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 III
Madison Marsh
((DeVeau (formerly Lumie) Family Home, Betazed))
DeVeau: Ah, no. It’s a gathering of friends.
Alora couldn’t help but chuckle as she witnessed the antics between the two cousins. It reminded her a bit of her own siblings, and the lack of certain boundaries between them. She missed that.
Fairhug: Well, now that it's out in the open, let me offer my congratulations.
Karen, overcome with emotion, found herself shedding tears. She had intuited something about Alora's pregnancy, yet the actual announcement still caught her by surprise.
In that delicate moment, the tears that welled up spoke of a connection that transcended mere observation, a shared experience that went beyond the boundaries of spoken words.
The unexpected revelation resonated with unspoken nuances, leaving Karen immersed in a sea of emotions.
Stendhal: Congratulations Alora, what wonderful news.
Madison had worked with plenty of pregnant women during her time at the Academy and even occasionally on Starbase 118. As a Medical Doctor she could recognize that Alora was pregnant, but made sure that she had whispered earlier to keep it on the down low in case Alora was not ready to inform the others officially. Either way their regular talks via subspace led to Alora eventually making that reveal to her in confidence. Madison did take Doctor/Patient confidentiality seriously and this case was no exception to the rule.
Marsh: Congratulations Alora, I am happy for you. I also volunteer to deliver your beautiful child when the time comes. I would stay here longer if I could, but I am sure that Dr. Foster has plenty of work for me to complete back on 118.
Madison grinned at Alora after providing her commentary. Dr. Foster was the current acting Chief Medical Officer aboard 118 since Dr. Arys had recently departed. She did not have a difficult time adapting to various supervisors and she had hit it off well with Dr. Foster already. She simply did not want to leave him hanging by extending her trip for too long.
Ross: Well… - Congratulations.
Ross gave a smile, but still he couldn't help but sense that something was off. Why the sad look on Alora’s face, back when he had asked her about family? He felt the urge to talk to her in private, even though he didn’t know her remotely well enough to justify this impulse.
Alora inclined her head slightly, but while her smile spread a little wider, there was something not quite right about it. Her eyes held a certain light that could be attributed to happiness over the fact that had been so…delicately brought to the attention of everyone, but there was also a sense of sorrow that underscored it.
DeVeau: I appreciate that. Come, sit, have some tea. You’ll be shown to your rooms, and there are a number of places to visit and things to do on Betazed. Y’all can travel as you wish or relax as you wish.
Karen smiled, yet discerned a subtle undercurrent of melancholy woven into the fabric of Alora's voice. The glimmer of sorrow, though fleeting, hinted at a story waiting to be told or emotions yet to be unfolded.
Stendhal: Thank you, Alora.
She glanced at Ukinix for a moment, another beautiful person with a name that proved challenging for her to pronounce, let alone commit to memory.
Gogi didn’t have to be told twice when it came to the strongly flavoured tea and sweet biscuits. He only wished there were more, but didn’t want to ask. The Bardeezan appetite wasn’t best suited to most cultures’ ideas of etiquette.
As for his time on Betazed, as much as he was looking forward to exploring, he also was looking forward to getting a chance to chat with Alora in a more relaxed setting, as well as the others, of course, but he was especially interested in hearing more about Alora’s dream walking and perhaps getting a more in depth interpretation of the dreamscape they had shared.
Wil gave a quick nod, then headed over to one of the seats to accept a tea. He himself was a fan of Japanese Sencha tea and replicated it often in the XO’s office back on Amity.
Fairhug: So, anyone have any plans, in particular?
Madison pondered in thought for a moment, she had a list of places that she wanted to visit while there. However, she just needed to figure out what everyone else had planned to see if anyone had similar plans.
Marsh: Nothing set in stone, but I do have a Betazed bucket list to go through on my PADD. I’m also open to new recommendations from the group.
Jones: I’m game for anything!
Ukinix: Oh yeah, me too. Didn’t travel all this way from the DQ to be bored.
Keehani, as a Betazed local, gave some insider knowledge.
Keehani: I would highly recommend Janaran Falls. It is a spectacular creation of Fana.
Fairhug: Alora, is there anything you’d recommend seeing or doing?
DeVeau: Well…there’s always Nuxiyi.
As she answered, Alora’s eyes slid over to the Ukinixes, Keehani in particular. She was uncertain how much Wil knew about the planet, and didn’t want to assume.
DeVeau: You can probably give a better description. I’ve heard about it, but I haven’t gone yet.
Hiro ran over what little he knew about the planet. Whatever the final decision was, it was sure to be a heck of a time. Even as the possibilities roiled in his mind, his comm chirped. He excused himself to take the call.
Ross: Sounds nice.
Ross barely ever had a strong opinion on how to spend the night. He was just glad to get out of the base for once.
Ukinix: ::Excitedly:: Nuxiyi? Is that the Vegas style place? I’ve heard about that!
Keehani Ukinix bit her bottom lip. Lots of off-worlders travelled to Betazed just to spend time in Nuxiyi and Nuxiyi alone, and that was an embarrassment. It was an entertainment district, yes, but it had a reputation. While not as bad as Freecloud, it still didn’t seem becoming to have a flashy place so un-Betazoid like on her home planet.
