A Little Illumination

Posted on Fri Jan 10th, 2025 @ 8:46am by Petty Officer 3rd Class Raven Mattel & Ignatius & Commander Mindo

Mission: The Only Thing Left Was Hope
Location: New York - Earth

ON:

A hovering camera drone soared over the crowded New York street as scores of people braved a cold night in the city to pack themselves into an historic theatre on Broadway. The camera panned over the crowd before finally coming to a stop just past the entrance of the theatre, fixing in position in front of Federation New Service reporter Anna Oaken.

"I'm here tonight at the famous Majestic Theatre in the heart of Broadway for a truly unique fashion experience." Oaken began breathlessly, "As part of this year's New York Fashion Week, we're here for what has been a highly anticipated debut for designer Ignatius's first independent collection."

Anna turned a little and the drone tilted up slightly to show the promotional poster that was hanging in the Majestic Theatre's display window. The poster was entirely black with the simple words 'From the darkness comes...' and today's date underneath. The posters would be familiar to anyone in New York over the last month, as the mysterious promotion had been springing up all over the city, generating the necessary buzz for the show and ensuring tonight's event was entirely sold out. The event had finally come and soon the show would begin.

"So little has been revealed about Ignatius' collection; the evasive designer and his studio have given nothing away so far. There are rumors that he has spent up to three years on his debut." Anna continued with eyebrows raised, "The show promises to be the highlight of Fashion Week this year and it feels like all of New York's fashion set have come out tonight to see the big reveal for themselves..."

Inside of the theatre, the assembled crowd were eagerly taking their seats. The dress circle had been adapted to accommodate a runway down the middle, with the rest of the stalls turned sideways so that everyone would have a view. The stage was covered in a thick black curtain, adding to the mystery. Celebrities and VIPs started filtering inside too, excited to see the show and to be seen at the show. Such was the interest in the event.

Having full VIP status as one of Ignatius' core group of designers, Commander Mindo, decked out in an old pinstripe suit, the first suit Iggy had made for Mindo years ago on the Pandora, stepped backstage to see the craziness going on there as well as to offer to help. Much of the fancy technology Iggy had implemented was thanks to Mindo's ingenuity as a former Starfleet Engineer. Mindo had spent a lot of the last three months on Earth giving Iggy and his models assistance. It was a big reason why he had taken three months for his Starfleet reenlistment, a process that would have taken all of a week.

Immediately, he spotted Raven, at this point mostly covered by Iggy's ultra-secret "coup de grace" of the night. The dress looked drab, but this was because it had not been "turned on." Mindo had been with Ignatius the day before, making the final adjustments to the technology. Mindo was positive everything would go off without a hitch. The hardest part had been keeping it all secret. No one had done in fashion what Iggy was about to do. It was going to shock the world, and in the middle of it was Raven herself.

Raven always had a glow about her, but today she was positively shining. Mindo remembered their first meeting, the day she applied for the job as barista at Mindo's "barcade" back on the Pandora. Even then, in her pre-transition, she was gorgeous; not just for her looks. He saw in her a good that Mindo had never believed could exist in anyone.

The two had a silent pact that they would never engage each other romantically. Mindo was her friend, yes, but also her employer. This detail of respect between the two had lasted a long time, and even though Raven was no longer employed by Mindo, he had retained his status as the older brother she'd never had. Now Mindo had never once been as proud of anyone than he was that day for Raven.

Of course, Iggy and Mindo had always been friends, even before Raven had come aboard. Mindo and Iggy had come up with some amazing designs for various suits Mindo had worn to special events. If Mindo ever looked good, it was thanks to the one and only Ignatius. Iggy and Mindo had also never shared any romantic encounter for similar reasons Mindo and Raven had not. Fact was, none of them ever had a family until they met on the Pandora. Their care for each other was a natural one, and none of them would ever turn their back on the others.

So everything they'd been through together--the hardships, the adventures, the fun--had culminated into this night. Iggy's line wasn't just a fashion display. It was a tribute that embodied the three of them. For all of them, this was their night.

An assistant ran through the back of house, weaving through the models and the dressers and the stagehands, blaring into his headpiece, "SIXTY SECONDS!"

Amongst the chaos, Ignatius found Raven and reached out to hold her hands. They saw Mindo and called him over to stand with them too, each of them holding one of Mindo's hands. There were tears of pride welling in Ignatius' eyes as he looked at his two friends.

