JP - Lieutenant JG Madison Marsh, Lt Jg Karen Trisha Stendhal, Commander Alora DeVeau, & Envoy Keehani Ukinix - Viva Las Betazegas Part II
Madison Marsh
((Nuxiyi, Betazed))
Madison’s ocean blue eyes scanned the bar as she looked over the plethora of beverage options available to her group. There were a few options that she would have to consider, but needed some time to come to a decision. It was time for her to relax and have a lovely ladies night. The Medical Doctor and Starfleet grind could get fatiguing from time to time. That is why maintaining a healthy work-life balance was a key to avoiding insanity or burnout.
Marsh: Yeah, there are so many drinks to choose from. I don’t know where to start.
Karen squinted at the menu like she was deciphering ancient scrolls. Finally, she looks up with a mischievous glint in her eye.
Stendhal: Plot twist! How about we pick drinks for each other? Surprise attack of the beverages! We might discover a new fave... or maybe unleash a flavor nightmare. Buckle up, buttercups!
Taste is subjective, and if we choose something crappy, it could be a total disaster.
There was a quiet, melodic music with a slow beat playing designed to calm the patrons and bring them into a relaxed, stressless atmosphere. Nearby a suite of huge, comfortable inviting chairs with small tables built into the sides of them.
Keehani: Let’s get a drink, alcoholic or not, and just melt into those chairs….
A grin formed on her face.
Keehani: And *then*, my fellow matriarchs, we go dancing.
Immediately, Alora’s eyes lit up. While she might be pregnant and couldn’t drink, she *could* dance - that much hadn’t changed.
DeVeau: I really like the sound of that.
Madison shifted her gaze to her sister from another Mother in Karen Stendhal. The women did in fact look like they were biological sisters, however, if an x-ray was involved they would certainly be exposed. It had been a running theme of theirs when they both served on Ops 118. When Karen transferred to the USS Olivia E Butler, Madison was disappointed to see her go, but was getting used to that happening from time to time in Starfleet. She had already seen it happen with Alora and her best friend from the Academy Aine Sherlock. It was certainly a drag, but that’s what subspace communication was for at the end of it all. Nothing beats seeing her friends in person though.
Marsh: Karen, what were you thinking about getting to drink?
Karen's eyes were practically doing the salsa, adventure was definitely on the menu tonight!
Stendhal: Sister! How about a Risian Sunset? :: She declared. :: They're like roulette in a glass, you win some, you lose some, but hey, gotta live a little on a wild Thursday night, right? It doesn't matter if it's not Thursday!
The Bolian woman behind the bar smiled as they approached.
Olixea: Welcome to the Night Spa. What can I get you?
DeVeau: I’ll take a virgin bartender’s choice.
Alora allowed herself to take in her surroundings, noting the subtle touches that added depth to the establishment. All the decor was done in gentle, sweeping lines - even the bar, tables and chairs sported rounded edges. The music continued its smooth, steady beat and the lights were low, but also set to cooler colours - blues and purples with hints of green here and there. It was a rather relaxing atmosphere indeed.
Madison shifted her gaze from Alora to the bartender to place her order. She would stick close to home to kick off the night. A friendly smile was quite evident on her lips and she spoke in a positive tone of voice. She was completely relaxed and carefree in her mannerisms while she enjoyed her time with her fellow ladies.
Marsh: I’ll take a Centauran Sunset please.
Karen throws a playful wink at the bartender.
Stendhal: Hit me with a Risian Sunset, my friend. Time to separate myth from margarita.
Keehani: And a blood wine Martini for me.
DeVeau: Surely this place has a name.
Why didn’t they have it on the building? She’d never seen a business do something like that, but then again, maybe they were so well known they didn’t need a name?
Keehani: ::Whispering:: I think I missed the name.
She gave them all a friendly wink and a smile.
Madison shrugged her shoulders casually as she was not paying attention to the name of the place either. She more so felt drawn to the energy of the building. Her being around people rejuvenated her as she was a natural extrovert. She typically kept close attention to details, but no one was perfect all of the time. As everyone misses some things from time to time.
Marsh: No idea, did you catch the name Karen?
Karen laughed softly.
Stendhal: Didn't the Bolian Miss say 'Welcome to the Night Spa'? I don't think the name is 'What can I get you?' Anyway....
Well, if Keehani didn’t know, then she couldn’t expect Madison or Karen to have any idea. The Bolian returned with their drinks, each in a uniquely shaped glass. The martini, rather than in an inverted cone, was delivered in a glass that had the sharp edges the decorations lacked. A literal cube sat on a stem, filled with a deep, maroon liquid.
Madison’s came in something that was more of a triangular, though the point joined another which spread wide to act as the base. Karen’s turned out to be glass formed in a zigzag shape, and Aloras was the only one that didn’t sport the sharp edges. Instead, it was two thin tubes that twisted around each other, both filled with liquid with layers of yellow, gold, orange, and scarlet.
