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Season 2 of Star Trek: Discovery kicks off January 17, 2019! We'll start this one thread for now to see how much discussion it generates and if we need to split into individual episode discussion threads, we can, but I think keeping it all in one thread should be manageable and easy for others to flag as filled with spoilers if they're worried about that. So, let's begin... RED ALERT! SPOILERS BELOW! YOU HAVE BEEN WARNED

@Kayla Drex and @Maddi Hyden this was a great read, I really enjoyed it, good work ((239109.14 - Starfleet Academy - San Francisco, CA - Earth)) ::Kayla hadn’t been in the gym long, but her heart rate was already well over 130 bpm. The beating she was giving the holographic sparring partner looked like he’d said something particularly offensive about Kayla’s mother. The door to the gym hissed open, but Kayla didn’t register the sound at all, focusing instead on her training. ::She didn’t hesitate as a large Hirogen fist barrelled toward her stomach. Deftly stepping aside, she used the momentum to swing up onto the back of her would-be assailant, wrapping her legs around his midsection and landing a flurry of punches to the base of his skull. The padding armor he wore made it impossible to reach her, and her legs were too strong to disengage in front. ::A final jab resounded with a loud crack, and the hologram dissolved, dropping Kayla to the mat. She lay there panting and rubbing her bruised knuckles. Only now did she look toward the door.:: Drex: ::panting:: Hi Hyden: ::Shyly:: Hello :: The unexpected hello threw Maddi for a loop she didn’t expect, usually, when she came to the gym it was empty. She realized she was wearing a top that revealed her tattoo something she kept hidden. The person saying hi seemed to be very athletic from what Maddi observed, but she still didn’t know what she should do. She knew most people would say more, but she wasn’t most people. She just stood there awkwardly. :: Drex: ::Getting to her feet:: Um … how much of that did you see? Hyden: Well um….I saw you murder that holographic Hirogen like he did something to you...kinda frightening, as a first impression. Drex: See the thing is, I'm not usually so, er, decisively violent when I train. I just had a really trying morning. Hyden: I don’t normally do this, but what’s wrong? Drex: There’s this guy in one of my classes… German Galven. He’s been getting on my nerves, which is no small task. Hyden: Ahh well I have found the best way to take out my aggravation is doing the same, like you, but if you’d like a sparring partner I’d…….I’d join you. ::she said hesitantly.:: Drex: I think that'd be fun! I um … won't do what I just did to the Hirogen ::Kayla laughed a little embarrassed add she toweled off, got a drink of water, and tightened her gloves.:: Drex: What are you in the mood for? Is there a particular martial art you practice? Hyden: Well to start I feel an introduction is in order I’m Cadet Maddi Hyden. Also, I don’t think you’d get the chance with me that you got with that Hirogen. ::She laughed.:: Where do I start? I am a 10th Degree Black Belt in Judo, Karate, Jujitsu, Kenpo, and Tai Kwon Do, but I’m still learning more. The real question is what do you want to practice? Drex: You're absolutely right! Where are my manners? He must have gotten to me more than I realized. I'm Kayla. Kayla Drex. ::The two shook hands:: It sounds like you're very well-rounded, Maddi. Do you want to just improvise? My primary art is Jiu-Jitsu, but I've got a few others in there too. Hyden: I don’t usually talk to someone this soon, but I can say it’s great to meet you Kayla quite a stunning person if that’s ok to say. Improvisation? Hmm, what do you have in mind? Drex: Mix it up! You know, a bit of this, a bit of that. ::Kayla assumed a standard defensive Kung-fu stance, but arranged her hands in a Karate ready form.:: Hyden: I see if that’s the case. ::Maddi assumed her cover down position and got serious. She immediately lunged at Kayla, but not how she was expecting instead she swept her legs and took her to the ground. A slam could be audibly heard as Kayla hit the mat. She let out a small groan as she hit the mat. Maddi stood up and motioned for Kayla to get up.:: Hyden: Ok I’ll admit that was dirty, but you did say mix it up. ::she winked.:: ::Kayla stood up and smiled. Ok. She’d underestimated this new girl. Best not to do that again.:: Drex: Maybe a little dirty, but that’s part of improvisation, right? ::She watched Maddi as the pair began slowly circling. Kayla became instinctually aware of the smallest twitches of muscles in the girl’s arms and legs. She had scars on her arms that looked like she’d learned some hard lessons from weapons that weren’t exactly blunted for practice session. ::Kayla shifted most of her weight to her right foot, leaving just the toes of her left in contact with the mat. Her hands assumed a ready aggressive form. She assumed Maddi would not make the same attack twice, but assumptions are what landed her on the mat last time. When Maddi lunged this time, Kayla didn’t defend. She took the punch full in the stomach, flexing her abdominal muscles to absorb as much of the impact as possible. The wind was still knocked from her. She had the opening she needed though. Her ready left leg hooked between Maddi’s and arced upward. ::The move was a good one. It had landed even Philip (Kayla’s brother) on his butt countless times in their training. Kayla was therefore surprised to see Maddi roll backward and up to her feet with alarming speed.:: ::Though Maddi didn’t expect the move she expected something, but she brushed that off and got back up. The speed and reaction seemed to shock Kayla. Good it might let her understand just what Maddi knew. Maddi noticed her eying the scars on her arms. The truth was still as painful as when it happened. Abuse and pain from her childhood. The thoughts fueled Maddi’s adrenaline. She stood straight with feet facing forward. A usual fatal flaw in fighting. Kayla cautiously started an attack, but she had left her side open. Maddi immediately got into a defensive posture and threw a roundhouse quick with precision and speed that showed hours of training. Kayla faltered slightly, but didn’t fall.:: Hyden: Your form is good actually the best I’ve seen in awhile, but sometimes you have to know your opponents move. I know that sounds crazy, but it can be done. I see you’ve been looking at me quizzically why? oO Though need I actually ask. Oo Drex: Honestly? I’m trying to figure you out. I hope that doesn’t sound weird…. Hyden: Well, I don’t exactly know what you mean. ::They circled once again as Kayla continued:: Drex: Your scars - they don’t look particularly fresh, but they clearly happened over quite a span of time. My best guess if you’ve gone through some … difficult times. If they’re from training, your trainer was kind of a jerk. Still … the fact that’s all you have means you’re a formidable opponent, and a quick learner. ::Though not unexpected it threw Maddi off the way Kayla seemed to guess correctly in a way.:: Hyden: What are you trying to get at? Drex: Well, there aren’t two scars too close to each other. That means you didn’t make the same mistake in defense more than once. oO It means I can’t use the same attack twice Oo ::Kayla dove just to the right of her sparring partner as Maddi’s foot came swinging down in response. This time, Kayla responded correctly. Catching the foot with her crooked legs, she used her own momentum to unfoot her.:: ::Maddi fell to the floor, but instead of getting up tears starting running down her face. The past seemed to haunt her.:: Hyden: These scars are not from training. They have come from something much much worse. A pain and a fear that I still seem to cling too. ::She rubbed her fingers over the scars feeling ashamed.:: Abuse and bullying were a big part of this, but that’s two of the reasons the last well it’s the deepest secret I have and it’s the darkest moment of my past. ::Kayla didn’t really know how to respond to that. That was a lot of honesty from this otherwise quiet girl. Kayla rolled up to her knees next to Maddi, gently picked her hand up in her own, and simply held it. The two girls’ eyes