a sandaled foot on the floor in time with the music, fingertips tapping on the table as well. She appears to be enjoying the taste in music it seems. Looking up when Ghorev returns to the table, she grins and reaches out for a glass of the punch. "Now I see what you meant the other night."

Zeel glances back at Edwards, shrugging her shoulders, "It's all right. It's not bad."

Min descends the stairs, glasses in hand, and heads for the refreshment table.

Ghorev says "Oh?" He takes a seat, and sips at the punch. "What particularly?"

Edwards remarks, "Maybe we should make our own fun and hassle people who come in late."

Haven peeks at her padd then scans the report scrolling by. Slowly she pushes off the floor then dusts off the seat of her pants. Turning quietly, she heads back to the 'doors'

"Surprises," Rivers answers with a soft chuckle. She glances around at the decor, then leans forward a bit and smiles. "Very nicely done."

Zeel quirks her eyebrows, "Hassle them how?"

Edwards shrugs, not having thought that out, "Make 'em do jumping jacks?" When Haven comes their way, he turns to regard her, "Leaving already?"

Ghorev smiles happily at Rivers. "One should never do anything in small steps, really."

Haven reaches the doors and upon hearing Edwards words she replies in a tone totally lacking emotion, "Yes Sir. Duty calls."

Min ladles out the punch and heads back upstairs. Handing one of the glasses to Gretchen, she takes her seat again, "There you go."

"Thanks," McAnally says with a grin. "Having a good time?"

Edwards furrows his brow and questions, "You okay, Ensign?"

Min says "Given the company," she smiles, "how could I not?"

Rivers sips at her punch with a nod. Foot still tapping in time to the music, she lowers the glass and grins. "Speaking of steps.." She glances toward the dance floor. "Maybe when things warm up a bit, I can talk you into a dance?" She chuckles softly and adds, "If you're not embarrassed to be seen with me. I really should have just stuck to the dress uniform."

Haven replies in exactly the same fashion, "Fine, Sir. Might I be dismissed, Sir?"

Edwards steps aside and motions toward the exit, "By all means."

Ghorev makes a mild face as Rivers says that. "There's nothing round with your dress, Dana. And as soon as we hit something that doesn't make my antennae vibrate off, we're good to dance, though I warn you as dancers go, I'm one amazing wrestler."

McAnally tells Min, "I'll try to wrangle some more free time while you're here. It might be tough, though; A number from my department are on leaves of absence."

Duty, always the best excuse for escaping situations such as these. Haven replies, "Thank you, Sir." Then steps out through the doors.

Haven steps out of the holodeck.

Haven has left.

Min shrugs, "Well, you've got holodecks, and a bar... you don't have to entertain me. I know you're busy and this was a bit of a surprise."

Edwards comments to nobody in particularly, "Lovely young woman."

Zeel watches Haven go and shrugs her shoulders, "Eh, she's all right. Got a wandering eye, do ya, sir?"

Edwards clarifies, "That was sarcasm."

Zeel blinks twice. "Oh... it was...? Heh. Sorry, sir."

"Round?" Rivers chuckles softly and smooths out the skirt. "If you say so. But thanks. Far as dancing..I'm probably a better wrestler than I am a dancer." She grins slightly and sips at her punch again, watching Ghorev over the edge of the glass.

As the music changes tempo, slowing down a bit, Min rises and steps around the table to McAnally. She smiles, "May I have this dance?"

Ghorev says "Then we'd better not dance too close to the rest of the guests, really." He drains some punch as the song changes to 'Are You Lonesome Tonight?' and says "Ah, that's much better, as the softer song plays."

Edwards nods a bit, "Sometimes I go for the subtle sarcasm." He shrugs. "And my wander eye appreciates people with pleasant demeanors."

McAnally extends her hand to Min gracefully. "Why, certainly."

Taking McAnally's hand in hers delicately, and leading her to the dance floor like a practiced escort leading a debutante, she smiles, "I guess I'll have to lead, given our uniforms."

McAnally laughs, and nods. "So it would seem." Upon the two of them achieving their position on the dance floor, she settles one freckled hand on Min's shoulder, and takes her hand in the other. Typical slow dance sort of posture.

Zeel chuckles lightly, "Good luck finding someone with that on this station, Michael." She winks, then yawns, "Well, I better be going. Can you hold the fort here, sir, without my help?"

