Dade

((T'Mihn's Apartment )) :: After her scheduled medical check-up with Dr. Hendon,T'Mihn went to work unpacking her belongings while Ahyel was exploring the place. She had most of her belongings on their places. The feline and the kittens ran all over. At this moment the entire brood were perched on the back of the couch looking out the window chittering at the avian life perched on the balcony railing running the wall outside. The birds tantalizingly out of reach. Tails swishing back and forth, high pitched, clicks, chirps and chatter were easily detected by Vulcan hearing. She grinned, knowing they were starting to settle in and enjoying themselves. Not many wild animals on a starship. She knew if she'd let the cats outside,they'd probably disappear into the foliage and she didn't know how to climb the tall skinny stick straight tree things with the feathery fronds. The thought of being stuck trapped up in one calling for extraction and resulting teasing that would ensue wasn't pleasant.:: T'Mihn: oOI can hear them.."Aaww did the poor little Vulcan get stuck in a twee? "Oo ::She'd never hear the end of it.:: ((Outside T’Mihn’s Apartment)) T’Sara: Can I ding it? :: T’Lea knew what that meant. Every time T’Sara wanted to “ding” a door chime or push a button it meant repeated abuse. It was never just once or twice, and it was always incessant button pushing. Unfortunately, for T’Lea it made T’Sara smile. The added bonus was the rapid button pushing usually annoyed other people so it was also fun for T’Lea.:: :: T’Lea answered her usual reply.:: T’Lea: Ding it. ::And ding it T’Sara did. Again and again and again, and then suddenly she stopped and turned to her mother with curious frown and lopsided tilt of her head.:: T’Sara: Whose door is this and why is we here? T’Lea: *Are*. Why *are* we here? Lt. T’Mihn lives here and you’ll see why we’re here soon enough. :: T’Sara made a squinty look at her mother, not liking the vagueness to the answer.:: ::Her finger stretched out toward the bell, T’Sara looked back at her mother expectantly.:: T’Lea: Go ahead. One more time. ::What came next was the happiest “DING” sound ever produced by a door chime, and one content little girl.:: ::A very rapid, insistent jangling of the door chime that only the very young could achieve, sent the kittens scattering,in full poofed out fur mode. One scrambled up her back hiding in her hair. She gasped, startled,reaching up to feel the tiny trembling creature in her hair. Turning a head towards the door,at the same time letting the kitten sense her calm.:: T'Mihn: A moment. ::She tried to gently remove the kitten out of her hair but he was insistent and sank his teeny sharp claws into her scalp. Preferring the safety of easily attained height and warm camouflage of the big hairless cat's very long head fur The rapid door chime dinging came again. Stifling a laugh. She was glad she hadn't a gong, else the little one would startle all occupants in the building.:: T'Mihn: Ouch. Okay, okay,you can stay up there.:: calling to the door again.:: Coming! ::Gently patting the kitten and giving him a gentle ear scratch causing him to vibrate with a very happy purr. Opening her door to see T'Lea and little T'Sara who was trying to look innocent.:: T'Mihn: ::To T'Lea:: Hello. ::Squatting down to be at T'Sara's eye level.:: And hello. T’Lea: She likes buttons, and pushing them. T’Sara, this is T’Mihn. T’Sara: I like buttons too. ::nodding:: Lots. ::at T’Mihn:: Greetings. ::She held up her hand and split her fingers in a proper Vulcan “howdy”, with a little added wave at the end.:: :: T’Lea frowned slightly, noticing a big clump of T’Mihn’s hair out of place… and then she realized what it was. She glanced down to see if T’Sara had noticed.:: T’Mihn: Hello again. ::returning the gesture with a wave.:: I like buttons too. ::Leaning in with a curious Vulcan eyebrow, the little one looked up at T’Mihn secretively.:: T’Sara: Do you know why I’m here? ::T'Mihn, still squatting down, she glanced up at T'Lea, eyebrow disappearing into her bangs,asking a silent query.:: T’Lea: I haven’t told her yet. I thought she might enjoy the surprise. ::And she didn’t want to be pestered by the girl to “go faster” on their journey there.:: T’Sara: Only when they’s good. ::Nodding in understanding at T'Lea's explanation,she turned back at the little golden haired Vulcan hybrid smiling.:: T’Mihn: Well..same here. ::It was then T'Mihn's hair emitted a "mmeww! "and wiggled. A tiny,furry triangular solid black ear stuck out. The mass settled down purring quite loudly .:: :: A bit of shock moved T’Sara backwards a step when T’Mihn’s hair started making noise. T’Lea just watched with amusement.:: T’Sara: ::small gasp:: You grew another ear! ::Eyes widened. A hand gently touching the ear. She knew how to talk with children having some of her own. She never spoke down to them but on their level. She knew full well there was a kitten in her hair.:: T'Mihn: Oh! ::gasp:: I did? Where? ::Looking around. A long black bushy tail sprouted out the back of her head,swishing about.:: T’Sara: There! Right there! It’s moving like a slithers now. T'Mihn: oOSlithers?Oo ::Slithers was what T’Sara called snakes.:: T'Mihn: Up here?::touching her head.:: That's odd. I guess I did grow extra ears and a tail. :: Hand to chin in thought.:: Hmm a mystery yes? ::Her eyes sparkled getting a kick out of the little girl's antics,the kitten thought it was a new game,although He didn't like the dinging noise.:: T’Sara: Or a bad medicals problem. T'Mihn: You may have a point. So shall we all come in,I can introduce you both to my furry roommates. ::Bending down to whisper to T'Sara.:: Maybe one has taken up residence up there.. or perhaps I have a..:: both eyebrows raised::.. problem. ::A moment more of cautious study revealed the animal’s eyes, and it’s scared little aura. T’Sara giggled.:: T’Sara: ::to T’Lea:: That’s an aminal. Why is Lootenant Teemen wearing an aminal in her hair? T'Lea: It’s a cat, nugglet. And I think the animal is wearing Lt. T’Mihn. ::T'Mihn was within a hair's width of laughing at hearing that. The kitten wearing her.:: T’Sara: Cos it’s ‘fraidy? T’Lea: Most likely. Come on, scoot. :: T’Sara walked in, not taking her eyes off T’Mihn’s cat-hair.:: ::The small adult Vulcan saw the child's eyes glued to her head once the kitten