Free-Spirited
Samantha Richards
((Taste of the Quadrants – Deck 229, Deep Space 224))
Sam reached over to grab the ordering kiosk and very decisively ordered the salad and a water before sliding the kiosk across the table to sit where either of the other women could grab it next.
Richards: Captain- uh, MacKenzie, Captain MacKenzie. ::Raising her eyebrow:: What do we call you in a less ::gesturing around:: formal setting?
Cole: I was wondering that myself- uh, Sir.
Without looking up from the menu, the Captain promptly gave an answer.
MacKenzie: ::amusedly:: I’m sure Doctor MacKenzie would be fine.
She nodded in understanding.
Richards: You got it. Anyway, I heard through the grapevine that this place serves an excellent Hasperat. I also heard– through a different grapevine– that you are a big fan of Hasperat.
Her smile was a bit prideful. It was in large thanks to a friend that she knew the bit of information about MacKenzie. Aine Sherlock had armed Sam with the information and it came in handy, just like Aine said it would.
MacKenzie: Well, the latter is certainly true. The former remains to be seen.
Cole: Oh that sounds amazing, I think I might try that and that Talaxian dish.
Not wanting things to get quiet and awkward, Sam made an attempt to pivot the conversation.
Richards: So, you two have any fun plans for this shoreleave?
MacKenzie: Fun? That remains to be seen. It depends how many fires need to be put out while we’re here.
Sam grimaced a bit, there had been a few circulating rumors about some of the crew– moreso a particular doctor– But until she heard the story from someone involved, she wasn’t going to ask. Not her circus, not her mandible monkey.
Cole: I honestly don’t know. I was thinking of exploring the station, but outside of that I was probably doing some tinkering, As long as my roommate doesn’t… overshare themself.
MacKenzie and Sam looked at Natasha with curious faces.
MacKenzie: Overshare?
Richards: I’m intrigued. Tell me more.
That would probably come back to bite Sam in the rear, but her curiosity was strong.
Cole: As you may know my roommate is Ensign Tho’Bi. And well I have quickly discovered that Andorians are more ::beat:: free spirited in how they dress ::clears throat:: or don’t, when in their quarters.
MacKenzie: Free-spirited…
A small snort of a laugh came out of Sam.
Richards: My boyfriend is Betazoid. It’s almost strange to see him wearing clothes sometimes. ::waving her hand:: It’s not the same, but I sympathize.
Cole: It’s not the first time I’ve seen a nude male body. Comes with… ::smirk:: previous experience.
There were a couple ways that information could have been processed. Thankfully for Sam the holographic waiter showed up with drinks before she had a chance to ask for clarification and possibly make herself look like a fool.
Doctor MacKenzie took the drink and took in a deep breath of the aroma coming from the cup before taking a sip. When she nodded with satisfaction, Sam held out hope the Hasperat would have a similar response.
MacKenzie: We can always find you a new bunkmate if it proves to be… problematic. ::shifting her gaze to Sam:: How are the babies doing?
Richards: Well, according to the last check-up they are healthy and growing. ::Rubbing her bump:: Though, I’m not sure how much more they or I can grow. I think I’m reaching ‘smuggling a giant watermelon’ territory now.
Being pregnant hadn’t always been the “glowing” and “exciting” thing it was always hyped up to be. It had proven to be more waddling and vomiting than anything.
Cole: Response
MacKenzie nodded.
MacKenzie: What about you, Sam? Anything fun this shore leave? I hear Lieutenant Bergmen has something up his sleeve, but probably more suited for Ensign Cole…
Richards: ::Holding her hands up in surrender:: I am not getting wrapped up in some crazy drill ::glancing at Nat:: But that does sure sound right up your alley. ::Shaking her head and sipping her water:: I am spending this leave getting everything we can ready for the kiddos to make their appearance. It’s uh… Coming a lot quicker than I anticipated.
Her idea of getting everything ready included cribs being set up, their entire room looking– less disheveled and doing some more shopping. Which was another bit of her plan during their time on DS224.
Cole/MacKenzie: Response
At first, Sam hesitated to extend the invitation, but figured what was the worst that could happen? Before the anxiousness could take over, she got the question out.
Richards: I actually have some more shopping to do for them while we are here. Word on the block is 224 has some awesome places to get baby things. ::shrugging and laughing:: They can’t just wear Hawaiian shirts and onesies with funny sayings on them. ::glancing between the two women:: If either of you are interested in joining me, I’d love some shopping buddies.
Cole/MacKenzie: Response
Sam nodded in understanding, thankfully the holo-waiter was just arriving with their respective meals. The smell of the dishes hit her simultaneously with a growl from her stomach.
Richards: Let’s hope this place lives up to expectations. I’m starving.
Cole/MacKenzie: Response
TAG/TBC!
Samantha Richards