Lieutenant Drex - Exploring the Dungeon
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Drex Drex
Mar 18, 2026, 12:07:08 PM (6 days ago) Mar 18
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(( One of the many corridors - SB118 OPS ))
Lieutenant Commander Foster had appeared in Drex’s path with impeccable timing, sparing the Denobulan the very real possibility of getting hopelessly lost in the vastness of the starbase. The alternative, having to send a distress call just to find his way back to his temporary quarters, was not an appealing one.
Accepting the officer’s offer of assistance, Drex followed him into the obscure sublevel market in search of the astrolabe.
The Dungeon was a stark contrast to the upper commercial areas. The lighting was dimmer, the bulkheads darker, with long shadows stretching across the corridors. The atmosphere had been deliberately crafted, an echo of the smuggler markets Drex had only encountered in historical accounts and holonovels.
And yet, as Foster had assured him, it was all carefully regulated. Beneath the aesthetic of secrecy and danger, the place was just as safe as any other part of the station.
With that in mind, Drex allowed himself to relax, settling into an easy, unhurried conversation as they walked.
Drex: And you, Commander? ::He glanced toward Foster:: If you had the afternoon to wander down here... what would you be looking for?
Foster: You have a knack for asking tough questions, do you know that, Lieutenant? ::Wyn looked around the place and contemplated a bit:: I think I’d look for archaic data discs, like old audio-tales or ship’s logs from ships long lost.
A smile curled the Denobulan’s lips. He had not thought the question particularly difficult. To him, it was a simple reflection of personal interests, nothing more. But he noted the brief hesitation and the way his gaze had drifted before answering. Perhaps the Andorian was not accustomed to speaking about himself. Still, the answer itself caught Drex’s attention.
Drex: That sounds interesting.
Foster seemed to consider it a moment longer, before continuing.
Foster: I’d probably also try some of the food and drink establishments. I think some of these places are rumored to have some pretty good food.
Drex’s smile widened slightly at that.
Drex: A sensible addition to the plan.
They took another turn and seemed to be getting warmer, going from shops that were selling exotic perfumes and body products to shops that were selling curiosities.
Wyn took a moment to co-ordinate on his PADD before looking back to Drex.
Foster: I admit I’m an adventurous eater. Because I like to eat, so why not try new things?
As they moved on, the richer scents of the fragrance stalls slowly faded behind them. The air ahead carried a drier, dustier smell, tinged with metal and old materials, like aged alloys and long-stored artifacts. It was the kind of scent that suggested objects with history rather than products meant to be worn. Drex glanced briefly toward the nearby displays, where curious items replaced bottles and vials.
Drex: I tend to be curious as well... though perhaps a little more cautious.:: A faint smile curved his lips:: Still, it would be a shame to come all this way and not try something new.
Foster: What’s your favorite kind of food?
The Denobulan considered the question for a brief moment.
Drex: I have a preference for vegetables, actually. But I would not say I am particularly selective. I tend to try most things at least once.::A short pause:: Are we engaging in small talk... or are you suggesting a shared meal?
Foster: I mean, of course I’m gonna try to find us a place to eat after we find an astrolabe. It’s what I do!
Drex allowed a faint smile to linger.
Drex: That seems a fitting reward for a successful hunt.
As they turned another corner, the corridor opened onto a small plaza bathed in soft amber light. At its center, a Bolian performer was setting up some kind of show. Rows of small, levitating orbs hovered a few centimeters above a polished platform, spinning slowly and emitting faint, musical chimes. The Bolian gestured gracefully, causing the orbs to weave in intricate patterns that shimmered like liquid light. A small crowd of passersby had gathered, watching. Drex first slowed down, then reached a complete stop. He tilted his head, observing the orbs dance almost like wind chimes made of crystal.
Drex: Fascinating... I have never seen anything like this before.
Foster: ?
Drex: I wouldn’t mind pausing for a moment to watch.
Foster: ?
