A Night on the Town

Posted on Thu Oct 29th, 2026 @ 1:02am by Advisor Ramielos Volsunga & Commander Alex Flynn

3,511 words; about a 18 minute read

Mission: Shifting Shapes [4-5]
Location: Ferengi Embassy, Blue Sector - DS13
Timeline: Evening - MD07

Alex had decided that the occasion called for the nicest (and only permanent) garment she owned, the Tholian silk dress Ambassador Velt had given her for her 40th. She’d ended up having to call in Yeoman Telegin to help her get it done up, but she was a good sport. It was a dressier choice than she normally went with, but she’d spent more or less the entire decade in pants so far. And anyway, she needed the matching purse to carry her latinum around.

She got to blue sector on time, and it was difficult to miss the entrance to the embassy. A large circular entryway with blaring neon signs, and previews of what was inside. Two Ferengi toughs (or at least what passed for toughs in a species that rarely broke six foot) were scanning the entrants as they came. She looked around for Volsunga, equally difficult to miss.

Ramielos had seen Flynn before she’d seen him, and approached casually. “Commander.” He said with a nod. He had squeezed himself into a tuxedo he’d replicated, and a tailor in green zone had agreed to have ready for the occasion. His hair was tied back.

“Wow, look at you RV. You clean up real good.” Alex said, her smile giving away how impressed she was with his sartorial choice.

“Thank you. I think.” He said in response.

“Don’t worry. It’s a compliment. Means you look nice dressed up.”

“Well, thank you. Your attire is also... nice.” He said.

“Come on, let’s head inside.” Alex said, and they crossed the threshold, waved through by the doormen who either knew who she was or didn’t want any trouble with him.

Alex was amazed by the scale of the place, it was already packed. They looked to be on a middle level, but it wasn’t totally clear how much further up or down it went beyond the floors already visible. Below was the gaming floor, where crowds lost great swathes of latinum as scantily-clad waitresses passed between, distributing colourful drinks and collecting empties.

“Ever seen a place like this before?” Alex asked Volsunga.

“No.” He told her truthfully.

“I know we didn’t have much luck last night finding something to even give you a buzz, but I’ve thought more about it. Humans can’t normally keep ovkod down, and the shimmering variety can cause kidney dysfunction. That might be the ticket for you, keep your super-kidneys from ruining the fun.” Alex suggested as they navigated the crowd, which thankfully made openings when they noticed Volsunga coming.

“Do they serve that here?” He asked.

“It’s a Ferengi bar mate, they serve everything for paying customers. And if they don’t, they’ll do what they can to get it for you.” She said with a knowing smile.

Through the tide of visitors and familiar faces, they finally reached the bar.

“How can I help you fine hyoo-mons?” The bartender asked.

“One pint of stout. One bottle of shimmering ovkod.” Alex said, producing a few slips of latinum from the matching purse she carried.

“Alright. I hope the ovkod is for him, otherwise you’ll be in sickbay in no time.” The Ferengi said, taking her money and fixing the beverages.

“Yeah yeah, we know the drill.” She said with a smile. She passed the bottle (which would normally have served a dozen individual drinks or more) to Volsunga when it came, and held up her glass. “Well, cheers.”

Volsunga took the bottle and smelled the beverage. “This is where I collide my drinking vessel with yours, yes?”

“Yeah. And you say cheers.”

“Cheers.” He said deadpan, gently moving the bottle forward so as not to smash her glass.

Alex took a long sip, failing to split the G. “So, any of these games take your fancy?” She asked.

“I have researched most of these games. The chances of victory do not seem more or less significant with any of them.” Volsunga observed.

“Alright then, anything goes. We’d better go get some chips.”

“Chips?” He asked.

“In casinos you don’t just play with currency directly, you swap it for chips, and you exchange those to play the games.” Alex explained.

“That sounds like a false economy.” He took another sip of his drink. It wasn’t bad.

“Yeah, I think that’s exactly the point.” She agreed.

At the cashier, they both exchanged their invites for chips, and Alex also changed a few strips of latinum.

They first tried Tongo, where Volsunga had a few wins, but didn’t get very far ahead. Then dabo, where Alex had some brief success. Then they moved to a Texas hold’em table, and neither did very well.

“Will they expect me to leave now that I’m out of chips?” Volsunga asked once they got back to the bar.

