Lt. Commander Ross - In the Navy

[Hannah S]

(( Beach Side - Raskor II ))

A silent gasp of wonder went through their group - and then a verbal one. Ross still had a hard time processing the scenery in front of them when they walked down the dunes towards the open water and approached the small vessel dock.

Suddenly, the pull of the water was impossible to resist. He wanted to get out there: feel the soft rocking of the waves, taste the salt and see the eternal blue horizon. It was like space in a way - never ending, everlasting. Just much hotter and brighter. 

McLaren: One of those wider ones looks perfect. Should be able to
paddle out some and just enjoy the waves.

Sylvax: That one should be stable enough if we decide to swim from it.

A'Mayri: A perfect vessel for our intended activities.

Ross: Looks good to me.

He watched as McLaren naturally took the lead and stepped toward the boat first with a steadying hand, A’Mayri was quick to step away to pull down the small number banner from the nearby stand that marked the boat as accounted for. She then stepped over to talk someone on the doc - Ross waited for her to come back and soon she appeared with a hefty bag of extra snorkeling sets and a large umbrella that would perfectly slot into the back of the boat. Ross threw her a smile. A Vulcan really was the perfect travel guide. 

McLaren: Shall we?

Sylvax: I think we shall...

A’Mayri supported herself against the side of the hull before she promptly lowered herself onto the boat, careful to keep the additional bag slung over her. Once her feet were planted, she set the bag down and offered an arm out to anyone to help steady the descent into the slowly swaying boat.

Ross: Did we forget anything?

He checked the doc for any forgotten belongings, before he detached the vessel's rope from the doc. 

Sylvax: Careful stepping in. The balance point is a little further
toward the center.

A'Mayri: Once you step onto the boat, we can secure everyone’s belongings underneath the seats so you all are able to clearly see the clear bottom while we paddle out if so desired.

Ross took a big step and joined the others in the boat - it took him a second to balance out the movement from the water before he sat down.

McLaren: ?

Ross: Aye aye, Captain! ::he shielded his eyes from the sun:: I never thought I'd say that, but - I wish I had brought a hat.  

Sylvax: I believe the official Starfleet shoreleave guidance is “dress
for the environment.”

A’Mayri: It would be inefficient to wear anything but environmentally compliant clothing, and I would assume uncomfortable as well.

Before Ross noticed what was going on, Ryden and A'Mayri each grabbed a padel and started guiding them swiftly away from the shore. Ross raised both hands, throwing a grin at McLaren.

Ross: I guess that's the kind of decadence you get promoted for.

He had no illusions about matching a Vulcan's strength - and speaking from Ryden's bare sixpack, that guy spent a lot more time at the Gym than himself. 

McLaren: ?

Sylvax: I can help steer us out past the swimmers.

A'Mayri: ::slow blink:: Both a medical officer and potential helmsman sir, how well suited for the trip.

Ross let out a laugh. 

Ross: Did you hear that, Ryden? I think you just became Vulcan stand up-material.

McLaren: ?

Sylvax: Noted. I’ll add it to my medical record.

They steadily moved further out, away from the shore and into the blue - a gentle breeze battled the heat and Ross took a deep breath of salty, fresh air, feeling every fibre of his body relax. 

Sylvax: I think we chose the right activity.

Ross: It's been a while since we've done a trip like this. We should do this more often.

Sylvax/McLaren:?

A’Mayri: Once we are far out enough and away from the swimmers, I am willing to stay with everyone's items while you all swim.

Ross' eyes lit up at the prospect of a swim. He already turned around towards the snorkelling equipment. 

Ross: You won't have to tell me twice. Are you guys joining? 

He threw McLaren a short glance - more of curiosity than worry. He had no idea if Borg-parts were water-proof. 

Sylvax/McLaren: ?

A’Mayri: I may swim for a moment if conditions and time permit.

That reminded him of something - 

Ross: I once heard Vulcans are able to sink to the ground like stones? Is that true? 

Sylvax/McLaren: ? 

A’Mayri: ::small pause again, subtle amused expression:: The biology that causes me to sink like a stone when I am not actively treading the water has been both an amusing surprise and worrisome act to others.

Ross: Can't wait to see it. What do you guys think? Is this a good spot? Maybe towards that big rock over there?

He pointed to a big formation sticking out of the water - they would probably find some interesting sea life down there. 

Sylvax/McLaren/A’Mayri:: ?

Ross: I'll make this easier for you and swim.

He simply couldn't wait to get in the water. Ross grabbed one of the diving goggles and pulled his shirt over his head - then he took a deep breath and dove head first into the blue. 

The water was colder than expected - but incredibly clear. He took a few strokes under water and tried to open his eyes: when he adjusted to the burning salt and his blurry surroundings, he was hit with a magnificent eternal sight of blue. There were a few shadows, hard to make out without eye protection - and still he floated in the weightlessness for a few seconds and enjoyed the sensation of his skin adjusting to the salty cold.

A few seconds later he pushed back to the surface. Drops of water sprayed from his lips as he snorted and brushed his hair out of his face. He paddled with his arms to turn toward the boat and grinned up at his teammates.

Sylvax/McLaren/A’Mayri:: ?

Ross: It's lovely! I'll race you towards the rocks, how about it! 

With a swift movement, he pulled the googles over his head and took a deep breath. He would find out how much of that old strength was left - there had been half a year of lap after lap, and ever since he had used every opportunity available for a swim. 

Sylvax/McLaren/A’Mayri:: ?

Without further hesitation, he dove under water and started to plow through the water with a crawl stroke. He kept himself from gazing towards the boat and instead focused only on the rock formation ahead - soon, his shoulders were aching under the effort and his breath was burning through his lungs, but he easily found back into the steady rhythm of breath and movement. 

When he resurfaced, they had all reached the rocks. 

Ross: ::panting:: That was close, though! I'm pretty sure you had a headstart.

Sylvax/McLaren/A’Mayri:: ? 

Suddenly, he noticed a faint rumble. It seemed to run right through the water, causing little ripples on the surface - Ross turned his head.

Ross: ...did you hear that? 

Sylvax/McLaren/A’Mayri:: ? 

--

***

Lt. Commander Evan Ross
Intelligence Officer
StarBase 118 Ops
O240009ER2