Rivers glances back to the dance floor. "Oh..this is a good one." She looks back to Ghorev and sets her glass on the table. "I think I can dance to this one if you're interested?"

Edwards agrees, "You have a point..." At the question, he looks mildly surprised, "You're turning in already? You always striked me as the sort of person who'd stick around for a good, long time."

Min places her hand lightly on McAnally's waist, smiling as she gazes at the woman. Again that sad, distant look despite the smile. As the music begins, she starts to lead the dance. Though her steps are simple, its clear that she's not awkward about it in the least, as if she's more comfortable leading anyway.

Ghorev nods. "I think we can give that a try, certainly." And he rises, offering a hand to Rivers.

Zeel smiles wryly and shrugs, "Got an early shift tomorrow and it's nothing I've not seen before, really. Night, Michael." She gives a cheery wave to Rivers and Ghorev calling out, "Have fun, you two!"

McAnally follows along easily. "Sad song, though," she comments.

Edwards nods and responds, "Good night, Zeel."

Min nods slightly, swaying with the music. "Yes. You know, I don't think we ever danced together like this."

"No?" Gretchen sounds surprised. "We should have."

Zeel steps out of the holodeck.

Zeel has left.

Edwards watches Zeel depart wordlessly. Turning back toward the room at large, he watches all of the couple dance, and just stands by himself.

Ghorev looks up and gives Zeel a polite, affable gesture of acknowledgement, and then a firmer nod, as she leaves, and as he leads Rivers to the floor.

Rivers tosses Zeel a wave while she stands, and then slips her hand into Ghorev's and is lead out to the floor. "She took off early," she comments quietly when she turns to face him on the dance floor.

Min nods to McAnally, "Yes, well, at least we have the chance now." She continues to sway lightly across the floor, graceful and dignified, "Your friends are very open. I would have expected a few more stares."

McAnally shrugs easily. "I guess they're used to me by now." She allows Min to lead her in light steps, following along in a rather basic pattern.

Ghorev says "Indeed. I guess she never asked anyone to attend the dance." He slips an arm around Rivers in what seems to be the most likely place. "A shame, since she was the one who inspired the whole thing."

Min smiles and starts to shift slightly into a closer stance, but as she starts to respond to McAnally's remark, she chances to spy Ghorev and Rivers, with Ghorev trying to find a place for his hand. She doesn't say anything right now, she just keeps dancing.

Idrani steps into holodeck 2 from the Dream Factory.

Idrani has arrived.

Rivers places a hand lightly on Ghorev's shoulder and follows his lead with the music. "She did? Shame she didn't stick around then." Dana glances over toward the door and hmms softly. "Someone needs to drag Lt Edwards out on the floor before he grows roots over there."

Min is currently dancing on the dance floor, close to McAnally. She is sporting a tuxedo and leading the step in the sort of dignified and graceful manner that befits her outfit.

McAnally glances over too as if to try and see what Min's looking at, but doesn't exert much effort in the pursuit, turning back to smile at her date.

Min whispers to McAnally, "... MC... use some..."

Idrani slips inside, clasping her hands behind her back. She glances around the room, at all the people, and simply watches.

McAnally whispers to Min, "Got something..."

Ghorev says "He's clearly playing hard to get," as he moves somewhat less than skillfully but certainly not gawkily with Rivers across the dance floor. "I think the idea is that it increases one's attractiveness to make oneself unattainable."

Min glances at Ghorev and Rivers again with a smile and starts to lead the dance in that direction. Drawing close she greets them politely, "Hello you two."

Edwards turns around when Idrani enters, since he stands near the entrance, and nods to her politely, "Hello and welcome. I don't know if I'm supposed to say anything else."

Ghorev says "Greetings," as the music of 'Are You Lonesome Tonight?' gives way to 'Love Me Tender'. "I hope you two are enjoying yourselves?"

Idrani nods faintly, though she looks somewhat relieved. She smiles a little in Edward's direction. "Good evening, sir. Thank you." Her Andorian accent is quite thick.

McAnally smiles at Ghorev, including Rivers in the expression as well. "Indeed we are."

Rivers smirks slightly at Ghorev's comment. "Is that a fact?" she comments back smoothly. Glancing over to Min and McAnally as they near, she smiles back at the two.

Min lowers her voice to a whisper.

Min whispers to McAnally, "Should... in?"

Edwards nods at that and glances back toward the dance floor, so he can watch all the people dance. 'Cause that's what they're doing on the dance floor, ironically enough.