met, and Kayla hoped that all the feelings coursing through her were conveyed.:: Drex: You’re here. Your past happened. However bad it was, you rose from the ashes. Is … is that why you have the Phoenix? Hyden: ::wiping a tear from her eye:: Yes, but it also reminds me of the fire I’ve brought in my life. My past has built me to be strong and take nothing from no one. Those ashes are numerous and they still reappear. I feel like I can trust you. My deepest pain is something I hope no one has to ever go through. ::Maddi pulled down her top revealing scars that explained just what she was hiding.:: Hyden: There’s more of these on my body and it has ruined my body. All the beauty of my body is now defiled and there’s nothing I can do about it. Drex: Maddi … ::Kayla paused for a moment to consider her words. The other girl said she trusted her. That spoke volumes about her strength of spirit. To go through such pain, but still retain the ability to trust - that took incredible fortitude. Kayla just couldn’t figure out how to convey this to the tear-stained, broken but rebuilt girl before her.:: Drex: You can trust me. Always. And not that you need it,::rubbing the spot where Maddi’s fist had connected:: but I’ll have your back, ok? Hyden: Thank you I’ve never opened up to anyone with this. It’s the one thing that haunts me and it seems like that will never go away. I’ll reverse your words and say I’ll have your back. This secret is something I hope we can keep between us. :Maddi’s face changed from the tear touched face to a face of resolve and strength. She stood to her feet and helped Kayla up. She embraced her in a hug something that entwined Maddi’s trust in her forever.:: Hyden: Well after that what should we even do? Drex: I think there’s only one option. We need brownie sundaes. ::The two chuckled as they walked, an arm each still around the other, out the door toward the smaller of the two dining halls on campus.:: ~ End ~ Simmed by: Lieutenant JG Kayla Drex Science Officer USS Eagle, NCC-74659 Image Collective Writer ID: E239510KD0 Science is life, art is soul, love is home Wiki: Kayla Drex ~ and ~ Ensign Maddi Hyden Security Officer USS Atlantis - NCC 74682 A239511MH0 There is no real security except for whatever you build inside yourself.

I really really wish they hadn't killed the science officer. He was too smug on purpose, so you'd want him killed. It was a waste of good character tension. (They *literally* telegraphed from his appearance that he was dead.) Tilly.. I still don't get her. Probably because I don't.. really like this character type very much. At all. Burnham was tolerable, but they need to stop writing her as 'always right, always wise'. The vulnerabilities she shown helped but.. Eh. It's meh. The plot line is OK, but not terrible, and the Enterprise not being used in an all out war was laughably silly. So was the 'emergency protocols' - but that's Trek for you, and clearly a plot element. That said, I look forward to E2. This was terrible, yes, but they're relaunching, so I'll give it another shot.

Reno was great and I really do hope we see her again!

My partner and I were both going "TIG!" when we saw her, and what a neat character she seems to have too. I hope we see more of her.

As much as i love the UFP emblem, I've never once considered getting a tattoo of it. The Romulan Star Empire on the other hand! I would get that twice. On both arms.

Episode 2x01: "Brother" Thoughts: The second season premiere is called "Brother," but it's really all about the man pictured above: Pike. As in Captain Christoper Pike, second captain of the original USS Enterprise and Kirk's immediate predecessor. Previously portrayed by Jeffrey Hunter in the first TOS pilot "The Cage" (and then Sean Kenney as the disfigured Pike in "The Menagerie") and then more recently by Bruce Greenwood in the Kelvin Timeline films, Discovery's iteration sees Anson Mount donning the captain's uniform, which as Pike notes, is of the "new" design that the Constitution class crews get first dibs on. In a nutshell, Pike is the anti-Lorca. When Pike arrives aboard Discovery to take command because of an emergency, Acting Captain Saru informs him that a DNA test is necessary to confirm his identity, a new Starfleet security measure evidently in place because of Lorca's deception from last season. In doing so, Pike takes the time to explain to his new bridge crew who he is and takes the time to get to know them, which means for the audience, we actually get to feel like the rest of the bridge crew is more than just glorified extras, with an entire sequence just having them give their names to their new captain (and us as an audience for the first time). Despite only being an hour long, the premiere takes time throughout the episode to give us these little moments that seem to acknowledge some of the criticisms of last season, and a conversation between Tilly and Stamets discussing his requested transfer off of Discovery is a hopeful sign that this second season won't be shy about focusing on quieter character moments among the crew in between the larger action set pieces. Still, there will be action. The episode primarily deals with the Discovery crew trying to rescue survivors of a crashed Starfleet vessel found on an asteroid that's about to slam into a pulsar, and in a sequence reminiscent of the Kirk/Khan EVA jump in Into Darkness, Michael and Pike along with a couple of Enterprise officers need to get to the crashed ship from Discovery without the help of a transporter or shuttle. It's an exciting sequence with effects worthy of any big screen Trek feature and perhaps even a bit of a misdirection/nod to the 2009 film's similar skydiving sequence (as soon as you see the suit colors, you'll know what I'm talking about), although I have to admit it still felt I'd seen it before with the aforementioned Kelvin film sequences. Conversely, I thought the escape sequence from the asteroid was a bit more novel and sets up Michael's encounter with the mysterious "Red Angel." The episode ultimately ends without an actual appearance by the (adult) Spock that the title refers to, but it sets the stage for his inevitable reunion with Michael. In this regard, I liked that the episode felt complete enough on its own even though it promises a larger serial story arc. My preference would be for this to be the model they go with so that more of Discovery's episodes can stand on their own like previous Treks rather than be just a mere chapter, which makes it more difficult to just put on for a rewatch. Observations: -We're teased with the Enterprise at the start of the episode, but the only part we see is Spock's quarters, which are in the style of the Discovery-era interior design. While there are elements of the TOS design in it along with a few familiar props, purists who were upset by Discovery's "visual reboot" are likely to still find issue with it. At this point, I think it's basically going to be one of those unsaid things like the makeup changes of aliens from TOS to TNG that fans will either accept or never reconcile with. -And yet those same purists/canon watchdogs will also note that Enterprise's stated crew complement match that of her numbers during the Pike-era. #theydidtheresearch -We learn "Random Communications Officer Man" (as Mudd called him last season) has a full name: Ronald Altman Bryce. The season 2 trailer shown afterward shows some interesting developments in store: -The spore drive will be back as Captain Pike is shown experiencing the apparently breathtaking jump for the first time. -Although Pike changes to a Discovery-style uniform at the end of this episode, the trailer shows Michael in what looks to be a new TOS/Enterprise-style blue sciences uniform (complete with skirt and tall boots). -This episode didn't show us the Klingon characters or Emperor Georgiou from last season, but the trailer promises they'll be back. I'm more or less ambivalent about seeing their return, but I'll hold judgment until I see how they are affected by the new tone and direction Discovery has promised both off camera and on (when Pike tells Michael they'll have "fun" along the way, you can't help but feel that's the writers also promising that to the audience).

