JP: Lt. Cmdr Katsim Peri & Ensign Roxanne Queen - Girls just wanna have fun. (Part 3)
Amanda Nordstrom
((Sicily))
As the light subsided, Rox was exuberant to see that they were not in a closet. Instead the pair stood on a long stone pier. Deep, vibrant blue water surrounded both sides with golden sand visible near the shore. On the shore, before a large hill sat a village of red tiled buildings. Church steeples were visible and cobbled streets wound up into the hills beyond. Music could be heard, perhaps played on the accordion? The sun was bright in the sky but a breeze made the air light.
The new scenery was a far cry from the ominous atmosphere where they were last. Blues and greens offered a frame for the warmer tones of the village below, the tall steeples breaking the boundaries as they stabbed at the sky.
Katsim: Where are we?
Rox: ::throwing her hand wide toward the town:: Picture it ::beat:: Sicily 1926. Two young women enjoy drinks on the coast.
Katsim: Oh.
Sicily. Peri had heard that name once, and she vaguely remembered it was in a nation-state called Italy on Earth. Since Rox had grown up there, it only made sense for her to head back to what she considered her home planet.
Rox took a deep breath inhaling the salty air. She gestured toward a pale pink building that stood part way along the shoreline.
Rox: Look there’s a Cafe right there. Let’s get something to eat and drink.
Katsim: What kind of drink?
Suspicion laced the Bardassian’s tone and it reflected in the dark gaze that shifted away from the lovely, pastoral scene to the friend at her side. It was enough for Rox to know what to say next.
Rox: Alright no booze.
Katsim: Okay.
Perhaps they would have some warm tea. If they were in the past, she doubted Rox could get her Blue Squall anyway. Following her friend, the two made their way down toward the cobblestone streets that lined the pathways. Women and men were dressed differently, and their outfits caught attention of all the other passersby.
Rox: Now we’re having fun. Come on.
Rox began walking up the pier and they were soon on the cobblestone streets. There was music drifting through the air, perhaps a guitar or a lute. Either way it was very calming and combined with the sun, the waves and the salty air, Rox wondered if they could spend the next 18 hours there.
Katsim: Our clothing stands out.
Rox looked up the street. Their starfleet uniforms were definitely not in fashion. Most of the women wore bright skirts and linen tops. They also did not have grey skin. Rox considered a moment.
Rox: This might tickle a bit, promise me you’re not going to freak out.
Katsim: I will try.
Rox tapped her nose twice. The uniforms were replaced by skirts and linen tops, but the color of Peri’s skin had also changed to the peachy pink tone of Terrans. Rox decided right away she did not care for it, but it was only temporary, a sort of an illusion.
Rox: There you go.
Glancing down, Peri first noticed her clothing, far more in line with what the other women wore. Her attention quickly shifted to something else that had changed - the hue of her skin. Lifting her hands, she turned them over and back, startled as what she saw. Glancing around, she caught her reflection in a large window near by and gasped.
Rox: Calm down, it’s temporary and it’s just an illusion. I didn’t change your phsysiolgy or DNA or anything.
Katsim: Oh.
Well, that was all right. Staring at her reflection, she found the sight rather odd. She had never imagined herself as a human before, and while the effect wasn’t unpleasant, it was still jarring. She wondered what Wes would think of such a change. Her own thoughts were mixed, but she wasn’t in a good place to ponder over them, for Rox’s time was limited, and she wanted to focus on her friend.
The pair walked to the cafe and took a table outside. They were soon served something called a granita. It was a drink with ice and fruit, but it was very icey. There was also the aroma of coffee possibly in the drink but it could have been in the air in general. A pot of tea was set between them and Rox took the opportunity to serve Peri and then herself. They sat in silence taking in the view of the quiet seaside.
Rox: Two months ago I had this recurring dream. I was in this ancient building on this planet in the Gamma Quadrant that V’Len and I found. There was an old woman there.