McAnally shrugs, then gives Min and nod.

Ghorev seems to get the feel of the whole dancing thing about now. He'll never be an expert, but he's somewhat less stiff at the whole deal, having had a few minutes to adjust. He says "No, but if I only had facts to deal with, I'd be a poor engineer. Sometimes intuition counts."

Idrani arches both brows. "Pardon, sir? I did not understand."

Min smiles at the pair, "Maybe we can help a bit? Can we cut in?"

Ghorev says "Sadie Hawkins rules," to Min and McAnally. "Which means it's her choice on that."

Min laughs, "Oh that's right, I suppose I shouldn't even be asking then."

Min lowers her voice confidentially, nodding down at her tux, "I drew the short straw."

Idrani scratches at the base of one antannae and shifts position. After another moment, she walks over to a table.

"You did not!" Gretchen says laughingly.

Idrani blinks once or twice and watches the Elvis figure, looking a little astonished.

Rivers glances from McAnally and Min to Ghorev, lifting a brow, then back to the other two and shakes her head. "Not this time, I'm afraid. I claimed him fair and square for this dance, but maybe the next," she adds with a quiet chuckle. She too has finally eased into the rythem of the music.

Ghorev murmurs, "I feel so special..." With a wry smile.

Min chuckles, looking to McAnally once more.

McAnally shrugs, not having minded either way apparently.

Min smiles, picking up the dance again. "Well, that's all right, I'm much happier keeping my partner. Are you enjoying yourself?"

<CONTEST> Idrani contests her Coordination (Reaction) skill vs a difficulty of Moderate and Fails!

Rivers glances back to Ghorev and taps him lightly on the shoulder. "You should. Besides, I didn't ask you to be my date just to trade off."

McAnally nods her head. "I am. It's nice just to be able to forget... everything."

Ghorev says "'Trade off' ... Oh, for a dance, I see." He nods. "Fair enough."

Idrani watches the Andorian Elvis for a few moments, with a puzzled expression. Deciding to ponder over the meaning later, she finds an empty table, bypassing the punch bowl altogether. She starts to sit, but either the chair is yanked out from beneath her or someone 'remove chair-ed' it, because suddenly she falls. An arm shoots out, grabbing the edge of the table, to keep her from landing hard on her rump. Idrani twists back up to her feet, looking around to see what happened.

Min slips her hand from McAnally's, stepping closer and placing it on her waist, a closer dance with a more embracing style. The movement though is tentative, as if giving McAnally every chance to withdraw.

One of the nearby party guests likewise reaches out to help Idrani, pushing the offending chair away a bit to offer her a hand. "Ensign?"

Rivers nods, grinning lightly. "Well..in general." She leaves that lie for now and glances breifly toward the other two on the dance floor.

McAnally doesn't put up any resistance, instead looping her arms around Min's neck.

Idrani hesitates before accepting the hand and appears to size up the guest. She does accept it, however. "Thank you." She manages a wry smile.

Min contents herself now with silently dancing to the music.

Ghorev, for his own part, appears to be getting more easily into the slow dancing rhythm by now. He daren't do anything fancy like lifting his parner up in the air, but at least he's not introducing himself to the floor. Ghorev whispers to , "... Duty... few days?"

McAnally is thoughtfully quiet as well, not even speaking to her partner, slightly shorter than she herself is.

The ensign helping Itaani off the floor favors her with a smile, and then mills back towards and into his converstation group.

Min speaks in a quiet whisper after letting the silence hang for a moment. "Are you all right? You're quiet."

Idrani straightens her uniform and decides she's had enough fun for one night. She heads for the door, pausing long enough to pop a couple of salty peanuts into her mouth.

Idrani steps out of the holodeck.

Idrani has left.

Rivers smiles and leans in closer to whisper something back..

Rivers whispers to Ghorev, "..."

Meanwhile, the ensign that just helped Idrani up jolts back with a small crash, easily not overheard over the sound of the music, Those few who are close enough or keen earned enough might see or hear him grumbling and fumbling towards the punchbowls for some kind of napkin or towel to wipe the spilled punch off himself.

Ghorev nods to Rivers. "I can undersand that."

"I'm fine," says Gretchen reassuringly. "I guess I'm still a little unsure of what to say."

"I know," Min says, smiling slightly, "You'd think we'd have more to say after so long. Its great to see you though."

