The Duval Christmas Party - Part Four

Posted on Tue Dec 27th, 2022 @ 1:57pm by Fleet Admiral Heather Duval & Captain Marcus Duval & Captain Duval Mia & Captain T'Nae "Wolfheart" Duval & Commander Ethan "Hardcase" Duval & Commander Arlene Duval-Connor & Lieutenant Commander Anthony Duval & Lieutenant T'Lee Duval & Lieutenant JG Suvak Duval & Ryuujin Duval & Enrique Duval & 1st Lieutenant T'Kera "Demolitions" Duval & Company Sergeant Major Jeffery "The Mountain" Duval & Commander Hsirr Duval

Mission: Mission 118: The Christmas from Hell
Location: Various Locations - Starbase Vanguard
Timeline: 1810Hrs - December 24th, 2393

Just down the hall from the Duval's Christmas venue was Jolani Duval, she was standing next to her husband. Lawrence Duval. She was wearing a simple dark blue dress which came to just below her knees. She looked up at her husband. "I just hope this doesn't get stupid Lawrence," she said in a soft tone of voice.

"I know. Me too." Duval looked down at his wife, the two of them had been married for less than a month. The two of them were between assignments with their honeymoon being celebrated on Casperia Prime. The two had swam and sunned themselves on beaches by day. They had partied and enjoyed themselves by night. Now they were here on Vanguard to celebrate a Terran holiday with the rest of their extended family.

Jolani was nervous, it showed too as she glanced up at her husband. "Your mom doesn't exactly like me, much."

"That does not matter. You are my spouse. She can sod off on the matter." Lawrence answered quietly as he gently took his wife's hands in his. "Besides, if she starts then Dad and everyone else will be there... I'll also be there to deal with any... Issues that might arise," he commented quietly. "I do hope that mom will behave. Considering that everyone will be there."

"Lovely." Jolani cringed in a tone that indicated it was anything but. "Oh, let's go get this over with," she added.

"It'll be fine, hon." Lawrence tried to reassure his spouse. He knew that he was failing. He sighed as he decided he would follow her recommendation and get this over with, soonest as. If it didn't go well then he was leaving. His spouse came first and to hell with the rest.

The two reached the door and entered. They quickly found out that they were the last to arrive. This was unexpected but they also might be among the first to depart, if this went poorly.

Enrique Duval approached his son, a wide grin on his face. "Lawrence. Jolani. Welcome to the party guys," he grinned as the two men shared a hug. Jolani also received a quick kiss and a hug. Jolani got the impression that Enrique truly liked his daughter-in-law. She could hear it in his thoughts well enough.

Jolani smiled as she looked up at the man before her. "Thanks for letting us be here." She commented to him.

"You are family. Jolani. You have just as much right to be here as I do." Enrique answered her, the fact that she had married his son, had sealed her status as a member of House Duval. To him, the matter was not in question. He had a wide smile on his lips. "Dinner will be finished shortly. Marcus and Anthony are handling matters," he added for clarification.

Lawrence smiled at the mention of his cousins. "Is everyone here, dad?" he inquired.

"Everyone. On both sides of the family. Your Uncle Jeff is here with all his kids and grandkids. All of your siblings are here too." Enrique answered. "Even Hsirr came. She's right over there, hanging out with the kids." he indicated to the Caitian female who was Anthony's mate. She was wearing naught but her fur and she was presently watching over several of the infants.

"Nice," Lawrence commented. Edmund came over to where his brother and father were standing, his lady at his side. "Hey, Lawrence. Jolani. It's good to see you two." Edmund grinned at his brother and his new sister-in-law.

"Likewise." Lawrence gave his brother a hug. "Lo Heather. I didn't expect to see you here."

"Well. I'm like the plague. I tend to get around." Heather Antilles grinned at her boyfriend's brother. "Starfleet keeps me busy," Heather commented. "Most of the time," she added, as that zesty grin returned. "But I got the same time off as Edmund here. He invited me, so I figured I'd come and share a meal with the Duvals. What's the worst that could happen?" as she grinned at Lawrence. "I'll tell you. I say or do something dumb and get evicted. I did promise to behave myself." she gave the small gathering a look of innocence. It was obvious to all concerned that the look in her eye was complete trash.

Heather Antilles turned to Jolani Duval. "So you are the legend herself," she commented, a smile on her lips.

"Legend?" Jolani raised an eyebrow. "What do they say about me?" she inquired for specifics.

"They tell me that you're the best pilot in the fleet," Heather commented. "Sara mentioned that not long ago," she added. "She said how she was good but you have that natural gift," Heather added.

"Sara?" Lawrence inquired. "Who's that?"

"She is my twin sister," Heather commented. "She's the family pilot. I'm the coms geek," she added with a wide grin on her face.