Olixea: Anything else?
DeVeau: I was wondering, there was no sign on the front. What is the name of this establishment?
Olixea: Oh, I said it before. It’s the “Night Spa”. If you like, I can organise a pedicure for you as well.
‘The Night Spa’. Alora not only liked the name, but she felt it was very appropriate. Smiling at the attendant, she shook her head to indicate she had nothing she needed and peered at her drink.
DeVeau: Shall we make a toast?
Keehani: to the ladies of Betazed, ::hand on chest:: native, and ::gesturing to everyone else:: and beyond. May we continue our rule.
Madison chuckled at Keehani’s comment as she enjoyed her friendliness and sense of humor. She could definitely see her brightening other’s days and was already fun to be around. Alora definitely knew how to pick quality friends.
Marsh: You crack me up Keehani, that’s funny.
Keehani smiled. “Crack me up” was another Terran idiom that had spread across the Federation.
Karen hoisted her glass, her eyes twinkling.
Stendhal: To spontaneous shenanigans and the questionable memories we'll probably forget by next week! Cheers to unexpected adventures, even if they involve questionable dance moves and a regrettable karaoke duet.
DeVeau: How about to friendships, new and old. One is silver and the other is gold.
She hadn’t made that up, but taken it from an ancient song, but it rang true. Both were beautiful and, in their own way, precious.
Keehani: I will gladly drink to that!
She nodded her head once in agreement with Alora’s suggestion. It made complete sense to Madison to grow her new friendship with Keehani and continue to cherish her relationship with Alora and Karen.
Marsh: I’m down.
DeVeau: Then a toast. Here's to old friends, whose familiarity is as comforting as a warm embrace, and to new friends, who bring fresh perspectives and endless possibilities into our lives. To new beginnings, cherished moments, and the unwavering bonds of friendship that make life truly extraordinary.
Alora had friends, some really good friends, ones that had stuck with her through thick and thin. She had a wonderful family who loved her no matter what. Now she counted herself fortunate to only add these women to the ranks.
Keehani: I have a feeling we are going to be drinking too many things tonight.
Karen grinned, her eyes sparkling.
Stendhal: Absolutely! And may the drinks be strong enough to make even my jokes sound funny.. Cheers to delightful company.
Madison raised her glass in response to Alora’s toast. She clinked her glass with her girl friends and then immediately raised her glass to her lips. She downed a bit of her Centauran Sunset as the lovely fruit flavors blended well together and made her taste buds feel like they were dancing for joy.
Marsh: This drink is actually pretty close to how it tastes on Velestus. Seconds are definitely going to be in order for later.
DeVeau: Just don’t go too overboard.
Alora had no problem being the one designated to be sober, which was by default considering her condition, but she also didn’t necessarily want every single person but her to get drunk either.
Keehani: No. But I might let my mind down a little tonight.
Being so career focused on becoming an Ambassador one day was both a blessing and a curse. She’d also learned that when the opportunity arose to “let one’s hair down” as the Terrans would say, to take it and “blow off steam”.
oO Why do Terrans have so many sayings? Oo
Karen attacked the Risian Sunset like it owed her rent. That vibrant orange went down her gullet faster than a toddler with a juice box. Boom! Flavors exploded on her tongue like a disco ball in a fishbowl.
Stendhal: This drink is not just boozy, it is a magic potion.
Madison set her glass down and locked eyes with Keehani. She had a desire to get to know her in particular, because she already knew Alora and Karen fairly well already. Her goal was to highlight Keehani and learn about her during their time together.
Marsh: So Keehani, what is your role in Starfleet and why did you choose that field in particular?
Alora’s gaze slid over to Keehani as she sipped at her non alcoholic drink. She could have answered the question, but she hadn’t been asked, and this was Keehani’s story to tell if she so wished.
Keehani smiled and took a sip of her drink, before setting it down.
Keehani: Well, actually, I’m not in Starfleet, I’m an employee of the Federation Diplomatic Corps. But don’t worry, it’s a common question I get from Starfleet personnel, not realising that Amity Outpost is in fact an FDC installation. We even have our own Defiant class vessel! On *loan* from Starfleet, of course.
*******
Lieutenant JG Madison Marsh
Assistant Chief Medical Officer
Starbase 118 Ops
ID: O240006MM1
&
Lt Jg Karen Trisha Stendhal
Counselor
USS Octavia E Butler
ID: C239604KS0
&
Commander Alora DeVeau
Chief Science Officer &
Second Officer
Denali Station
&
Matriarch of the 15th House
Betazed
M239008AD0
&
Envoy Keehani Ukinix
Chief of Staff, Amity Outpost
Federation Diplomatic Corps, United Federation of Planets
V239511WU0
--
Assistant Chief Medical Officer
Starbase 118 Ops
ID: O240006MM1