The United Federation of Planets has the best design for its emblem. The starfield appropriately identifies the organization as a cooperative whole. Each member world can believe that one of those stars on the emblem is representative of THEIR world. When their planet joins the Federation it is joining a community and they will be reminded of this every time they see that symbol. The olive branches that surround the starfield are indicative of the peace that the entire Federation strives for. Indeed, its a requirement of membership that a planet must overcome the squabbles that beset their world before they can join the larger galactic community. That peaceful approach has at times been blurred or skewed over the hundreds of years that the Federation has been in existence but every time they may have strayed from the path they have always found their way back to the goal of peace. It is that ideal that is represented by the seal of the UFP.

((OOC: A few months ago, I thought it'd a neat idea for IC interviews. With the help of @Kayla Drex and @Geoffrey Teller, we were able to come up with this! Thank you guys and if anyone else wants to be interviewed by a flamboyant and eccentric TV host, let me know!)) ((ICL Broadcast 27, Studio 9, San Francisco, California, North America, Earth)) ::The camera pans down on a modern news studio, replete with an enormous anchors desk, couch and chairs. Upon the desk, next to the oversized microphone is an assortment of sleek, hypermodern PADDS, all in the most fashionable colors, arranged in an eye pleasing rainbow. Entering the studio to raucous applause we see our host, Dresdon Mitchell, an almost artificially handsome human male with perfectly coiffed hair, an exceptionally well tailored, multi-chromatic suit and a high voltage smile.:: ::He strides to the desk confidently, clearly the Captain of this particular ship, and takes his seat with a dramatic flourish and crosses his leg over his knee with gusto. Behind him, the majestic San Francisco skyline twinkles like the stars and the Golden Gate bridge is perfectly framed. The camera settles on Dresdon as he, with false modesty, accepts the adulation of the crowd and settles in.:: Mitchell: ::smiles wide:: Hello, my name is Dresdon P. Mitchell and this is ICL, or the Intergalactic Comm Link if you've been living on Rura Penthe! On tonight's special episode, I’ll be showing you the gift of gab with a splendid young woman aboard a distant Starfleet vessel so you, my wonderful audience, can see where they've been Boldly Going and what they've been Boldly Doing! ::He then turned a quarter way in his chair and tapped a few demands on his PADD. The San Francisco skyline blurred as the image of a beautiful young officer wearing a teal Starfleet uniform was superimposed.:: Mitchell: ::smiles and arches both eyebrows:: Ladies, gentlemen, and everyone in between, I'd like to introduce you to my most special friend, Lieutenant Kayla Drex! Kayla is currently a science officer aboard the USS Eagle and she's doing a great job! Let's hear it for her folks! ::The crowd cheers enthusiastically:: Mitchell: Wonderful wonderful. How are you tonight, Kayla? Drex: I'm doing very well, Dresdon, thank you for having me on! How are you? Mitchell: ::chuckles:: My viewers already know how great I am! ::laughter from the crowd.:: So tonight is about you! How are you enjoying your time aboard the Eagle? Drex: I'm having the time of my life. I grew up hearing about all manner of deep space phenomena, and now I get to actually see and study it up close and personal! Maybe I'm just a huge goober, but this is like a dream come true for me. ::The crowd laughs supportively and finishes with an appreciative 'awwww':: Mitchell: Stop it, you'll make me blush! ::smiles and winks, crowd laughs:: That's wonderful to hear though, it's so moving when a young person like yourself has their dreams fulfilled by a life out there in the stars! Now, I understand from my notes here that you grew up with a very interesting family. Your father, Dr. Gulliver Drex is a renowned Quantum Physicist, winner of the 2261 Hawking Prize for his work in...particle...sya...well...folks I can't pronounce this!::laughter from crowd:: What was it like growing up in the presence of such a famous figure? Drex: I had the best of everything - not possessions; mom and dad always the value of living with a minimum of baggage, but as far as opportunity, I was never lacking. Between Dad, Mom, and my four brothers, there was never any lack of something … interesting happening. ::smiling to herself as though at an inside joke only she knew:: Mitchell: ::smiles and covers his mouth as if something was shocking:: Gasp, sounds like someone was playing with wormholes at home! ::hoots and laughs from the crowd:: My research team also received a note from one of your colleagues, a Lt. German Galven. ::a chorus of ascending ooOOOOOs from the crowd:: He said to make sure we ask you about your time together at the famed Starfleet Academy! Can you tell us what happened, KayKay? Apparently you two shared some classes but Mr. Galven says he graduated faster than you! ::shocked laughter and amused boos from the crowd:: Drex: I bet he did. I'll have to send him a message thanking him for his delightfully sharp memory. ::a little chuckle:: The Academy was honestly very different than I originally envisioned it being. In my mind, I imagined some cross between an ancient campus of brick buildings, state-of-the-art technology, and military boot camp. What I experienced however was a place where literally anything can and did happen. My last two years were actually self-directed study, because they didn't have classes for my specialization. That's what I mean though: they didn't just say, “Sorry, kid, you're just going to have to take the same thing as everyone else.” They heard my ideas, gave me guidance, and let the ideas grow. It was … incredible. Mitchell: Sure sounds that way! I do self-directed study myself all the time, mostly on the mating habits of our alien friends. ::raucous hoots from the crowd:: So, after the Academy, you went directly to the Eagle? Take us there with you, KayKay! First thing. Go! Drex: The first thing I did when I got on-board was introduce myself to the ship. That sounds kind of weird, but I used to walk around the woods by my house growing up, and I always kinda felt like they were watching over me - like they had a form of consciousness I couldn’t quite understand. The Eagle - and I guess all ships - she has a personality - I wanted her to know me, and know that I’m grateful for her. ::realizing this isn’t a 1-on-1 