Alora DeVeau

OOC: Richards' quips are just too funny. IC: (( Main Shuttle Bay, Deck 9, USS Octavia E Butler )) Anton stood back and placed his hands on his hips, seemingly admiring the outside of the shuttlecraft. It wasn’t the shuttle that gave Anton his sense of pride, it was the large stash of explosives and explosive devices that Lahl and himself had spent the better part of an hour organizing and properly storing. Anton had checked and double checked each one of their “supplies”. Promontory: Ready to do some damage? Nilsen: I mean, this is going to be one heck of a boom. Josh would be sad he missed it. Lahl: I’ll record it for him and we’ll replay it in the holodeck. Anton admired the idea. He would have to be sure to check in with that. Richards: That sounds cool. Promontory: All set? Nilsen: Aye sir. All ready. Anton nodded. Lahl: Ready as I’ll ever be to be part of a heist. 0O Timorzin’s surreptitious activities were a lot safer. O0 Promontory: Let’s get onboard and set off! Anton anxiously cut in front of the rest of the crew Richards: I’m driving! ((Cockpit, Shuttlecraft Talents)) Anton was not “driving” and he sat staring forward thinking about just how unfair that fact was. Nilsen: Anton, can ya get me priority one flight clearance from fight ops. Richards: No. Anton cleared them anyway of course. Flights ops: =/\= Talents, flight ops, confirmed clearance. Flight path clear, good hunting =/\= Nilsen: Lahl, when you’re ready, light her up for me, and I’ll do the rest. Anton could have done the rest. He could have done it really well, and he probably wasn’t even going to hit the wall of the shuttlebay like on the previous occasions. Lahl: Aye sir. ::fingers flying across the console, the engines lit up like a human Christmas tree:: Anton’s spirits raised with each little light. He wasn’t going to stay upset on what might be the only time traveling explosion based mission in his career. No. This mission was too important for that. Promontory: Response Nilsen: So these pretty things can dodge most long-range scanners, but I also don’t know what advancements they’ve made in 800 years, so, I’m going to fly us fast-ish and low. How close do you want me to get to the compound? Lahl: Well, we need to be close enough that we’re not hoofing it over miles, but far enough away that security doesn’t find us immediately. Also, how fast is “fast-ish”? Promontory: Response Richards: Just keep it steady Nilsen. We can’t be… exploding. Anton delivered this pouty statement through a full smile and he wasn’t going to be able to keep pouting for long, no matter how hard he tried. Nilsen: Oh you bet I’m flying this girl carefully. I’m all for a barrel roll but today…call me grandma Nilsen…then again, my grandma was a daredevil, so maybe not. Course laid in sir. Lahl: Thank you sir. Richards: You got it, Grandma! It seemed as though the last bit of pout had left Anton, and to be honest. Grandma Nilsen was a much better pilot than himself anyways. Promontory: Response Nilsen:: Good to see that in 800 years, the consent gravitational pull of a planet’s poles hasn’t changed. We should be hidden now. Lahl: Why do I feel the only thing doing more heavy lifting than that “should” is Lieutenant Caras…sir? Richards: Annnd Richards. Promontory: Response Lahl: Lieutenant Nilsen, have you thought about not hitting every bit of atmospheric disturbance? Anton nodded in obvious agreement although the pouting could barely be noticed through the large smile of anticipation. Promontory/Nilsen: Response Richards: You’ve gotta be kidding me. Lahl: No, no, I have no interest in flying myself. I’ll leave that to you. Richards: Yeah. I guess you are doing okay… grandma. This was the last one, Anton promised himself. Promontory: Response (( Walking Distance to Base, Sbadni Moon)) Nilsen brought them down onto the moon a short distance away from the base. Not needing to wear an EV and constantly worry about oxygen levels were a bonus on an already great sounding mission. Lahl: ::looking around at where they landed:: Lieutenant Nilsen…did you intend for us to be at the base of a mountain? ::looking up at the slope between them and their destination:: Anton with hand on chin observed the mountain. Richards: You mean it’s… Anton pointed directly forward at the slope. Promontory/Nilsen: Response Lahl: No, it’s fine…::whispering to herself:: More climbing training in the holodeck… Anton decided it would be best to ignore Lahl’s sentiment towards Nilsen as he may have contributed to it in some way and Anton was no longer feeling “pouty” He thought about making the climb up the slope with all their explosives and he was beginning to regret adding those few “extras” onto the list as they were just going to make the trip more difficult now. Richards: You guys think there is a way around? Lahl/Promontory/Nilsen: Response Richards: Well… At least there's no suits. Lahl/Promontory/Nilsen: Response Anton smiled. Richards: Maybe it’d be easier to transport the supplies. We could wander ahead and find a good location and then just beam the supplies there. Lahl/Promontory/Nilsen: Response Richards: Either way, best that we don’t get spotted just carrying this stuff around. How long before the other teams are in place? Lahl/Promontory/Nilsen: Response Tags/TBC =================== Lieutenant Anton Richards Security Officer USS Octavia E. Butler - NCC-82850 T239802AR1 =================== -- You received this message because you are subscribed to the Google Groups "USS Octavia E. Butler – StarBase 118 Star Trek PBEM RPG" group. To unsubscribe from this group and stop receiving emails from it, send an email to sb118-butler+unsubscribe@googlegroups.com. To view this discussion on the web visit https://groups.google.com/d/msgid/sb118-butler/0d8c5409-3d45-47f5-ad97-980cfa9e200cn%40googlegroups.com.