"Are you ready?" Ignatius said in a choked breath.

"I am." She smiled back, giving a firm nod. "Those people out there? They're not ready." She laughed, "They have no idea."

Mindo quietly slipped away and found his reserved spot in the audience.

Soon the collected audience found their seats, prompted along by the flickering of the house lights in that old fashioned tradition, as an anticipatory hush fell over the theatre. The lights dimmed until there was complete darkness and a booming voice began to speak.

"Some of you may recall the strange affair of the Indigo Sky." The announcer called out from the black, "A mysterious phenomenon hidden deep within the Inconnu Expanse..."

In front of them in a digital projection, a view of the Indigo Sky appeared above the audience. The display was recreated from ship footage of the USS Pandora's visit to the area. The audience oohed and aahed as the vibrant storms of the Sky permeated before their eyes, giving off dazzling colors of purples, oranges, pinks, and blues.

"A mystery never fully explained and never widely known. That is, until, tonight." The announcer continued, his ominous voice ringing throughout the enthralled theatre. "Our workshops have created a new kind of phenomenon, one that you can actually wear..."

The projection shimmered away again, plunging the room back into darkness. In the center of the main stage there was a small pinpoint of light.

"Imagine, being your own Indigo Sky." The announcer said, "And to do that, all we need is a little... illumination!"

From the small dot of light on the stage, there was an explosion of color across a long flowing gown. Raven stood perfectly poised, arms positioned upwards, as the dress came to life with the same bright, vibrant colors from the projection - bright purples, pinks, oranges, and blues expanded across the bodice of the gown and down into the gathered skirt and over the train. The colors were seemingly alive - swirling and cascading, brightening and flashing in a storm of living pigments across the fabric.

The crowd were silent at first, unsure of what they were seeing. Raven took a step forward and the dress with all of its colors moved with her. The audience began to realize this wasn't just another projection, a trick of light production, but that the dress itself, the very fabric it was made out of, was giving off this beautiful display. The silence gave way to cheers and then rapturous applause as Raven sashayed down the runaway in front of them.

Mindo grinned and applauded Raven's performance. The dress had gone off without a hitch. Mindo thought it looked even better than the last time he'd worked on it. It was Ignatius' monumental vision brought to life. It was also the culmination of two years of experiences in tight spots and great odds.

As Raven strutted the runway, Mindo saw her dress' illumination changing and evolving. It was the clothing equivalent of a masterful symphony, a ballet of tones and feelings... like an epic poem encompassing a multitude of emotions sailing elegantly around Raven's beautiful figure!

At the end of the runway, Raven twirled the dress and the storm of colors moved with her, eliciting another round of applause from the crowd. Raven soaked up every second of it, giving a pleased grin to the wowed faces as she posed, turned, and posed again. Then, she turned on her heel and stomped down the runway back towards the main stage. As she reached the black curtain, another model walked out - this time wearing a smaller cocktail version of the dress, but with the same illumination of bright colors. The crowd went wild again.

Returning to the back of house, Raven let out an excited laugh. "We did it!" She exclaimed gleefully. She was met with a group of dressers, who immediately got to work removing the garment off of her while giving their unwavering feedback.

"It was amazing!"

"Did you hear that silence at first?"

"They love it!"

Raven gushed as she watched the dress slide away from her body and power down. In front of her sitting on a hanging rack was the finale dress, billowing out with layers of ruffles, a Mille Feuille tulle skirt. As the dressers did their thing, adjusting her hair, placing a tiara on her head, slipping on some white gloves, Raven looked around for Ignatius. Finally, she spotted him standing just by the lip of the black curtain.

Ignatius' face was stoic and expressionless, every time a model walked out with a new variation of the dress, he held his breath waiting for the reaction. He had only managed to produce a short collection of designs - far less than what a usual New York Fashion Week show would require, but he was hoping that his originality would overshadow the brevity of his collection. Still, he waited with breath withheld as every design debuted onto the stage.

Before long, Raven had been dressed and was standing at the curtain as well. Someone called out "Final look!" and Ignatius turned to see her waiting. Seeing Raven in a beautifully romantic wedding gown, with its layers upon layers of ruffles, each one swirling with a blush pink or deep lavender, Ignatius broke into a smile.

"The most beautiful bride." He beamed, reaching out his hand.

Raven nodded as she squeezed her hand on his, "Thanks to you." She whispered.