emerged.:: T’Lea: She’s never seen a feline before. T'Mihn: Between us,I had not seen felines like this before either. T’Sara: Are they like rats? ::giggle:: Mommy’s afraid of rats. T’Lea: No, not like rodents. They catch and eat rodents, and snakes. ::Which sounded pretty handy to have around, in T’Lea’s opinion.:: ::T'Mihn knew many beings didn't like tiny rodents. Sometimes because of the tiny size, or potential for disease or property destruction. Sometimes they were just plain weird looking animals.:: T’Sara: They must be tasty. ::looking around:: Where’s the other fuzzies? ::T'Mihn lead them in to places to sit, then offered them water according to her culture when someone comes into her home.:: T’Mihn: Oh they are around here somewhere. ::T’Lea lead the little girl over to the couch and sat her down. Stillness and calm was probably the best way to lure the animals out. Curiosity getting the better of them eventually.:: T’Lea: It looks like you are almost unpacked. ::She stayed on the couch next to T’Sara and glanced around at some of T’Mihn’s things. They looked Vulcan, some ancient, which made sense considering *when* the woman came from.:: T’Mihn: Nearly finished. Only a few more to go. ::T’Sara giggled and tried to remain still when she saw the black feline loosed from T’Mihn’s hair, and then another pop it’s little head out from under the couch where her foot was.:: T’Sara: Why’s they so scaredy? I won’t hurt them. ::She bent down gently picking up the kitten, T’Mihn: We just came yesterday and none of us are used to the new sights, sounds and smells of our new home. Hold your hands out. I'll put the kitten in them. ::Eager and willing, T’Sara cupped her hands together and smiled with anticipation. T’Lea could almost feel the excitement radiating off the little girl.:: T’Lea: Remember to be gentle. ::She did so,T'Mihn placed the fuzzy animal in the girl's cupped hands. He looked up at the little girl "mewed ". Big green eyes luminous with absolute curiosity. The kit stood up stretching, arching his back, and yawned. Turned in a circle in the little girl's lap and started kneading with all four paws, a little rumbling purr coming out.:: ::Beaming. T’Sara was positively beaming with glee as the kitten nestled in her lap. With a careful hand she let her tiny fingers stroke the back of the black cats head. She could see it’s little eyes roll back as his eyelids fluttered open upon each petting.:: T’Sara: ::soft giggle:: He’s sleepy, and soft. He has inky furs. ::Black. Inky. The kitten had a lot of black fur, but also some white markings. Made sense to T’Lea, who just smiled at her daughter’s happy interpretation.:: T’Sara: ::looking at T’Mihn:: Do they like to play? T'Mihn: They just need encouragement. They enjoy playing with toys. T'Sara: So do I! ::She looked at T’Lea as if to say, “we’re a match made in heaven! Can I keep him!”.:: T’Sara: Where are the toys? ::She didn’t see any amongst the grown-up stuff.:: T'Mihn: Most likely under the couch. They swat them under here or drag them under. ::She saw the edge of a feather under the couch,got down on hands and knees, and pulled out a two foot long wand with a two foot long string attached to the end. At the end of the string was a bundle of feathers. She also found a ball that jingled. A piece of cellophane that made a crinkly sound. Another stick with feathers. She put them on the couch next to T'Sara and bent down to retrieve the rest. Some more balls,a simple laser dot pointer, a cat treat or two, a bone. Why was a bone under there? Maybe the previous residents had a canine. And a..lizard? Which wasn't a toy but alive that scrambled out over her arm,down her back and across the floor. A tall, graceful looking solid black cat was a hot second behind it. The science officer stood.:: T'Mihn: That is Ahyel, the kits' mother. ::She bolted after the cat. Trying to herd the reptile out of the feline's reach.::..and I don't want her to catch that. ::T’Sara’s eyes boggled at the speed of the adult cat. She giggled at the antics and continued petting Inky in her lap.:: T’Lea: Mind if I look around? You have some interesting … ::she almost called them artifacts::… items. T’Mihn: Please, go ahead. ::The kitten in T'Sara's was more interested in staying where he was. Ahyel chased the small lizard around the living room until it scrambled up the wall to nearly the ceiling out of Ahyel's reach. It didn't stop her from trying to get it from atop her tall cat tree. T'Mihn easily managed a jump and scooped the lizard off the ceiling, crossed the room to the window letting it loose outside. Ahyel gave her "big two legged kitten "a look that said "Why didn't you eat that? ":: ::By now T’Lea was studying a particularly old looking item on a shelf.:: T’Lea: The language is ancient Golic. Or… no could that be, FthinraKathi? ::Which was an extinct distant-relative of ancient Golic.:: T’Mihn: Hm. Ah. Yes..::squinting at the text,pointing to a script .:: This is Golic from my bondmate's family.:: Pointing to the other script on the piece.:: This one is Fthinra Kathi,my dialect. T’Lea: I would say of your belongings should be preserved in our vault. T’Mihn: I am actively using them. However,if that is true, then I belong in your vault too. T'Lea: In the name of science it would be useful, but impractical. ::She said it straight-faced, wondering if the humor would be noticed.:: T'Mihn: oOAh. A comedian. Ok Gracie, old George has something to add.Oo T'Mihn: I agree. ::A grin rugged a lopsided smirk out of her.:: When I was in there last, saw no facilities for personal use. It would be.. it would gross. You can put my sequenced genome in there however,takes up less space. ::Holding up a finger, then a gesture she'd seen humans do. A wink.::No mess. ::T’Lea frowned a little as her eye caught a plant in the room. She moved over to examine it closer, and then twisted her the wedding bracelet around to find a similar image engraved in the latinum.:: T’Lea: Hmm.. ::Walking over to stand next to the Chief who was admiring the plant in the window.:: T’Mihn: Did you find something interesting? T’Lea: My bondmate enjoys gardening. What species is this? ::T'Mihn's slender fingers gently touched the leaves and small flowers. A part of Ti'Valhka'Ain that only existed in two places. On t'Ogien and this room.:: T’Mihn: My family, mother and