This year's theme for USS Octavia E Butler is "Tarot Cards." I confirm that we have: ✅ Properly named all avatar files and uploaded them to the wiki. ✅ Properly named our category on the wiki. ✅ Properly categorized our category on the wiki.

This thread is for each member of the crew to check in with their new avatar on their profile. For a check-in to count, each crew member must include a funny quote, quip, or greeting (i.e.- "Trick or treat!") that matches the character or theme. The more people you have checked-in, the higher your overall score! Please read these instructions very carefully – missing any step may disqualify your crew! Participants must be checked-in to this thread by Monday, October 28th at 11:59pm Pacific Time. Avatars must remain in their costumed forms until at least Thursday, October 31 at 11:59pm Pacific Time. Do not post anything except check-ins here – no other discussion or joking around, please! Players can only check in ONCE per contest. If you're playing two characters on two different ships, you have to decide which ship you want to participate with. Your participation will not count against your second ship. We'll discount the other ship's roster to account for your participation on this ship. If you have crew members who cannot access the forum due to accessibility issues, the CO must notify FltAdml. Wolf. The second post in this thread must contain the following: A clear and direct announcement of the ship's theme. Confirmation that your crew followed the "Halloween Avatar Contest avatars uploading process" exactly – use the "Section 3. Check your work" checklist to ensure you've not violated any rules. Here's an example:

This made me chuckle.

This sounds right up Alora's alley!

I just love Tanner's reaction!

And of course, all the typos that I didn't catch when I read through it before sending. XD

This tickled me.

