Party Time

Ben's Pizzeria, New Shi'Kahr, 2279.351, 2015 hours. "I still fail to understand the importance of this ritual," Poleia declared.

T'Alora watched with some amusement as Casey promptly spit out her mouthful of root beer and cackled. "Seriously, Poleia? Come on! It's a birthday party in your honor! We did the same thing for Max and T'Alora on their birthdays!" Their roommate continued to stare at her blankly. "Oh this is too much! I'm going to go get a refill. T, maybe you could explain…" she gestured between the two of them then walked off toward the beverage counter.

The two young women looked at one another, T'Alora inwardly grinning at her friend's obvious confusion. "The purpose of a birthday celebration is to commemorate one's entry into the world. It is primarily a human custom that has since been adopted by other cultures within the Federation."

Poleia glanced around the table at their companions. Including themselves there were three humans, five Vulcans, two Andorians, one Syllenite and one Orion present for the 'party'. She was very quick to point out that the humans in attendance were among the minority, therefore it was illogical of them to concede to Casey's whims in this regard.

T'Alora was equally quick to argue quite the opposite. "Gatherings such as this are indeed logical, though they may outwardly appear otherwise. In this instance they promote interspecies camaraderie and allow for the dissemination of information about other cultures that one cannot expect to find in a classroom setting. Also, this activity allows Casey and the other non-Vulcans of our acquaintance to publicly demonstrate their appreciation for you as a friend as well as celebrate your individuality."

She took another long draught of her beer before turning her attention back to T'Alora "Understood; however, once this ritual is completed it need not be repeated, correct?"

She shook her head in the negative and Poleia almost looked as if she were going to groan. Arching an eyebrow T'Alora asked, "With Casey as a roommate you could hardly expect to spend the entirety of your time at the VSA in study, could you? This observance of the day of your birth will be repeated again in 364 days in accordance with the Terran calendar."

Casey was just returning with one of the servers carrying over their pizzas. "My ears were burning, what were you saying about me?"

"Oh good, food!" Magras—the hulk of a male Orion whom they had befriended—cried out as he lunged for the trays. In his haste he knocked Poleia's beer all over the table…prompting T'Alora to now have to explain the concept of a 'party foul'.


A/N: I know, another short chapter, I'm sorry! I promise next week's will be longer, just have to deal with some real life craziness first.