Audrey Honeywell was a very serious looking woman; she had a slim, diamond shaped face with plump perpetually blushed cheekbones and a rounded jaw. Her focussed eyes were a vivid cerulean blue, and her eyebrows were shaped into a deceivingly perfect arch that followed the curve of her eye. A petite nose sat proudly over perpetually pouting lips. Bouncy thick brunette hair fell straight down to her waist, which very few were aware of given she always styled it into an immaculate braided crown, a nod to her Nordic heritage. The sharp features of Audrey's face were merely a reflection of her entire figure, and everything, from her toned arms, ample bosom to her slender waist screamed of keen self-awareness.
She walked in long strides, her shoulders back and face held forward, nobody knew anything of her that she didn't want them to know. She was uncommonly beautiful, there was no denying that but her apparent indifference and icy stare made more forbidding due to her afore mentioned cerulean blue eyes kept most people away. This suited Audrey just fine, the perception of her by others being no accident or misinterpretation. She kept people at arm's length, that's how she preferred it.
Monday
Lieutenant Commander Audrey Honeywell sat in her usual seat in the mess hall eating her dinner. She chose the quietest time to eat, not enjoying the hustle and bustle of 'shift change chow time' as most of the crew liked to call it. Finishing her dinner she placed her knife and fork neatly on the plate, as she went to pick up her tray and leave Captain Kirk sat in the seat opposite her, grinning widely.
"Good afternoon Lieutenant Commander." He greeted warmly.
"Good afternoon Captain." Audrey's voice was tight and nervous; she could feel her chest tighten in apprehension. Normally, her interaction with the Captain was limited to Senior Officer briefs, they consisted of roughly twenty Officers and she always managed to sit in the farthest corner of the room and leave without having to entertain any small talk with the other staff. Now, sat here with the Captain in front of her, Audrey felt cornered.
"The Ambassadorial visit and reception is taking place on Thursday." Kirk crossed his arms in front of him, settling them on the table, Audrey nodded in response to his statement. "I hope you will make the effort to attend?" He inclined his head towards her, she knew he was doing more than just offering up his wishes. She had managed to avoid all but two social events while on board the Enterprise and it hadn't gone unnoticed by Kirk.
"My apologies Captain, I have a report that's due by Friday, I'm afraid I must decline." She smiled tightly again, crossing her fingers under the table that he wouldn't pursue the matter.
"Ms Honeywell, this is a very important occasion, I would appreciate your support by you attending." By the tone of his voice Audrey could tell that if she were to decline a second time he would no doubt order her to attend.
"Yes Sir." She answered.
"Good, I'm glad to hear it. Lieutenant Commander, I understand it can be difficult for some to socialise and I don't wish to make you feel uncomfortable but I do hope that you feel a part of the team on board this ship, it's important to have a sense of belonging. You're a valued member of the team, and we would all benefit on Thursday from your knowledge and expertise of the space we are here to explore." Standing he straightened his uniform and smiled at her once more. "Oh and Ms Honeywell, no formal uniform at the request of the Ambassador. I hope you have a frock?" Giving her a wink Audrey was left sat staring after him.
A frock? Discarding her tray quickly she left the mess hall, her mind filled with the horror of an impending social occasion. A frock? Making small talk? She couldn't think of anything worse. She appreciated the Captain's words of encouragement but it did little to settle her reservations. Walking back into the Stella Cartography department Audrey went straight to her office, making sure the door was closed behind her. She effectively worked alone, not being part of a team nor having any direct reports. Officers would visit on occasion but by in large she was left to enjoy her own company. She continued to work late into the night, not wanting to return to her quarters,her head still filled with the dread of what Thursday could bring.