[JP] PNPC Nadevia Virtavi-Yaros & Ensign Marcus Forza - Opening Pandora's Box (Part 1)
LT Gila Sadar
(( Outside the Aurora Apex Bar - Earth Spacedock, Sol System ))
Finally having a chance to get off of the Khitomer, Marcus was more than eager to take a load off. Before taking a shuttlecraft there, he would run into his room, change out of his uniform into something more comfortable. Well not exactly comfortable, but it looked good. He always favored simple but clean. He would wear a black t-shirt with an open button down short sleeve top. He’d throw on some black jeans and black sneakers, spike up his hair, and get a move on. Sure he never was big on socializing with others, but he definitely wanted to look presentable. But where to go? What can one do when arriving on THE Earth Spacedock. Last time Marcus was here was as a child after being evacuated off of DS17. Everything looked much the same, but he supposed not much changed in nine years. Walking through, he could hear plenty of announcements and calls on the station’s intercoms. Civilians, Starfleet personnel, ambassadors, all kinds of people from all walks of life. After walking through the Starbase for a tad longer than expected, Marcus found himself rather parched. Following some holodisplays, he found his way to the entrance of a bar, and manning the entrance, with stubborn resolve, was a somewhat short and blonde young woman, who was similarly standing in front of the bar.
Virtavi-Yaros: Greetings. Might you too be searching for refreshments on this fine day?
Just before, a dynastic reunion for the century was concluded. It sounded fancier than intended when one said that they had to attend the ‘bi-centennial reunion of the Virtavi-Yaros Dynasty’, but it simultaneously didn’t quite convey the degree of formality required to say ‘I’m going to see my great-grandparents’. Due to the rather - to off-worlders - grandiose circumstances of her errand aboard Spacedock, Nadevia was dressed from head to toe in a gown that could only be considered extravagant, adorned in reds, golds and blues with a stiff collar that ensured proper posture, and her long blonde hair put into a picturesque side-sweep that would make hair care professionals weep at the unnatural position her hair had been forced into.
Forza: I mean kinda, yeah. I was simply coming in for a quick drink and then I was gonna be on my way.
Virtavi-Yaros: My profound apologies, you seemed rather unfamiliar with your surroundings, so I thought to encourage you by extending my greetings to you. You are... Newly arrived on the Spacedock?
Forza: Yeah actually. My ship just got back from deployment, we’re on uh, shore leave.
Virtavi-Yaros: Your ship?
Nadevia’s posture changed ever-so-slightly, though it would likely be imperceptible to those unfamiliar with the sensation of being hunted by an official with a mission.
Virtavi-Yaros: Pray correct me if I should be mistaken, but are you, perchance, a Starfleet officer?
Forza: Uh yeah. I’m an Ensign. Marcus Forza, and you are…
Nadevia’s rose-colored lips split into a smile. Depending on one’s viewpoint, it would either be a charming and friendly one, or a predatory one. Nadevia hoped it would count as the former for Ensign Forza, as she needed him to not run away for her pitch to settle in properly.
Virtavi-Yaros: I am delighted to make your acquaintance, Ensign Forza. I am Nadevia Virtavi-Yaros, and I would like to talk to you about “Starflirt”. If you would not be too opposed, I should like to partake in some refreshments and pleasant conversation with you so as to accomplish this?
Forza: Starfl-
Virtavi-Yaros: I promise you, this conversation shall be entirely devoid of binding obligations on your part. My sole intent is to present the notion that love and duty might not be mutually exclusive at all, but instead make your life of service more fulfilling and worthy of your effort.
Marcus could barely get a word in. This young lady had absolutely blown right by whatever he was going to say and all the while, Marcus simply wanted something to drink.
Nadevia, meanwhile, saw her chance as the victim-turned-potential Flirter was flabbergasted at her sudden change of approach, and easily linked arms with him to guide him into the bar. She was not so uncouth as to stand and recruit in the door to the establishment - it would be terribly rude, not only to her intended recruit, but to the proprietor of this fine bar.
Virtavi-Yaros: I am not so naive as to think that I shall leave you to your evening with full endorsements of Starflirt’s presence within the grander social world of Starfleet service, nor do I expect you to sign up once my pitch has reached its conclusion. I merely hope to spark your imagination, to instill within you the hope for something more. You and your fellow crew serve the Federation admirably day after day, but surely, there must be more life itself than simply the droll repetitions your duties require of you? The proud members of Starfleet fly among the stars themselves, and yet the romance of discovery and the longing for ever grander horizons have dulled as of late, have they not?
Marcus was taken off guard, unsure as to what to say. He was simply being polite, making conversation. Now he knew that yet again, he fell into a trap. oO I have to start avoiding bars. Oo
She guided the young Ensign further into the bar,
Forza: May I take a seat? Have a drink maybe?
Virtavi-Yaros: Oh, of course. If not, I fear we would make poor guests of this esteemed establishment.
As he sat down, Marcus placed his elbows up on the bar and signaled the bartender over.