Katsim: An old woman?
Peri wondered if there was symbolism in Rox’s dream. Sometimes, the Prophets gave dreams to others, even non Bajorans, but she wasn’t sure if that was the case there. Perhaps she was overthinking it.
Rox: I think I took the Foxy Lady there and I don’t know how I got there in 3 days, but I think I had my powers somehow.
Rox paused thinking of the strange journey she’d taken.
Rox: When I got there, there was a dark star passing the system’s main star. It was like when we were on Gelf. ::pausing:: When I got to the surface, I found the same building and as the dark star passed over everything went dark and this man appeared.
That was a strange dream, but once again, Peri pondered the meaning of it.
Katsim: What happened then?
Rox: He said he was my father. He said he needed me to help him, but I didn’t trust him. I ran out and it seemed like without me he couldn’t leave the building. Then I woke up in the Foxy Lady back on the Ronin.
Had she sleep walked? If so, that could prove dangerous for her. Hopefully Rox had someone take a look to see if something was wrong, and she might have asked, but her friend continued.
Rox: He said I was “soifra” and he called me “Iarlais” What does that mean?
Rox paused for a moment and turned to face her friend.
Rox: What the hell am I?
Peri stared at Rox for a minute, not quite sure what to say. The poor woman had a troubled childhood, with family who was supposed to love her instead trying to use her. Reaching out, she clasped the nurse’s hands and squeezed them gently, her voice soft.
Katsim: You’re my friend.
As Peri spoke the word “friend” Rox suddenly felt a wave of relief. She’d not realized that her hands had balled themselves into tight fists as she had told of her dreams. Her spine was rigid and her muscles tight, but at the word from her friend she relaxed. She turned to give Peri a smile and realized that the sun was still out and shinning. Rox had thought it had slipped behind a cloud but this was not the case.
Rox: Thank you, for that, it means a lot. I’m just trying to make sense of it all.
Katsim: I know. Did you try searching the database for those words?
The computers on every ship had their own database that was comprised of information gathered and gleaned from centuries of exploration and discovery, and they were all connected to larger network of information. If those words existed, it was possible they could discover their meaning.
Rox: I took a look, but they made no sense. Maybe we could look together? You’re a lot smarter than me.
Katsim: Maybe when we get back, we can do that. Have you told anyone else about the dream?
Rox: No! No. The crew of the Ronin already thinks I’m nuts I’m not putting fuel on the fire.
If someone said that to her, Peri would be inclined to agree with them. Rox wasn’t always the sanest person around - but she had a heart of gold, and she was a good friend, insane or not. At times, it drove her crazy, but it was also part of what made Rox, Rox.
Katsim: Well. Maybe a counsellor then? They have to keep things confidential. It’s up to you, of course.
[TBC]
--
Acting Ensign Roxanne "Rox" Queen
Officer
USS Ronin NCC-34523
T239811VK2
He/Him (player)
She/Her (character
&
Lt. Cmdr. Katsim Peri
Chief Science Officer
USS Octavia E. Butler
M239008AD0
((Sicily))
Rox shook her head and straightened herself up. She took a spoon of the granita, its lemony sweetness coating the inside of her mouth. She washed it down with a swig of tea.
Rox: Sorry. I haven’t seen you in almost a year and I’m talking about weird dreams. How is the Butler? Any exciting missions lately?
Peri didn’t mind. All this had happened to her friend and she hadn’t been there. With Rox so far away, the two obviously didn’t interact like they used to, but that didn’t mean they had stopped caring for each other. As the nurse turned the subject around, Peri eyed her, but allowed her to direct the conversation elsewhere for the moment.
Katsim: Things are going all right. We were on a planet that requested both us and the UDP to come, but their government is fractured and there were numerous factions. Some people were even kidnapped for a while, though we got them out. For now, though, they aren’t a part of the Federation.
And last she had heard, they weren’t members of the UDP either, which was a relief in her mind.