I are botanists. This plant is..uhh. was.::head shake.::... is called kusut-vedik . Also known as "pain plant ",used to ease pain in my time. It only grows in two places now. Here and the planet we settled. ::They had no choice. t'Ogien was closest. Their ship, the colony ark, held plant life from Vulcan held in stasis in whole forms and seeds. To Hopefully replant when they made planet fall. They resorted to herbal plant based, and mental medicinal methods to conserve resources. Little did T'Mihn know the priest Healers, the Reldai, had come from the same outgrowth on Vulcan.:: T'Lea: That is very… ::Strange. Freaky. Weird. Disturbing. Confusing. All those words seemed to fit what T’Lea was feeling.:: T’Lea: … wise. :: The hybrid turned, seeking an exit from talking about the plant and pointed out a piece of jewelry that stood out in the room. It looked ancient, but brand-new at the same time.:: T’Lea: This must have value. It’s quite beautiful. What do the markings mean? ::Something else caught the Chief's attention. T'Mihn picked up the item T'Lea was showing interest in. It was her platinum and tastefully bejeweled cloak clasp that bore her House and Clan's names with her bondmate's House and Clan names "written "in a green metal depicting kusut-vedik's stems, leaves as the flowing calligraphic letters. The names separate but joined.:: T'Mihn: It is my House and Clan name with Vahlihn's. T’Lea: Who is Vahlihn? T'Mihn:I will show you. ::Picking up a small locket -like item,she activated a hologram that showed a very handsome,seven foot tall and obviously well built Vulcan male standing arms wrapped around T'Mihn. He faced the holo cam, his cheek resting on top of her head,. Both had contented expressions on their faces. Today one would hardly find a image like this displayed in modern Vulcan homes. She showed it to T'Lea.:: T’Mihn: This is Vahlihn, my bondmate but is dead. ::Humans would call him"Hot looking " and "as well built as a brick house ". Female friends sometimes asking if he had a"single "brother. Once she knew the meaning of the idioms, she agreed. He was most definitely "hot looking ". He was hers and she was his. Wanting to be only his again.. but. Death was a natural part of life.:: T’Lea: I’m sorry. I did not know. ::At that T'Mihn smiled in face and eyes. One could tell easily how much she loved him. She put a hand on T'Lea's covered forearm as she answered.:: T'Mihn: That is alright. I miss him,but I have wonderful memories of our time together and our children. ::T'Mihn noticed some confusing if not complex array of emotions skittering across T'Lea's face and eyes. Did she have someone like this in her life?:: ::Nice job, remind her of her dead bondmate. She scolded herself, and looked back down at the bracelet, then to the cloak clasp and back at the bracelet once again as if to see the similarities in both. But how could that be? The items were forged centuries apart.:: ::She was suddenly having a brain overload.:: ::Her eyes lifted to meet T’Mihn’s with uncertainty, and then drifted back down to the wedding bracelet. Why the hell did both pieces of jewelry share the same images of T’Mihn’s frelling house plant?:: ::That was the kind of mind-frakking she didn’t need right now.:: ::Rattled by the weird plant and what it may mean, she cut T’Sara’s play-time short.:: T’Lea: I must thank you for your hospitality but we should be on our way. :: Would T’Mihn notice her quick exit, or the odd looks she was giving the cloak clasp? T’Lea didn’t want to stick around long enough to find out.:: ::That was abrupt. Had she offended T'Lea? After all, the Chief was looking at her things. Then seeing one of her plants and a clasp,T'Lea acted as if a demon jumped out of them and touched an icy finger to her katra. What was going on? She desperately wanted to ask but it was invading T'Lea's privacy to ask such a thing.:: ::The agitation and sudden nervousness radiated off T'Lea like a star shedding its outer envelope. T'Mihn 's brows knitted together in concern wondering if she hadn't offended her "boss". She thought she had left that "curse "with Tiger, but apparently it followed. She sighed softly,but recovered quickly enough to nod a "you're welcome ". Logic didn't make handling emotions or emotional beings easier at all, it sometimes seemed to make things harder. The trick was striking that balance.:: ::Having to fight the thought of possibly offending T'Lea,she told herself the Chief could be struggling with things unknown. For T'Mihn to take offense would not only be illogical, but wrong. Fates above and below --there were things that triggered very bad memories in her own life. The Science Chief needed time to handle whatever wraith got dredged up.:: ::The plaintive conversation between mother and daughter about little "Inky " continued. It brought her thoughts to the present. ,T'Mihn stayed out of it allowing the parent to handle things in her capable hands.:: T’Sara: Awww, but Inky wants to play now! T’Lea: You can visit him later. Come on. Let’s go. T’Sara: Can Inky come with us? Pleeeeeeeeeease? ::Now that was odd behavior. Vulcan children would never be so insistent. T'Sara at this age was smart, listened carefully and seemed to respond to reason even if a little vocal. She was only three, and showed a great deal of patience and love. T'Mihn thought these things would be infinitely valuable for her.:: :: As if T’Lea hadn't seen the begging coming a mile away. Still it was a great distraction from her quick attempt to flee.:: ::Seeing the subtle tenseness in T'Lea's body, as if she were preparing to very quickly leave but barred from doing so. T'Mihn carefully, gently stepped in,placing a hand gently on T'Sara's shoulder.:: T’Mihn: Little one, it is up to T'Lea and Della. You are always welcome to visit but :: Holding up a finger.::...with their permission. Ha? Yes? Inky will be here. ::She thought the name "Inky" was befitting and as her human friends would call"cute as a button". How animal adorability related to button cuteness was an equation she couldn't figure out. Although the kitten did look like he had spilled her inkwell on himself.:: ::T’Sara’s eyes lit up at the thought of having Inky as her very own. This was a test to see if T’Lea would cave-in under the pressure of her daughters ridiculous cuteness. She had to be strong. She