conversation:: Aaaaaand now everyone is going to think I’m crazy. Mitchell: ::laughs:: I’m sure nobody here thinks you’re crazy ::looks offscreen with a smirk:: Oo, it seems we only have a couple minutes left - before you go, I understand you’ve been promoted recently. Congratulations! How'd that feel? Drex: I was pretty surprised it happened so quickly to be honest. When Commander Oddas pinned on my new pip, I felt like I was flying. I’m starting to feel the weight it carries though. Mitchell: ::more awws from the crowd:: Aw, smart, lovely and humble! Starfleet sure knows how to pick them! Final question - After everything you've experienced, what’s the one piece of advice you'd like to pass on to all the impressionable young Kaylas watching right now? Drex: Never stop dreaming, always try to see from new perspectives, and never believe anyone who tells you “It can’t be done.” It just hasn’t been done. ::The smiling young officer is replaced by the circling Starfleet logo before it fades completely, again revealing the majestic San Francisco skyline. Dresden turns to look directly at the audience and camera.:: Mitchell: ::smiles wide:: Inspiring words from an inspiring young woman. Here from all of us at ICL, we wish you luck on your journeys, Lieutenant Kayla Drex - make us folks on the ground proud! That’s all we have for tonight, everyone. Tune in next time when ICL will once again bring the furthest frontiers of the Federation right into your living room with absolutely zero chance of getting space sick! GOOD NIGHT! ::the crowd cheers as the set lights come down and Dresden dramatically tosses his PADD aside, waving excitedly to the camera.::

((Rue’s Quarters - U.S.S Eagle)) ((2 days post mission)) ::Rue was sitting on the couch, starting quietly out the window that allowed her the view the void of space. After the mission and the excitement, she had slept… and then had a long, thoughtful talk with Saveron. It was a conversation that she knew she had needed to have with him, she only regretted that it had been well… too little, too late. She closed her eyes, leaning back her head against the frame of the window. It hurt. Losing what could have been hurt. More than she wanted to admit. The temptation to sit on that thought, that hurt, and simply hide out for shore leave was there, but she had to consider… that simply would be doing the same thing that had caused her hurt in the first place… hiding, and concealing. So instead, she hit the comm badge on her shoulder to Wyn Foster:: Blackwell:: Hey Wyn ? Foster: =/\= Hey what? =/\= ::The Andorian’s voice was sharp and dry as ever:: Blackwell: =/\=Feel up for playing bartender tonight and hanging out? Perhaps you, me and Choi? We could even watch a movie… that you and Choi choose. =/\= ::she managed a sound of humor following that:: Foster: =/\= Sounds horrifying.=/\= ::There was a thoughtful pause:: =/\= I’ll bring the good alcohol. =/\= Blackwell:: Sounds good. See you then. ((Time Skip - Wyn’s Quarters, U.S.S Eagle)) ::Wyn no longer had the expansive set of family quarters that he did on the Galaxy class USS Constitution-B. Then again he wasn’t looking over his dad, an adopted kid and an adopted hologram… well he still had the hologram, and the hologram’s holographic dog but his Dad (who truth be told looked after Wyn as much as Wyn looked after him) had taken a nice cushy starbase position, Ozameen was now old enough to enter Starfleet Academy on his own… and Wyn was now in a modest set of senior chief’s quarters on this tiny ship, with Mark set up in a makeshift hologram recharging area in sickbay. And even with all those changes he still had enough time to set up a bar. He also did the nice thing for his guests and raised the ambient temperature of his quarters by quite a few degrees. Just so it was warm enough for humans to be comfortable, but no so warm that Andorians were miserable. There was a fairly known understanding that ‘one should bring a jacket’ when visiting Wyn’s quarters. He did not, however, adjust the lights. Heat he could handle, bright lights were his nemesis and foe to all things drinking and carousing.:: Foster: So, hey come on in. ::He looked up as the door chime rang and the door opened. ::Ji-hu ran into Rue just outside of Wyn’s quarters. He still wasn’t used to being on the smaller vessel after the Constitution and then living on an Immense-class starbase. The name said it all. He’d never understood the concept of being fashionably late until ending up on the Eagle. He seemed to be ten minutes early for everything.:: ::Ji-hu made sure to wear a heavy hoody to Wyn’s. Seoul was steamy and while sunny San Francisco could be cool depending on the seasonal, Wyn’s place was--understandably--always a bit like a fridge.:: Blackwell: ::She showed up and was wearing an elegantly oversized sweater that fell to her knees like a tunic and leggings underneath and simple shoes, with a light hint of makeup and hair done. She carried a box in her hands. She stepped in and looked about:: Nice place already Choi: Aww, I miss your big dining room table. Guess that’s the switch off from a Galaxy-class. Foster: Yeah, small place. Everything here is smaller. That’s OK - it just makes the bar look bigger. Blackwell: :She grinned at that and stepped in with her box:: There are so many jokes I just won’t make. Choi: ::grinning:: I… well… I won’t say anything. Foster: Did you eat yet? I don't want anyone drinking on an empty stomach. Blackwell: ::She held up the box:: That is what this is for. I had the replicator make a series of small snacks and hors d’oeuvres to eat while we drink. Choi: I ate, but I’m always up for snacks! What’re you serving tonight, Doctor? ::Only a few people knew that Wyn Foster was a competent chef. Not a gourmet chef by any stretch of the imagination, but competent. He had grown up making dinners with his Dad and kept the tradition alive with his odd little blended family on the Constitution. But his forte was mixing drinks. He knew hundreds of classic [...]tails from various species, and had a good nose for mixing things to people’s tastes. Tonight they would be drinking his favorite.:: Foster: Samarian Sunsets! Choi: Sounds good to me, make mine a double! I need it after the last few days… Blackwell:She looked to Wyn and nodded to what Choi Said:: ::Ji-hu took a seat at the corner seat of Wyn’s bar, his back against the wall.:: Choi: I’m glad we’re finally getting a bit of time together. Launch was pretty nuts. How’ve your duty shifts been? Foster: I got stuck in sickbay. Nothing new there. ::He harrumphed as he mixed the alcohols for the sunsets and gently layered them