LtCmdr Kettick: This is nice. I wonder what will go wrong.

[Darwin Awkward]

(( Beach, Bokitu City, Bolarus IX ))

Kettick was sure that some of the more poetically-inclined members of the crew could have a fair shot at extolling the beauty of the Bolian seas, but as far as he was concerned, he found himself unable to give them justice.

The storm that had welcomed them to Bolarus IX had abated, leaving clear skies in its wake, and the sun had had plenty of time to warm the surface waters to a very pleasant temperature.

The ship had required minimal maintenance after the last mission, and the Remmilian had decided to treat himself to a rare moment off free time on the surface. He had spent the later hours of the morning a stone's throw from the surface, enjoying the feeling of the warm water, the sun on his chitin, the pure air and the sound of the waves.

He had just returned to the shore for a drink when he spotted a familiar face relaxing on the beach. Not too strange a coincidence, since this specific spot had been recommended to the crew by their local guides.

Lim: Morning.

The Engineer nodded politely, wringing some water from his swimming trunks. He had done the considerate thing and chosen a neutral, black model this time. (Apparently primates did not see the coulours the same way he did, and his attempt at a Hawaiian shirt had been called many things, including a war crime.) 

Kettick: And a pleasant morning to you. I hope you are enjoying the peace for once.

The Lieutenant moved herself to a more upright position, and her feline companion hopped from her lap. Kettick gave another polite nod to the animal. He had found it to be quite intelligent, and even more enjoyable to be around than some bipedal individuals.

Lim: I am certainly enjoying this lovely weather and lack of deadly mutated creatures. Couldn’t have asked for a better shore leave.

A laugh made him turn his head and register the arrival of mister Stapledon, who had joined them, drink in hand and apparently fresh out of the turf herself.

Stapledon:  Yeah I am glad I got all that out of my system last night with some report writing.

The Chief Engineer had spent a similar evening. Not that he did not like report writing, a good way to put one's thoughts in order if nothing else. 

Kettick: I have to say, I haven't had a shore leave in so relaxing a scenery in a good while. I have not spent a lot of time at the beach on Denali Station, but this was not quite the same experience. Colder, for one.

Lim: I’ve only really been to the beaches on Earth before, but this doesn’t feel that different.

The other humanoid grinned.

Stapledon:  The gravity's a little stronger though -- that makes it feel kind of nicer to exert yourself. 

Kettick agreed. Twelve per cent more than on Remmil itself, but the drag was just noticeable enough to make the muscles ache in all the right ways.

Kettick: I recommend jogging along the seaside cliffs. The oxygen content of the air is good for sustained effort, and the view is simply stunning.

Lim: Response

Stapledon:  Oh nice.  ::She looked down at the small cat-like creature that was gesturing with its whiskers.::  Ooh and who is this?

Lim/Any:  Response

The Remmilian smiled indulgently at the diminutive menace's antics.

Stapledon:  Oh, so cute.

Kettick: I am surprised you have never met mister Mue before. He is not an unfamiliar sight in Sickbay.

Lim/Stapledon/Any:  Response

The Engineer clicked his mandibles in amusement.

Kettick: Shall I take it as a sign that I visit your workplace too often?

Lim/Stapledon/Any:  Response 

The Engineer set his towel on the sand and sat carefully, taking a small brush out of his beach bag to carefully dust his articulations.

Kettick: Have any of you tried this seafood shack we have been recommended yet? Doctor Vahin made me sample Bolian cuisine once, and I must say I quite enjoy the taste.

Tags/TBC

--

Lieutenant-Commander Kettick

Chief of Engineering

USS Eagle-A

G239107LR0

Your Engineering department kindly reminds you that you are supposed to read the flakking manual.