JP - Commander Alora DeVeau, Lieutenant Commander Gogigobo Fairhug, Lieutenant JG Hiro Jones, Ensign Madison Marsh, Ensign Evan Ross, Lieutenant JG Karen Stendhal, & Commander Wil Ukinix - Friendly Reunion - Part I
Madison Marsh
((DeVeau (formerly Lumie) Family Home, Betazed))
Betazed welcomed her visitors gladly, with a brilliant day, a cloudless sky, and a horizon filled with green, gold, scarlet, and blazing orange as that part of the planet’s autumn was in full swing. Alora had arrived earlier that day, alone though she had originally planned to bring a fellow crew member. Alas, plans sometimes changed and his absence couldn’t be helped. Hiro, who’s long friendship had been revived more recently, had been given passage on a ship, had been invited during their last conversation, a spur of the moment decision, but one she didn’t regret. It had been far too long since they’d seen each other in person, and she suspected the time away would do him some good.
Gogi, too, had been on the invitation list, her last conversation with him including a promise to tell him more, but in person. Although she had confessed some things to Hiro on their call, for some reason, she felt like with Gogi, it should be done in person. Madison had been extended an invitation, a young Ensign that Alora had met just before her departure from Ops, and someone she had immediately clicked with. Alora was happy to extend an invitation to her, and even Evan, a man she’d never served with, but had proctored his exam when he’d made a career change and joined Starfleet then became a dance partner at the following celebration, had been included on the list.
Hiro’s flight had connected with those coming from Ops, and the shuttle brought them close enough to the home that they could see the door from where they landed. The land was spacious and well cultivated, the chill of the autumn breeze only slight, promising a gentleness that would not be granted later when winter rolled in. The great house, one that was squat rather than tall with a homey air despite its size, was constructed of older materials, stone rather than steel or other metals, and tendrils of ivy crept over the facade, the season past when the flowers would blossom, but the greenery no less lovely. Trees sported their festive attire, blazened with the hues of fall, and a well kept walkway led right up to an old fashioned door that must have been made from real wood. When the touchpad to the side of the door was tapped, a gentle ringing of tones in a melodic line sounded both without and within. A moment later, the door opened to a tall man with dark brown hair, his obsidian eyes marking him as Betazed. He paused a moment and regarded the group.
Karen stood a few paces behind the group, her blonde hair swaying in the mild breeze. She certainly appeared atypical for a Betazoid, much like her striking blue eyes. This peculiarity was an inheritance from her grandfather, Julien Stendhal, who had passed down that quarter-Earth genetic legacy. In an unusual twist, these typically recessive traits had asserted themselves prominently within the Betazoid genetic framework. Thus, unlike her mother, Karen was born with hair as golden as a Barbie doll's.
In several ways, she bore a closer resemblance to Madison Marsh than to the other Betazoids. In fact, aside from a minor height distinction, they were practically identical; they were often mistaken for sisters. Karen felt immense gratitude toward Madison for extending the invitation for the trip. The last time she had set foot on Betazed, she had emerged from a stasis chamber with fragmented memories. Her awakening had been blurry, and she had come out with her vision nearly impaired. It took her several months to fully regain her physical strength. She spent those subsequent months on Earth, residing with her grandfather, Julien, at the Stendhal Chateau in France.
Ross had a hard time taking his eyes off the stunning landscape. Now that the constant hum and buzz of the ships' engines were gone, the idyllic silence seemed almost surreal - the wind teased a soft rustling from the trees around them and the air in his lungs was clear and fragrant. Ross had never been to Betazed, and now that he took his first steps on the soft grass, he instantly questioned why.
Subconsciously he had stayed close to Fairhug the whole trip. Out of their numerous travel companions he knew the 118 FO the best, and he felt like he benefited from the Bardeezan's social (and literal) slipstream. Alora's invitation had been surprising but not unwelcome - he was looking forward to their trip and had sincerely enjoyed the short flight. When the door in front of them opened, Karen Stendhal spoke up first - he didn't know her well, but he appreciated her unwavering smile and positive aura.
Stendhal: Well, I'm absolutely delighted to be here with all of you. It will be a fantastic chance to introduce you to my parents Robert and Sasha, my little brother Tom ::fingers crossed::, and hopefully not my cousin Masha. As they say, C'est la vie!
Ross: It’s great to be here… - a first for me.
Hiro looked around, open-mouthed at the landscape. It was gorgeous to say the least. He gave a small bow to the greeting committee
Jones: Thank you so much for including me.
For his part, Gogi was pleasantly surprised by how the dwelling in front of them reminded him of his home back on Bardeez. It was decidedly more ornate, but the size and design of the building wasn’t too dissimilar from the traditional homesteads in the rural areas of his home continent.
