JP - Lt Jg Araxxu Vahin, Lieutenant JG Madison Marsh, & Commander Alora DeVeau - The Time Has Come Part I
Madison Marsh
((Alora’s Quarters, Denali Station))
DeVeau: Here we are.
The doors parted as Alora stepped forward and they opened to allow the two women entry. They were immediately met with a lovely view of a garden set off from a back porch, one connected to another in the next set of quarters in that same building. Bright and airy, the high windows allowed a lot of natural light to filter through, and the decor focused on cooler colours - blues and greens - that went well with the myriad of plants that stood upon numerous shelves throughout the area. Boxes hung from window sills, playing host to more of the flora, and many of the plants sported blooms of many different hues - most of which might be familiar to the guest, for she had been given one herself.
DeVeau: I’ve given you the spare room.
Madison’s ocean blue eyes scanned the decor of the room and she was satisfied with it overall. Alora clearly had a gift with home decor and making everything flow together well. She had her own room which was nice, hopefully it had a connected bathroom as it was a nice convenience. She did not particularly enjoy exiting her room to take a shower. Of course she had to pay her friend and mentor a compliment on her home.
Marsh: You have a lovely home Alora. I need you to come decorate my place.
As she stepped inside, one hand flicked toward the right which might have indicated the kitchen, but there was a door set deeper in and past it that must have led to the indicated room. As the two moved further in, two small bodies curled together stood, and two heads popped up and peered at the arrivals with curiosity. One was a calico feline of brown and black on white, with brilliant blue eyes. The other was also a feline of sorts, but a much different hue. Lavender feet and belly darkened as the eye travelled up the body and became more of a true purple along the back, head, and tail. Even darker purple spots, very much like a leopard, darted over the fur, giving the creature an even wilder look. Ears as long as a Terran Rabbit pricked up and arched toward the two women, but then flattened against the head as the cat opened her mouth wide in a lazy yawn before she, and her companion, returned to their nap.
DeVeau: The tricolour is Sachiko. The purple one is Flora.
She glanced downward at the two small felines in the room. They were both adorable and it made Madison want to get a pet of her own when she returned to 118. Perhaps she would drag Haukea along for the occasion.
Marsh: Aw, they are so cute.
Alora didn’t pause until they approached the doors she had motioned toward early, which then parted at their approach. Opening into a bedroom, the window there, too, looked out upon the lovely garden and gave a better view of benches placed for anyone who wish to simply sit and enjoy nature. A large bed offered plenty of room for someone who might toss and turn, and the same colour scheme from before reflected in there. A quilt folded over the bottom half of the bed, blues and purples set into pinwheel shapes, offering a homey feel to the otherwise sparsely decorated space.
DeVeau: And here’s where you’re staying.
The room looked nice overall and Madison did not have any complaints. Everything went well together and was in style in her opinion. The bed looked like it was extremely comfortable and she looked forward to sprawling out on it later putting it to the test. She shifted her gaze to meet Alora’s. The two were about the same height and for her not to glance up like she did with others who towered over her.
Marsh: I love the room and the bed looks comfy. This definitely beats staying at a hotel.
DeVeau: Way more enjoyable to have company too.
Madison placed her hand on Alora’s very pregnant abdomen. A smile spread across her lips because she knew that she would meet her little niece or nephew soon. She had chosen to be surprised in reference to the gender of Alora’s child. Madison always enjoyed surprises and this situation was no exception to the rule.
Marsh: How’s the little one doing?
Alora couldn’t help but smile. She and Madison had connected from the very first time they had met. There was just something about the medical officer, and it had developed into a good friendship, despite the transfer that had separated them so soon after the doctor’s arrival. Sometimes it happened that, way. Some people came into her life that just sort of slid into the right spot, and she knew they belonged there. Kestra had been that way. Raissa. Saveron. Kalin. Ashley. Now Madison.
DeVeau: Doing fine, everything is registering as normal. Ready to come out soon, I hope.
While Alora didn’t mind being pregnant, she was still eager to get back to her normal self, but even more importantly, meet the child whom she had carried for the last ten months.
She slid her hand off of Alora’s tummy and set it to her side. Madison was pleased with the news and everything seemed to be going smoothly. She sincerely hoped that it remained that way and there were no conflicts that would derail the birth.
Marsh: I can’t wait to meet them. Remember, no spoilers on the gender reveal.
DeVeau: That’s going to be difficult - I don’t know the gender myself.
Alora had done that purposefully. Life was still filled with surprises, especially when in Starfleet, but lately, too many of those surprises had been negative. She wanted this to remain unknown until the birth for the very fact that she would have at least one positive one.
