Lt Wil Ukinix - I Wanna Be a Nudist

[Danny Lee]

((Outside VIP Quarters, Deck 2, USS Veritas))

 

So someone up the chain had ordained Wil to be the officer to guide Rivi from the VIP quarters to the Captain’s Mess.  One door away.  One bloody door.

It turned out that someone else on the Veritas had a wicked sense of humour.  Sure, send the Australian raised on a culture of historically breaking free from their faux monarchic bonds to guide the Betazoid equivalent of a royal one door to the Captain’s mess.  Why couldn’t royalty, or nobility, or whatever the hell they called themselves look after - themselves?

Not that he disliked Rivi.  While she definitely fit the mould of an overprivileged member of a part of the upper echelon of a partially polyarchic government, she was pleasant - once you got past her initial fake demeanour, she was genuinely friendly.  What complicated things for him though was the whole “Betazoid Ukinix family trying to enlist help from Earth Ukinix family to get the Ninth House back” saga.  When he first met Rivi on Betazed, he couldn’t tell if she was two-faced or not.

 

Wil stood outside of the doors to the lavish VIP quarters, brushing imaginary dust from the jacket of his white dress uniform.  He joked to himself that he was one set of protective pads, gloves and a helmet from being ready to play cricket.

He let out a sigh.  That was a joke that G’var would *not* have appreciated, let alone understood, but he knew it would have enacted a response in her, and that’s what made her fun.  He missed her banter, her companionship, and “other” things about her… oh c’mon, do I have to draw you a picture?

At that moment, he sensed something.  A feeling of – familiarity?  He couldn’t quite put his finger on it. Right at the moment when Niarivi Vataix, daughter of Naminae of the Eleventh House of Betazed, opened the doors.

 

Completely Naked.

 

Ukinix: ::Eyes wide open:: HOOOLLY CRAP.

 

Vataix: Hi!

First he looked left down the corridor, then right.  Then up.  He then went to look down, but averted his eyes halfway through that manoeuvre. 

Ukinix: Hi. Um. Well. Um… I’m Lieutentant breas- I mean, Wil Ukinix, from um, you know.  Not sure if you, um, remember me from Betazed, um-

He instinctively looked back at her face, and copped an eyeful of… well, everything, really.

He stretched out his arm in front of him, so that his hand covered her privates from his view.  If Wil’s face were placed next to a beetroot in a vegetable competition, he would have won it.

 

Vataix: Yes, I remember. You were quite the dancer.

Wil’s mind would have normally raced back to a memory of that occasion.  But this pent up, missing his girlfriend distracted version of Wil’s mind was having an internal battle.

Even though he didn’t know G’var’s whereabouts and hadn’t heard from her, he still considered himself a taken man.

He checked the corridor to make sure that no-one was walking towards the Captain’s Mess for the dinner.

Ukinix: ::Looking both ways down corridor:: You *really* need to get inside and get dressed before someone walks past.

 

Vataix: So you're my escort then?

 

Ukinix: As you long as you get dressed.  I’m sure that would be a career ending move if I walk into the Captain’s Mess with an attractive naked Betazoid on my arm.

Ukinix: oO Crap, I just said “attractive” out loud, didn’t I. Oo

Vataix: ::grins:: I'd wondered whether it would be Commander Teller, but this makes sense. Please, come in. I could use your assistance actually.

 

Ukinix: Wait, just so we’re not misinterpreting the use of the word “escort”-

 

She turned around, and waddled towards the couch nearby, before gesturing to the outfits.  For a split second he decided whether to go into the room.  But subconsciously his feet seemed to take him inside.

 

As the doors to the VIP Quarters closed, Wil stood close to Rivi – if you could call two metres close – with his hand on the side of his face, blocking his view.


((Flashback – Back Veranda of Parent’s House, Terra Tanunda Vineyard, Barossa Valley, Australia, Earth – Stardate 238701.26))

The heat of the 43-degree day had lingered into the night.  Wil’s grandfather Astrad had not spoken of his life on Betazed very often.  But this night was different.  And he had told Wil something very startling.

Ukinix: Wait.  So – no clothes.

 

Astrad: Nope.

 

Ukinix:  At all!