((Vahin Family Compound, Undersea Habitat 12, Kisaran Ocean, Bolarus IX)) After a quick transfer at DS9, Vahin had finally made it back to Bolarus IX and in a matter of moments would be seeing his mother Osi in person for the first time since she received the diagnosis that she had mendaxic neurosclerosis. The silicon-based disease was fatal, and so far, there was no cure. It was believed that an active positronic matrix would be the key to unlocking the mysteries of this disease but the attack on Mars in 2385 had put an end to that. It wasn’t until just recently, with the ban overturned, that research could once more begin in full. The Vahin family compound didn’t look much different from the last time Vahin had been there. He was sure, that if he checked, his small apartment would look exactly how he had left it. But for now, he wanted nothing more than to see his mother. He had purposely avoided telling the rest of his family he was visiting, he loved them, but his trip was a short one and he wanted to focus on his mother. He pressed his hand to the doorpad outside his parent’s apartment and walked through the door as it slid open. As the familiar sights and sounds of his childhood home hit his senses he was overcome with a wave of memories. There was the spot he and his twin sister Arixu use to pretend they were undersea explorers. There was where his older twin brothers Drevu and Dasiu used to playfight much to their parent’s annoyance. A pot bubbled on the stove and the apartment was filed with the smell of stewing fish; no doubt one of his father’s delicious concoctions. Vahin’s stomach grumbled but he walked past the kitchen to the back of the apartment where his parents’ room was located. As he reached their door he softly knocked. From the other side of the door he heard his father Aram’s voice telling him to enter. Vahin walked into the room to find his father sitting next to their bed holding his mother’s hand. His mother’s eyes were closed and her chest slowly raised and lowered as she breathed. Aram: ::quietly:: Araxxu! We didn’t know you were coming. His father gave his mother’s hand a gentle kiss before standing and embracing Vahin in a tight hug. Aram: It’s so good to see you in person. We missed you. He closed his eyes and returned his father’s hug. For a moment he felt like a child again; safe in the arms of a parent he knew would always protect him. But as he opened his eyes he saw his mother laying in bed and he knew those days were far behind him. Vahin: How is she today? His mother looked much frailer than last time he had spoken with her. He noticed her skin was a paler blue then normal and she had lost weight. It was odd seeing her laying in bed. She was normally awake more hours in a day than she slept, if not at work then puttering around the compound tending the plants or helping family members with whatever they were working on. Aram: Today…today is not a good day. She is very weak. His father looked over at Osi and for a moment it seemed like the man would begin to cry. He took Vahin’s hand and led him over to the seat at his mother’s bedside. Aram: Sit, sit. I have a stew to tend. She will be so happy to see you when she wakes. Vahin took a seat and reached out to take his mother’s hand in his. Her hand felt so small and fragile in his but also familiar and he wished he never had to let go of it. They sat like that for some time. Minutes went by and he simply watched her sleep. The grown-up doctor in him had left and he was simply a boy who loved and missed his mother. He felt the tears begin to slide down his face. Osi: ::softly:: Oh Arax. So, like your father. With his free hand he wiped away the tears and tried to compose himself as he smiled down at his mother. Osi: I’m so happy you came. Have you seen Ari? Vahin: Not yet mother. I came to see you first. Osi: Well as you can see I’m perfectly fine. She began to chuckle but soon the chuckle turned to coughing and Vahin handed her a glass of water that sat next to the bed. Osi: ::she drank then handed the glass back:: Thank you Arax. Vahin: Mother I’m sorry I’m not here more. I want… Osi: Hush dear. You have important things to do. Exploring the Ring. How exciting. Bolarus was never going to be enough for you. I’m so happy you joined Star Fleet. Tears began to well up behind Vahin’s eyes and he tried to blink them away. He reached into his pocket and pulled out the small box that Commodore Oddas had given him only a few days ago. He opened it and held it out for his mother to see. Vahin: They promoted me. I’m a full Lieutenant and they made me Acting Chief Medical Officer. Osi reached out and took the pip box in her frail, shaking hands. She ran a finger over the shiny pips before she looked up at Vahin and smiled. Osi: Oh Arax. How wonderful. ::cough:: I’m happy that Commodore Oddas sees how hard you’re working. Vahin: Thank you mother. She’s a great leader, one of the best in Star Fleet. Osi: Now tell me all about what you’ve been up to on Denali. How is Drex? When will he come visit? What about Kettick, he didn’t hurt himself again did he? I know Remmilian’s are tough but tell him I worry about him. Vahin smiled as his mother spoke about the crew of Denali Station. It was just like her to remember all the names of everyone he had every mentioned to her. He was glad that, so far, the disease that was destroying her body had left her mind intact. Vahin: Drex sends his regards. He wanted to come on this trip but it was such a quick turn around. I’ll see if he can come next time. Kettick is good, Alix patched him up really well from last time he got hurt. His mother gives Vahin a loving pat on the hand. Osi: I know it was hard when Dr Harford was transferred. It’s never easy losing someone you enjoy spending time with. Vahin: oO I don’t want to lose you either. Oo Osi: But what about Commander DeVeau? I hope you have pictures of that darling child of hers. And what about that counselor Strathmore and Lt Commander Falt? They’re doing well I hope. Vahin: It’s Commander Falt now and yes mother, they’re all doing well. Osi began to try and sit up more in bed and Vahin reached forward to help her. Osi: Well, we have time before your father’s stew is done and I’m not going anywhere. So why don’t you tell you mother all about what’s been going on around Denali. I could use some excitement. I love your father but his stories about the water reclamation system in hydroponics aren’t exactly thrilling. And so, sitting next to his mother’s bed, his hand in hers, Vahin spent the next few hours telling her all about life on Denali and the crew there that he thought of as family. NT/END <><><><><><><><><><>=/\=<><><><><><><><><><> Lt Jg Araxxu Vahin Medical Denali Station D240006AV3