Rivers tips her head a bit and looks up to her dance partner, smiling. "What about you? Getting more time off yet?"

Min says softly, glancing in that direction, "Your friend Lt. Edwards seems lonely."

Edwards shifts his weight from foot to foot. Yep, he's still there.

McAnally looks over. "Maybe we should go talk to him."

Ghorev says "Well, a little," to Rivers, "but only a little." He continues to dance her slowly across the floom with RIvers hld up close by one arm, lightly. "It comes with the job though, really."

Min disentangles herself from her partner, "All right, you go say hello, I'll get some punch for the three of us." That said, she doesn't really wait for a denial but heads for the punchbowls.

McAnally heads over in Edwards direction. "You look rather bored," she notes, when she's within conversation range.

Rivers nods slightly. "You have help now though. You should have a little more free time at least?" Her gaze follows McAnally and she smiles a bit. "Aha. So much for being the wallflower."

Edwards glances toward McAnally and looks a little more alive, "Bored? Nah. I've pulled a lot of guard shifts in my time. Watching this door is nothing."

Ghorev nods. "I should. We can continue your lessonss thereafter. Assuming you still wish to."

McAnally lifts a brow. "I can relieve you if you want to go mingle."

Min stops at the punchbowls, frowning thoughtfully. She glances up and down the table for a moment, almost as if looking for help, but there is no one nearby. So, she goes back to peering at the punchbowl for a long moment, rolling things over in her head.

Nevaren steps into holodeck 2 from the Dream Factory.

Nevaren has arrived.

Edwards shakes his head adamantly at that, "Of course not, Gretch. You're here with your ladyfriend. Being the lone wolf that I am, I can handle it."

Rivers glances back to Ghorev and nods, smiling with enthusiasm. "Of course I do. I've been looking forward to more lessons..I know there just hasnt been time."

Min sighs and turns away from the refreshments, heading over to Edwards and McAnally, "Uhm..." she says.

Haven steps into holodeck 2 from the Dream Factory.

Haven has arrived.

Nevaren steps through the arch, straightening his white cotten jacket, then his green spectacles he is wearing inlew of his contacts. He looks around at all the people, smiling faintly to himself, and makes his way towards the refreshments.

"Really, I don't mind," Gretchen reassures Edwards. "Hi there," she says in greeting to Min as she returns. "Everything ok?"

Edwards, being the expert doorman that he is, doesn't notice when Nevaren enters and walks past him. "Hey." he greets Min. Since Gretchen asked the obvious question, he doesn't bother.

Min glances back at the refreshment tables, "Well, one of the punchboles has a leak. Or its losing molecular cohesion. But its losing punch, either way. Who should I tell?"

Ghorev and Rivers continue dancing for a few moments more before, as the song ends, he gives that light, trilling, sigh-like noise and steps back to applaud. As the Blue Elvis launches into a new number, he motions for Rivers to join him back at a table, inquiringly.

Nevaren quickly 'scouts' the refreshments and quickly sidesteps spilled punch. "Ick." he grumbles, making sure none of the stuff has stained his suede boots.

Rivers joins in the applause and nods, smiling as she follows Ghorev back to the table.

Haven peeks into the room then shakes her head to herself and backpedals out the door again. Why too many people.

"Oh no!" cries Gretchen. "You ought to tell Ghorev." She waves her hand a little. "Lieutenant Ghorev?!"

Ghorev turns to McAnally as he takes a seat. "Yes?"

<CONTEST> Ghorev contests his Coordination (Reaction) skill vs a difficulty of Moderate and Succeeds!

Min says "Hull Breach in section twelve, punch bowl 4."

Nevaren looks around, tryig to find someone to take care of the spreading puddle of punch. "Uh.. Help.. Anyone?"

Ghorev suddenly catches himself on the edge of the table just as he's about to slip right thorugh a chair that appears to exist on a photonic level only -- no force field component to that particular hologram. "What the---?!?" With a frown, he pulls himself up.

"What she said," quips McAnally, with a jerk of a thumb in Min's direction.

Edwards comments, "You ladies are cool in a crisis. I like that."

Haven steps out of the holodeck.

Haven has left.

Min smiles, "Thanks dear." She chuckles quietly at McAnally.

Ghorev makes a very *loud* trilling sigh as he looks down and reaches for the chair, and his hand appears to connect with it this time. So, whatever happened, it was clearly a momentary glitch. Nevertheless, he doesn't sit back down just yet. Ghorev whispers to Rivers, "... here?"

