Act One, Scene One

[Akirapryde]

He watched her reaction and suddenly felt like an ass. His eyes dropped while she struggled to regain her composure.

His listened to her clearing her throat as she spoke. "Its uhm... I better go find the Captain and Lieutenant Noonia." Lylliana took a step back out of his grasp straightening her hair, and her outfit, to appear more presentable.

"Yeah" he half said half said in defeat. Once more, he felt the stinging bite of stupidity.

He fell silent as she continued, "feel free to go have another cup of cider." she tried to pull off her best smile, "and perhaps Lieutenant Pander or Etxebarria have some more..." she made notion to where his flask was placed.

He didn't say anything as she moved to turn to walk away, turning back for a moment, "And.. try to enjoy yourself... " she gave a half smile now, "The Winter Festival Queen commands it... " she managed a small joke at her own expense, not having fully accepted the attention that had been showered upon her because of her part in the event.

There was no smile or laughter in his mind as he watched her walk away. What he did notice was the look of Dr. McCoy from across the event. 'Damn that woman' he thought as he tossed his empty cup in a near by trash been. He turned and walked, at first he didn't know where he was going to go but he knew he no longer wanted to be here. He was walking for the the exit when his escape was cut off by Lieutenants Pander and Etxebarria.

The two trainers cut off his escape as Pander spoke, "Fancy seeing you here CAG."

"CAG, we are here for you" Etxebarria said as she rolled the sound of the 'R' in her speech.

It was a friendly statement but Commander Bonham wasn't feeling all that friendly today. "Thank you" was all that he could work out.

Etxebarria continued, "Sir" she added with her r's sounding like a purring sound. "We are not complete without you."

The statement caught Bonham off guard as he came to a stop before the two elite pilots.