Stepping onto the stage, Raven's wedding dress finale received a standing ovation. The colors were not as bright or blasting with vibrancy of the other designs, creating a more sophisticated look for a bridal gown, but it was still an innovation of technology that created a glowing gown for a glowing bride. The warmer, deeper colors directly contrasted the other looks but remained true to Ignatius' new illuminated fabric. The room leapt to their feet as they saw the gown and created a thundering storm of applause.

[Later]

An hour after the show, the back of house was still pumping with people. Media, celebrities, designers, models - everyone had congregated in the dressing area, talking about the show, celebrating with some drinks, showing off the pieces to the VIPs. Ignatius was swarmed by reporters as he discussed the three-year journey that he had taken from idea to finished design, loving every moment of attention he was receiving.

Raven meanwhile had managed to disrobe from the wedding gown and now, in a simple black cocktail dress with a handbag, she was eating appetizers off of a small plate like a ravenous possum.

Mindo was, for once, not the only Fesarian in the room. He'd been spotted fast and approached immediately, all asking the same things; where did you get that suit, how do you know Ignatius or Raven, could you introduce me, maybe later you and I could... and so on. Within thirty minutes he'd acquired three hotel keys, all of them from Fesarian fashion aficionados.

So it was actually shaping up to be a good night for Mindo... until it came out that Mindo not only helped engineer the tech behind Ignatius' dress, but was also wearing a custom-made "Ignatius original" suit. Mindo wasn't thinking when he'd told one of the Fesarians his part in the show. Some journalists began approaching him, taking holo-pics and asking him questions. Mindo was a total stranger to celebrity and had not expected any attention. He was simply there to find his friends and congratulate them. He hadn't prepared answers to the questions currently bombarding him.

Watching the commotion from a safe distance, Raven gave a girlish giggle to herself as she stuffed the final canape from the plate into her mouth. After a moment, she sought out one of Ignatius' assistants and spoke softly to them. With a nod, the assistant leapt into action and advised the group of journalists and hangers-on crowding around Mindo that they were invited to get exclusive pictures of the wedding gown. Naturally the crowd followed with eager anticipation, trailing after the assistant like ants to a picnic.

Raven swanned over to Mindo with a plate of food she prepared for him, "Hope you don't mind, I thought you could use a rest from the pack."

"Thank you so much!" Mindo said. He was absolutely ecstatic to see her. "I'd hug you, but I'm all sticky and sweaty in this suit. Can we just get out of here and grab some air?"

"This way!" Raven declared, not wasting a single moment. She gently held onto his arm and started walking towards a black curtain against the far wall. Countless hours of rehearsals in the theatre and Raven had learnt its many passageways and exits. She pulled back the curtain to reveal a doorway, which soon had them out in the alleyway. The pair were greeted by the sounds of the New York evening passing by and thankfully a chilly gust of fresh air. "Voila!" Raven declared as they exited.

Mindo breathed a sigh of relief. It was good to be outside. The air was fresh and the temperature had dropped to the low seventies, with a nice breeze through the alleyway.

"So that's what it's like to be famous?" Mindo asked with a half-smile.

Raven chortled, as she took in he air, "I know, right? They really take this stuff seriously. Seems light years away from what we usually do."

Mindo laughed. "Raven, everything we usually do is literally light years from here!" They both laughed and shared that moment, but the feeling quickly went away. Whether it was the cold weather or both of their fatigue, the two suddenly got very serious.

Mindo took Raven's hand. "You were amazing tonight. The work you and Iggy--well, me too in a way--put into this, a tribute of all our time together... it made me forget all the horrible things that went on with me in Starfleet. It reminded me that there were great times there. But I can't shake the sense of finality." He paused for a minute, trying to find the right words. "We're going back, Raven. The crew and I. We're going to find the Pandora, and we're leaving soon. I just want to tell you..."

Raven took in the news with a solemn nod, "I have expected this, to be honest. I knew this day would come, and I understand. In fact... Well, if we’re revealing information…” Raven burst into a playful smile as she reached into her handbag and retrieved a PADD. With a few taps of the screen, she handed it over to Mindo. “I got in!”

On screen was an acceptance letter from Starfleet’s admission office for Non Commissioned Officers. It revealed that Raven had passed her entrance exam and had been accepted into their trainee program.

Mindo's eyes went wide, and he began to tear up. "This is great!" he exclaimed. "You're really doing it! You're joining Starfleet!" He laughed for a second and then gave her as strong an embrace as he could, given his size. "In what field are you going to work?" he asked with enthusiasm.