Drex: Do you have a particular interest in music?
Foster: ?
Lieutenant Commander Foster had appeared in Drex’s path with impeccable timing, sparing the Denobulan the very real possibility of getting hopelessly lost in the vastness of the starbase. The alternative, having to send a distress call just to find his way back to his temporary quarters, was not an appealing one.
Accepting the officer’s offer of assistance, Drex followed him into the obscure sublevel market in search of the astrolabe.
The Dungeon was a stark contrast to the upper commercial areas. The lighting was dimmer, the bulkheads darker, with long shadows stretching across the corridors. The atmosphere had been deliberately crafted, an echo of the smuggler markets Drex had only encountered in historical accounts and holonovels.
And yet, as Foster had assured him, it was all carefully regulated. Beneath the aesthetic of secrecy and danger, the place was just as safe as any other part of the station.
With that in mind, Drex allowed himself to relax, settling into an easy, unhurried conversation as they walked.
Drex: And you, Commander? ::He glanced toward Foster:: If you had the afternoon to wander down here... what would you be looking for?
Foster: You have a knack for asking tough questions, do you know that, Lieutenant? ::Wyn looked around the place and contemplated a bit:: I think I’d look for archaic data discs, like old audio-tales or ship’s logs from ships long lost.
A smile curled the Denobulan’s lips. He had not thought the question particularly difficult. To him, it was a simple reflection of personal interests, nothing more. But he noted the brief hesitation and the way his gaze had drifted before answering. Perhaps the Andorian was not accustomed to speaking about himself. Still, the answer itself caught Drex’s attention.
Drex: That sounds interesting.
Foster seemed to consider it a moment longer, before continuing.
Foster: I’d probably also try some of the food and drink establishments. I think some of these places are rumored to have some pretty good food.
Drex’s smile widened slightly at that.
Drex: A sensible addition to the plan.
They took another turn and seemed to be getting warmer, going from shops that were selling exotic perfumes and body products to shops that were selling curiosities.
Wyn took a moment to co-ordinate on his PADD before looking back to Drex.
Foster: I admit I’m an adventurous eater. Because I like to eat, so why not try new things?
As they moved on, the richer scents of the fragrance stalls slowly faded behind them. The air ahead carried a drier, dustier smell, tinged with metal and old materials, like aged alloys and long-stored artifacts. It was the kind of scent that suggested objects with history rather than products meant to be worn. Drex glanced briefly toward the nearby displays, where curious items replaced bottles and vials.
Drex: I tend to be curious as well... though perhaps a little more cautious.:: A faint smile curved his lips:: Still, it would be a shame to come all this way and not try something new.
Foster: What’s your favorite kind of food?
The Denobulan considered the question for a brief moment.
Drex: I have a preference for vegetables, actually. But I would not say I am particularly selective. I tend to try most things at least once.::A short pause:: Are we engaging in small talk... or are you suggesting a shared meal?
Foster: I mean, of course I’m gonna try to find us a place to eat after we find an astrolabe. It’s what I do!
Drex allowed a faint smile to linger.
Drex: That seems a fitting reward for a successful hunt.
As they turned another corner, the corridor opened onto a small plaza bathed in soft amber light. At its center, a Bolian performer was setting up some kind of show. Rows of small, levitating orbs hovered a few centimeters above a polished platform, spinning slowly and emitting faint, musical chimes. The Bolian gestured gracefully, causing the orbs to weave in intricate patterns that shimmered like liquid light. A small crowd of passersby had gathered, watching. Drex first slowed down, then reached a complete stop. He tilted his head, observing the orbs dance almost like wind chimes made of crystal.
Drex: Fascinating... I have never seen anything like this before.
Foster: ?
Drex: I wouldn’t mind pausing for a moment to watch.
Foster: ?
Drex: Do you have a particular interest in music?
Foster: ?
============
Lt. Commander Drex
First Officer
USS Eagle-A
D240011D14
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