in the glasses before he prepared to add the pinch of acid that would make the sunset bloom.:: Blackwell: I’m getting the hang of it, ::She grinned a bit:: It was a bit nuts but… nice to have control of the wings around us. Choi: Yeah, I got to work with some of the senior officers down on Verellia. And Ensign Drex. ::taking a sip:: She was amazing. I wouldn’t be surprised if she was running Starfleet by the time the year is out. Foster: ::ever the pragmatist:: She’s an enthusiastic kid, but I wouldn’t wish running Starfleet on anyone... Blackwell: ::She giggles:: I like Drex. She’s fun, intelligent and has energy. She’ll do well here. Choi: Everything okay, Rue? You seem a little… blue. ::to Wyn:: Not that there’s anything wrong with being blue! ::Wyn blinked at that - not the ‘blue’ comment but that he picked out Rue as being down after she was giggling. Either that was T’Choi talking or he was shooting blanks in the dark.:: Blackwell::She paused, and wondered briefly if what ever had happened to Choi in the past few months had given him additional sensitivity, or if he had always been so empathetic. She started setting out the treats she had brought - Crab Rangoons, bruschetta, fried shrimp and sauce and some chicken wings things along with some fruit and vegetables and considered what to say:: I… did need a little company tonight, if that is what your asking… hence why I strong armed Wyn into a little get together. ::She chuckled:: Everything is fine. ::Ji-hu shot Wyn a look. He’d had enough drinks to notice she didn’t seem to be her usual high-octane self, but Wyn knew her better.:: Foster: What? ::He used the opportunity of Choi looking at him to flick Choi’s glass, causing a cascade of colors to bloom throughout his drink as he handed it to the engineer:: You’ve never seen her down before? :Rue felt a pang of guilt. She relied on Wyn...too damn much. And she was in a way, doing it again. But she hoped instead to push away from that, she wanted support, to feel cared for, but...in a way that everyone was enjoying the benefits, not just her. Then again, the advice that Saveron had given her echoed in her mind:: ::Wyn was starting to wonder if he was the only person who saw his crew through their ups and downs, at their best and at their worst.:: Blackwell: ::She looked between the two and settled in a seat at the little bar and rested her chin in the cup of her hand:: I… don’t want to make tonight about discussing my problems, gentleman… and it isn’t really a problem. It’s something that makes sense, just still… stings. Like certain healthy medical procedures… right Wyn? You hate the initial feeling, but know you need it done. ::Stings. ::His antennae flared up, it was time for Wyn to be the mind reader. His guess was Saveron was what stung. The oh so logical Vulcan didn’t want attachments, and after a failed marriage and then a romance that turned into stalking Wyn could understand why. Still Rue was a human and no matter how hard humans tried to not get attached… they got attached.:: Choi: ::nodding sagely:: Like regular checkups and annual stress tests! ::eyes going wide:: Oh yeah, I still haven’t done my stress test this year... Foster: You should get in and get that over with, before the mission while you can still use the holodeck instead of running on a treadmill in Sickbay. Blackwell:: She chuckles:: I hate getting shots, but I know when I need them… Right around when Wyn tells me. Foster: Hey, at least you listen to the reminders - that’s better than some crew. ::he smiled a bit:: Blackwell: ::She returned Wyns smile and shrugged:: Well, I like to ...try and not be a pain in the [...]. Sometimes…….but hey, in terms of how things are going overall, I think ...for a first mission, things are going well. The new crew is easy to work with thus far, It’s good to have you back Choi, and my room is very nice, if smaller. It’s cozy. I sort of wish I had a pet though. Maybe I need a holocat. Choi: I could mod you a program! There’s some really interesting new holo-companion lines coming out of a Starfleet R&D for deep space installations! Their cats have extra disdain subroutines and the kinetic meshing is superb! You can really feel it jumping on your face at four in the morning! ::As if on command, Olaf whuffed and trotted out from Wyn’s bedroom to lay his head in Rue’s lap, looking up at her with big brown eyes as if to say she was Momma:: Foster: He still remember you. Blackwell: Oh my gosh! Olaf! You kept him? He’s here? ::She looked extremely pleased and leaned down to give Olaf a face pet and squeeze, and started making cooing noises:: Choi: ::sagely:: I’d hope so! You can’t just throw out a pet, even if they are holo-simulated! Foster: Of course we kept him! He sleeps with Mark when Mark recharges off duty. It’s just that these quarters are quite a bit smaller than the ones on the Conny. We’ve had to make some adjustments. Blackwell: It is fine...I am just glad to see him. Foster: Ok, I’m mixing a second round, who wants one? Blackwell: Me! Choi: I… I guess! Another double, Dr. Bartender! : :And that was the start of what would prove to be a very interesting evening…:: ((Shar’Wyn Foster’s Quarters - USS Eagle)) ::Over an hour and many drinks later and no matter how cool Wyn Foster kept his apartment it was starting to feel quite warm.:: ::Rue had… after a few drinks, had to shed the sweater. She was wearing a light tank top underneath that was modest enough, but it let her cool off, but meanwhile, she had leaned back to listen to Choi tell stories. Her mind was feeling warm and fuzzy and wandered from the way that shadows caught Wyn’s attractive cheekbones, and How Choi’s face was so kind when he laughed. She couldn’t help but just lean back and enjoy their presence, and the view a bit while she sipped another strong and well mixed drink:: Choi: … and then I said, “You put your hyperspanner in there and it's going to cause a haptic spooling cascade!” ::Ji-hu laughed, sloshing his drink slightly. He missed working on his R&D lab on the Constitution, reminiscing with Wyn and Rue about the crew had reminded him of that. He’d have to have a conversation with Commander Oddas about setting up a field lab on the Eagle. He’d already been eying a piece of property on the stern section with a perfect view of the nacelles.:: Choi: ::pause:: Get it? With the response time the temporary storage on the prosthetic would have caused a cascade to make it look like… the hand was… you know... Blackwell: ::She laughs hard and leans back:: OooooOoo. Naughty naughty Choi! Foster: Well I’m glad you guys got it because I didn’t get a dang thing. ::He grumbled