 

Astrad:  ::Shaking his head, smiling:: Nope!

 

Wil’s jaw dropped

 

Ukinix:  Wait.  So you’ve been to a wedding where everyone’s –

 

Wil gestured with his hands in front of his body, before continuing.

 

Ukinix: - bits are out.

 

Astrad: ::Laughing:: Uh huh!

 

Wil’s jaw dropped again.

 

Ukinix: ::Screwing up nose::  Eww, so *you* were naked?

 

Astrad: ::Laughing:: So?

 

Ukinix: Yeah, but – what if – you know, there’s someone attractive there, and -

 

Astrad: Yes, Wil?

 

Ukinix: Uh - ::clearing throat:: – never mind.

((End Flashback))

Wil had never been religious or spiritual in anyway.  But at that moment, he thanked the Four Betazoid thingies that he was dressed.

Vataix: What do you think?

He closed his eyes, before he took a deep breath, and then exhaled.

Ukinix: oO Suck it up, Ukinix.  You’re part Betazoid.  Own it. Oo

He took his hand away, and looked at Rivi’s face, before his eyes instinctively looked down and then up again.  Her previous sentence didn’t really register with him at all.  He placed his hands behind his back, and raised his eyebrows inquisitively.

 

Ukinix: Hmm?

She gestured towards the two outfits that were laid out on the couch.

 

Ukinix: Oh! Right right… ah… well

 

Vataix: You may be an engineer, but I suspect you have a discerning eye.

 

Ukinix: ::Awkward smile, voice crack:: I do - 

He placed his hand over his mouth and cleared his throat, not really knowing what to say.  So instead he just-

 

Ukinix: :D

Vataix: I picked this up just before the trip out here, but now I'm not so sure.

 

Ukinix: ::Cheekily:: Well, it doesn’t leave much to the imagination.  Not that… well, you know, well my imagination doesn’t need any help now. ::Clears throat::

 

She gave a little laugh, and then gestured to the other garment, a blue sequined gown with straps that crossed over each other.  

Vataix: I wore this before when I visited Earth. It seemed popular with the locals.

He, somehow, managed to focus on the gown.  He wasn’t into fashion at all, but even he could see it was elegant and stunning.

Ukinix: That – would – actually suit you, Rivi.  And you’ve got the body for it. ::wince::

At that moment, Ketar V’s sun had nothing on the that heat that was being generated by his face.  *Nothing*.

 

Vataix: All right then. If you just give me a moment, lieutenant, I'll go change and be right out. Please, feel free to have a seat and enjoy the amenities in this cabin. Commander Teller was telling me you officers don't often get to enjoy such luxuries.

 

Ukinix: ::Half chuckling:: Ohhh, noooo, we certainly do not.

 

He awkwardly sat on the couch into a free spot next to the outfits.  Trying to act relaxed, he first crossed his left leg over his right, before switching them over and resting his elbow on the back of the couch, before deciding on the “sitting straight up, palms on thighs” position.

Rivi casually turned and walked over towards him to grab the sequined outfit, before turning around and heading out towards the bathroom to get changed while continuing casual conversation.

 

Vataix: So when will you be making another visit back to the homeworld?

When she was gone, he blinked his eyes continuously as if had looked at a sun for a bit too long.  He stood up and walked over to the nearby replicator, shook his head while exhaling, before speaking to it.

Ukinix:  ::Quietly, to replicator:: Drambuie.  ::Louder, To Rivi:: It’s my *second* homeworld, Rivi.  Terran, remember?  Anyway, I don’t have any plans just yet.

That wasn’t entirely true.  He knew that eventually he was going to be called upon to appear at something called a “reconciliation forum”, to help his extended and recently re-connected with Betazoid family get the title to the Ninth house back.  But that was not going to be any time soon.

Vataix: Hmmm, well you might want to make it sooner rather than later.

As Rivi spoke, he sculled the entire contents of the glass, before placing the glass back in the replicator.

 

Ukinix: ::Quietly, to replicator:: Recycle and repeat.  ::Louder, To Rivi:: Why is that?

The replicator complied.  He took the drink before taking huge gulp of it.  The genie was uncorked.  He’d never be able to get rid of *that* mental image ever again.

