Make It Happen

Posted on Mon Feb 24th, 2025 @ 10:21pm by Captain Liam Grimaldi-Ral & Reittan Ral

Mission: 01-A Change
Location: **Deep Space K-17-Quarters of Captain Liam Grimaldi-Ral and Reittan Ral**
Timeline: MD04-1730 Hours

The soft hum of the station provided a comforting backdrop as Reittan and Liam wandered through their new apartment, their footsteps quiet against the polished wood floors. Only a few days had passed since their arrival, and while they were still in the process of settling in, the space already felt like theirs. A blank canvas waiting to be filled with memories, warmth, and small pieces of their lives.

Liam stood by the large windows in the living room, gazing out over the park beyond the glass. Soft,simulated natural light filtered in, bathing the room in a golden glow. The lush greenery below stood in stark contrast to the station’s cold, metallic corridors, a reminder that even here, nature persisted.

“Still can’t get over the view,” Liam mused, his voice carrying the quiet excitement he’d felt ever since they first stepped inside. “It makes it feel real." He exhaled peacefully. "You can't get this on a Starship”

Reittan joined him by the window, letting his gaze drift over the park before settling on Liam. “It’s a good reminder that we’re more than just the walls around us,” he said, his voice rich with warmth. “I’ve always liked having nature close. It makes it feel more like home.”

Liam smiled, turning toward the staircase that spiraled elegantly to the second floor. He ran his fingers along the smooth railing, admiring its design. “I can’t wait to finish getting everything in place,” he said, glancing back at Reittan. “Feels like it’s all coming together.”

Reittan nodded, thoughtful. His gaze drifted toward the shelves, where a few carefully chosen items from his family’s collection already sat. Among them were the Holy Scriptures of Rixx, wrapped in soft silk cloth, waiting for their proper place.

“I was thinking…” Reittan began, voice contemplative as he walked toward the low table in the living room. “Now that we’re settling in, I want to open something here. A tea room.”

Liam blinked, pleasantly surprised at Reittan's new found entrepreneurial attitude. “A tea room?” He folded his arms, intrigued. “Like a proper Betazoid one?” He recalled the tea rooms they'd visited while on his husband's homeworld.

Reittan smirked. “Of course. A quiet, intimate place. Somewhere people can come to reflect, share a drink, have real conversations. There’s nothing like that on the promenade yet—just noisy bars and quick service cafés.”

Liam’s expression softened as he considered it. “That sounds… perfect. Not just for you, but for the station. Something peaceful. A place where people can just be.”

Reittan nodded, pleased that Liam understood so easily. “Exactly. I don’t want it to be just another business. I want it to be an experience—silks, soft music, proper tea rituals, and handcrafted cocktails. A space that encourages people to slow down, even for just a little while.”

Liam’s smile widened. “You really have been thinking about this.”

“I have,” Reittan admitted. “And I think this is the right place for it. This station—K-17—it’s different. It’s not some bustling hub like DS9 or Earth Spacedock. The people here… they need something like this.”

Liam chuckled. “Well, you certainly won’t have trouble finding clientele. I'm sure there are more than a few officers who could use a place like that.” He tilted his head. “Have you thought about a name?”

Reittan hummed, considering. “Zan-Tel.” He said finally. "It means Whispering Room."

Liam stepped closer, resting a hand on Reittan’s arm. “Then let’s do it,” he said, voice steady with encouragement. “You know, I never really thought of you as the ‘owning a bar’ type.”


Reittan smiled, squeezing Liam’s hand. “And what type am I?”

Liam grinned. “Mysterious former Starfleet officer. Handsome, brooding. The kind of man who shows up at a diplomatic function just long enough to make an impression before disappearing into the night.”

Reittan exhaled, shaking his head with an amused sigh. “I sound exhausting.” He smiled warmly. “And you left out ‘highly observant, devastatingly charming, and excellent in bed.’”

Liam laughed, tilting his head back. “Right. How could I forget?”

Reittan stretched out, one arm wrapping around Liam’s shoulder. "I can be many things. An officer. A politician. A husband. And apparently, a barman.” There was a twinkle in his eye.

Liam let out a breath, his gaze sweeping over the apartment once more. “Between this and the tea room, we’re really making a home here.”

“We are,” Reittan agreed, leaning in to press a soft kiss to Liam’s cheek. “And I think it’s going to be something special.”

Liam, after a moment of quiet reflection, pulled back slightly, eyes twinkling with mischief. “So, Mister Ral, what do you say to a home-cooked meal?”

Reittan raised an eyebrow, his dark eyes alight with amusement. “Why don’t I cook, hmm?” He brushed a teasing kiss along Liam’s jaw. “I think you’ve done enough for one day.”

Liam laughed, heart warm. “Deal.”

As Reittan moved toward the kitchen, he glanced back over his shoulder, already lost in thought. “You know, I’ll need to talk to the quartermaster about sourcing proper Betazoid tea blends. And fabrics—oh, the ambiance has to be perfect.”

Liam followed, shaking his head with a fond smile. “Here we go.”

Reittan grinned. “You did say we’d make it happen.”

“I did,” Liam admitted, stepping up behind him. “And we will.” He planted a soft kiss on the back of the Betazoid's neck. "I love you Imzadi."