LtCmdr Azura Ada - lost fruits of Risa

[Lazuli Davis]

(( Maklau Resort, Risa ))

Azura awoke in a foggy haze. The book she was reading had somehow managed to find its way to the small table next to the couch she was reclining on. The last thing she remembered reading was... ah, yes. Spinner-of-Rope, the discontinuity drive... and the Ring! It was destroyed. She was sad to hear it was destroyed, but the Xeelee were seemingly going to be perpetually a mystery. Reading old Earth science fiction was a favorite of Azura's--she loved those past futures. Different speculations about the nature of the universe, and the people within it. 

As the details of the book returned to her, she also remembered the company she'd been keeping. She turned her head to the side, only to find an empty hammock on her left and an empty couch on her right.

The arrangement was that they'd all finish the chapters they were reading before absconding to some grotto together, and enjoy the fruits of Risa.

It seemed that falling asleep had dashed those plans for Azura. They probably went off together, leaving her behind. Pity, but Risa was full of ready, willing, and able people of all types and persuasions.

She sighed, sat up, and took a long sip of her drink through the neon orange straw that pierced to the depths of her glass of cranberry kombucha as she surveyed the beach and its denizens.The slight effervescence of fermentation on her tongue was a welcome sensation, and the Caitian oil mint she'd had earlier lingered, and was likely the course of her unexpected nap. The mild psychoactive effect of the mint made her feel calm, relaxed, and slightly warm. A different sensation, but a rough equivalent of inebriation to having a couple drinks. 

She arched her back, stretched her arms out, and stood up as she picked up her discarded top. As she slid back into it, the loose sleeves easily sliding over her Sheng emitter. She heard a conversation approaching. One voice Caitian, and the other was unmistakably a deeply anxious Bolian. It wasn't Ollo, but her interest was piqued so she turned to look.

Grallator! The new ensign was talking with V'Nille. Azura had yet to meet her, but she recognized the woman's face and calico pattern. 

Grallator: We’re... catching things. With... sticks? On purpose?

V’Nille: Fishing! You take a fishing pole or spear or… hmm, we could try bowfissshing! That’ss always fun!

Grallator: Why? Did I do something wrong? Is this about the salad incident?

V’Nille: ?

Azura spoke up, making herself known to the pair as they walked nearby.

Ada: Hey! Mind if I tag along?

They both turned to look at her as she waved back at them. 

V’Nille: Yes, we are going fishing! You should come along too! I used to do this all the time growing up, though I think you humanoids do it a bit differently than we do. Less diving, more fishing poles and whatnot.

Ada: Yes, I've fished now and again. I've actually gone diving before, too, but never developed the skill enough to do it without an air tank and a spear and knife. 

Grallator: Is this some sort of elaborate prank for new ensigns?

Azura cocked her head to the side. She was under the impression that Bolian society was primarily coastal. Though, she knew nothing of Grallator's history or background.

Ada: No, that comes later. This is just fishing... I think. We'll need some supplies, though.

She looked to V'Nille for confirmation.

V’Nille: Yup! The brochure I have says the fishing shop is down the street that’s… the third left that way! It’s closer to the piers, so we can decide on a boat or something else there. There is something to be said for spearfishing in a river, but that’s a bit of a hike north of us and I don’t know if either of you are up for that.

Grallator: Didn’t have anything penciled in today… might as well go traumatize some unsuspecting fish.

Ada: I'd love a light hike, that sounds lovely.

The trio walked together, toward the shop that V'Nille indicated. It had been years since she was last on Risa, and she looked around, curious to see how it had changed.

Grallator: ::he began to hum beneath his breath:: We’re off to catch some fishes… some wondrous Risian fishes….

Azura smiled privately as Grallator sang quietly.

V’Nille: ?

Soon, they arrived at the rental shop, whimsically called "The Hook Whisperer." After a discussion with the proprietor, they were all outfitted with the necessary equipment. Azura decided to stick with the simplest thing for her: a fishing pole,  some tackle options, a knife, and an expandable vacuum-sealer-and-chiller to bring back whatever they caught.

Grallator: ::in amusement:: Cheese?? Are you sure?

The Hook Whisperers owner: They go wild for Gouda. 

Grallator: Am ready to do some Fishing…. ::He adjusted his grip on the rod like he’d just enlisted it for battle:: Commander. Lieutenant. ::A nod to each, half salute, half invitation.:: Let’s go disappoint some seafood.

She smiled, but replied with a mock chide.

Ada: Grallator, do you see any pips? Call me Azura, unless we're in a serious situation.

She motioned to her gauzy, draped resort wear that hung off her figure. There was utility in referring to each other with rank in certain contexts. But this wasn't one. This was time to relax, both physically and socially.

Ada: ::to V'Nille:: Nice to formally meet you, by the way. Azura Ada.

V’Nille/Grallator: Response

Ada: What kinds of fish do we hope to catch at this spot?

V’Nille/Grallator: Response

Ada: Lead the way! 

V’Nille/Grallator: Response

——

Lt Commander Azura Ada

Specialist Science Officer

USS Chin'toka
IDIC team member
ASDB team member
C239510LD0
(she/her, character)
(she/her, writer)

 
 
“For the wise person looks into space and knows there are no limited dimensions." --Zhuangzi