Family Dinner

Sierra awoke with a jump, when she realised where she was and that someone was watching her.

"Well good morning !" Marc said startling her. "When you didn't show up at home, I found out you were still working."

"Sorry, I have so much paperwork." She said. "It goes way back to the Barien War. You know how I procrastinate."

"I know." He said with a smirk "Listen, I'll fix dinner tonight. Why don't you call up Junora and ask her if she would like to join us. I'll talk to Brayden and ask him."

"That would be so much fun." She said in reply. "Are you sure, YOU will be able to make it ?"

"Very funny !" He said "I will be there. . I am making dinner, remember ?"

"Okay, okay, I'm just teasing." She laughed

With that Marc kissed Sierra and left her office, leaving Sierra by herself.

"Computer, where is Lieutenant Commander Junora ?" Sierra asked.

[Lieutenant Commander Junora is her quarters.]

*I need to take stretch my legs*

Sierra left her office and proceeded to Junora's quarters. On the way she ran into Brayden.

"Hi son." She said"How are you this morning ?"

"Oh, I am doing pretty good." He replied "I just ran into Dad. He asked me to dinner, but he forgot to ask you what is a good time."

"Oh, let's make it 18:00 hours." She said "How is Junora doing ? You both seem to be hitting it off real good."

"Yes, we are." He said smiling. "She's been acting a little funny lately. Well, not funny, just different."

"Maybe it's L. .O. .V. . E." Sierra said smiling back.

"Oh mom !" He said walking away

"See you tonight !" She yelled.

After a few minutes, Sierra finally reaches Junora's quarters. She rang the bell and entered when she heard Junora say to enter.

"Hello Counsellor." Junora said.

"Please, we are not working, call me Sierra." The Counsellor replied.

"What brings you over this morning ?" Junora asked.

"I want to invite you over for dinner tonight." Sierra said "Marc is making dinner and Brayden is joining us. . .would you like to ?"

"Oh, that would be wonderful!" Junora replied"What time ?"

"18:00 hours, okay with you ?" Sierra asked.

"Perfect." Junora responded.

"Well, I better get going" Sierra said"I'll see you then."

Captain's Quarters

It was almost time for Brayden and Junora to arrive. The quarters were clean and ready for company. *Why am I so worried about what everything looks like.* Sierra thought to herself.

Marc was cooking the meal, while listening to his favourite music. He was also singing from the top of his lungs. Sierra looked around the corner at him. *He is so handsome.* Just as Sierra's mind started to run away with her, the bell rang.

"Come in." Sierra said.

"Here we are ! What are we having ? I am so starved !" Brayden said with excitement.

"Well, I guess someone is in a good mood." Sierra said looking at Junora.

Brayden reached over and gave his mom a hug and walked over to give one to his dad. Sierra leaned over and gave Junora a hug. Junora, not sure about this ritual, hugged back but in hesitation.

"Oh, I am sorry Junora." Sierra said realising what she was doing. "It is a custom of welcome and love our race gives to those that we admire and care about."

"Counsel. . I mean. . .Sierra, thank you. Junora said in relief. "I wasn't sure what it meant, but I again thank you for considering me as one you care about."

"Well, well, well. . .looks like we are all here." Marc said entering the room. "Let's eat !!"

They all sat down at the table with Junora and Sierra across the table from each other. "Brayden, will you say Grace." Marc asked.

"Sure. . ." Brayden said as each bow their head, except for Junora. Unsure of what to do, she did as they did and listened as Brayden spoke to his God and asked blessings for food, family and provision. ". . .Amen."

"Junora, what have you been doing lately." Marc asked.

"Well, Captain, I have been watching Velocity matches on the holodeck." Junora responds. "Lieutenant Commander Tyra and I are going to play against each other in a few days and I want to be prepared."

"I have been helping her out with some moves, she is going to do pretty good." Brayden put in with an added smile. "Tyra doesn't know what she is getting herself into."

"Well, I hope I am not going to be a bore to Tyra, Brayden." Junora said.

"Junora, I don't see you as a bore." Sierra added. "I think that you, both, will have fun."

Several hours pass with the four having a good time of conversation and relaxation, when they all realise the time.

"Well, I don't know about all of you, but I have a ship to run tomorrow and I better get some sleep." Marc said.

"Thank you for dinner Captain and Sierra, it was wonderful." Junora said.. "I must have you all over for a traditional Nuan meal."

"Oh, I can 't wait." Sierra said giving hugs away.

"Good night, mom and dad." Brayden said exiting with Junora.

"Well, Marc, I think that was very fun." Sierra said. "Don't you ?"

"Yes, I do." He replied. Reaching around her, he enveloped her and gave her a big kiss. "Let's leave the cleaning up till morning."

With that Sierra turned out the lights and both fell in bed.