Lt JG Tess Evinrude - Relish the Opportunity

[Tess Evinrude]

((Type 4 shuttle, 500 meters above the Adrenal Islands - Endicronimas V))

Banking low over the shoreline of an idyllic archipelago, the Type 4 shuttle's polished exterior reflected twinkling beams of rosegold sunlight, rivaling the surface of the ocean above which it soared. Wind was practically nonexistent here on the leeward side of the largest island in the chain, providing no resistance to the buttery smooth controls. The craft cut a lazy arc past a lagoon with crystal-clear water that gradually faded away from the beach, into deep blue.

Evinrude: ::Quietly, amused.:: You can really feel the old hydraulic dampeners...

Despite its somewhat antiquated systems, and additional three meters in length over a standard Type 6, the old Type 4 handled beautifully. Tess was making the most of his first chance to take it out following its lengthy decontamination, and the finally off-duty operations officer's face was alight with a soft, almost enraptured smile.

He gazed out the side viewport into the ocean below, feeling weeks of stress begin to break up and dilute.

Evinrude: Leave is almost over...and I'm just now starting to feel like I have permission to relax.

His failures during the last mission (whether or not it was accurate to perceive those actions as failures was a work in progress) made him feel as if he had to apply that much more effort to compensate, to ensure that he was doing his part. Thanks to the Ronin, the plague's spread was stopped, but it had also taken the lives of both Starfleet officers and those they were sworn to protect. Before he realized how much time had passed, Evinrude had spent most of his leave helping out aboard the Compass Rose and working down in Engineering to unravel the mysteries of the Consortium technology they had procured.

There was, of course, the "Captain's Discretion" reprimand, but it had not taken much of his time. There were also his own personal projects, one he was currently flying but the others sitting mostly neglected on the desk in his quarters, though he did finish Alyndra's experimental cat tower. He needed to check in with her to see how Kareel was liking it.

oO Hell, I need to check in with ALL of my friends. They haven't seen much of me, and I haven't heard from them. I have this strange feeling things are passing me by... Oo

The life of a Starfleet officer moved at an unusual pace, and news traveled either extruciatingly quickly, or surprisingly slow. Another strange feeling hit him, then, but this one was lighter, airier...the quick, heart-fluttering realization that he hadn't spent any real time with T'Fearne since their ship arrived at The Farm.

He knew that she had been recovering from a medical issue that they hadn't really discussed. In their brief chats, messages and momentary hallway conversations, she'd assured him that she was alright. But was she? Were they alright? Last shoreleave, on Proxima Sigma IV, they'd shared a moment. He wanted more time, more moments. He wanted both of them to share what had been going on - her steady, insightful perspective was always welcome. Perhaps, unintentionally, he'd been feeling like his company would be a burden on her?

Lost in his thoughts, two things happened in rapid succession. First, his project shuttle buffeted enough to surprise him, and the Type 4 dipped towards the water about fifty meters. He'd left the shelter of the island's landscape, and was now hit with the open wind that swept across the ocean.

Second, his combadge chirped.

T’Fearne: =/\= T’Fearne to Lieutenant Evinrude. I’m planetside, at the Farm. If you’re free… There are beverages here…=/\=

oO ...telepathy? Oo

Couldn't be. He was almost a thousand kilometers from the main resort.

His heart racing for a variety of reasons, he regained control of the shuttle and began coming about towards a heading that would take him back to The Farm. When he finally tapped his combadge, he hadn't taken any time to steady his voice.

Evinrude: ::In an oddly rushed, breathless tone.:: =/\= Beverages...where? I'm...free, I mean. Where are you? =/\=

He closed his eyes for a moment, and shook his head at his own response. oO "Beverages where?" What was that?! Oo

T’Fearne: =/\= I'm swimming at the pool, next to the bar. I was hoping we could spend some time together and talk about things. I believe humans call it… a ketchup.

Opening his eyes, he smiled wide. The comm channel was still open, so he stifled a joyous laugh as she did one of his favorite things in the galaxy -- placed unique, adorable emphasis on a human turn of phrase.

Evinrude: =/\= That we do, T'Fearne. ::He said at last, the happiness in his voice unmistakeable.:: I can be there in about twenty minutes. =/\=

He smoothly accelerated the shuttle up to maximum allowable atmospheric impulse.

T’Fearne: =/\= There is also food…I mean, ::heart thundering:: Tess, would you have dinner with me? =/\=

A date? A real date?

His eyes went wide.

oO That's more than a ketchup! Oo

Evinrude: =/\= I would love to! I'll be coming from the shuttleport, meet you at the pool. =/\=

T’Fearne: =/\= Good. I’ll see you here. =/\=

As he gained altitude and rocketed back towards civilization, he thanked the great bird of the galaxy for the fact that he had decided to wear off-duty attire today.

((Poolside, The Farm, Endicronimas V))

Service was lightning quick at the cabana bar, so Tess allowed himself a few seconds to sip his chosen liquid courage, a traditional daiquiri shaken with rum, simple syrup, and ka'tarlk juice. The bartender had assured him it was a delightful substitute for lime, "fresh from Qo'noS."

To the human's palate it was more piquant, reminiscent of a key lime. But, coupled with what was shaping up to be an absolutely stunning sunset, it was serving to put him in the right mood.

He took a breath and stepped out from under the covered bungalow, making his way through a moderate-but-comfortable crowd towards the adjacent sparkle of water. For several paces he searched for T'Fearne, eyes scanning over poolside lounge chairs and low tables draped with towels, and spotted an orange silk wrap by a sun-shading hat with a combadge resting on its brim. He registered that the soft cloth looked to be hiding some belongings underneath, but then he spotted a familiar Vulcazoid as she emerged from the pool.

She hauled herself out of the water with now-familiar athletic grace, and seemed not to have spotted him yet. His heart pitter-pattered with affection as he was reminded of the moment they first met, almost a full year ago in the 47 Lounge. Though a stranger, the way she had searched the stars had struck him with feelings of unexpected affinity. He found himself smiling, and he was certain it wasn't the daiquiri.

T’Fearne: Response

He stepped aside so she could reach for her belongings, and realized with a subtle glance at her bikini that he hadn't brought swimwear. He was wearing a breathable shortsleeve button-down, pale blue with a faint houndstooth pattern, and faded mint green shorts that rose above the knee. A pair of sunglasses poked out of his shirt's pocket, vaguely "aviator" style.

Evinrude: Hi, T'Fearne. ::As she lifted the hat out of the way, he joked.:: Expecting trouble? Hiding any batons, phasers, handcuffs...

T'Fearne: Response

He smiled, blushing slightly, and met her eyes.

Evinrude: Thank you for reaching out. I've...missed you.

His voice was earnest, but he was also hit with a small pang of guilt. It seemed so silly, now, that he hadn't asked her to dinner, hadn't prioritized this.

T'Fearne: Response

With a nod, Tess took a sip of his drink and managed to wrestle a small rush of emotion under control.

oO Maybe...this isn't a date? Ugh, relax! Oo

No matter what it was, T'Fearne was his friend, and if she was seeking some answers then he would do his best to help her find them.

Evinrude: Oh, of course. Did you...want to talk here, or over dinner? ::He shrugged agreeably.:: I don't mind either way, as long as we stay outside...the sky is incredible right now.

Behind T'Fearne, he spotted restaurant staff lighting a perimeter of small open-flame braziers, though the sunset was still on vibrant display.

T'Fearne: Response

[Tags/TBC]

--

Lieutenant J.G. Tess Evinrude

[he/him]

Operations Officer

USS Ronin

R240111TE1