“No, you can stick around. But here, I got enough for both of us.” She said, removing a handful of chips from her purse and passing them to him with a slightly superior grin.

“I do not know if this is a productive use of my time. My skills are not suited to games of chance.” Volsunga said.

“But are you enjoying yourself?” Alex asked.

“It is… stimulating. The inability to predict outcomes creates an uncertainty that induces excitement.” Volsunga admitted.

“Well alright, but don’t get hooked. It can be addictive.” Alex cautioned with a tone deliberately evoking cautionary holonovels for young adults.

“I can understand that. But the urge to continue is not overpowering. Even if I know I may enjoy it.”

“Hey, RV!” Came a voice from behind them. They turned to find Lieutenant Zabaan, Chief Aitrell and Centurion Artolonok, all in casual wear.

“Hello.” Volsunga said, turning to them. His tone was flat, but there was a familiarity in his voice.

“Hey fellas. Having a good night?” Alex asked.

“It’s going alright. But we just got our butts handed to us in phaser skirmish by one of the marine squads in the holosuite. RV, you up for some point and shoot?”

He looked to Flynn.

“Go for it. I’ll be right here. Plenty of pints with my name on them waiting.” She told him.

“Alright.” Volsunga told the trio, who cheered. He finished his bottle of ovkod with ease.

“Those Marines won’t know what hit them.” Aitrell said excitedly as they moved back to the upper level where they’d come from.

Alex began another drink when someone in uniform sat down next to her.

“Hello Commander. Love the dress.” It was Lieutenant Commander Onda Duros, formerly Chief Diplomatic Officer.

“Duros. Hey. Thought you were meant to be off by now?”

“I was. Swiftsure got caught up responding to a distress call en route. They should be here this time tomorrow.” Onda explained as the bartender passed him a cloudy Bajoran beverage.

“Well, you be nice to Eliss. He’s a good guy.” Alex said.

“Oh, no question of that.” He took a swig. “So, this being my last night and all, I was wondering if maybe you wouldn’t fancy one last roll in the hay before I jet off?” He asked like he was asking if she wanted him to pass the salt.

“Jesus Duros, you could at least buy a girl a drink, first.” Alex said with a laugh, almost impressed by his confidence.

“That wasn’t an issue last time.”

“Last time we’d only been on this base a week. Wasn’t anywhere that you could actually buy a drink, just mess halls.”

“Was it so disappointing?” He asked suggestively.

“No, it’s not that. Things were different back then. Quieter. There were only a few hundred of us, and we had no idea about the anomaly. Besides, being XO, diplomats were among the few I was allowed to fraternise.” Alex explained.

“Alright, well, ladies choice. But the offer stands if things don’t work out with you and the mountain.”

“Ha ha." She pretend-laughed dryly. "I’m sure you’ll find someone to keep you company, Onda. Remember though, you’re an XO now. Gossip spreads at warp speed on a starship. And fraternising with your subordinates is generally a no-no. Especially the way you fraternise.” Alex advised.

“Understood, ma’am. Have a good night.” He said, finishing his drink.

She felt a little bit stung by his use of ‘ma’am’, but not insulted by his proposition. She almost considered it. But she couldn’t just abandon Volsunga. Suddenly though, there he was beside her again.

“Jesus, that was fast. I knew you were good, but I didn’t think that good.”

“Another group had already commenced a challenge against the marines. The Ferengi had started a betting pool, so a queue formed. They expect it will be a matter of hours until we get another chance.” Volsunga explained, and the bartender offered another bottle of ovkod.

“I didn’t order this.” Volsunga said, taking it anyway.

“On the house. From Ambassador Slake.” The bartender said, with a wink to Flynn.

She guffawed at the audacity of the gesture.

“Want to go sit somewhere out of the way? I’ll bet there’s some good people watching to be done on the upper levels. Figure out which tables are hot.” Alex suggested.

“Alright.” Volsunga agreed.

They took one of the transparent lifts up to the upper level, and found a couch overlooking the gaming floor with a good view of high speed races on several screens. There were only a few others around.

“So what do you think of the ovkod?” Alex asked.

“It’s good. And I think it might be having some effect. It’s not Mjød, but I feel something close to… lighter.”

“Huh, maybe it's working. Groovy. But again, try not to get hooked.”