Vataix: One of your relatives is making quite the fuss with the other Houses. The one who'd crashed the party actually.

 

Ukinix: ::Calling out to Rivi:: Keehani.  My second cousin.

He finished the remaining contents of his drink, before recycling the glass in the replicator, and taking a seat next to Rivi’s non-selected outfit.

 

Vataix: Yes, that's the one. I suspect it will only be a matter of time before one of the other matriarchs decides to put a stop to it all.

 

That got his attention.  Wil however decided not to answer, and tried to keep his thoughts clear.  His grandmother was likely on Betazed at that moment, in readiness for appearing at a reconciliation forum for the right to represent Vaxa Ral, his Betazoid Grandfather’s sister, in matters going forward given her ill health.  For all he knew, Rivi could have been one of the “other matriarchs” she was referring to.

Wil patted his palms on his thighs, before quietly chuckling to himself at what had just transpired.  His head snapped left when Rivi reappeared and spoke to him, making him jump a little.

Vataix: What do you think?

He stood up, and admired Rivi in her outfit.  All of the awkwardness and embarrassment he felt earlier dissipated a little. The corner of his mouth turned up a little in a smile.

 

Ukinix: Rivi, in all honesty, you look amazing.

As she walked towards him, her black Betazoid eyes and confident smile pierced him.  His jaw dropped a little as she got within a few paces of him.  As she interlocked her arm with his, he swallowed a little.

 

Vataix: All right, I think we're good to go then. Lead the way.

 

Ukinix: ::Awkward smile, voice crack:: Okay!

 

They walked out of the VIP quarters, a few metres to the next door down the corridor.

Vataix: Oh, we're already done with our journey, then?

 

Ukinix: ::Smiling:: It’s only a short trip, unfortunately.

 

Vataix: Well, time to make our debut then?

Ukinix: *Our* debut?

As much as he was conflicted in so many ways about having her arm in his, he mostly really didn’t want to walk in with her arm in arm.

Too late.

 

His face shone a bright red again as she confidently strolled into the room, leading a polite Wil in with her.  Many other officers were already there, also in their whites.  He briefly considered that there was a whole team there if he wanted to start a cricket match. 

 

An attendant walked towards them with a tray of drinks, but just as Wil was about to grab one, Rivi tugged at his arm towards Captain Rahman, Geoffrey, and Franz – Teller’s dad who he had briefly met in a corridor a few days earlier.

Ukinix: oO Such a good bloke! Oo

Vataix: We mustn't keep the captain waiting.

 

Ukinix: ::Slight panting:: Apparently not.

 

As they got closer, Wil saw Char.  It was almost an engineering get together, given his Captain’s background.

Vataix:  Hello. ::to Rahman:: Captain. ::to Teller:: Commander.

Wil stood awkwardly at Rivi’s side, still arm in arm.

Ukinix: Hey everyone.  ::Nodding:: Captain.

 

Someone was having amorous feelings.  Wil took a double take at Franz, before smiling a little.  He could see the way he was looking at Rivi.

Ukinix: oO I’m one up on you, tiger! Oo

Vataix: Aren't you going to introduce me to your companion?

 

Teller:  Of course, ma'am.  Niarivi Vataix of the Eleventh House of Betazed, I'd like you to meet my father Franz.   

 

Franz:  ::deep curtsy, bowing head:: Your majesty.

Vataix:  Please, call me Rivi. A pleasure to meet another honored guest of the captain tonight. Just visiting your son?

 

Franz: I have spent the last five years cowering in the middle of a ship for my life.  Before that, I was a welder.

 

Wil offered his hand to the Senior Teller. 

 

Ukinix: Good to see you again, Franz!  Looking forward to hearing those childhood stories about Geoffrey.

Franz shook his hand, and gave him a wink. Out of the corner of his eye, Wil noticed Geoffrey taking a drink from a tray held by an attendant.

 

Rahman:  Rivi, let me introduce another one of my officers. ::gesturing to Vanlith::

 

Vanlith: It is a pleasure and an honour. ::Offering hand to shake:: Lieutenant Charlena Vanlith. 

 

Rahman: It looks as if you've become quite acquainted with our engineering department.

