Lt. Commander Caedan Nkai - Behind Blue Eyes

[Quinn Reynolds]

((Cochtois Lagoon Beach, Deluvia IV))

::The setting sun heralded the beginning of the resort's nightlife, and true to form, Caedan was out enjoying it. But for once, he was doing so alone, supping a drunk in a quiet bar while watching the sun set. The beaches were filling up with celebrants, all looking to partake in an Earth-themed night of feasting and entertainment, and as interesting as it had sounded, he found that he just didn't have the heart for it. Here they were, on an alien planet, colonised by amphibious people with their own unique lifestyle, customs and heritage, with visitors from across the length and breadth of the Federation… and the night was oriented around an Earth culture. 

::Again.::

Sevo: Hey, Caedan.

::He looked up, a smile falling into place as much out of habit as pleasure. It was something of a surprise to have the redhead wander up to him, but he didn't mind the company, and he sensed that she needed it. Perhaps he was the sentient equivalent of neutral territory that night, a place where she wouldn't be alone, but wouldn't have to deal with the complex entanglements that came with any greater connection.:: 

Nkai: Hey yourself. 

Sevo: Having a good time? I expected you to be down there by now. 

::Ayiana nodded her head toward the beach, where bonfires exhaled smoke and embers toward the starry sky, and people were enjoying music, drink and company. Caedan chuckled. That was his reputation, but the downside to having it was that anytime he acted a little differently, it tended to get noticed. The Trill's presence drew the attention of the barman, a rather fetching Selkie man called Lasossa who had been doing a marvellous job of ensuring his glass never stayed empty for too long.::

Sevo: I'll have what he's having. 

::She indicated the almost empty tumbler in Caedan's hand, a thin layer of an ice-white liquor clinging to the bottom.::

Nkai: Two gredlahrs it is, please. 

::He paused, looking at her for a moment. Mixed with the sweetness of the Andorian rum on his tongue were the much sourer notes of her thoughts, a heady mix of heartache, confusion and remorse. He could guess what had caused that toxic combination, he'd heard the rumours — who hadn't? — and he looked toward the Selkie barman.::

Nkai: Make them doubles, would you?

::Lasossa moved off to accommodate the request, while Caedan finished off the last dregs of his current drink. Sliding the empty glass across the bar, he looked toward his new drinking companion. The question he wanted to ask was obvious enough that she answered it without him needing to speak a word.::

Sevo: I...uh...I need to forget some stuff. For a while.

Nkai: Then you've come to the right place. I have extensive experience on how to do just that, and neither the pink hair nor the moral high ground to lecture you on why it's a bad idea.

Sevo: Response

Nkai: Hey, no judgement. ::He chuckled.:: I've drowned a few of my own life choices in a bottle.

Sevo: Response

::Two tumblers of gredlahr appeared on the bar in front of them, and Caedan offered a smile and a thank you to the barman, picking up his glass. He held the glass with gentle fingers, swirling the liquor inside as he thought.::

Nkai: You want to talk about it before we commit ourselves to forgetting it?

Sevo: Response

::He leaned back and looked at her for a long moment, a grin clinging to his lips. Tall and slim, Ayiana had always cut a striking figure, but he'd never really *noticed* her before. She really was quite lovely, the soft curves of her face crowned with shining scarlet, the gentle breeze toying with the loose strands in a winsome fashion. It was easy to forget that behind those striking blue eyes were lifetimes of experiences and memories.::

Nkai: Usually I could pull the "I'm pushing sixty and I've seen and heard it all" routine, but I don't think I'm getting away with it in your case.

Sevo: Response

--

Lt. Commander Caedan Nkai

Chief of Operations

USS Gorkon

simmed by

Rear Admiral Quinn Reynolds
Commanding Officer

USS Gorkon

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