“I don’t think there is a risk of that. Mornings after feasts were always unpleasant. I know the discomfort that comes with intoxicants.”

“I guess the only thing more dangerous than a drunk space marine is a hungover one.”

“Perhaps.” Volsunga said. “May I ask you a personal question?”

“Of course. You can ask me anything.” Flynn said, sipping her pint.

“You and Lieutenant Onda, are you romantically involved?” Volsunga asked.

“Duros? No. I mean, there was some… casual acquaintance when we first got here, but it didn’t last. He’s not really the romance type. More sowing wild oats. Which wasn’t a bad idea at the time, but then things got a lot more serious with the anomaly and everything else. Seeing us together made you ask that?” She asked.

“I did not mean to eavesdrop, but I heard the conversation.”

“Really? From where you were?”

“I can hear most of the conversations in this room. I just know your voice better than most.” Volsunga admitted.

“Wow. Good ears.” Alex said.

There was silence between them for a while, as they watched the screen, there was a particularly nasty wipeout in a high-speed race of hovercraft.

“So why the tuxedo?” Alex asked. “Not that I don’t like it, but it’s very… classic.”

“I thought about what you said about dress uniforms. That they convey respect, affection, esteem. Of all the garments I found in your archives, it seemed most appropriate to give that impression.”

“Huh. I didn’t realise the Ferengi had made that much of an impression on you.” Alex said.

“No, not the Ferengi. You.” Volsunga explained without affect.

It took her a moment to realise the implication. She’d told him dress uniforms were what you wore for people you respected, people you wanted to honour. He hadn’t put on a tuxedo for a casino. He’d put it on for her. She glanced down at the Tholian silk, and wondered for the first time whether he’d read her choice of dress the same way.

Alex looked to him, eyebrows involuntarily raised. She felt a slight flutter she couldn’t explain. “Thanks. I didn’t know I’d made that much of an impression either. I guess I am about the only person you’ve interacted with at length.” She reasoned.

“Not anymore. I have spent a good deal of time with my colleagues in tactical over the last few weeks. I believe some could be called friends. Or at least things are developing towards that outcome. The dynamics are different to what I experienced with the chapter. The pack one finds oneself in when performing one's duties is more situational, transitory. But solid and unbreakable until the death of a member. The risk of imminent death is significantly lower here. It makes bonding less certain. It is difficult to say with certainty, but I am optimistic.”

“I’m glad. And I’m glad I made an impression on top of them, too. They’re good folk.” She said, her eyebrows finally lowering.

“They are. But my feelings for you are different. I believe I am romantically attracted to you.” He said casually in his usual deadpan, still looking ahead at the races.

Alex’s eyebrows shot back up again, and she looked around to see if there was anyone in earshot.

“What makes you think that?” She asked.

“I have researched the feelings I experience in association with you. I have also discussed it with Counselor Yy. She agrees. I intended to tell you tonight before the drink. It has only made things easier.”

“Okay.” She laughed involuntarily, a single nervous chuckle. “Sorry, I’m not laughing at you, it’s just a response to the unexpected. No offence, but how do you even know what romance is? Didn’t they get to you as a teenager and scrub all the non-killing related parts of your humanity out?”

“I have a vague memory from before the chapter took me in. One that has returned only recently. I was a leader among my clan on Fenris. Few got older than 20. We encountered another clan once, led by a woman. She and I… coupled. Combined our forces. We were together until the chapter found us. I did not see her again after that. It was not purely romantic. More practical. But we were together, and we were compatible. There was little we did not share.”

“And what is it you feel that seems like romance?” She asked.

“I think of you often when you are absent. I conceive of reasons to socialise with you. When I encounter things, I wish to discuss them with you. To hear your opinions of them. When we are together, I do not want the time we spend to end. I visualise scenarios, exchanges, interactions. They are pleasant to me.” Volsunga explained without hesitation.

“I thought the Imperium brainwashed that sort of thing out of you?”

“They did. It is not something I experienced since joining the chapter, until the Commander removed those influences. It did not happen all at once, but since then I have noticed how others experience and show affection. The satisfaction they receive from coupling. From shared experiences. I have researched the subject extensively. The thought of sharing such a thing with you is… enticing.”

Alex wasn’t quite sure what to say. She felt a nervousness that wasn’t entirely unpleasant. “How long have you felt this way?” She asked.