had to be focused and logical.:: T’Sara: Cani keep him please, please, please? I’ll take good care of him. T’Lea: I… ::She was breaking, she could feel the walls starting to crumble, and then…:: T'Mihn: oODo not fall for it T'Lea. Be firm, be gentle. T'Sara will understand.Oo T’Lea: We’ll have to discuss it with your mother first. :: she knelt down to T’Sara’s level:: You understand this is a big decision, a family decision. That little life isn’t a toy. He’s going to be with us for quite a while. It’ll be his home too. T’Sara: I knows. He’s got really good colors and we’ll be best of friends. I promise. ::She wasn’t talking about the kittens fur. No, she was talking about the animals aura and the colors she saw vibrating off him.:: T'Mihn:oOColors?Oo ::Confusion flit across T'Mihn's face. Did she mean the fur, or something else? First T'Lea's very odd reaction to a simple flowering herb, now the child seeing other colors on the feline kit? The One's Name -what is occurring here?:: T’Lea: We still have to ask Della. Come along. Say thank you. T’Sara: Thank you, Teemehn. Bye Inky. I’ll miss you. ::She waved sadly at the kitten, and it tugged on T’Lea’s heart strings. Maybe she could make a case to Della about getting the kitten for T’Sara’s birthday. It was a week away after all.:: T’Mihn: You are welcome. ::Holding "Inky "in her hands she lifted a tiny paw to wave back.:: He says bye and will miss you. ::The mother and daughter left, T'Mihn stood watching, wondering, remembering. Him. Always in her thoughts, her mind and katra. Stepping back into her new abode, it was where she lived but it wasn't home. Her slender fingers closed around the ornate necklace around her neck. It rested under her clothing next to her skin. It was a wedding gift Vahlihn gave her those many years ago. When he placed it on her,she never removed it and never would. Even if Vahlihn was no longer alive, the jewelry he made with his own hands was as if he was.:: ::T'Mihn swallowed hard trying to shove the grief down. She needed to meditate and found a place on the floor, kittens piled into her lap as was their habit when she meditated,she sank into the quiet. A whisper so quiet almost not even heard.:: Ashal-veh ka'i. ::Whatever it was. It jerked her out of meditation. No one was in the room and she didn't speak. Maybe it was a rustle of leaves..A whisper on the wind. Or a memory. Reaching for the calmness again. Only the purring of three kittens and a cat were heard. A single tear dropped through the air, sunlight illuminating it as it fell to land on black silky fur.:: LT. T'Mihn Ah'mihghan Star Fleet 118th Fleet, Zeta Gelis Region Assistant Science Chief Embassy Duronis II USS Thunder NCC - 70605-A & Lieutenant Commander T’Lea Chief Science Officer Embassy Duronis II - USS Thunder NCC - 70605-A & PNPC. T'Sara Daughter of T'Lea and Della Vetri Played by T'Lea

Starfleet Priority Two STARFLEET PRIORITY TWO - NEW SHIP ASSIGNMENT USS REVOLUTION-B CONGRATULATIONS, MARINE CAPTAIN! YOU ARE TO REPORT TO THE “USS REVOLUTION-B” DURING THE NEXT 48 HOURS AND BE PREPARED FOR DEPARTURE WITHIN THE NEXT 72 HOURS. THIS IS A DEEP SPACE MISSION OF THE GREATEST…. He had stopped reading after that and so had she. The Marine sat on the edge of the bed, clasping his hands in front of him, elbows balanced precariously on his knees. Every now and then his hand went through his short hair to the back of his neck then back down again, resuming his original pose. It was the body moving around in the bathroom that he was listening so intently to. There was a loud sniff as emotion was drawn back from the brink again, though the noise hadn’t come from the green Marine. Words had been exchanged. Words had been heated and hurtful. Actions had been deceitful and devious, though unknowingly, as he’d now found out. He’d jumped to conclusions he never should have and make accusations that weren’t true. He was still learning, still waiting, still trying to reach that tip where he knew without doubt that he was right. Others had disappeared into the darkness, faded away into the background and he couldn’t be without her now. She was all he could see, all that was in his vision, the only one that ran through his mind at any given time. What was he asking for? A second chance? A chance to do all this again? To go through this again? Would it happen again? Would he end up alone? She moved out of the bathroom, wearing the same look she’d been wearing when she’d walked in. Tears had been falling and the slick streams left behind gave her soft skin a dampened sheen. He looked up and their eyes met. Was it still there? Did she still understand? She looked away, dropping her gaze to the floor and moved past the bed to the doorway. For a moment, she lingered there, one delicate hand poised on the doorframe. Her head turned slightly, her lips pursed as though she was about to say something. Her finger drummed on the metal. “I can’t go through this again.” Her hand released and she was out of the bedroom. He heard the sound of the door open… and close. She was gone. His head dropped again and his hands curled into his short hair. One arm shot out, picking up the padd from beside him on the bed, hurling it into the wall. It shattered into liquid and splintered pieces of metal machinery, launching themselves over the floor. He screamed loudly, a low guttural scream wrenching from deep inside his body, lurching up through the body of skin and bones and out into the cold room. The light of his life was gone. He was another nameless Marine in the sea of millions. She was gone.

Sorry to disagree with you buddy, but I'm an English man through and through. Part of the British Empire, but I only class myself as British on special occasions. Who would want to be part of a conglomerate society that's ruled by a man who clearly throws his own faeces at his children? Besides, with Irish roots, Scottish heritage and a bringing up in jolly old England, I'd like to think I'm English. It's not like saying "I'm an American!" Well, it is nowadays but back in the day it was something to be gosh darn well proud of and that should come back. Plus, no one can say they're a true Celt until their hairs stuck up, face painted in wode and screaming obscenities at sheep.

Eyup folks, when's Round 3 going to close for voting? Not that I'm eager or anything.