Rivers nods to Ghorev, looking increasingly puzzled. "What was that punch spiked with?"

Min turns back to Edwards, "See? Just like I said. 419 Upsilon throws the best parties."

Ghorev shrugs. Ghorev whispers to Rivers, "I'd almost suspect... playing... but... don't think... risk... ruining... dress... pratfall...."

Nevaren sighs, not finding anyone to help. He looks up at teh roof, an unconcious reflex, as he addresses the holodeck systems. "Computer, please reset the spilt punch bowl to it's default state and remove the spilt liquid."

The computer says "Unable to comply. The punch bowl is in its default state, and the liquid is not a hologram."

McAnally grins at Min, then says "Uh-oh..." Parts of the big banner appear to have ceased to exist. Now it proclaims "SAD... HAWK..S DANCE, ..ATIO. 4..-UPSI...".

Edwards ehs at Min's observation, "It gets old after a while. Except for the life or death situations. Those're exciting."

Nevaren rubs the bridge of his nose. "Yes, but it *can* be recycled with the replicator, computer." he grumbles. "

Min says "Like now, if the lighting fixtures start to go. Perhaps," she says turning to McAnally, "We should call it a night?""

Ghorev walks over towards the archway, where Edwards, McAnally, and Min are. It's not quite a beeline. More like to the arch itself. He starts to work on something there.

<CONTEST> Ghorev contests his Systems Engineering skill vs a difficulty of Moderate and Fails!

Rivers turns slowly where she stands, her gaze flowing along the walls for more things out of place. "Well something is sure rotten in Denver."

McAnally nods in agreement to Min's suggestion. "Perhaps so. We should stop by and tell Ghorev we enjoyed it, though."

Nevaren turns, spotting Ghorev at the arch, and walks over towards the andorian. "Chief.. I think you program has a few bugs."

Min chews her lip for a moment, pondering, "I think Ghorev is ... busy."

"Hrm, perhaps you're right. Maybe we could just...wave?" Gretchen suggests feebly.

Edwards observes, "We could all be trapped in here. But I doubt. I mean, c'mon. These things are state of the art. That'd never happen."

McAnally says "Trapped?"

Min nods and gives a weak wristed, but still dignified wave in Ghorev's direction and then turns toward Edwards, "It was a pleasure meeting you si... oh, there's a cheerful thought."

Ghorev murmurs, "You think so? You probably didn't like the Elvis-as-an-Andorian bit, either," to Nevaren, as he frowns. "Everything's showing fine at the moment." And in fact, things *do* seem fine, at this second -- the banner seems to return to normal, the punch bowls are no longer leaking, and all the chairs are usable. He frowns. "Either we're having brownouts, or someone spiked that punch with some of Zeel's Happy Juice."

Nevaren chuckles, putting is drink down on a table. "Let me have a look, chief. I just got here.. don't want it over so soon." He rolls up his sleeves.

Edwards deadpans, "I'm a cheerful guy." Nodding to the ladies, he replies, "It was a pleasure meeting you too, Leftenant. Have fun on your vacation. And don't do anything I wouldn't do."

Ghorev nods. "Do that while I make an announcement." And he pauses briefly by Edwards et al. on his way to the stage.

Rivers finally decides to join the growning bunch of people near the arch, strolling across the the floor carefully. Heels just aren't her normal footware, afterall.

McAnally smiles at Ghorev as he approaches. "THanks for the lovely evening, Ghorev, but I think we may be heading back."

Min smiles, "I am not going to ask how little that actually limits my options, sir."

Edwards remarks, "Good idea."

Nevaren nods and slips into the arch, standing at the terminal. He interlaces his fingers and flexes, giving his knuckles a good crack, then starts interfacing.

McAnally laughs again at one of Min's comments, something the woman seems very good at eliciting.

Ghorev pauses just a few meters from the Edwards-Min-McAnally cluster to hold out an arm for Rivers.

Min checks the door and discovers it still working, much to her relief. Bowing slightly, she ushers McAnally through politely, "After you, m'dear, and so we make good our escape."

McAnally giggles, and heads out.

McAnally steps out of the holodeck.

McAnally has left.

Min steps out of the holodeck.

Min has left.

Rivers slips her hand lightly through Ghorev's offered arm. "Problems?" She glances up to him and grins. "We're not locked in now are we? I don't want to be swimming in punch..