Katsim: Etan was offered a position as commanding officer of his own ship. Avander was promoted to First Officer.
Rox: Wait, Promontory is the first officer? Really?
A smile flitted over her face. Although they didn’t have the same closeness she had shared with Alieth or Rox, Peri did consider Avander a friend - it didn’t hurt that Meander and Echo enjoyed each other’s company, and the gormogon had been instrumental in helping Echo when Peri had to leave the ship.
Katsim: Yes, he is.
Avander Promontory had started out as the Oumuamua’s intelligence officer, which Rox had always questioned. One the one hand he’d been part of the effort to recover Jack Kessler, on the other hand he’d been on the mission where Kessler went missing. Still success for anyone from the “old Oumuamua crew” was good news.
Rox: How's he doing?
Katsim: He’s doing well. We’ve been getting together a bit more often lately because his gormogon, Meander, and my Echo get along well, and Meander helps keep Echo calm when we’re separated.
Although the Bardassian didn’t have much information about her dragonet, thanks to leaving Calabrum behind so long ago, she had caught on very early that her type was extremely social and did not thrive well alone. After some intense training, she’d been able to leave her with others on the ship, but if left by herself, Echo tore up her quarters every single time.
Rox: Well wish him luck for me. ::thinking:: Hey, I hear Toz is heading up sickbay on the Butler, that must be nice.
Katsim: Yes, she is. She’s a good doctor.
Really, Toz was an excellent doctor, in fact, though Peri had to admit she missed seeing the blue Trilldorian physician around the ship. Transfers in Starfleet were common, though, and Peri knew that it was simply part of being an officer. Even Wes was not immune, and he was stationed elsewhere. For now, the two of them talked as often as they could, but she hoped sometime soon they would be reunited.
Katsim: Did I hear that Doctor Kel left?
Rox: I mean V’Len is back now but while he was gnet we had ::rolling eyes:: Dr. Quinten Beck.
Katsim: I’m not familiar with him. Was he not good?
Starfleet had rigorous standard, as would be cadets discovered when they failed to get accepted on the first try. For herself, she’d had the benefit of amazing parents, especially a father and friend who had helped her study, and likely the only reason she hadn’t been denied.
Rox furrowed her brow thinking of Quinten with his silly head and silly mustache. Of course he’d gotten rid of the mustache which was something of a relief.
Rox: No, he’s a fine doctor. Given the circumstances of our last mission he was great.
Now Peri was thoroughly confused.
Katsim: Then…why do you not like him?
Rox: Well you know he’s…
Rox tried to think. What was he like?
Rox: I mean he’s from Riverside, California. It’s all art museums and spas. He’s ::pausing:: uppity.
Although Peri was familiar with California since that was where she had attended the Academy, she had no idea where Riverside was located. Geography hadn’t been a strong suit of hers, and she’d been far more focused on the requirements of her schooling than every town or city in the United States.
Katsim: Uppity?
Rox: He made the Ronin’s EMH look like him. It screams egomaniac.
Katsim: Oh.
That sounded a bit narcissistic, but then, maybe he was just confident in his looks and his abilities.
Katsim: It sounds like you and him…
She paused a moment, not sure what word to use, but evidently Rox must have thought she was about to say something in particular.
Rox suddenly frowned and felt a burning in her cheeks.
Rox: I am not thinking a lot about him.
Both of Peri’s eyeridges arched upward at the sudden vehemence in the woman’s voice. What she thought was pure annoyance now took on a different shade. Canting her head to the side a little, she inquired further.
Katsim: I wasn’t going to say that. But if you weren’t, then why did you bring it up?
Rox: ::frustrated:: You know what, this conversation fails the Bechdel test we’re moving on.
Rox tried to think about something besides Beck and his chocolate brown eyes. She shook her head back and forth to rattle Beck out.
Rox: So! If you could do anything besides your current job, what would it be?