Ens Sariel Locke Chief of Science USS Constitution-B & Lt. Cmdr. Tash Zubowskivich Chief of Security USS Constitution-B ((Sariels Quarters - 0545)) :: Tash slowly came to consciousness, though not by any choice of his own. His head ached... hangover... big surprise. It didn't immediately occur to him that anything was different... except he was somehow aware there was no blanket. He almost always slept under wraps. :: :: Laying there, stretched out naked on his stomach, head turned to face off the side of the bed, green eyes barely opened. :: :: These... weren't his quarters. :: :: As soon as the fog of sleep lifted, he began to recall... Della... she was still in his quarters, for all he knew... and... 10-Forward for drinks... and... and then... :: :: Green eyes widened, but he froze. Paralyzed. :: :: A leg lay wrapped close over one of his. An arm crooked across his waist and over his ribcage. A hand lay comfortably splayed on his shoulder blade. :: :: His blood, for an instant, ran cold. :: :: He must have shivered, because that hand moved, tracing up the muscles of his back. :: Sariel: ::Sariel's eyes blinked open, Tash had shivered. Sariel gently stroked his back, the room wasn't cool.:: You cold? :: Tash didn't answer. He barely breathed. :: Sariel: ::The long silence caused Sariel to even woder if Tash had heard him, perhaps it had just been a bad dream. Sariel dropped his voice to a whisper.:: You awake? :: As it would happen, not breathing correctly led to a slightly hitched breath. He couldn't just lay here stupidly. :: Tash: ::voice breaking quietly through the sleep:: Yeah, I'm awake. Sariel: ::Sariel smiled.:: Good morning. :: A soft, almost incredulous laugh escaped him. Good morning? Well... what else did he expect? Wasn't that what people said in the morning? :: Tash: Good mornin'... :: Another quiet moment passed before Tash lifted himself up just a bit, onto his elbows, and turned to look at his companion. Yup... stark naked. He averted his eyes again, and must have turned an interesting shade of crimson before turning his head away again, laying his forehead on his own arm. :: :: He just wasn't sure what to do. A thousand instincts were screaming at him, and all of them said different things. It ended with him being actually able of doing nothing. :: Sariel: ::Sariel sighed, he could feel the lack of enthusiasm from Tash. It was in the tone, in the laugh, in the look Tash gave him; not at all like the look he had had when they had gone to bed.:: Are you okay? :: The long moment of contemplation that followed was likely the single most awkward moment Tash could claim to have ever found himself in. :: Tash: I... don't know. It's... :: Droning off, he wasn't sure what to say. He wasn't sure what to do. :: Tash: ::finishing meekly, his body nearly vibrating embarrassment:: This isn't what I usually wake up to, is all... Sariel: ::Sariel barked a laugh.:: I'm afraid I can't say the same. ::Sariel rolled off the bed and walked to the replicator, he turned to look at Tash who was looking at him as if parts were in the wrong order.:: Something to drink? :: Looking up at Sariel once more, this time more like he was some sort of odd alien lifeform. The most simple of things felt completely alien. :: Tash: Water. Just water. :: As the other man ordered up the drinks, Tash sat up, quickly grabbing up the first piece of clothing he could reach... his black, blue-striped sports pants... and covered himself, entirely too conscious of his surroundings. :: Sariel: Your head can't feel too good. ::Sariel tapped the console of the replicator, summoning at once some multi-vitamins and water he handed the glass and pill to Tash.:: Here, drink and swallow this. You'll feel better in a bit. ::Sariel took his own pill and chugged the water; though the headache hadn't set in yet he was sure it would strike eventually.:: Tash: Standard hangover protocol, of course. :: It wasn't anything he wouldn't have gotten for himself for any other hangover. Taking both and doing as Sariel did, he also drank down his entire glass in several large gulps, setting the glass down nearby. :: :: And his eyes rested solidly for a moment on the door to the bedroom. He was having trouble breathing normally. :: ::Sariel looked at Tash who looked like he would bolt for the door at any instant. Sariel sighed, first timers always ended one of two ways ecstatic joy, or total freak out; Tash was clearly the latter.:: Sariel: How much do you remember? Tash: I wasn't that drunk... all of it. :: And he did mean "all of it." Painfully so. :: Sariel: ::Sariel smiled:: Well you had fun... at least at the time. Tash: ::not sounding nearly as sure as the words he chose:: Yeah, can't contest that... Sariel: Look, if you have to go I'll understand. You don't need to be here to process. ::Sariel put a hand on Tash's naked thigh and was relieved that Tash didn't pull away.:: Tash: ::almost under his breath:: I do have to go... ::stronger now, looking at Sariel:: ... but not why you think. There's something I have to do. :: Green eyes pleading that Sariel believe him, he broke eye contact nervously and stood to dress. :: Sariel: Try not to run too loudly back to your quarters, it'll only draw attention. ::Sariel grinned, even knowing that Tash was absolutely running away. Sariel couldn't help but find humor in watching the man desperately try to find all his clothes; Tash had been exuberant in stripping down once things had gotten going.:: Tash: Okay... maybe a little of why you think... but I really have something I have to deal with. Its important. :: Della... :: But... ::turning, pants securely in place and slipping into his shirt::... I'm not panicking, ok? I mean, I am, a little, but that's not... it isn't... :: A sigh escaped him and he brought his hands up to rub his face. This was all coming out wrong. His hands fell, and he looked at Sariel... and it hurt, the disappointment he thought he saw there. The New Australian had a knowing face... as if he'd been abandoned before, the morning after. :: :: Though the panic was still lapping at Tash's heels, he couldn't justify leaving things like that. Sariel hadn't done anything he hadn't let him do. So he stepped forward, leaned down, used both hands to draw up Sariels jaw, and kissed him squarely with as much confidence as he could muster. He hoped it translated into a sort of insistence. :: :: He pulled away again, staying close and looking him in the eyes. :: Tash: We'll talk about this. My word. I'm *not* running. Sariel: Okay... ::Sariel whispered, only half believing what Tash was saying. Sariel released the back of Tash's neck after giving it a brief squeeze.:: :: Turning, Tash hunted down his shoes... which were on opposite sides of the empty room... and without even a glance in the mirror at his bed-styled, lopsided red hair, he fled Sariel's quarters at a jog. ::