Virtavi-Yaros: Oh! I just realized I accidentally commenced my propositioning without inquiring as to your own circumstances. Are you perhaps married, betrothed, spoken for, promised, pledged, bound, espoused or engaged in the extensive mating ritual of the Kotakians?
Taking a deep breath through his mouth, he looked over towards the bartender.
Forza: ::pause:: Something…strong. ::looking back at Virtavi:: Um, ::hesitantly:: no.
Virtavi-Yaros: Excellent! ::to Bartender:: If I might request a flute of Dokkaran swillwine?
The bartender took their orders with just the barest hint of confusion, and left the table once more.
Virtavi-Yaros: If it is not too forward of me, Ensign Forza, might I inquire as to when you first received your commission?
Forza: Last month.
A man of few words. Almost too few. No matter, she was fully capable of writing out the profile for him, but she did need him to showcase a bit of his endearing qualities if this was to reach the intended audience.
oO Calm, Nadevia. He was unprepared for this. This is not the Artemis. Oo
And, if she had to be perfectly honest, even aboard the Artemis - where she was now a familiar face to much of the crew - they still tried to deflect her earnest attempts at building the scaffolding for their future happiness with single word sentences.
Virtavi-Yaros: Your present circumstances remain, I gather, somewhat unfamiliar to you still then. Have you been so fortunate as to find yourself amongst companions of steady acquaintance aboard the vessel upon which you serve?
Forza: Honestly? ::looking towards the bartender:: Make whatever it is a double please? ::looking back at Virtavi-Yaros:: Not really no. I uh, don’t quite know everybody yet? I guess I’m just not a big social person. My friend did join the Academy with me, but he got stationed somewhere else.
Thinking back on his friend, who was currently stationed on DS33, he realized he hasn’t had much correspondence with him since being posted on the Khitomer. As the bartender gave both of them their drinks, Marcus twirled his drink on the table listening to whatever was coming next.
Virtavi-Yaros: Ah, that is regrettable. Unfortunately, the life of an officer oft demands that one endure vast distances, separating oneself from those dearest to our hearts, whether they be platonic companions or those of more tender affections.
Looking around, Marcus noticed yet again that no one quite cared what was going on around him. People were here to enjoy themselves and relax, have a drink or two. Clearly this girl was simply doing her job, there wasn’t much to worry about was there?
Virtavi-Yaros: Fortuitously, circumstance has conspired to join our paths, if only for the briefest of moments, thus enabling me to assist you on this vital first step on your journey in redefining your burgeoning identity as an officer, and, perhaps, discern what you might seek from a partner during this most exciting stage in your life.
Forza: I’m sorry?
Virtavi-Yaros: To speak plainly, I wish to assist you with the creation of a Flirter profile on Starflirt’s interface. I of course understand that an enterprising young officer like yourself has your continued ascendance in the organization at mind, first and foremost, but it is my belief that any journey is best enjoyed if enjoyed together with like-minded individuals and companions. Starflirt presents itself as a means for you to network and connect with fellow officers, both aboard your own Ship and beyond its confines, whether in friendship or otherwise.
Forza: Ooookay.
Noticing a certain aversion to the notion of personal relationships for the sake of companionship itself, Nadevia realized she might need to take a more ‘Vulcan’ approach to this Ensign.
Virtavi-Yaros: Of course, it is also an excellent opportunity for you to clearly define your goals as an officer, and to practice the art of networking. While maintaining a certain sphere of influence aboard your vessel may serve you well as an Ensign, it shall not be long before you are called upon to seek opportunities within the greater purview of Starfleet itself. Forging connections in preparation for that day is, in my humble estimation, nothing short of an exercise in due vigilance. Do you not agree, Ensign Forza?
Forza: I mean, yeah? I honestly hadn't thought about it that way.
Finally the bartender had brought their drinks and Marcus could not possibly be more grateful than he was at this moment. Swirling his drink in his glass, almost trying to become part of it, he took a small comfort knowing that no one was listening to THIS conversation.
Virtavi-Yaros: A shortcoming of which you cannot be held personally accountable, Ensign. The Academy, the bastion of learning in the galactic community that it is, prepares you for a life of service and excellence, but sometimes to a degree that neglects your life as a feeling individual. Just after graduation, Ensigns such as yourself are slated for the grandest adventure of your lives, and as such, idle thoughts of the necessity of interpersonal relations as a career move couldn’t be further from your mind. But this is exactly why I find it imperative to lay down a sturdy foundation for your continued happiness at this important junction, Ensign Forza. A preventative measure to ensure your continued satisfaction with the path that you have chosen. ::smiles wistfully:: A life of service is a grand ambition, one that I once sought myself, but a life of service is meaningless unless it is, to say, a life.
TBC in Part 2
Ensign Marcus Forza
Tactical Officer
USS Khitomer
K240201MF3
&
Nadevia Virtavi-Yaros
Starflirt Rep
USS Artemis-A
As simmed by
LT Gila Sadar
Medical Officer
USS Artemis-A
A240006GS1