The fact that Alora chose not to know the gender of her first child was unexpected and pleasantly surprising for Madison. If Madison was ever pregnant she would choose to be surprised at the actual birth of her child. Having a son or daughter in general would truly be a source of amazement and Madison was delighted that Alora had this remarkable opportunity. One could tell that Madison was flabbergasted about Alora’s decision in her tone and expression, but also fully supportive at the same time.
Marsh: I’m shocked that you chose not to know the gender of your child. How did you plan to pick out their wardrobe without knowing their gender?
DeVeau: I’ve been replicating a lot of green, gender-neutral outfits.
The choice in colour would come as no surprise, for green was certainly one of Alora’s favourite colours. Once the child was born, the wardrobe would likely have more hues to add to it.
Madison leaned inward and provided Alora with a brilliant smile. Green was an appealing colour, but she also wanted to remind her mentor that there were other options. Not that Alora did not know, but she wanted to add to the list of options available.
Marsh: You can also add whites, greys, and light brown to that list. I would add those additional options since I’m going to be their fashion designer going forward.
Her tone was friendly, positive, and loving all at the same time. Madison was without any doubt invested in this baby for the get go. Working with children was a blast during play therapy sessions in her counselling program practicum at the Academy. She was fully certified to be a counsellor in Starfleet if she ever decided to focus on that route. Kids were a worthy challenge at times to understand because they do not communicate like adults.
Alora giggled. She enjoyed fashion, and when she found an outfit that she loved, would buy it or replicate it and keep it to wear again and again. She had a lovely closet of things that had been handmade as well as replicator programs of various outfits for special occasions. She still had the corset she had bought when she’d gone shopping with Lia years prior.
DeVeau: I love cute outfits, but I’m totally going to let you have your way with them because I know they would look fantastic!
A smile spread across the corners of her lips as Madison was pleased with that option. She would be happy to have her way with the outfits. It was something that she took pride in and enjoyed doing with others.
Marsh: Sounds like a plan!
((Downtown, Denali Station))
Vahin strode through Denali Station’s market district cradling a hard case carrier in his arms. He tried his best to dodge the oncoming pedestrian crowds so that none bumped him. He worried that any sudden movement might damage the fragile contents of the carrier.
He had waited two months for the plant to be shipped from Talos IV to Denali’s florist shop This Side of Paradise. When the Tellurite owner Bruss had messaged him about the plant’s arrival Vahin had been on Lightside Station and although Vahin knew the plant would be kept safe he still couldn’t shake the nagging thought in the back of his mind that something might happen to it.
Yet his worry had been for nothing and when he arrived at the shop he was ecstatic to see it was in pristine condition. In retrospect he really shouldn’t have worried; Bruss had the greenest thumb of anyone Vahin knew, but he supposed it was just in his nature to worry.
As he approached Commander DeVeau’s apartment a new worry began to build in his mind. He had never given a gift to a pregnant person before. He had researched that it was a common practice amongst many humans but he wasn’t sure if the gifts should be given before or after the birth happened, perhaps both? It was hard to tell with humans, they certainly seemed to love giving gifts, but it was a trait Vahin deeply respected in them.
((Alora Deveau’s Apartment, Denali Station))
He pressed the compadd next to the door and spoke into it.
Vahin: Lieutenant Junior Grade Vahin here to see Commander DeVeau.
As he waited for DeVeau to respond he took a deep breath to calm his nerves.
Alora hadn’t expected anyone else that day, but wasn’t going to complain. Truthfully, one of the biggest adjustments to moving to Denali was not having as many people to socialise with. Usually, she would go out and do things, but lately she’d struggled to find the motivation to do so. Perhaps it was the impending birth of her child, but she had become a bit more of a homebody. That was why Madison’s visit was doubly appreciated. Now, she had a second guest, and without hesitation, she ordered the computer to open the doors. When she saw who it was, a smile immediately sprang to her face. Although the two hadn’t interacted as much as she would have liked, and that was mostly her fault, she had come to like and respect him since her arrival there.
DeVeau: Vahin! It’s good to see you.
Vahin smiled as the door opened and the Commander greeted him.
Vahin: My apologies for taking up your time but I had heard it was customary to give unborn human children gifts. So, I brought this for your child.
Vahin pressed a button on the side of the case and it opened to reveal a blue plant with a single, broad lily pad-shaped leaf on a long stem which ended in a large white flower. Vahin gently blew on the plant and it let out a soft beautiful chime.
When he revealed the plant, the scientist took immediate interest, but when he blew on it and the chime rang pleasantly from the flower, her expression lit up and she clapped her hands together in delight as recognition dawned.
DeVeau: Oh! A Talosian windsinger!
Alora clapped her hands together in delight, then stretched out to gently caress the plant. The movement caused it to chime pleasantly, and her face, already beaming, brightened even further. It seemed that singing could invoke positive feelings when heard, and though she knew about it, she had never owned one - until now.