((Drex’s quarters - 38th Floor, Soldotna)) The days had passed quickly after his return from the routine mission to improve communications within the Ring. The unpleasant experience in the parallel universe had caused Drex to spend much of his free time studying subjects outside his speciality. The amount of work, however, was excessive, and he had ended up in Commander DeVeau's office with the utopian expectation of receiving a magic formula that would free him from the discomfort of ignorance. In what little free time he had left after returning from the boat trip with Araxxu, Falt and the new Ensign Tanner, he had tried to make himself useful by looking after little Shyla whenever Alora needed a good night's sleep. So, hour after hour, day after day, he had spent little time in his apartment and neglected to call home. In the end, however, he had had to give in to the call of hibernation, and when he had found himself at home with nothing to do, he had called Ayra before going to bed. Ayra: You’re still wearing the pendant… :: The tone halfway between question and observation :: Drex lowered his gaze to look at the metal disk hanging on his chest. It was a silly superstition, but harmless. And he liked the shape and color. Drex: Won’t harm. Ayra nodded. From so far away there was little she could do for her brother. She had asked him to come home and even thought about visiting him on Denali herself, but Drex had categorically refused both options. Gods knew who he wanted to impress by being tough! Ayre: Are you resting at least? Drex looked back at the monitor and smiled. Drex: Yes, I am. And I’m ready to hibernate. :: He straightened his shoulders, showing off his pajamas.:: What about you? When will I be an uncle? Ayra caressed her belly gently, returning the smile. Ayra: Two more months at least… Do you want to know if it’s a boy or a girl? Drex: I already know! :: He smiled slyly :: Ayra: You do? Who told you? :: She frowned :: Drex: Nobody… I bet is a girl. You look so beautiful and bright. It has to be a girl! That was one of their mother’s theories: girls would make the mother prettier. And supporting this theory was the fact that Lora had never made a wrong prediction. Years before, when the family held a bet about the first pregnancy of Dania, Drex searched for a scientific explanation. With his own surprise he even found a valid reason in the production of male hormones in the fetus. Nevertheless he was far from his mother's infallibility. Ayra: :: Nodding :: We’ll name her Meli. :: She took a brief pause :: How's it going over there? I tried to call you more than once in the last week, but you’re always busy. What’re you up to? Drex shrugged slightly. Drex: The usual. Working, studying… I’ve been out trying the boat. Ayra: I saw her out of water. Dad was filling her with all the scanners she could take. Drex: Yeah, way too many… Will he really analyze all that data? The whole Ring is artificial, what does he hope to gain? This time it was Ayra the one who shrugged. Ayra: I’ve no idea. He didn’t involve me in this. Drex: Of course he didn’t :: He smiled slyly :: He knows you’ll tell me what he’s up to, but please inform me if he leaves Kalus. I don’t want to find him knocking at my door. The woman giggled and nodded. Ayra: I will. So… any news? Drex: About what? Ayra: About anything… Dominique or any other… Drex shocked his head. Drex: Pregnancy is making you worse than Ral, you know , don’t you? Ayra: Oh, come on! Don't think I'm going to imbibe the story you've been studying all day! As Ayra bended towards the display, Drex turned his eyes away. Out of the window, clouds had covered the sun and the evening was darkening fast. Ayra: Ah ah! What is it? No, no… Who! is it? Drex: I think I have to go now. :: He moved as to interrupt the call :: Ayra: Don’t you dare Drex or you'll have to worry not only about dad at the door. He did not let her finish her threat. The display went dark. The notification of a new incoming call began to ring a second after. He ignored it and, getting up, went to the window. With the clouds gathering in the sky, rain was not long in coming. The first drops wet the window and Drex followed one of them with his finger along the glass. If he had been smarter, he would have told her something about Dominique. Now she would have tormented him until she got the truth. Lucky, he will have five to six days to hope her own business would distract her enough to leave him alone. oO Credeghe… she’ll find out, just tell her now. Oo He chose a new drop to follow. Drex: It ain’t any of her business. The notification finally went off. oO Safe for now. But you’re hiding from yourself. Oo Drex: I’m not. I just need to go to sleep. oO Liar. You like her. Oo Drex: ::Taking a deep breath:: I… don’t. And you know it. And we know it’s complicated. She’s a good friend, at least, I hope we can be friends. The Denobulan took his finger off the glass and closed his hand. oO I know. Then why are you so scared of Ayra? Oo Drex: Because I know her. She won’t believe I’ve changed so much to babysit someone else's child. oO But you are. And you’re doing great. She told you more than once. Oo Walking towards the bed, he touched the environmental controls, plunging the bedroom into darkness. He needed to sleep. The surreal conversation he was having with himself was clear evidence of the confused state his mind had now entered. He crawled into bed and curled up on his side, finally closing his eyes. There was only one woman he was in love with, and she was on Denobula. And the five years he had been away have not changed that. NT/END ============ Lieutenant Drex Science Officer Denali Station D240011D14