Ens Sariel Locke Chief of Science USS Constitution-B & Lt. Cmdr. Tash Zubowskivich Chief of Security USS Constitution-B ((Corridors - Crew Quarters)) :: Tash had just had his sudden encounter with Ensign Little, the new tactical officer. Unfortunately, he felt no better off, even after attempting to regain his civility. Too many things going on all at once, too many people bleeding him dry... and an Ensign told him to “calm down.” What was that? Well... he knew what it was... it was a Vulcanish response to a somewhat crazed Terran tromping down the corridors like a Bakovik Bison. Those beasts had no sense to stop when they should. :: :: Still, meeting the “Happy Vulcan” had distracted him nicely. :: :: But as he reinitiated his corridor stalking, his mind returned to what had happened just a while earlier. :: :: What Della had done... he knew she likely had zero control over her emotional state, and it explained her empathy going nuts... but he still felt that grating, cold grip. Yet another crazy telepath... check that, empath... who had come to him and nearly controlled him. Twice! Was he so easy to influence? Wasn't he trained to resist such things? :: :: But then, to his credit, he *had* resisted. Just not right away. :: :: And so he stalked on, going from anger, to frustration, to worry, and right back into anger again in a vicious little internal cycle that rounded about that remaining desire pumping through his blood... when a familiar voice popped up on his comm. badge, a bit slurred. :: Locke: =/\= Sariel to Tash =/\= Tash: =/\= Yeah? =/\= :: Well, that was eloquent. "Yeah?" Sheesh... :: Locke: =/\= Commander, I believe I owe you a drink... care to join me in ten forward? =/\= Tash: =/\= Absolutely. =/\= :: His reply had been without hesitation. The prospect of a drink was more than inviting. He needed to calm his nerves... among other things. He could still feel that heat clawing at him... it was his own desire now, brought to life by Della's... but it wasn't *his* desire that was in question. :: :: Infuriated again, he tried to breathe evenly as he made a bee-line for the turbolift and Ten Forward. :: :: It didn't take long to get there, and when he did he immediately took speed to a seat next to the familiar figure at the bar. Without hesitation he slipped into the seat next over. :: Tash: I'll have three of what he's having. Sariel: ::Sariel grinned at Tash.:: Joining the drinking mens club then Tash? Tash: Eh... ::he literally waved a hand in front of him::... a really frustrating encounter, is all. :: He downed one of the three glasses of brandy laid out before him, then finally looked over at Sariel, realizing the man was well on his way to being drunk, and he looked no happier than Tash was at the moment. :: Tash: What's up with you? Sariel: ::One word said it all, Sariel was more than aware of Tash's history with Cura at this point.:: Cura. Tash: Hmm... :: So they had both had their secretive encounters for which they were frustrated and annoyed. In short supply he took the second glass. Apparently it was a "kill yourself on spirits" night for them both. :: Sariel: ::Sariel poured himself another shot of brandy and downed it in one, filling the glass again he sipped about half of it's contents and then proceeded to play with the liquid in the glass.:: Nice of you to join me. Tash: You know what they say about misery... Sariel: ::Sariel chuckled:: It does love it's company. So what's your excuse? :: He picked up his third brandy, dedicating himself to *not* shooting it like a shot. At least for a minute. :: Tash: Women. Emotional wrecks, all of'em.... Sariel: ::Sariel laughed:: Indeed, too many hormones. Tash: Why can't they be more like men? Stable! Sane! Everything has to be complicated! :: He wasn't raising his voice, but he was getting a bit more intense in his protestations. He also knew he was probably falling into the eternal "battle of the sexes" problem, which was one with no answer. Still, he could take Sariels lead and drink until he made up his own! :: Sariel: Well if they were life wouldn't be nearly as exciting would it? ::Sariel sipped his drink.:: Course I never imagined I would be this hard up over a woman. Cura wants us to go under cover... Tash: ::snorting unceremoniously into his third drink:: She was insulted when *I* tried to keep *our* relations secret... things change, apparently... how does that fly with you? You're okay with that? :: Bitter, much? :: Sariel: No, not okay with that. ::Sariel finished what was left in his glass and began slowly turning the glass in his hand.:: I don't need to be in everyone's face, but I'm not about to run around behind closed doors. Spent too much time doing that with others. Tash: ::an eyebrow raising, and a wry smile gracing his expression:: You've had that many secret trysts? Sariel: Eh, just some encounters at the Academy. Not everyone I've had an interest in has been interested in being seen with me. ::Sariel looked at Tash.:: Know what I mean? Tash: I understand... not that I'm admitting anything. :: A chuckle escaped, and he realized his ranting hadn't really made him feel better, and it changed into a sigh of defeat. To defeat his defeatedness, he downed his third glass of brandy. He glanced around them, looking at the somewhat busy room. :: :: Quite suddenly he felt this vague sense of remorse... he thought he heard someone behind him. :: Shadowlike Voice: <<I'm sorry>> Tash: ::turning to look behind him:: What? Sariel: Uhh, nothing. ::Sariel looked and raised an eyebrow.:: You okay Tash? :: Realizing he was talking to someone that wasn't there, Tash tried to shake it off and turned back to stare into his drink for a quiet moment. :: Tash: Do you mind if we take this elsewhere? Somewhere to drink in peace... Sariel: ::Sariel looked over his shoulder at the people in the bar around them:: There a problem? Tash: Just tired of being gawked at. Sariel: All right, well my place is a bit of a disaster. Your place? :: The thought of taking it to his quarters sent a sudden shiver down his spine. He'd left Della trapped there, unsure what to do otherwise. He supposed a quiet night of reflection... alone... couldn't hurt her. He'd make sure to let her out in the morning... and hopefully she wouldn't charge him not only with assault, but kidnapping as well. :: Tash: My quarters... aren't good, actually. Sariel: Oh well... ::Sariel thought about the state of his quarters, at this point he hadn't even made the bed let alone decorated.:: Tash: Nevermind... forget I mentioned it... Sariel: No, it's okay! ::Sariel grinned.:: My place, just don't mind the mess. :: Locke's quarters? That couldn't hurt. It would be the same as going to his... private. Quiet, above all else. Even the quiet conversations elsewhere in 10-Forward were getting on his last nerves. :: Tash: ::to the bartender:: Give us the bottle. My tab. :: Up, and perhaps a bit wobbly... Sariel more so than Tash, due to his pre-drunkeness... they left 10-Forward for a little peace and quiet within which they could drink and rave to their hearts content. :: ((Sariel Quarters)) ::Sariel walked into his quarters, getting the feel for walking drunk again he and Tash had made it to Sariel's Quarters none the worse for wear. The doors opened to the quarters and both men could see that the problem was not so much that the room was a mess as it was that Sariel had no possessions to speak of. In the center of the room sat a duffle bag with all that Sariel had to his name the rest of the room was as sterile as a jail cell. The only colour was from the Starfleet standard upholstery on the chairs and couches.:: Sariel: Yeah... Can you tell I really only sleep in my quarters? Tash: I admit, I expected you to have... toys. Electronics scattered about. Inventions laying everywhere. Guess I was wrong. :: Not that it was a bad assumption, just a wrong one. :: Sariel: Spent my childhood wandering through jungles