Lt Cmdr Quentin Beck - Too Much
Quentin Beck
((Zeyva’s Kitchen, Clean Hall Lounge, Deck 6, USS Ronin))
Beck: Change of subject. When you're not doing whatever it is you do, what do you like to do to unwind? Personally, I am a big fan of the holodeck - there's an endless supply of potential adventures or entertainments to engage the mind. And I don't have the time for it I used to, but I do like writing holoadventures myself.
Quentin wasn't entirely surprised that it took a moment for anyone to respond, though he couldn't decide if it was because it was difficult to change tracks for some of them or because they were just considering how to respond. He would be generous and assume the latter.
Evinrude: I found a lot of solace in the holodeck, especially growing up on starships and starbases. As a kid, teenager...it let me explore more than just the standard-pattern corridors of the Galaxy class I lived aboard.
Tess smiled once he was done and Quentin was curious what he was thinking of.
Beck: Like any form of entertainment, escape is generally a good use, even if it is only temporary. But also just like any form of entertainment, there is a danger to get lost in it. I've been tempted by it myself and I am actually pretty happy with my life in general.
Evinrude: Well, from the perspective of someone who used to create them...I'm aware of the temptation. But, kind of like me choosing to...pick a different path in life for a while, before returning to Starfleet...the experiences we live in the holodeck color and modify our real-world perspectives.
He nodded thoughtfully, sharing a similar opinion. He just also thought of other applications for holotech, outside of just the holodeck.
Robin: ::Looking at Om-Zora:: Anything to add sweetie?
Om-Zora: ::slightly slurred:: Lovely answers, all of you. But I politely decline talkin’ about myself. My interests are no one’s business but mine. Wrong bird if you wanna talk to someone who likes sharin’.
Amusement danced behind Quentin's eyes, one brow arching slightly at the Aurelian. If he hadn't been convinced Om-Zora was drunk before, he sure was now.
Robin: it would be nice though, right? I mean, I hardly care for the topic Neverrude and Becky are engaged in. I wish to hear your voice more.
Beck: If that's your subtle way of telling us you don't like us, you should work a little on your delivery.
Evinrude: Response
Om-Zora: I mean, with one exception in the room, we’re only colleagues. It’s not like y’need to know about me on a personal level. ‘nd I’d prefer you didn’t.
Quentin's lips parted, ready to fling a sassy remark… but he stopped himself, mostly because he didn't want things to escalate. Om-Zora technically had a point, anyway, and he wasn't going to force the Aurelian to be something more than colleagues. Robin patted his wing.
Beck: Whatever you're comfortable with, bud. I'm not gonna start pulling teeth. ::a beat:: Or uh… feathers, I guess?
Evinrude: Response
Om-Zora: If it pleases you, then fine. What made you choose your jobs? What kind of people are you? Anything to distract me from the head swimming. And damn, is there any water around here? I… definitely need some.
Robin: ::shouting:: Mother, tepid water please.
Thoné: BARMAN!!!!!!!
Quentin's eyes shot wide open after both women bellowed, almost in concert, his ears ringing at the sudden loud noise. The barman rushed in, filling up several glasses for them before setting the jug down at the center of the table. Quentin nodded his thanks before wiggling a pinky finger in one ear.
Beck: Are we in, like, the sweet spot or something…?
Evinrude: Response
Robin: Please drink up sour cakes.
She picked up one of the glasses and raised it to Om-Zora's beak, which looked rather awkward because it wasn't like the Aurelian was a baby or a toddler. He didn't protest, though, and tipped his head enough to drink. Quentin shook his head.
Beck: Erm… I, uh, ended up in Medicine because of some side research I was doing, actually. I was actually a lot more into film and holo history and application, made a lot of films as I was growing up, and I came up with this idea to see if I could enhance the user's experience while they were immersed in a story on the holodeck. Tailored specifically to the story, while also being a safe application that could be easily reversed if needed. Ended up doing a lot of research into neurochemistry, and Starfleet was impressed enough to offer to round out my training.
Evinrude: Response
There was a momentary pause as Om-Zora pulled away from the glass to breathe, and Quentin was pretty sure they all got to witness an intimate moment they probably shouldn't have witnessed.
Robin: Better?
Om-Zora: ::Softly and with the most genuine feeling shown all evening:: You do know how to make a girl swoon.
Evinrude/Robin: Response
The Doctor didn't think much of the seemingly offhand remark - he had no idea how the Aurelian identified, as that wasn't something they normally included in any medical records unless the patient made a point to state as such. But he watched with curiosity as dawning realization slowly crawled over Om-Zora's features, and he couldn't help but wonder if he had just witnessed something else that might have been too personal.
The look on her face (he made a mental note to follow up with Om-Zora later to see if they would want the record updated for preferred pronouns, then decided maybe it would be better to butt out unless they asked for his help) was somehow both horrified and elated at the same time as she looked at Robin.
Om-Zora: I have to leave. Right now. I-I just… I need a minute.
Quentin could sympathize, if not directly empathize - he'd had some realizations about himself over the past two years that had also been overwhelming in the moment, though he wasn't sure he could quite understand what he thought had just happened. He thought about offering reassurance, but kept his trap shut.
Evinrude/Robin: Response
The Aurelian stood a bit stiffly, though still mostly gracefully, before turning to make their exit. Quentin didn't stop Om-Zora, didn't interrupt. His nostrils itched and twitched.
Instead, he looked at Robin and Tess as silence fell over the trio.
Then he raised his napkin as he was hit with the sudden, overwhelming urge to sneeze.
Evinrude/Robin/Thoné: Response
Swiping the napkin over his face, he let out a groan as the itching suddenly grew unbearable. Pushing his seat back, he stood and dropped the napkin on the table, rubbing at red spots suddenly growing on his cheeks.
Beck: ::stuffy:: Ugh. Why now after they've gone…?
Evinrude/Robin/Thoné: Response
He shook his head and stepped backward, away from the table, starting to turn on his heel.
Beck: I also have to leave. I need to get to Sickbay before I have a severe reaction to the meds I took before coming to dinner.
Whether or not that came out as something intelligible, he wasn't sure - he was already on his way out the door.
Evinrude/Robin/Thoné: Response
[End scene for Quentin!]
Lieutenant Commander Quentin Beck
Chief Medical Officer
USS Ronin NCC-34523
A238810SA0