“I cannot say exactly.” He admitted.

“I don’t want to talk you out of your feelings, but we haven’t known each other all that long. And this is all new to you, you’ve only existed without all the brainwashing for a couple of months. You’re still adjusting to life here. How do you know this isn’t just a passing phase? Attraction isn’t always permanent.” She asked.

“I do not.” He admitted.

“So why tell me?” She asked.

He turned to look at her then. “You have always been honest with me. I would not want to deceive you. I understand this has the potential to alter the dynamic between us negatively. But I would sooner be honest.”

Alex’s eyebrows had finally returned to normal positions. “So if I were in a romantic relationship with Onda, how would you feel about that?”

“I would not feel anything. It is your business. I do not require your reciprocation.” Volsunga said.

“And if I did feel the same way?” She asked.

“I do not know. As you said, this is all new to me.” Volsunga admitted.

Alex took a big swig of her drink. “You’re not like anyone I’ve met before. And I’ve met a lot of people. But there’s an honesty about you. A directness. An authenticity that you just don't get with 25th century living. When we first met, you tried to kill me and my colleagues. And I know you've done things that are deeply questionable in the service of your Imperium. But that's not who you are anymore. Now you’re one of us. And the time we’ve spent together, at first it was sympathy and curiosity, but since then things… grew.”

She put her hand on his gently, the size difference almost causing her to laugh. “The idea of… us. It’s not impossible. And it’s something that appeals to me. But there are imbalances that would need to be addressed before anything could proceed.” Alex said.

“What imbalances?” He asked.

“Well, I’m the XO, for one thing. Sure, I’m not your boss, or even your boss’s boss, but everyone on board except the Captain is my responsibility. I’d need to hand off any responsibility for you. If we were involved, I couldn’t have any say in matters concerning you. But, that’s probably the easy part.” Alex began.

Volsunga nodded.

“You’ve had your mind altered on at least two occasions. We need to be sure that what you’re feeling and what you want is you. Not the Imperium, not the Commander’s handiwork, you.”

Volsunga nodded again, “I agree.”

“Third. You’re… really big. I’m not. Human relationships tend to involve a physical aspect. At least my preferred variety does. Fortunately having already seen you naked I know that your enhancements aren’t universal, so that’s not precluded. But you’d have to be careful, with any level of contact. Can you do that?”

“I will practice.” He said sternly.

“Also, you’ve got a lot of features other people don’t. We need to be sure that you’re not going to accidentally activate your acid gland and melt my face off if things get passionate.”

“The betcher’s gland cannot be activated accidentally. But I will investigate options to mitigate any threat. You have my vow that I will never harm you by choice, or allow you to come to harm where it is within my power to prevent it.” He said.

Alex felt a flutter, and smiled reflexively. “I like spending time with you. So even if this doesn’t work out, I want us to remain friends. So let’s keep hanging out for now. When we’re sure all the considerations are properly addressed, we’ll reassess what the next steps are from there. How does that sound?”

“Good.” Volsunga said.

“Alright. I’ll have the necessary administrative chats with the Captain and anyone else. We might need to answer some uncomfortable questions. There may be interviews. But I’m looking forward to this. I think maybe I’ve wanted it to be true more than I let myself believe.”

“Good.” Volsunga said again. He wasn't smiling exactly, but there was a relaxation in his face that was seldom seen.

Alex did her best to hold his enormous hand with hers.

He returned the gesture gently, holding her hand in his own. “If you decide you do not want this, tell me. I will not resent you for it. I understand why it may not work. Why you would prefer something different.”

“And you too. Things can change. And if you decide you aren’t feeling it anymore, that’s okay too. I’m not exactly a safe bet. I’ve managed to drive pretty much every man away that’s shown any interest in the last twenty years. But I’ve got a good feeling about you. Just remember it’s always up to you if you want to keep going.” Alex said with a soft smile.

Volsunga couldn’t help but mirror the expression, smiling just a little.

“Good chat. Best I’ve had in a while. We’ll go over it again tomorrow, just to make sure it’s not the ovkod and pints talking. But let’s not spend all our time up here, we’ve got chips to burn through. And you’ll have marines to spank at phaser skirmish. Shall we?” Alex said giving his hand a squeeze before releasing it.

“We shall.” He agreed.

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