and across prairie land. You learn not to carry more than you need. ::Sariel met Tash's eyes for a long moment they simply looked at each other then suddenly one or both broke contact.:: Another drink? Tash: Bring it. ::to the drink, then referring back to the quarters:: It’s fine. Spartan, but just fine. I’ve seen my share of living out of a pack. ::rekeying:: We’ll need tumblers. Sariel: Those can be replicated. Computer, two brandy glasses. ::There was a hum and the glasses appeared in the replicator slot.:: ::Sariel took the bottle Tash was holding, for a moment their hands touched. Sariel shook it off and poured two glasses of the brandy, one hand holding the glasses the other delicately pouring the drink.:: Sariel: So... Tash: ::lifting his glass in a mock toast:: Here’s to our resident Double-X, homogametic crewmembers! May they drive us insane quickly so we won’t suffer! :: The glasses clinked, and they drank, quickly requiring refills. :: :: However, even as they drank and shot the you-know-what, Tash realized he may have been in a better mood now, but he was still just as worked up. At least one for two, and he was in good company. But the remaining effects of Della’s empathic smackdown were still there, running behind his bravado. Though he was nowhere near a lightweight, he was quickly and happily less than sober, working the bottle of brandy down quite the ways. :: ((About 2 hours later)) :: It wasn’t something he could identify drunk, but Della’s empathic influence had left his system out of whack, and he was still feeling the aftereffects. :: Tash: ::a bit slurry, and suddenly remembering:: Ahh! I have this FINE bottle of Gentleman Jack. Almost 200 years old! You said it was your favorite, right? I’ll share it with you, no worries. :: He was sprawled on the standard issue Starfleet couch next to Sariel, a forgotten game of Othello left on the floor in front of them, the chips scattered about the floor. The place was now quiet and peaceful, as Tash had hoped... except for their own drunken ravings, of course. Through the course of the past couple hours, Tash’s Indiana twang had melted back into his speech, and he’d been able to hear a bit more of that New Australian accent as well. :: :: Somewhere along the line they had each slipped over, leaning against each others shoulders. Who knew when that had happened. Neither moved away. Tash: You know what we need? KLINGON women! Now *they* are straight forward, I’ll tell you that. None of this secretive, [...]-footing around. No games. Just... :: He was about to move into something that couldn’t be said in polite society, when his arm bumped Sariels as he lifted his drink. He lowered it again and looked over at the man a bit regretfully. :: Tash: Sorry about that... should probably settle down before I break your few possessions... Sariel: ::Sariel ran a finger along the side of his glass, picking up the few droplets of liquor that had been spilled.:: Just don't waste the booze. ::Sariel looked up at Tash, he met his eyes.:: oO Oh, to hell with it Oo :: Before Tash knew it, Sariel had leaned in and... :: :: Holy ghagh, the man was kissing him. :: :: It was tentative. It lasted no longer than 5 seconds. His near empty glass slipped from his fingers and onto the floor. :: :: Tash’s green eyes couldn’t close. He could only watch, in a state of drunken shock, as this happened. Though he didn’t exactly reciprocate... he didn’t pull away either. That crazed, passionate effect Della had had on him earlier flared to life... the alcohol dimmed his defenses... it came together in the one unlikely way that might have made him not strangle any other man for doing such a thing. :: :: But... far from wanting to strangle anyone, and momentarily lost in the very strange situation he’d found himself in... not to mention those searching blue eyes, and failing to find anything deceitful in them... he felt no fear. :: :: Or... he was just too drunk to feel it. :: :: Perhaps his shocked expression waned, because Sariel moved in for another kiss, this one more pushy than the last. This time, the expression was returned. :: Sariel: ::Sariel pushed Tash back into the couch pressing him against the cushions their lips met again. Sariel breathed hard his lips slightly back from Tash's he could smell Tash.:: If this isn't what you want, say so... now. ::Sariel could barely restrain himself but in the back of his mind he felt not giving Tash a way out would be taking advantage.:: :: Was that a “blue pill, red pill” question? Of course, everyone chooses the Rabbit Hole in the end. :: Tash: ::a bit out of breath, with his heart pounding away... he said the first thing that came to mind, despite his mounting uncertainty:: You want a third date first? Sariel: oO Close enough Oo ::Sariel began stripping of Tash's shirt suddenly his own clothing felt constricting. With Tash's shirt off Sariel could see the man's beautiful torso, a jagged scar crossed the intricate pattern tattooed across his chest.:: I was there when you got this... :: The thought of it sent an urgent shock through the drunk redhead. It wasn’t a clear thought, but the idea he could be just as easily dead again tomorrow... the simple question was... why not? Why not take your comfort where you can, when you can? :: :: That mounting uncertainty that had him shaking? Gone. :: Tash: Ruined my tattoo. Sariel: ::Sariel ran his hand along the scar.:: It makes for an interesting contrast. ::Sariel leaned down and kissed Tash's neck.:: We should move to the bed. Tash: ::a bit stupidly, as if the conversation was difficult to follow:: ... the bed? Sariel: Trust me, the bed will be better. ::Sariel got off Tash and grabbed his hand, guiding him to the sterile bed. Sariel pushed him onto the bed, smiling.:: Just relax... ::Sariel stripped his shirt off.:: I've done this before. :: Not much else was said. Nothing else needed saying. ::

(( QUARTERS - CHALLENGER )) ::Having spoken with T’Pen over their destination and what was coming up in the near future, Toni went back to her living accommodations to try and make sense of everything. Entering their quarters, Toni saw Heath and despite her hurt, her heart still leaped at the sight of him. Trying hard not to show it, she spoke dryly.:: Turner: I see you made it home in one piece. :: Heath smiled, despite the situation. Seeing her seemed to make it better and worse simultaneously.:: West: Enjoy Bajor? Turner: ::sighing heavily:: I didn't go to Bajor. I went with Danzia to DS24 for Admiral Anderson's services. oO How could he forget something like that? Oo How was your trip? :: He rounded the island in the room and walked to her, slipping his arm around her waist and kissing her cheek.:: West: Yeah, it was...interesting... ::She thought about not telling him she knew that Kyle was his father, but felt it was best to just get it out in the open.:: Turner: ::moving away from him:: I'm sure your father was glad to get home. :: Heath frowned.:: West: I took him back home and came back here...why? I thought you could use the time alone. ::Fighting tears, she stood as erect as possible.:: Turner: Oh yes, that was thoughtful of you, but I found it a little on the impossible side to get married without a groom. :: He [...]ed an eyebrow.:: West: Only a little impossible? ::Somehow his attempt at humour escaped her, and in a flash her eyes were blazing toward him.:: Turner: Okay it was