PNPC LCDR Nolen Hobart — Counting Thoughts
Naxell
((Deep Space 33, Habitat sector, Strategic Operations Officer Quarters))
Lt. Commander Nolen Hobart had grown quite accustomed to the relatively cramped berthing aboard starships. While Khitomer had afforded him more personal space as its First Officer than the Arrow had as its junior Engineering Officer, even his old quarters paled in comparison to what he'd been given on Deep Space 33.
It seemed like almost every week he was finding a new cupboard or closet into which he would put nothing at all. The majority of his expansive living space was kept bare. And so his surprise—genuine!—was fairly measured when he had walked into his quarters after his shift to find his girlfriend clothed only from the sides forward, standing in his kitchenette.
That was who knew how many hours, but at least two noodle bowls ago. She was, by this point, more covered up and regaling him with the nitty gritty details of Khitomer’s last mission that didn't make it to his desk.
Ohnari: So then, Amelia has the brilliant idea of these super spy underwear that would “read” as Kressari female genitalia. ::pausing:: Which, now that I think about it…was probably vastly unnecessary considering the Velithari didn’t have any references to Kressari before Ras showed up so…::shrugging, waving her hand to dismiss:: Oh well, that part isn’t important. What was important, was the very best part: the prosthetics…::getting a dreamy look on her face, followed by a wistful sigh:: Some of my most beautiful work.
Hobart: I trust the blackmail bank is well stocked?
Ohnari: Of course I have photographic evidence. ::grinning viciously:: Amelia already edited a dance track over the footage. ::tapping his knee with hers:: How’s your dinner?
He set his empty bowl on the low table beside his couch and ran a hand over his middle. Two bowls of cold noodles was more than he should have eaten. But lost time had its way of making space, when making up.
Hobart: Honestly? A lot less disappointing than that apron led me to expect.
Ohnari: ::looking mock offended:: Excuse me sir, that apron is adorable.
He extended one arm towards her along the couch’s square-cornered, cushioned back, an unspoken invitation to end mealtime and proceed apace into a digestive snuggle. “Adorable” wasn't the word he would have chosen, mostly because even though it was his apron, he couldn't even remember if it was green or blue, given the circumstances. He tossed her a skeptical look, knowing deep in his paracortex that she knew exactly what she was doing to him.
In truth, he had a whole list of things to do with Talia on her shore leave. By the time Khitomer had pulled in for repairs, he had it up to twenty-two fun and relaxing activities for couples. Then, when he walked in on her just barely out of her birthday suit, the list was just as long but it had been reduced to the same activity repeated twenty-two times over.
Ohnari: ::rolling her eyes:: Fiiine. Next time, no cute apron and we’ll have a warm dinner. Now tell me all about the weirdest thing someone tried to smuggle onto the station.
Hobart: “Someone?”
Ohnari: Response
Nolen wrapped his arm around her, and nuzzled his cheek by her ear as the weight of her shoulders pressed his into the couch cushion behind him. How he had missed the smell of her hair. The curve of her neck. The way she wiggled to get comfortable.
Hobart: Well. Someone has access to all the fleetwide travel schedules, and someone caught wind of a freighter coming back from the Delta Quadrant, and someone knows about this weird, rare flower you’re not allowed to move by transporter, and someone tried to get a bouquet delivered to you on the gangway.
Ohnari: Response
Hobart: Those? ::looking at the vase:: Those are replicated knock-offs. You said “tried.”
Maybe it was for the best. With Statler, Jr. here, nothing good would have come from those orchids. He wanted to surprise her with something she'd probably never seen before, but upon further consideration he realized the first thing Talia would have tried to do was create some horrible Betazoid-Pyrithian hybrid.
Ohnari: Response
TBC
——— ○●● ———
Lt. Commander Nolen Hobart
Strategic Operations Officer
Deep Space 33
as simmed by
Commander Nax-Ellarneii-Tellargo
Commanding Officer
USS Khitomer (NCC-62400)
A240001NH3