Betazed, itself, was *unsurprisingly* beautiful. Based on the Betazoids he had met in his life - Brayden Jorey, Sal Taybrim and Karen Stendhal in particular - he had expected nothing less. It was almost as if the people and the planet shared some kind of ethereal connection. Come to think of it, it wouldn’t shock him if they did.
It was much chillier than his home planet, but Bardeezans adapted well to all kinds of weather and so he was able to enjoy the autumnal scenery well enough.
Madison was absolutely thrilled to finally make the trek to Betazed. It was a planet that she had wanted to visit for a long time. Karen made the temptation even greater when she showed her holo-images of the world. She immediately jumped on the opportunity to visit via Alora’s invitation. Alora was her first ‘Number One’ that she had met on the Academy Green on Starbase 118 and they hit off their friendship quickly after that.
She felt energized with having Karen, Evan, and Gogi with her from 118. In fact, it felt like a Starfleet family reunion with Alora. She spent more time with the crew of 118 and the Narendra then she did with her own family after all. Her ocean blue eyes took in the breathtaking surroundings of Betazoid. The wind coursed through her sandy blonde hair, fortunately she had it tied in a low messy bun so it did not blow in her face.
Marsh: Wow, the holodeck doesn’t do Betazed justice. This world is absolutely gorgeous.
Gogi suddenly realised that, distracted by their surroundings and companions as they were, nobody had actually addressed the man who had opened the door as they approached.
Fairhug: ::clearing his throat:: Good day, sir. We are guests of Alora DeVeau.
Xerion: Ah, yes. Mother Perennial DeVeau is expecting you.
He stepped back, leaving plenty of room for the visitors to pass, one hand sweeping toward the inner sanctum of the house.
Karen gave Xerion a courteous nod and a warm smile. She couldn't help but consider that trying to deceive another Betazoid was out of the question. Xerion, with his innate telepathic abilities, could spot her mental signature from a mile away. It was as if their minds were open books to each other, making any attempt at deceit utterly futile
Stendhal: I'm overjoyed to be here with all of you.
Ross was still a little overwhelmed by the scene - so instead of saying anything, he nodded towards Xerion and threw a faint smile at Stendhal.
Gogi also offered a warm smile and a nod, as they passed the man and entered the house.
Fairhug: ::to Xerion:: Thank you.
She stood next to Karen who literally looked like her older sister. Madison planned to conduct an actual blood test when they returned to Starbase 118 to see if she was actually adopted and they really were sisters. All joking aside, two women did not have to be bound by blood to be sisters anyways and she was simply thankful to have a friend in Karen. Their friendship has continued to grow over the course of time and she has appreciated getting to learn about and from her every day. A smile spread across her lips as Madison waived her hand casually at Xerion.
Marsh: Hi there, I’m Madison, nice to meet you.
Inside, they stepped into a foyer that split into three directions. The furnishings and decorations were a mix of old and new, antiques and more recent acquisitions that somehow managed to both be distinct and yet work together rather than clash. From the one to their left, footsteps sounded and Alora appeared. Clad in a dress of lavender, the flowy fabric gathered high at the waist accommodated the swell that, to the discerning eye, indicated she was halfway through her pregnancy. Instantly, a smile sprang to life, one filled with far more light than it might have in recent months, for the arrival of friends was always a balm for the spirit and uplifting to the heart.
Karen observed her friend's approach, her face lighting up with a radiant smile of joy. Her gaze couldn't help but notice the baby bump that hinted at Alora's pregnancy, filling her heart with immense happiness for her friend. She made an effort to restrain herself, but her joy overflowed, causing her to start jumping with childlike glee. Hopefully, they won't regret having invited her there.
Ross' eyes widened slightly when he watched Alora descending the steps - her entrance was stunning, but that was not the cause of his heightened pulse. There was a light but unambiguous curve beneath the lavender fabric of her dress. He remembered her words on 118 all too well: I would like children. Spoken softly, almost longingly - and suddenly, he understood why she had never really answered his question. He blinked and froze in his steps, staying behind the group.
DeVeau: You’re here!
The smile on Gogi’s face only grew at Alora’s greeting. She was looking radiant and much more relaxed than the last time he had seen her - on their subspace call. He hoped those looks were not deceiving.
Stendhal: Oh, Alora, I'm thrilled to see you again! I could hug you for hours.
She exclaimed with genuine delight.
Ross: It’s… ::taking a deep breath:: It’s good to see you. oO Did she already know back then? Oo
Hiro waited his turn to greet Alora before grasping her hands in his and smiling at his old friend. There was something new about her. Her usually-flat abdomen was moderately distended in a way that told a story she hadn’t told him. When he pulled her gently into a hug, the firmness of her belly confirmed his suspicions. Still though, if she hadn’t mentioned this before, she’d have had good reason. He gave her a playfully indignant look as he held her again at arm’s length.