impossible. You know what I meant. Heath why couldn't you be honest with me? West: I was expecting this. Turner: Why Heath? West: Well what did you expect me to tell you? My father deals in the Black Market? On top of everything else, Toni, I don't think it would be a shining moment for us. Turner: Yes, I expected the truth from you. No it may not have been a "shining moment," but it could have been a moment of honesty between us. Heath, we can't expect that all our moments will be shining, and I don't understand why you chose to keep it from me. West: ::he sighed:: I don't know... maybe I just thought... Turner: You thought I would think less of you if you told me the truth? You didn't trust me to understand? West: No, I trust you... I just... ::he ran over his head:: Nobody understands, how could you be any different? ::She stood her ground squarely in front of him:: Turner: ::softer:: Look Heath, I'm a woman who loves and trusts you, with anything and everything, and all I've ever wanted is your love and trust in return so we can get over these hurdles of life together. I never expected you to be perfect as I am not perfect either. :: The young lad sat down and sighed, rubbing his eyes with the pads of his thumbs.:: West: I thought... I thought that if I gave him what he wanted he'd just leave. I didn't think, not for one second, that he'd tell Vee or you'd find out until he left then we could... Turner: Well, you got your wish, I didn't find out until after you took him home. And now that he is gone, were you ever going to tell me? Was that your plan? West: Then we could talk about it and get married; he manages to taint everything, I didn't want this to be part of his poisonous game. :: he crossed his arms and sat back:: And he's managed it; somehow. Turner: No, he didn't manage it, although he did try. It was you not trusting me with the truth. :: She was right; he'd done it this time. He'd lied and by lying he'd managed to screw it all up.:: West: Then maybe I can't change. Turner: And maybe since you distrust me so much you want to walk away from what we have together without trying to work it out? That's a cop out, Heath, and you know it. Here is honesty... ::choking back her tears:: Yes, I'm hurt and disappointed that I have not made you realize that I love you. I've done everything to try and make you see that I'm worthy of your love and trust, but I have failed miserably. If you can't love me, then that will not change how I feel about you. I'll love you anyway because I can't change either. :: Heath shook his head and stood up, standing in front of her. He looked down and slipped his hand into hers, rubbing the engagement ring with his thumb.:: West: ::quietly:: I love you, Toni; you know I do... I haven't exactly proven it lately, have I? Turner: No, you've been distant, and with this, I'm not sure you do anymore. West: I know you do, I just... I couldn't believe it, you know? After everything I've done, I didn't think you could... that we'd finally be doing it. Turner: I don't care what you've done, or what you were, or who your parents are. I only know what you are now, and how very much you mean to me. You're using your past as an excuse. West: It's not an excuse and it's not a cop out. ::he looked up:: I'm amazed that you want to do it. Turner: ::looking at him questioningly:: Amazed that I would want to marry the man I will always love? How could you say that? West: Amazed that you’d want to marry me. There’s a big difference. Turner: Then love me enough to let me spend the rest of my life proving that my love for you is real. West: Name the time, name the place. Turner: What about right now? We've put it off too long already. West: Because it wouldn’t prove anything; it’d be rushed and we’d hate it. I want us to really do this, and that means taking some time to do it. ::Dropping her head, she sighed, knowing he was right, but still wondering if this was just another stall.:: Turner: More time? We've put it off since last December. West: Not off the cuff like it has been. "We’re doing nothing for shore leave, let’s do it then!" It wouldn’t feel right. ::Seeing that he was not going to budge, and that it would be better not to do it on the spur of the moment, she crumbled on her resolve.:: Turner: ::quietly, wrapping her arms around him, leaning into him:: Alright, you win. We'll invite the senior staff, my uncle and Kyle, and have a blow out shindig. :: He faltered a smile and slipped his arms around her. It wasn’t about winning; he didn’t want to win because he had been in the wrong. He just didn’t want to make it a moment, maybe the defining moment in their relationship, to be as rushed as everything else had been.:: West: My mother wants to be there. Turner: ::nods:: And your mother, and what about your daughter? West: I think she’ll be coming with Elle, but I could be wrong... :: Gently, he touched Toni’s chin and lifted her gaze up to his, looking into her eyes. He smiled then, genuinely, and touched her lips lightly with his own.:: West: I love you. I want or wedding to be ‘ours’ and right for us; not just convenient, you know? Turner: ::sighs:: Yeah, I know, and down deep, I do too. West: Besides, you can’t be mad at me after we’re married. It’s a clean slate. I have to get all my annoying tendencies out in the open now. Turner: ::teasingly:: You have more? Maybe I should really reconsider this marrying you. :: He grinned.:: West: I have hundreds, maybe thousands... Turner: ::smiling:: Okay, what are these annoying tendencies? :: The atmosphere seemed lighter now. Heath smoothed his fingers in-between Toni’s, flattening the palms against one another.:: West: I... leave socks in the middle of the room... I don’t like to replicate juice in a glass; instead I drink from the carton... Turner: You left out some, didn't you? What about leaving the tooth paste cap off and not putting the lid down? ::laughs:: :: He poked her playfully in the ribs.:: West: And what about you? Not making the bed in a morning, leaving your robe in the living room... Turner: Me? Would I do that, or should I say not do that? West: You slipped up! ::he raised his arms up:: I am the greatest! You lose the battle of bad habits! Turner: Now wait a minute... usually you are still in bed, so how can I make it? And when I leave my robe in the living room, it usually because that's where you took it off. :: Heath lifted an eyebrow.:: West: I have to plead my case here... I haven’t worn your robe in months. Turner: ::laughing:: Come to think of it, I haven't either. Hope that trend continues. :: The Kerelian grinned and nuzzled his nose against her cheek.:: West: I hope it does... In fact I think one of my worst habits is delaying the inevitable, wouldn't you agree? Turner: ::she matched his grin, and spoke quietly:: I agree wholeheartedly. So what do you have planned for the next hour? West: My undivided attention to my fiancée. ::he kissed underneath her ear:: I think that could work out quite well. Turner: ::tugging on his shirt, moving toward the bedroom:: Yes, I think that would work out for the short term. :: He followed where his shirt was being tugged.:: West: And in the long term? Turner: ::smiles:: I think we can work something out that will be mutually satisfying. TBC Lt.Cmdr Toni Turner Chief of Operations Executive Officer USS Challenger & Major Heath West Battalion XO SMFC Detachment USS Challenger