"Oh gosh, well obviously Captain." Raven replied, and she gave a laugh.

Mindo grinned. "Would I still have permission to speak freely?"

"Hmm, I don't know." Raven mused playfully. "Actually, you know, first I'll have to see what color uniform goes best with my complexion. Command red might clash with my lipstick."

The side door opened, and Ignatius' head popped out from within. "There you two are!" He cried as he joined Raven and Mindo in the alley. "I think I've talked about impossible beauty and fashion over function for hours now."

Raven quickly popped the PADD back into her purse.

"We stepped out to get some air," Mindo replied. "How 'bout we all ditch and get shit-faced? Find a place that serves margaritas and loaded tater tots..."

"I love that, but I need a moment of air first." Ignatius complained as he leaned against the wall of the building, fanning himself with his hands. "I've officially talked about myself too much, if we ever thought that was possible. What were you guys talking about?"

"Your show, of course, darling," Raven lied, "And how fabulous it was."

"Oh," Ignatius gave a little bow, "Of course. But what was that about Command Red lipstick?"

"Nothing, darling, really. This is your night, we're here to talk about you!" Raven insisted.

Mindo grinned. "Iggy's been talking about himself all night! I think he'd love to hear your news, Raven."

Ignatius gave an “I agree” nod and Raven laughed. “Well, I heard back Starfleet. They’ve accepted me as a cadet Non-Commissioned Officer!”

“Oh Raven that’s outstanding!” Ignatius cried as he immediately reached to give his friend a hug. “You worked so hard for that.”

Raven nodded, “Thank you. And thank you both for helping me study these past few months. It’s probably the most I’ve actually had to apply myself in my LIFE!”

"Have you thought of a department?" Mindo asked. "Maybe Medical? You know, a blue uniform would really go well with your eyes..."

"Ohh that's a good idea," Raven nodded, "I don't know if I could deal with all the... gross stuff, though. I remember seeing so major injuries onboard the Pandora. Eugh! I might not have the stomach for it. But," She shrugged, "I do like helping people. I could so something in Crew Morale."

"You'd be a beacon of hope to any ship," Ignatius agreed, "You'd cheer anyone up."

Raven blushed as she nodded, "I'd certainly try. Oh! I also liked organizing things. Maybe Operations?"

"The possibilities are virtually endless," Mindo said. "You could work in a galley. Maybe they'd let you use your roller-skates!"

"Hon-ay!" Raven snapped her fingers in agreement with the Commander's suggestion, "I'll be roller-skating my way across the galaxy if I could."

"You'll have time to figure it out through, right? While you're training?" Ignatius asked, and Raven nodded, "For right now, I think it's time to celebrate. My show, your acceptance, Commander Mindo back in Starfleet? Let us, as Mr. Mindo so helpfully suggested, get shit faced."

"One final night on the town!" Mindo said with a grin.

"I am so down." Raven nodded in agreement, "A farewell to remember."

The thought of losing his best friend weighed heavily on Ignatius but he could see how happy she was, and he had to play along for now. He enthusiastically agreed instead, "Yes! We've igniting this city with my fashion, now let's bring the house down with our fabulousness."

"New York will never be the same!" Mindo exclaimed.

****

Two legendary tales were made that night. The first was the legend of the illuminated clothing - the dress that brightened up New York and brought color and amazement back into fashion. A collection of clothing that was inspired by the magical Indigo Sky and that actually managed to recreate the vibrancy and life of the brilliant nebula that was thousands of light years away from Earth - right before the eyes of the adoring crowd. You had to be there to see it, and if you weren't then you had missed out. The show would be talked about long after the event was over.

The second legendary tale was that of three friends, celebrating their respective successes and each other, tearing up New York City in their own brilliant nebula of fun and frivolity. The social pages were splashed with their antics the next morning as Mindo, Raven, and Ignatius created a moving parade of dancing and drinking. Their night would also be talked about long after the sun rose the next morning, with gossip running rampant that the trio had shut down Times Square, scaled the Statue of Liberty, then danced across the Hudson. Most of this was an outlandish exaggeration, of course, folktales and unverified rumors of extravagant celebrations that were heightened by over-embellishment from those who were not there. They just heard from a friend of a friend.

But people believed it, nonetheless, because in order to create a legendary tale, the lines between reality and imagination must be beautifully blurred. And the story must always involve legends. In this case, it had three.

OFF