into his rapidly emptying cup.:: Choi: ::slurring a little:: Sorry, been awhile since I’ve been out drinking with crewmates! Didn’t really get to know anyone too well on Starbase 104, lots of turnover in the R&D department. Anyways, you know, haven’t had this much to drink in ages! Blackwell: Aw, that’s a bummer. Foster: Turnover? You mean you didn’t keep all those charming companions like that Tellarite and stuff? ::That was as accurate as drunk Wyn got.:: Blackwell: Oh that Narrows it down, Wyn! ::He threw his arm around Wyn and Rue.:: Choi: Sure have missed the two of you! We should do this after every mission! Foster: The drinking or the hugging part? ::he asked as he rocked to one side, not resisting the hug.:: Blackwell:She blinked as she was caught in the embrace, feeling herself embraced. She laughed and then joined in, stretching an arm to hug Wyn, and Choi:: Aw, but Wyn doesn’t like hugs! Choi: ::squeezing Wyn slightly:: Too bad, Dr. Foster! We’re treating your grumpiness with a regimen of more hugs! ::Ji-hu realized how ridiculous he sounded. He should probably drink some water…:: Foster: I never said I didn’t like hugs! ::he tsked his tongue against the roof of his mouth:: It’s just not something you rush up and do in broad view of others now is it? Blackwell: So worried about keeping up appearances aren’t you, Wyn? ::She teased at him:: Choi: ::teasing:: He has his reputation as a surly medical professional to keep! Foster: I’m pretty sure keeping up appearances is a human thing. Blackwell: Hmmm, a little bit, yeah ::She shakes her head and laughs with a ruefully:: the problem with that is we get so mixed up in … keeping appearances, we just end up living with a lot of regret... but… I’m gonna change that for myself. ::She nodded, as making some sort of promise to herself, or the booze, or both. Either way, she then downed what was left in her glass in one, long, satisfied drink:: Choi: Oh yeah? What’re you gonna change, Rue-Rue? Blackwell: By… not worrying so much about appearances… and missing opportunities because of it… ::She started to blush deeply and look at them both:: woo...the liquor is talking now, Quick Wyn, get me more booze to make it stop! ::She laughs, and then goes suddenly quiet, and in a quick movement, she leans in and kisses Wyn, warmly, and gently, and looks to Choi, and gave him a gentle kiss as well, and blinked as if she wasn’t quite ...sure the magnitude of what she had done, and stared for a moment:: ….More booze? ::Wyn just stopped at that, antennae curling in confusion.:: ::Ji-hu blinked, his head spinning a little bit from the drink, still not sure what just happened.:: Choi: Just water for me. ::pause:: That’s… that’s not a comment on you… you know! I just think I’m going to fall over if I drink any more! ::He shot a look to see how Wyn would react. He knew they were close friends but Ji-hu always wondered if there was something more between Rue and Wyn. He also valued their friendship… and of course more with Wyn, but he knew how feelings could make things change between people.:: ::Silence. More silence. Slowly all eyes fell onto the most explosive person in the room.:: Foster: Wh-- what the hell was that?! ::He finally blurted out, looking between them.:: Blackwell:She swallowed and felt her heart beating through her chest:: Wyn...It was ..a kiss. ::While Rue was heartfelt, Ji-hu was oddly silent. Wyn’s antennae curled in dismay, wondering if the pair of them were trying to pull a cruel joke on him. He didn’t want to believe that they would… but this toyed with his emotions, and a core that badly wanted some sort of closeness with people while a massive part of him shielded himself from the pain of failed relationships.:: Foster: Yeah, ok, kissy drunk. ::He frowned a little, looking between the pair.:: Right, sure. Blackwell: Wyn ::She straightened, and while the liquor was still addling her brain, a sense of adrenaline was was sobering her up very quickly:: Foster: Yes? Blackwell:....What….am I missing? Why are you so...[...]ed? Foster: I’m [...]y because I’m confused. ::He said bluntly, pouring his companions both a water and himself a double shot of the strongest thing on the bar.:: Blackwell: Confused...how? ::Oh, it was a stupid question, but her brain was working at the speed of molasses and she was just trying to comprehend the magnitude of how badly she had just screwed this up:: Why? ::Wyn blinked, not really angry at Rue, but feeling perhaps more than a little drunkenly hurt at Choi’s silence. Then again it was a trend for the two of them when relationships came to pass.:: Foster: Why shouldn’t I be confused? I used to date him ::he pointed at Choi:: I’ve known you forever and a day ::He pointed to Rue:: I’m drunk and I’m biologically hardwired to be attracted to both sexes. ::And he was none too happy about that either.:: Blackwell::She set her empty glass down and leaned forward, pressing her hands together:: ….You’re right, you have every right to be confused...and angry. ::she pursed her lips, and stood up, which she soon realized was likely a mistake, but rather than undoing it, she leaned a hand on her chair:: Truth...is ….I’ve been attracted to you for a long time. Started...as a girlhood crush..grew into something more. ::pushed her hair back from her face:: Which...I...fought back after you and Choi got together...since well, you deserve...happiness and Choi made you happy. ::she exhales and throws her hand up:: But nothing - and I mean nothing- of my friendship to you was artificial, or fake. ….::and her mind jumped as she still attempted to sober up, but the words came tumbling out::Then I was...attracted to Saveron...for a long time, probably since after the Hinji mission..and well, chickened out on that…::She frowns a bit at herself:: I’m a -coward- when it comes to people. I can face enemies, surgery, my own death, but when it comes to people, I choke. ::Wyn Foster hit a dead stop and he tinged a very curious navy tone. It was irritatingly cute on his pale blue skin. He tried to maintain that gruff pessimistic doctor demeanor, but it crumbled into one seeking word question uttered in soft tones.:: Foster: Why… didn’t you… tell me? ::He felt supremely stupid that he never noticed. Able to perceive a heart murmur at thirty paces but see a relationship right in front of his face? Pure miss. Way to go, Wyn.:: Blackwell:: ..Why? Well hell, Wyn, maybe because I was afraid you, Saveron, everyone else would just turn either be hurt because of me, by me, and not only would you be hurt, I’d lose you. ::She had a bit of vehemence in her face, starting to work herself up::. First, I know