Twisting her mouth, Peri gave Rox a dubious look. It sounded like someone had met someone she admired and she just didn’t want to admit it. Was there more to Rox’s protests that she just didn’t want to concede to? Obviously, she didn’t want to admit to something. Eyeing the woman across from her, Peri elected to move on again. Perhaps after she thought over some things, Rox might be honest…with herself as well as her friend.
Katsim: I honestly haven’t really thought about it.
Rox did not like the look Peri was giving her. It was very clear that she did not think Rox was finished talking about Beck. Rox definitely was.
Rox: Surely you had a backup plan? Something else you could have done?
Katsim: I don’t see myself suited for much outside of science. I suppose medical, since it is part of the sciences.
Rox was not entirely convinced that medical and science were two different things. It seemed like boyh involved problem solving within slightly different disciplines.
Although Peri’s interest had lay in the stars, she did enjoy science in general, and had some general knowledge of biology and xenobiology that came in handy from time to time.
Katsim: What about you?
Rox: Agh! That’s just it, I seem to be stuck in nursing. I have no idea what to try.
It was true. She had a vague idea that she wanted to do something different. The problem was she was a good nurse. She’d thought about Counseling, but she was not what one would normally call a sympathetic ear. She had no interest in the schooling that would be required to become a doctor.
Katsim: But you’re making a change. A good one. I’m glad you’re challenging yourself.
Maybe that would help keep Rox out of trouble. Because of her transfer, that was one of the fears Peri had, that her good friend would find herself in hot water, and she wouldn't be able to help.
Rox: It's so frustrating though. I’d be a terrible engineer. Security is out of the question.
Rox remembered her last round of phaser target practice. Commander Carpenter had said if there was a next time she’d be sure to wear tactical armour.
Katsim: Did you ever see yourself where you are now? Or taking the steps you’ve taken?
Rox stopped to think about it. Peri always did have a way of getting her to think about things from a different point of view. There was a time she thought she would live and die on Turkana IV, things had taken a turn.
Rox: No, that’s true. You’re a sage.
Blinking in surprise, Peri shook her head. Contrary to what Rox believed, she was nowhere near a saint, and never would be, though she certainly did her best to follow the Prophets and their will.
Katsim: I don’t think so. I just think you shouldn’t underestimate yourself.
But Rox’s thoughts had taken a different path, and the next question came rather unexpectedly.
Rox: So how do you suppose Lt. De Scheppes got started?
Katsim: De Scheppes?
That certainly came out of the blue.
Rox: I mean I’d like to get into the command track. I can fly the Foxy Lady but helming a starship is a completely different proposition. I’m not sure “intelligence officer” is my bag.
Katsim: I see. Is there anything else that appeals to you? Rox was a good nurse, and it would be a shame to see her walk away from that, but Peri valued her happiness even more and wanted to support her in whatever she wanted to accomplish.
Rox: I mean I’ve enjoyed my diplomacy courses and my Xenology courses. I’ve been rereading a lot of my diplomacy texts just for fun.
Katsim: Diplomacy?
Rox: Like Kirk and his “Corbamite maneuver” or Picard owning the Sheliak with their own treaty. I mean, how cool is that? Controlled the situation without firing a shot.
Another smile flickered over Peri’s lips. If she were honest, she hadn’t ever thought of Rox in a diplomatic role, but that didn’t necessarily mean she couldn’t be good at it. Like anyone else, it was a matter of learning, and she was a smart, capable woman. If she enjoyed that sort of thing, then…
Katsim: Maybe you should look into getting more education in diplomacy. Perhaps you would prefer that.
Rox: I’m taking an advance Diplomacy course next semester, maybe I’ll see where that takes me?
Katsim: I can see the appeal.
Though Peri also could never see herself as a diplomat. No, science was and always would be her specialty.
Rox: It seems like you can learn so many neat things about other species and cultures. That time we had the Esh-O in sickbay was really interesting. Such a nice fellow and so willing to help us out.
