Lt Alex Storm - Noise Enough for Honesty
Karen Morris
((Sacred Marketplace, Ferenginar))
The din of the crowd left Alex squinting as she walked abreast of Jaran.
Ferengi Proprietor 1: “Get your beetle puree! Nice and chunky!”
Another beckoned the two with his hand.
Ferengi Proprietor 2: “We’ve got the best Kytherian crab in the sector!”
And if the noise didn’t chase anyone out of the food court, the smells sure could. Pungent, piquant, and sour smells competed with syrupy, nectarous aromas. The two types of smell battled for dominance. Some won in certain sectors and lost in others.
Storm: So, tell me, Doctor. Why does a former Bajoran Cleric turn to Starfleet?
Alex looked sideways at Jaran as they played dodge the patron on their way to “Ferengi Brew and Goo.”
Jaran: Most people don't believe me when I tell them. But the Prophets told me to. That's the short version, at least.
Storm: That’s one thing I’ve always admired about the Bajorans - many of the ones I’ve met seem to have a real faith - not just a deity that they swear by. It takes faith to leave your position in your religion and to pursue something else.
But her head swiveled around as they stepped into line behind a Romulan taking his drink. Alex’s eyes swept the menu board while Jaran ordered.
Jaran: ::to Ferengi behind the counter:: Kava juice. And believe me, I will know if it's actual kava. Don't think you're fooling me with vithan root. ::to Storm:: My family had a kava orchard. Anyway, what are you having? It's on me.
Storm: Thank you. You didn’t have to.
Her eyes jumped from one location to another on the board, until her gaze lingered for a breath.
Storm: I’ll take a Slug-O Cola.
Alex’s eyes sought out Jaran before her head turned, whispering…
Storm: It’s more adventurous than what the Ferengi try to pass off as a coffee, but not quite so audacious as snail juice.
Alex watched the cross between a racquetball game and an auction masquerading as a haggle. Her eyes flicked from one to the other. oO Sold to the Bajoran for four slips! Oo
Taking the bottle from the Doctor, she watched them as they turned, catching sight of two open seats.
Alex’s measured strides carried her to the table, where she slipped into the seat opposite Jaran.
Jaran: Ok, you don't have to tell me, but you've seemed very on edge the entire time we've been there. Are you... safe? Is something wrong?
Alex’s bottle had been on its way to her lips, but it stopped just shy; her lips touched each other again. Black eyes flickered closed, and a breath blew out through her lips.
Storm: You’re not going to let this go, are you?
Jaran: Response
With a nod and another loud exhale, Alex’s eyes met theirs. She sent a quick thank-you to the four Dieties, as the noise was so overwhelming that the likelihood of being overheard was minuscule. Her words flitted from her mouth like a pianissimo melody.
Storm: Fine. Then let’s start with the easy question. Yes, I am safe. I’m not afraid that anyone’s after me.
Alex's lips curled up briefly.
Storm: Well, maybe except for the Ferengi at that booth where I got this.
She tipped her chin toward the Koala, still sheltered under her arm like a mother bird protecting her young.
Storm: The Ferengi have got a wicked good memory.
Jaran: Response
Fingers ran through the soft Koala fir while her mouth refused to move. Her eyes looked left, then right, and even over her shoulder once before she took the bear from under her arm and set it in her lap, fingers tightening gingerly around the creature’s midsection.
Storm: This Koala is for my daughter. My husband took off with her two years ago, and they’ve been spotted nearby. I’m waiting for a transport to take me to her, but I’m not sure I can make it before they are scheduled to leave.
Jaran: Response
~*~
Tags / TBC!
~*~
Lt Alex Storm
Tactical Officer
USS Artemis
O240103SK2