damn well I am a mess of a person. I’m cracked in all sorts of ridiculous places and its stupid and -no one- but me should have to try and fix it. Second, while you won’t let me in further than the shallow end of your particular pool Wyn, I know things have happened to you since you’ve joined starfleet. I don’t know the facts, but I see the self deprecation, I see the when you get bitter and [...]ed off. And you don’t need to try and fix me and handle my nonsense while you are dealing with your own baggage. ::She would look for her sweater, suddenly feeling cold:: Foster: You’re not a mess of a person and Saveron will always be your friend. ::He sassed back in a sharp, confident tone, carefully sidestepping the other question posed.:: ::Choi stuttered a little and whispered a question only Rue could hear. Well, that wasn’t true, Wyn’s hearing was far better than Rue’s but he wasn’t listening at the moment, she was.:: Blackwell:: No, Choi, me kissing you isn’t a false reaction either. I get attracted to people, you included. Probably some repression on my part and then I let it out an inch and it just goes stupid ::She started to try and slip on her sweater, getting entangled in the thing, and trying again::: Why did I kiss both of you - first, I meant what I said, I’d rather start feeling like rubbish because I was too bold rather than regretting never taking a chance….And frankly put, the first thought that popped in my brain after I kissed Wyn was that if I kissed you too, besides the fact your a handsome man, was also that you could then be [...]ed at me and not Wyn for my actions. ::Ji-hu seemed both drunk and embarrassed by this and went quiet. Wyn on the other hand fixed his clear blue eyes on Rue. He wasn’t sure who was taking this harder - Choi who felt awkward because he was not attracted to Rue in that way or Wyn, who was biologically wired to be attracted to both sexes equally and, in fact, was attracted to Rue in that way. And Choi in that way. And at the moment being attracted to either one seemed an absolutely horrible, unprofessional idea.:: Foster: I don’t think anyone’s [...]ed. Unless we’re talking [...]ed as in drunk [...]ed. ::He drew in a breath:: but gotta admit, Rue that’s as Saveron would say, pretty dang illogical, dontcha think? Blackwell: Well no, I know I don’t make any sense. I’m a human, we don’t make sense at all, and...damn sweater! ::She huffed and finally just wrapped it up in her arms and exhaled again, leaning against a piece of furniture to keep her upright: I’m.sorry….I go..going to leave...just as soon as the room….stops spinning. ::Caretaker mode kicked in and he grasped her elbow.:: Foster: No, you need to be safe. Sit down, rest. Everyone keeps their clothes on, everyone sleeps, we eat breakfast in the morning and can talk about this with a clear head. Sound good? Blackwell:::She looked as her elbow was held and she seemed to think long and hard for a moment, until her own treacherous lack of equilibrium made the decision for her and she nodded. She glanced to Choi for a moment and blinked a bit:: “Choi?” ::He looked over to Ji-hu:: Foster: I think he’s already asleep. ::He drew in a breath.:: Lucky him, maybe? Blackwell: Maybe. ..:She gave a slight huffing chuckle:: I...I don’t know if I want water or another drink now... ::He sat down and looked at her earnestly:: Foster: You wanna talk about this now so it’s not so awkward in the morning or sleep on this now and talk about it in the morning? Blackwell: ::She followed him and sat down across from him and held her tangled sweater in her arms and blinked for a moment:: Now, we should talk now. I...I just don’t know what to say….I don’t know if I should start trying to fix this or …::she pushed some hair from her face and paused:: Just...hear you out. Why don’t you go first...I babbled. Foster: What do you want me to say? ::He paused and realized that sounded crass about a half second after he said it.:: I mean… where should I start? Blackwell:::She exhales slowly:: I...I don’t know. Maybe...can...this be fixed? I mean...have..I broken our friendship? ::She looked fearful for a moment, her hands wringing into her sweater:: Foster: Why would you break our friendship by being honest? [...] I’ve said worse things and I was sober. Blackwell: ::She exhaled slowly:: No, you...are right. Saveron wishes to remain friends. He was ...worried that I had high expectations but I told him..clearly that what was between us...was...without strings. Did I hope a little bit? Certainly...but I..understand where he is coming from….I...just was also thinking about other things. He said …::She paused a bit:: He said that if there was one thing I should do..is give others the chance to care and protect me…::she gave a huffing laugh:: I’m sure you, as a good doctor, would agree Foster: I do agree. ::He nodded an even assent:: As you support your crew and friends, you deserve love and support. Blackwell:::She smirks faintly:: And do you think everyone deserves that? Is that a prescriptive statement? ::His antennae dropped. He had walked right into that one. He would blame being drunk.:: Foster: Well, yes. Everyone needs love and support. ::A gruff grumble.:: Even me. I admit that. Blackwell:::She grinned a bit and leaned in towards him:: So my question is...when will you let others care for you? Foster: Well, yeah. ::He huffed a little. He was a little too drunk and too defensive to completely let his guard down. Besides they weren’t really alone. Still he was trying.:: I mean I can be affectionate. Blackwell: Oh, yes, I know you give affection...but..you are very much the one who wishes to fix things from what I’ve seen, there are very few you allow...to help, and know what is beneath that ...adorably cantankerous surface Foster: Adorably cantankerous? ::He perked a brow and an antennae in unison. He was slightly flustered and slightly flattered by that.:: is that flirting? Blackwell::She laughs:: I’m drunk still…….I might not have the courage again so of course I am going to flirt….::she pauses: :unless you tell me to stop. Even drunk, I know...no means no….::she grins:: Knowing and No-ing? Foster: Nah, flirting is better when sober. ::He tossed back lightly:: Then it’s like this delicious game of cat and mouse. You chase, you pounce, one gets eaten, you die. ::A smirk:: of pleasure… good metaphor. ::He looked oh so innocent at that.:: Blackwell:::she paused at that and just threw her head back, giggling:: Foster: What?! It was a met-a-phor! You learned that one back in middle school! Blackwell: It...It was a good metaphor. :Her giggles subside to softer chuckles:: I just had a