Vahin couldn’t hold back his smile when he noticed DeVeau’s joy at seeing the plant.
Vahin: I do hope your child will like it. My grandmother had one and I always enjoyed it when I was young.
DeVeau: I love it, and I’m sure my child will too.
Madison entered the room after hearing Alora talking to an unfamiliar male voice. She was dressed casually in black joggers, a pearl-grey t-shirt, and was barefoot. She did not expect any company and figured she was just spending time with Alora. However, she did enjoy having company, so the Bolian man was a pleasant surprise. She had no idea who he was and simply waved her hand casually to be polite and spoke in a friendly tone.
Marsh: Hi there.
Vahin jumped slightly as Marsh greeted him. With his attention on Alora he hadn’t noticed that there was someone else in the apartment with her.
Vahin: Oh! My apologies, I didn’t know you had company Commander.
DeVeau: Oh, I’m sorry, I should have made introductions. This is Madison Marsh, a friend from OPs. Madison, this is Doctor Araxxu Vahin.
As she spoke, she waved her hand toward the person she was introducing. It seemed she was surrounded by doctors, but she didn’t mind, though idly she wondered if she should have invited Doctor Garev to join them.
A bright smile was evident on her face as she extended her hand. Her nails were well manicured and had a flowery pink polish on them. Madison definitely took care of herself and was always mindful of her appearance. Her goal was to make a polite gesture towards the man and try not embarrass her mentor. She appreciated Alora referring to Madison as a friend as she had just gotten used to being on a first name basis with Alora. She used to call her Commander, but now they were past that unless on duty.
Marsh: A pleasure to meet you Doctor Vahin. in.
He took Marsh’s offered hand, noticing the colourful addition to her nails as he did so. He felt embarrassed for having interrupted Alora and her friends' time together. Perhaps he shouldn’t have been so bold as to bring the plant directly to the Commanders quarters.
Vahin: The pleasure is all mine Ms Marsh.
DeVeau: I was just thinking about getting dinner. Would you like to join us, Araxxu?
When Alora mentioned dinner it caused Madison’s stomach to rumble. The others would not be able to hear it, but she had been so preoccupied with Alora’s place that she forgot about dinner. Another wonderful idea proposed by Alora. It would be a plus if Araxxu could join them as she enjoyed the company of good men. Perhaps it was because her father was not involved in a lot of her life and she enjoyed a varying perspective. She spoke in an encouraging tone of voice to try to convince him to join them.
Marsh: Please do join us Doctor.
DeVeau: It wouldn’t be an inconvenience, and I’m sure Madison would enjoy conversing with another in the field.
Vahin’s eyes lit up as DeVeau mentioned that Madison was also a doctor. He felt unsure about joining the two of them. The last time he had eaten with the Commander he had embarrassed himself but he was not one to turn down an invitation for food. Besides they both seemed happy to have him join them.
Vahin: I would be honoured to dine with the both of you.
Madison shifted her gaze to meet Alora’s. She had wondered what her friend had in mind to eat. This was newer territory still for Madison. The last time she was at Denali Station she participated in the Denali Invitational where her team finished in second place overall. She felt that they would have won the race if she was not knocked unconscious, if Ksivi Sava did not have his unfortunate issue, and if Corey was not left to pilot the ship on his own. However, she commended Corey for his valiant efforts in the race and they received a cute ribbon as a reward from Commodore Taybrim.
Marsh: What did you have in mind Alora?
Good question. Amusement coloured Alora’s expression. Although she had made the suggestion, she didn’t really have anything to suggest.
DeVeau: Food.
Vahin paused to think about the different dining choices that were available on Denali. Since the Invitational so many new restaurants had popped up on the Station.
Vahin: We do have a wide variety of choices. There’s that new Andorian place, also I’ve heard good things about that Kellerun restaurant. Is there a type of food you’re craving.
Station.She glanced back and forth between Vehin and Alora. Being a Centauran, she naturally enjoyed eating seafood. Her world had more ocean than land so she had a wide variety of fish to choose from. Madison was also on point and had grown more decisive since joining Starfleet. Perhaps it came from a mixture of her personality and spending time with Lieutenant Commander Fairhug in Command courses.
Marsh: Let's eat seafood, what do you think?
*****************
Lt Jg Araxxu Vahin
Medical
Denali Station
D240006AV3
&
Lieutenant JG Madison Marsh
Assistant Chief Medical Officer
Starbase 118 Ops
ID: O240006MM1
&
Commander Alora DeVeau
Chief Science Officer &
Second Officer
Denali Station
&
Matriarch of the 15th House
Betazed
M239008AD0
--
Assistant Chief Medical Officer
Starbase 118 Ops
ID: O240006MM1
