Ensign Lyra Voss: Like a Telepathic Hurricane
Sarah Terry
((Beach - Raskor II))
As Evan and Willow shared a hug, Lyra thought back to when she’d last seen the security chief - it had been the previous award ceremony, New Year’s Eve. They’d talked about classic Terran films, which Lyra knew precious little about.
Voss: I still owe you a movie night. Although sadly, I suppose it’ll have to wait until next shore leave at this point.
Willow cocked her head to the side and looked at her inquisitively.
Willow: I can’t believe you remember. That feels like ages ago to me.
She felt the smallest flush of embarrassment. It was far from the first time someone had said that to her - that they couldn’t believe she’d remembered. Small moments, tiny conversations, passing thoughts. The truth was, she spent a rather inordinate amount of time going over most social interactions in her head after they happened - a constant analysis of how it had gone, what she had said, what she could do better next time. Maladaptive for her mental health, maybe, but wonderful for her memory. It meant she rarely forgot the details.
Beside her, she could feel how pleased Evan was to have his old friend back again. He smiled as he put his hands in his pockets.
Ross: Probably because it's been ages.
Voss: How long have you been back? Or were you taking leave on the station? Hopefully you didn’t get caught up in all the memory loss business!
Willow: Two full Federation standard months and I miss all that?! I had no idea, I was away on Risa. I arrived two nights ago.
Ross: Well then, welcome back! We missed you here.
Though the sun was beginning its descent toward the horizon, it was still baking down at them at the moment, and as Lyra cast her eyes over the rest of the beach, they caught on a very enticing table of beverages.
Voss: Should we go grab drinks? This is way more heat and sunshine than I’m used to.
They seemed amenable to the suggestion and the three began moving toward the drinks table.
Willow: I don’t suppose you would do well on Risa. That’s all we have. Surf, sand and sun. We let the breeze go right through the house.
The lieutenant’s home planet was often touted as one of the best places in the Federation to take a vacation, but Lyra had never been for that very reason - the last thing she wanted to do on her time off was go get roasted under a sun somewhere and fill every nook and cranny of her being with sand.
Ross: Sounds like you already had your fair share of beaches this year.
Voss: A breeze through all the open windows does sound lovely. But I don’t know that I could give up my freezing winters, with everyone bundled up around the fireplace inside.
Not that she wanted to think about fireplaces at the moment. Not in this weather.
Willow: Indoor, outdoor living it’s all you’ll ever find. Nature is our air conditioning. You could practically sleep outside; it's so idyllic.
They reached the bar and Evan stepped up first.
Ross: What would you two like?
She felt like she was two seconds away grabbing the entire pitcher full of ice and lemons and making a run for it. It just looked so cold. So crisp.
Voss: Lemonade would be fantastic, thank you.
Evan poured glasses for the three of them, and they all toasted before they took their first sips. Maybe she needed to give the beachy atmosphere more of a chance - an iced drink, a breeze off the ocean, good conversation… there was an undeniable charm about it.
Willow: Though, I have to say, after two months, I’m glad to see you all again. Evan, Lyra. Tell me, how have you been?
Ross: Well, how much have you heard? It's been pretty much the same madness as always.
He gave her a small, knowing glance, and she laughed.
Voss: Oh yeah. Exploding power cores, mysterious statues that make you lose your memories, a tornado in the San Francisco district - business as usual, really. Old news.
Willow: No really, I want to know. Not about the missions, about the both of you. How you genuinely have been doing. I miss the little details.
Haukea took a sip through her straw, waiting for their response.
This time, the glance they shared was a little more awkward. How had they both been doing? She opened her mouth, trying to decide what exactly to say, but Evan spoke first.
Ross: Well - we've just come back from Betazed. I met Lyra's family.
Oh gosh. That was true, yes, but without additional context, it sounded a little more… well… never mind how it sounded. She jumped in to explain.
Voss: It was our big spring equinox festival, so a few of us went to visit Bellonphain. There are bonfires, performances, parties... And poor Evan was subjected to all five of my siblings, plus my parents, my grandmother, and Four only know how many cousins, so I’m honestly glad he’s still speaking to me after all that. ::with a laugh:: The Voss clan can be a lot on their best day - if they’re curious about meeting you, they’re like the telepathic equivalent of a hurricane.
Willow: Response
He smiled. Somehow.
Ross: She's exaggerating. They were a lovely bunch. Very friendly. Very... attentive.
That got her good. She nearly guffawed.
Voss: That’s one word for it.
Willow: Response
Ross: How about you? And Maddie? Haven't seen her in a while, are things still good with you two?
Lt. Commander Marsh! Lyra often wondered how she was doing. The commander had been the first face that had greeted her when she was assigned to Starbase 118 - in fact, she was currently living in Marsh’s old apartment. She was very curious to hear what Willow would say next.
Willow: Response
Lyra took another sip of her lemonade as she listened - it was blissfully cool and perfectly tart.
Voss: I hope we'll see her again sometime.
Willow/Ross: ?
She looked around and saw the other pockets of conversation dotting the beach. People were beginning to meander over to the tables laden with food, and then making their way toward the seating by the stage. She pulled her attention back to Evan and Willow.
Voss: Looks like the ceremony may be starting soon. Should we head over?
Willow/Ross: ?