The adventure in the Esh-O Nebula had been her last on the USS Oumuamua, but it had been a growth experience for her. The conversation with the Esh-O had not been long, but getting him to submit to some biological testing had been a fun challenge and the information they’d gleaned had been very valuable.
Katsim: Would you consider a mission specialist?
Rox finished her gulp of tea.
Rox: What’s that? What does a mission specialist do?
That was a very good question. A mission specialist didn’t fit into a distinct department, but was an entity unto itself. Considering how adaptable Rox was, Peri couldn’t help but wonder if it might nto be a good fit for her.
Katsim: They are tasked with researching a situation or a mission and making recommendations on how to best go about things. They help in a variety of situations and with a variety of needs.
Rox: So it’s like a consultant? You just learn whatever you need for a given situation?
Katsim: Well, yes. They’re…what was that human term…
Humans had a lot of idioms and Peri knew all the ones that had been said around her. Had she been around her family or other Bajorans, she would have used something else, but Rox had grown up on Earth, so one from that planet was far more suitable.
Katsim: A…jack of all trades and have to adapt quickly.
Rox tilted her head a smile moving across he face.
Rox: That could be fun. A new challenge all the time.
Inwardly, Peri thought that missions in general offered a new challenge every time, but she elected to not say that. Instead, she smiled and nodded.
Katsim: I think it might suit you. And you it.
Rox picked up her cup, but noted it was empty as was the pot. The lemony desert was also gone.
Rox: Where to next? 1920’s Chicago? Bell Riots? Woodstock?
Blinking, Peri tried to recall what each of those were. Obviously Chicago in the 1920’s was a place in the past, but she wasn’t familiar with it. Woodstock was a complete unknown and riots? No, she wanted to avoid those at all cost.
Katsim: Um. I’m not sure any of those…we’ll…let’s just play it safe.
Rox ::shaking her head:: Fine. I’ll take you back to the Butler.
Rox glanced out at the glittering ocean, the sun was lowering in the sky, but it was still warm even with the sea breeze.
Rox: ::giving Peri a sly look:: How about a walk on the beach first?
Peri hadn’t necessarily meant that they couldn’t spend more time together - on the contrary, despite some reticence at her friend’s use of her abilities, she wanted to extend that time if they could. When Rox suggested the beach, her gaze followed down to the water over which the sun’s rays danced, led by the movement of the ripples in the ocean. The brilliance of the day slowly slid into more shadowed tones, hints of oranges casting a translucent haze upon the sky, promising a full spread of more colour soon enough.
Katsim: Yes. I would really like that.
Because that meant more time with Rox. Peri preferred not to have riots or erupting volcanos, but all in all, but just being with her friend brought her a simple, profound joy. When they had been on the Oumuamua together, she hadn’t realised how soon they would have to part. Despite the loss of Ayna, and a promise that she would never take friendships for granted, she had fallen into that trap. Once again, she found herself on a ship where, though she had friends, those closest to her had departed. She would fully embrace the opportunity to spend more time with Rox, savour every moment, and hope that they could once again meet, preferably sooner rather than later.
They rose from the table and headed across the street. Rox left what she thought was an ample amount of the local currency on the table. They crossed the street and descended a small stair onto the beach. It was a combination of stone and sand that was warm, but not hot as she took off her sandals and let her feet touch the earth. She braced herself as she walked toward the water. She expected a chill, but as the first wave rushed past her toes she found the water was lukewarm. The waters in the sea here were warm. As the water rushed back she watched her feet sink into the sand. She wished the day would never end.
[END]
--
Acting Ensign Roxanne "Rox" Queen
Officer
USS Ronin NCC-34523
T239811VK2
He/Him (player)
She/Her (character
&
Lt. Cmdr. Katsim Peri
Chief Science Officer
USS Octavia E. Butler
M239008AD0