No wonder her cousin was drawn to it.
There was also always a risk that nobles spotted in Nuxiyi could end up as a story in Rogue magazine.
Keehani: Hmm… I would advise caution. It does have a certain… reputation.
Gogi was vaguely aware of this reputation, as he was with the reputation of the aforementioned Vegas, although he had never visited either. Still, it sounded like his type of place. He wasn’t *much* of a gambler, but he enjoyed the odd game of cards now and then, plus, places like these were usually cultural melting pots. Throw in some alcohol and maybe even a bit of fisticuffs and you had a good time!
Ukinix: ::Smiling:: Perfect!
After a stare at Wil, Keehani silently scowled as she eye rolled.
Karen made a face; she wasn't very inclined towards gambling, and, in fact, she didn't like it at all. However, there would certainly be parties, fabulous drinks, and who knows what beauties to see.
Stendhal: Rogue Magazine, I haven't read it for a while. But yes, let's all go to Nuxiyi together.
Fairhug: I’m in!
Madison smiled and nodded her head in agreement with the others who spoke prior to her. She was down for most activities, especially with those she had considered friends.
Marsh: I’m definitely in.
In other words, it sounded like it had something for everyone. Alora couldn’t imbibe in alcohol, but she could go along for some other activities. Glancing around, she took note of everyone there, then smiled a little.
DeVeau: I have a proposition.
Wil leaned forward in his seat, excited to hear what Alora was about to suggest.
Karen also leaned forward to listen to Alora's proposal, then remembered her tea and took a sip. Fortunately, it was still warm; there was nothing worse than lukewarm tea.
Stendhal: Come on, Alora, we're all hanging on your every word.
Gogi took another bite of biscuit as he waited.
Madison perked a brow in curiosity as her eyes met Alora’s warm gaze. She spoke with a rushed, but encouraging tone as she attempted to get Alora to reveal her proposition.
Marsh: Out with it.
DeVeau: Why don’t we all go there and then we could have a girl’s night while the men go do their thing. Ryzek could use some time off with some guys who might help him relax a little.
Her steward did an excellent job, but she suspected the man did little else but work. Even Jwasha allowed herself the opportunity to relax from time to time, and fretted about Ryzek not doing so himself.
Ross: Sure, if everybody’s fine with that?
Keehani’s Betazoid matriarchal instincts momentarily kicked in, with a serious expression.
Keehani: While I feel I should attend with the males to ensure they behave themselves…
See couldn’t hold back a smile.
Keehani: A ladies night does sound like fun.
Stendhal: An evening among girls? It truly seems like a brilliant idea.
::Karen smiled, trying to contain her excitement at the thought of this fabulous idea.::
Count me in! It's been ages since we had a girls' night out. I'm looking forward to it!
Fairhug: ::swallowing his latest bite of biscuit:: Well, we can’t let them have *all* the fun, can we boys?
Madison grinned in response to Gogi’s statement. He was right, the boys had to have their own fun too. She definitely looked forward to spending time with the girls she knew and getting to know the new faces there. It seemed like they would have a splendid time with one another.
Marsh: Fantastic idea Alora, I love a fun filled girls night.
Ukinix: ::Single clap of hands together, before rubbing his hands:: Well that’s settled then! What mischief are we going to get up to, lads?
Hiro rejoined the group, which appeared to be buzzing with excitement. With a pang of regret for missed opportunity, he stepped to Alora’s side, addressing her directly.
Jones: Alora, I’m afraid I have to bow out. I’m so terribly sorry. Something’s come up, and they need me back on the Artie. ::smiling wistfully:: Congratulations though. You’re going to be such a good mom. ::to the group:: Sorry, all, I’ve been called away early. It was nice meeting you. I wish we’d had more time.
Ross: That’s a shame - take care!
He sure would have liked getting to know Hiro a little better, but hopefully this wouldn’t be their last meeting.
Ukinix: Seeya Hiro, catchya round mate!
Keehani of course, ever the diplomat, nodded politely and offered her hand.
Keehani: Lovely to meet you, Lieutenant Jones.
Karen was very sorry that Hiro had to leave and part ways so soon; he was a delightful person, and she had liked him immediately.
Stendhal: It's truly been a pleasure meeting you, Hiro. I hope we can cross paths again soon, one way or another. After all, the paths of Starfleet are infinite, aren't they? Until next time!
Well, it seemed like they were a man down already and the party hadn’t even started.
Fairhug: Safe travels, Hiro. Another time, perhaps.
Madison offered a friendly smile and waved her hand in a goodbye gesture bidding Hiro farewell. She did not have the opportunity to really get to know him yet, but wanted to be polite. Perhaps they will meet again in the future.
Marsh: Farewell.
Alora couldn’t say she wasn't disappointed, but she was grateful for the opportunity to see Hiro, even if it was only for a little while.
DeVeau: Please, it’s all right. Perhaps we can get together again some other time.
As Hiro made his departure, she knew she could be glad that others were able to remain for a little longer. Smiling, Alora picked up her teacup and gazed at them above the rim.
DeVeau: Now…about that field trip…
[End]
*******
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
