Lt Alex Storm - In the Quiet Between Raindrops

[Karen Morris]

((Sacred Marketplace, Ferenginar))

In a crowd as big as the undulating mass parading through the marketplace was, Alex hadn’t even considered coming across one of their own.  Her shoulders settled parallel with the ground, and the stress lines around her eyes disappeared.

Storm:  It’s nice to officially meet you.  What brings you down to this rain-filled planet?

Alex positioned her duffel to her back and rubbed her wet hands together.

Jaran:  Likewise, of course! And I'm here on a pilgrimage, I guess you could say. ::holding up their sandwich:: All I've found is this, though.

A smile quirked across Alex's lips as her white teeth showed despite herself.

Storm:  So you’ve decided to worship at the Latinum-plated altar?  That isn’t what I expected - especially from a Bajoran who is rumored to have been a Ranjen.

Jaran: ::wry laugh:: Yeah, I can understand that. But really, we're standing on what is essentially consecrated ground for Ferengi right now. And I'm determined to understand it.

Storm: So you’re interested in this in a curious religious sense?  Seems a little unusual, but I can buy it.

Jaran: You're not wrong, you know. Anyway, what about you? What has you in the middle of this bustle? You don't seem the type to go on a shopping spree.

Alex pushed her slicker back and slipped her hands into her jeans pockets.  An answer fluttered behind her eyes as she momentarily diverted them to the crowd.  She tipped her head and gave a single syllable laugh before meeting their eyes again.

Storm: I’m waiting on a transport.  

Alex looked at her chronometer.  

Storm:  It leaves in two hours and forty minutes, and I didn’t feel like waiting in the … whatever kind of rain are they calling it now.  

Jaran:  Response.

Storm:  Kelara station.  

She nodded her head several times in quick succession.

Jaran:  Response

Alex untucked her hands from her pockets, letting her slicker fall back around her.  Her black head turned toward the vendors filling out the large concourse.

Storm:  Well, while we’re here, do you fancy doing any shopping?

She forced a smile onto her face, but her heart was halfway to Kelara already — and to the little girl who needed her.

Jaran:  Response.

~*~

Tags / TBC

~*~

Lt Alex Storm

Tactical Officer

USS Artemis

O240103SK2