Ghorev pats Rivers' arm. "It's quite alright. I just want to make an announcement to hold off any panicking." He turns to Edwards. "If you see anything unusual that *isn't* a hologram, do shout."

Edwards nods to Ghorev, "I'll do that."

Ghorev escorts Rivers towards the stage, then, as quickly as her heels will allow.

Nevaren grumbles, slicing through recurvsive subroutines, multiple objects datatrees, photonic systems controllers, micro-forcefield protocols... He doesn't look all that happy. "This is supposed to be my time off."

Rivers manages to keep up with Ghorev, without even losing her step or a shoe.

<CONTEST> Nevaren contests his Systems Engineering (Holographic) skill vs a difficulty of Moderate and Fails!

Nevaren steps back and kicks the damn arch. "Peice of Targ Dung."

Ghorev ascends the stage and takes the Microphone from The Andorian Elvis as soon as the song ends. "Excuse me, Ladies and Gentlemen, your attention please...."

Edwards watches Nevaren assault and insult the arch, "And we wonder why it malfunctions..."

Rivers stands at the edge of the stage, turned to watch the activity at the arch. She laughs softly at Nevaren. "And people bereate me for kicking equipment."

Ghorev says "As some of you are now noticing, we're having some hiccoughs in the routines. We're working on the problem. For now ... just watch where you sit, and we should have the problem rectified shortly."

<CONTEST> Ghorev contests his Intellect (Perception) skill vs a difficulty of Routine and Succeeds!

<CONTEST> Nevaren contests his Intellect (Perception) skill vs a difficulty of Routine and Succeeds!

<CONTEST> Edwards contests his Intellect (Perception) skill vs a difficulty of Routine and Succeeds!

<CONTEST> Rivers contests her Intellect (Perception) skill vs a difficulty of Routine and Succeeds!

<CONTEST> Rivers contests her Intellect (Perception) skill vs a difficulty of Challenging and Fails!

Nevaren looks around, blushing a slight green at peoples comments. He leans close to the terminal and mutters. "Listen you pile of junk. I just spent 3 damn weeks pulling every prophetforsaken circuit from your systems and replacing them with new ones.. Testing each one thouroughly, running diagnostic after diagnostic after bloody diagnostic. I have replaced your emmittiers, cleaned out your buffers and upgraded your software. So you better damn well work properly or so help me I will pull out your proccessing cores and eject them into that quantum furnace outside."

Ghorev tugs at his collar. "We ask that you pleae continue to enjoy the dance." And with that, he turns to walk towards the edge of the stage...

<CONTEST> Ghorev contests his Coordination (Reaction) skill vs a difficulty of Moderate and Succeeds!

Edwards starts to frown and regards Nevaren, "Uh, Leftenant? I don't suppose that you could check the temperature in here?"

... and narrowly avoids falling through a wing of the stage that promptly disappears underneath him. With a windmilling of arms and a leap forward, he comes down from the stage less than gracefully, but at least without landing on his bottom, and almost collides into one of his own holoduplicates, who has just walked up to Rivers to see if she's having a good time.

Nevaren suddenly straightens. "What?" Then it hits him. "You're right.. It *is* getting hot in here."

Edwards mutters, "Great. We're standing in a gigantic oven now."

Rivers finds herself thankful for the lack of covering the borrowed dress provides now. She glances up to Ghorev, waiting for him to leave the stage, and then blinks in astonishment as the stage gives way. "Akeen?" She completely ignores the holographic version and walks toward him. "Are you alright?"

Nevaren turns back to the terminal and checks the environmental circuits.

Ghorev says "I'm fine," and after assuring Rivers of such, he finds one of the crewmen helping with the serving of punch -- a young, on-duty Engineer, couldn't be older than 19 or 20 -- and requisitions the young man's PADD. "Let's see..."

Edwards spins about on his heel and heads toward Ghorev swiftly. Upon approaching him, he inquires, "Ake, someone's gonna get hurt. Don't you think we should just pull the plug?"

<CONTEST> Nevaren contests his Systems Engineering (Environmental) skill vs a difficulty of Routine and Succeeds!

Ghorev says "The stage is a force field. It was stupid of me to get up there, but the floor is real."

Edwards remarks, "The heat's real too."

Ghorev says "Yes, I noticed. I'm working on it."