terrible image of a cat with two antenna...Little blue cat ::She snickers and leaned back into the seat she occupied, curling up her legs and her head on the arm of the chair, having given up on putting her sweater and just using it as a blanket of sorts:: I...I just had an image and had to giggle…..::She pauses and looks to him: I...guess tomorrow the awkward question ….is...if I were sober, would you want to continue the flirting? Foster: I mean I like to flirt so is that really a question? Blackwell: You know what I mean, I..I guess, your not going to feel..insulted..or like this was ...cheap? Foster: It’s only cheap if you’re doing it dishonestly. ::He said with conviction.:: I like romance, I like relationships. I don’t find them awkward in the same ways humans do. But I hate being lied to and I hate being betrayed. ::He really hated that second one, deep to his core.:: So avoid those two and you’re golden. Blackwell:::She stiffened for a moment and swallowed:: I won’t ever lie, nor would I betray you. I know that pain far too much, Wyn. I’d rather …...never mind,,,::she shook her head and then looked back at him at the second part:: Wait…..::She paused and sat up at that:: You...like romance? Relationships? Why Doctor Foster...are you telling me I was mistaken with the seeing you as the Bachelor Physician? Foster: ::He coughed:: Well, at one point I was quite the Casanova… but then a Starfleet commission happened and it’s been pretty dull since then. Blackwell:::She raised her eyebrows at that and gave a lopsided grin:: Oh, Oh now I want to hear stories. Foster:They’re not very interesting… ::He coughed.:: Blackwell: Oh come on...you’ve seen my personal life…..I told you that ..Saveron was quite an experience...why not share with me...a little? Foster: I mean I have a bartending license for a reason. You get invited to all the best parties in the Academy and you can hit on all the cute chicks and guys… I’m an equal opportunity flirter. Well, you know what, sometimes drunk partying students really wanna go home with the weird short blue guy with the odd accent. ::he offered a charming smile.:: Blackwell: Oh really….::She smiled demurely, and batted her eyes teasingly:: Prove it. Foster: What do you mean prove it? ::He huffed:: Fine. I can dance. ::He said with confidence.:: Bet you didn’t know that. Blackwell: Oh really now? Let’s see ::She gestured for him to stand:: I am so curious now. I dance a bit myself ::She stood slowly, testing her ability to remain steady and finding some of the inebriation had left her system:: Foster: Steady there, cowgirl. ::he caught her, and then straightened to a proper ballroom dance posture with the correct hand placement.:: So, who taught you how to dance? Blackwell: It was an agreement with my mother...I’d take a class that wasn’t focused on martial arts or fighting...and then take a class of my choosing. She chose ballroom, I chose Krav Magna. A bit of Swing, then I chose Mixed Martial Arts...so on and so forth. I can’t sing worth a damn like she can...so she was pleased to at least see me learn a bit of creative dance. ::She straightened as well and placed her hands correctly on him, ready to allow him to lead:: Foster: Swing dance, huh? I don’t swing too well, either. But Dad always said it was good to learn something to keep friends and enemies completely off balance. He didn’t have an ear for music, but he was well coordinated and good at dancing. So dancing it was. ::Antennae meant awesome balance, and that meant no stepping on toes whatsoever. Wyn was quite graceful as he led her around the small quarters in a gentle step without music.:: Blackwell:::She found herself a bit giddy as they danced, impressed that first, she was still upright. Second, that indeed, he was so graceful, and third, still felt a little bit of the fluttering in her stomach. She kept her hand on his and moved with his pace, and snickered softly:: Oh very well, Wyn, you are indeed the Bartending Dancing Doctor ...charming women and men close and far Foster: Hey, I worked very hard to make that so. ::He said with a hint of pride.:: Blackwell: You know I am, even as my head is truly deciding if this was wise….but...I would rather a night end with a dance than regrets...so I cannot complain and sometimes I have to say, I love the weightless feeling a bit of true alcohol gives, makes being ...somehow...makes things a little more dreamy. Foster: Maybe we should sit… ::He offered gently, bringing the motion to a stop.:: Blackwell: Mm..you think about how much liquor you put into those drinks, and then you consider how drunk I still am? ::He put a hand at her back to guide her gently to the nearest couch.:: Foster: That is what we used to call ‘a lightweight’ ::he chuckled.:: Blackwell: Indeed...I would gauge myself as still a good 8...with 10 being close to falling asleep on the floor singing show tunes….1 being stone cold sober. Foster: Did you want to be a perfect ten? ::He queried gently:: Blackwell: Oh no, I won’t complain….I needed this… Foster: Then how about I get you a blanket and we call it a night? Blackwell: Mm….wouldn’t it be hard to sleep...with it so warm for you? ::Even if she was a little chilled, she wasn’t blind to the fact he needed a chill environment:: ..I can head back to my room. I’ll make it... Foster: No, my personal bedroom is about fifteen degrees colder. Twenty if I’m in a bad mood. But I’ll get you a heated blanket nonetheless. Blackwell: ...Oh, I see. ::She nodded slowly and would lie down on the couch, curling her legs up a bit and resting an arm under her head:: Mm. Couch. And a ...warm blanket...would be nice…. ::It didn’t take long before he returned with two nice fuzzy heated blankets.:: Foster: Blanket for you, Ma’am… ::Oh, nope, she was out like a light, too. He turned both of the heated blankets onto medium and draped one over Choi, patting him on the head as he did so.:: Blackwell::She was softly breathing when he came back, the liquor having lured her into a deep sleep, One arm under her head, one hand on her stomach, and legs having loosen to stretch out:: Foster: And one for you. ::He tucked Rue in, kissing the top of her head before he was done.:: Sleep well my drunken little princes and princesses. May we not feel too awkward in the morning. ::And Rue would snuggle deep into the blanket, mumbling something softly before falling into the lush sleep of liquor and warmed blanket:: ~*~ A JP By: Lieutenant (JG) Choi Ji-hu Engineering Officer USS Eagle C239402CJ0 ~and~ Lt. Prudence Blackwell Chief HCO U.S.S. Eagle G239308PB0 ~and~ Lt Commander Shar’Wyn Foster Chief Medical Officer USS Eagle E239010ST0