Wil looked down at his arm interlocked with Rivi’s, before looking back at the captain.

 

Vataix: Oh, I'd love to become acquainted with all the departments while I'm aboard, captain.

 

Ukinix: ::Blinking, staring ahead:: You can tick engineering off that list now.

 

Wil turned his head when he saw Geoffrey putting his now empty glass back on the tray, before grabbing another.  Not only could he sense how he felt, he also empathised with him.  Well of course Wil did, he was empathic.  But he empathised with him with his *own* feelings, and – oh, too hard, you know what I mean.

Franz: Excuse me, son – decorum.  I am sure these lovely people would like a drink as well.  As would I, GJ.  ::Winking, to Roshanara and Rivi:: Hmm, kids.  Gotta love ‘em, but teaching them manners?

Wil’s eyes briefly met Charlena’s as hers seems to be watering from choking on her drink after she seemed to laugh.  He tried to hold back a smile.

Rahman: Spare the rod...

 

Ukinix: …and use a net instead?

He was sometimes a product of his father’s bad humour.

 

Teller: Response

 

Vanlith: ::coughing:: No no I’m fine honestly. 

 

Vataix: I'll take a glass, yes.

 

Rahman: Water will be fine for me, commander.

 

Ukinix: ::To Attendant:: Beer, thanks mate.

Teller: Response

With his free elbow, Wil secretly gave Geoffrey a playful nudge and a wicked smile.

 

Franz: Hmm, this is delicious!  What do you call it?

 

Teller: Response

 

Vanlith: Far too nice for me. I’ll stick to the drinks from home ::lifts glass toasting those around her:: 

With a little bit of white froth on his top lip from his first sip, Wil clinked his glass against Char’s before taking another sip.

 

Franz: Are any of you water polo fans?

 

Vanlith: Water polo isn’t one I’ve tried. But I love rock climbing and swimming.  

 

Rahman: Ah, I didn't know you were a climber.

 

Vanlith: Well there are lots of chances to climb and swim back home. Risa is basically built for it. 

 

Rahman: Do you know, I've actually never been. To Risa that is.

 

Vanlith: Response

 

Teller/Franz: Response

 

Ukinix: ::Looking at Char:: Funny, we were just talking about this the other night, with Commander Leix.

Vanlith: Response

Rahman/Teller: Responses

As the others spoke, Wil felt the same emotion again - that sense of amorous admiration.  There was a glance between Franz and Rivi, before Rivi smiled.  Wil looked at Geoffrey, then looked down and pursed his lips in an attempt not to laugh.

But he looked up when Franz placed his hand on Wil’s upper arm.

Franz: Excuse me, Wil.  GJ tells me that you have a girlfriend.  I can’t seem to get a straight answer from him, and you’re his good friend, so maybe you could tell me, why does he not yet have a partner?  What is he doing wrong?

 

A smiling Wil’s jaw dropped before he chuckled a little.  He gathered his thoughts.

Ukinix: Well, it’s not like he’s completely… well, one time there was-

Teller: Response

Ukinix: ::Shaking head, raising eyebrows at Teller:: No? OK. Then there’s-

Teller: Response

Ukinix: ::Nodding sagely:: Mmm hmm. Well, I’m not sure I can give you an answer Franz.

Franz: I cannot understand it, because ::looking at Rivi, smiling:: he is of good stock.

 

Wil covered his mouth, and laughed as quietly as he could.

Vataix: Response

While still looking at Rivi, he offered his arm to her while smiling.

Teller/Rahman/Vanlith: Responses

Franz’s voice uncharacteristically became slightly more posh.

Franz: If you’ll excuse me, Wil, I’d like to take the arm of her majesty from you to find some her some hors d'oeuvres.  ::To Rivi:: We can’t have you with an empty stomach, I know what that is like from experience.

Teller/Rahman/Vanlith: Responses

Vaitax: Response

Ukinix: ::To Rivi:: I’ll be here.

Teller/Rahman/Vanlith: Responses

 

 

Tags/TBC/👀

 

 

(OOC: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=UKNOJfHsbrU)

 

 

 

 

 

Lieutenant Wil Ukinix

Acting Chief Engineer

USS Veritas

V239511WU0