Rivers glances to Edwards and nods a bit. "I'd have to agree, much as I hate to end the fun." She waves a hand to fan her face and neck. "Maybe swimming in the punch isn't a bad idea."

Ghorev says "You'd get all sticky," idly, perhaps not even realizing how that might sound to a human. Well, okay, no perhaps. He *doesn't *realize. "I think I see what's going on with the environmental subsystems though."

Nevaren slaps his forehead. "Damn, there's the problem. Too many people and and 'props' in here at once. Give me a moment. I am going to see if I can redirect some of the tasking through holosuite 1's systems, since it is unnoccupied, and through a few of teh back up systems.. get a temporary fix."

Edwards gives Ghorev, and Rivers, a look at the sticky comment. But there's no way he's saying anything. "They really need better failsafes on these things." he comments.

Ghorev, hearing Nevaren speak, says, "Oh, blast it, of course! Holosuite .... argh!" He starts poking at the PADD. "I can't believe this. Of *course* everything's going crazy." He looks at Edwards and Rivers and explains. "Holosuites don't normally have this many people except during initial stress tests. If there's 4 or 6 crew in here at once, it's a good night. We've fit in 50, and that's two years after this holosuite had a full-scale stress test, and after repeated damage to the suite itself. With Nevaren re-routing some of the holoprocessing commands, I should be able to repair the burned out holoemitters in minutes, once I pinpoint them."

Edwards ohs. "Well that explains it." he remarks. "So the show will go on, eh?"

Nevaren 's fingers fly over the wall console at high speed, routing and rerouting a host of different program protocols through the two additional systems. Some of the chairs flicker, as does the stage and banner and a few doppelgamngers, but it is only for a nanosecond as the systems reinitiate along different proccessors operating in tandem. The cooling systems kick in and slowly the room temperature reverts to normal. Nev steps back, wiping his brow. "Done.. and Computer? You and I are having a little *talk* tomorrow."

Rivers laughs softly at the comment, but doesnt add to it. "Maybe we should empty the room a little?" She leans casually against the edge of the stage, glancing toward the arch. "Not that I doubt engineers as being miricle workers, but still.."

Ghorev says "No, it's okay....Now that we've got the temporary patch in place, I'm sorting through the holoroutine itself to isolate which subroutines would have used which arrays of emitters. The emitters didn't show as damaged during my initial scan because they *aren't*, to the computer, damaged ... like a rope that's frayed but not snapped."

Edwards holds up a hand briefly, "I volunteer to go." He looks to Ghorev, "I think the door has been sufficiently watched. If people are gonna come in now..."

Nevaren steps aside and grabs his drink. He takes a quick swig of the punch. "Now.. can I enjoy myself?"

Ghorev nods. "Go ahead, Michael. I'll see you in the morning." He begins to direct some crewmen to clean up the spilled punch and uses the PADD with one hand -- cradling it in palm while working the face of it with his thumb -- while the other arm is offered to Rivers. "I'm sorry about this, Dana. I'll make it up to you."

Edwards nods and responds, "Was a good party, Ake." That said, turns around, and makes his way back to the door. Only this time, he actually goes through it.

Rivers chuckles, a grin of pure mischief tugging at her mouth. "I'll hold you to that," she answers back and slips both hands around the offered arm this time. Idly she peers over at the padd in his hand, not really understanding the engineering gibberish it might display. "It really has been a good party."

Ghorev says "Thank you, I'd like to think so."

Edwards steps out of the holodeck.

Edwards has left.

Nevaren casts a look around at everyone who is preparring to leave. "Just my damn luck. Late as usual."

And so, within about 20 to 30 minutes of slow reviewing of the holoroutine, Ghorev has the emitters isolated, one by one, excised from the program. This also has the unfortunate side effect making Elvis a human being again, since apparently the Blue Elvis was actually a symptom of the glitch, as well, an overlay of Ghorev's holodoubles onto the Elvis subroutine. With a sigh, the engineer lets him go "Though he's less of a handsome devil now." After that, it is a simple matter to undo Nevaren's temporary patch and let the 'good' holoemitter arrays take up slack. A few ensigns, a little inebriated on what is clearly real alcohol smuggled into the party, loudly proclaim it "THE BEST DAMN SADIE HAWKINS DANCE EVER!" and most privately note was that the best part was when someone -- invariably a friend in their little cluster of friends -- fell flat on his or her backside when leaning back to sit in a chair. And all is well that ends well...