Chapter 1: The Invitation

Author's Note: At first, I was a little sceptical about genderbending... It's funny how things change sometimes... In december and january I always watch an old Cinderella fairy tale movie over and over again. I got an idea to combine a part of it with Star Trek. Maybe a little bit crazy and extreme fluff (with a dash of bedroom action), but... why not? ;)

"So, I have good news and bad news", Captain Jamie Kirk announced when she entered the briefing room and sat down at the head of the conference table. Smiling.

The senior officers were looking curiously at her.

"The way you're smiling I don't think I want to know either of them", Doctor Leonard McCoy replied and crossed his arms. He was sitting on the right side of the table next to her.

Now she grinned. "That's because I may not have to go there."

"Go where?" Sulu threw in.

"The masquerade ball on Betazed."

The Captain received puzzled looks.

"Okay, okay", she gestured. "From the beginning: The Federation Council completed the planning for the annual Federation founding celebration. There will be the usual celebrations and stuffy dinners on Earth but due to the impending joining of Betazed to the Federation the Betazoids want to host a special event."

McCoy rolled his eyes. "And that's a masquerade ball?"

Uhura raised a hand. "I'm confused. Why a masquerade? Wouldn't be a diplomatic dinner or something like that more appropriate?"

"Well, apparently, it was either that or a bachelor auction", the Captain explained. "So bad news: There may be a weird evening full of costumes and telepaths. Good news: It's not a bachelor auction. I hate those..." She shuddered at a memory of standing on a stage at such an event. "The Betazoids are fascinated with human culture and want take up some aspects. I guess, a masquerade ball is, so to say, the opposite of their very open culture without secrets."

Spock nodded. "As telepaths they always know what others feel or think, depending on individual abilities. And Betazoid weddings, for example, are traditionally without clothing. The bridal couple and all guests are nude. So a masquerade ball with everyone disguising their true identities would certainly be very intriguing to a culture like this."

"What do I have to do to be uninvited?" McCoy grumbled.

Jamie grinned. "Oh, come on, Bones. Think positive, it's a few hours shore leave. With amazing food and free drinks."

He snorted. "I recall you saying you would probably not have to go there?"

"Ah, yes, well, maybe I will have to take a special conference call. It's not decided yet, they don't know when they will set it up. Depends on a bunch of Admirals scattered all over the quadrant." She shrugged her shoulders. "But the senior officers are expected to attend the ball. The Federation's Ambassadors, some high ranking members of Starfleet and representatives of the Federation Council as well as of the founding worlds will be there. Everyone else on the ship is free to go."

McCoy rolled his eyes again. "Dammit, Jamie, I'm a doctor, not a diplomat. I won't go."

"So", she went on and ignored him, "start thinking of some costumes. It can be with or without an actual mask. But the invitation says that the evening is supposed to be as much mystery as possible." She smiled broadly, rose from her chair and started walking to the door.

"How about a ghost?" McCoy suggested. "I'll just put a white sheet from Medbay over my head."

She stopped at the door. "Don't be ridiculous."

"However it would qualify as a costume", Spock interjected.

Nyota Uhura, Montgomery Scott, Pavel Chekov and Hikaru Sulu tried their best to hide their grins. But failed.

McCoy crossed his arms and held the Captain's gaze provocatively. "Or I could go as a starship captain."

„Sure, and we can trade our shifts and workplaces tomorrow", she replied in a sweet sarcastic voice. "I always wanted to play doctor. I think the blue uniform would go great with my eyes." She batted her eyelashes at him, while the other officers had a very hard time to keep - or regain - straight faces.

McCoy snorted and rubbed his forhead. "Fine, I'll think about a costume for that damn event."

Jamie turned towards the door again and waved. "Dismissed."