Jones: Hello, Alora-chan.
His eyes flicked down to her belly then again met hers. He gave her a smirk that was on the very fringe of laughter. They would be having a chat later. That was non-negotiable.
When it was his turn, Gogi couldn’t refrain from pulling Alora in for a delicate hug. Of course, he had noticed the bump and suddenly a lot of things seemed to make sense.
Fairhug: ::quietly:: Alora, ::pause:: congratulations.
Madison had known that Alora was pregnant from their talks via subspace communication, but this was the first time she had seen her in person since she had transferred to Denali Station. Naturally she wished that Alora had never left being her friend and role model. However, Commander Fairhug had done an exemplary job being a fantastic mentor in Alora’s absence. Alora and Madison do remain in touch long distance as Madison has learned a lot throughout her short career through Alora. She stepped forward, provided Alora with a warm hug, and kissed her left cheek in greeting.
Marsh: I have missed seeing you in the flesh my dear friend.
Madison shifted her hand upward, placing it on Alora’s shoulder. The light glimmered off of her well manicured fingernails painted delicately with a lavender colored polish. She glanced down at the bump and thought of the new life developing down there. She then looked straight forward to meet Alora’s gaze. It was nice because they were the same height while her friends at 118 all towered over her except for Commander Fairhug of course. She tilted her head slightly as she followed up her greeting with a question while she set her hands back at her sides. She cupped her hand outside of Alora’s ear and whispered.
Marsh: ::Whispered Quietly to Alora:: How is my little patient doing?
Madison stepped back and grinned at her friend after checking in. She kept her tone low so that no one else could hear her words but Alora. Her hope was that she would be the one delivering the child, but it would all depend on timing of course.
Marsh: I look forward to hearing from and spending more time with you during our time here. I am thrilled to see you, Alora. This was a fantastic idea, thank you again for the invite.
Alora cast a knowing look to Madison, but focused on addressing the group as a whole.
DeVeau: I imagine most of you know each other. Hiro, have you made an official introduction?
Without even waiting for an answer, Alora launched into those introductions.
DeVeau: This is Gogi Fairhug, XO of Ops, Doctor Hiro Jones, counselor on the Artemis, Doctor Madison Marsh, also of Ops, Karen Stendhal, yes, from Ops, and Evan Ross who, if you haven’t guessed already, is also from Ops. Everyone, this is Ryzek Xerion, Steward of the 15th house.
Perhaps the fact that so many had come from the Starbase was no surprise. Alora had spent three years aboard the station before Starfleet had elected to transfer her to Denali immediately after her promotion to Commander. That opened up an opportunity for Gogi, whom she had befriended when he himself had been on his way to Denali Station. With her fairly long tenure, there were still many connections firmly established with those at Starbase 118.
Karen observed the group of colleagues with keen interest. While she was acquainted with the starbase crew, Hiro had instantly come across as likeable to her.
Ross really tried to listen, but he had a hard time focussing on Alora’s words. Did anyone else in the group know? Was he maybe just imagining things? Maybe they just had good food on Betazed…
Jones: ::to the group:: Well, officially, I’m very pleased to meet you all. If you’re friends of Alora, you have immediate credit in my books.
Though they had traveled together, the journey hadn’t allowed much time for them to get to interact much, other than brief introductions. Gogi had spent most of the journey chatting with Evan, whom he had gotten to know quite well lately.
Fairhug: Likewise, Hiro.
They were not on duty, or even in Starfleet surroundings, so Gogi immediately dispensed with the formalities.
While making his introduction and observing her fellow crew members introducing themselves, Madison studied Hiro. He had a soothing aura and demeanor about him, one that was comforting for her.
Marsh: A pleasure to meet you Hiro, I’m Madison.
DeVeau: Would you like some tea? Jwasha prepared some once we got word you were only a few minutes out.
Stendhal: I would love a tea!
Ross: ::a bit jumpy:: …yeah - sure!
Jones: Sounds lovely.
*******
Commander Alora DeVeau
CSO & 2O
Denali Station
M239008AD0
&
Lieutenant Commander Gogigobo Fairhug
First Officer
Starbase 118 Ops
E239411GF0
&
Lieutenant JG Hiro Jones, MD PhD
USS Artemis-A, Counselor
E239510KD0
&
Ensign Madison Marsh
Medical Officer
Starbase 118 Ops
ID: O240006MM1
&
Ensign Evan Ross
Intelligence Officer
StarBase 118 Ops
O240009ER2
&
Lt Jg Karen Trisha Stendhal
Counselor
SB 118
ID: C239604KS0
&
Commander Wil Ukinix
Starfleet attaché and First Officer
Amity Outpost
V239511WU0
--
Medical Officer
Starbase 118 Ops
ID: O240006MM1