Welcome and welcome back!

She's so darn cute!

And they're all true!!!!

See what happens when you tell a woman who is both Andorian and marine "no".

((Drex’s Quarter - 38th Floor - Soldotna - Denali Station)) As he moved from Anchorage tower to Soldotna tower Vahin was once again taken aback by how similar the towers were to the ones they had raced through on Melale. He wondered how much of that water-logged city matched the one he now called home. What strange parts of Denali could be found mirrored in that other city? In his hand he carried a bottle of Bolian wine his brother had sent him as a gift a few months ago. He had never gotten around to drinking it and hoped it would make up for a mistake he had made a few months ago. He approached Drex’s apartment’s door and pressed the PADD next to it in order to alert the occupant inside. Like almost every time he was at home off-duty, Drex found himself in the small room he had transformed into his art studio. Standing in front of a medium-sized canvas, he delighted in experimenting with a new painting style after seeing the picture of a work by a French artist sent to him by Dominique. The painting was far from finished, as a large part of the upper area was still missing, but through the many dots, some humanoid figures near a lake with turquoise waters were unidentifiable. Drex took a step back, observing the effect of the last brushstrokes applied and at that moment he heard the doorknob ring. He put the brush on the nearby table and grabbed the rag he used to clean his hands before reaching the living room and the entrance door. As the door slid open to reveal the friendly Denobulan scientist ,Vahin smiled and waved with his free hand. Drex was not expecting any visitors and his clothes were a mess of colors and stains, but it was with pleasant surprise that he smiled at the guest he found in front of him. Vahin: I’m sorry to disturb you Lieutenant Drex but I just wanted to give this to you. He held the bottle of wine out for Drex to take. Drex: You never disturb me Doctor and, please, stop calling me that. I’m Drex and that’s enough. To what do I owe the pleasure of having you here? Drex lowered his eyes on the bottle offered and took it before moving from the door allowing the Bolian to enter the apartment. Vahin: It’s for two reasons. One to congratulate you for your promotion and, two, because I forgot to bring it to the wonderful potluck you held. ::lowers his head in shame:: I hope you can forgive me for the second one. Drex: There’s nothing to be forgiven for, Araxxu. Please come in. Vahin raises his head and smiles at Drex’s response. Vahin: Thank you for saying that. So… ::he cranes his neck to try and see past Drex:: how are your paintings coming along? I remember that one you had made of the girl from the story book your mother used to read to you. Drex moved into the living room and put the bottle on the table. Drex: The one behind you… :: He nodded as he took a couple of glasses from the cupboard :: My painting activity is going well, I’m experimenting with new techniques. Do you paint or maybe are you a sculptor? Vahin turned to look back at the entrance he had come through and saw the beautiful mural painted around the door. More seemed to have been done on it since he was last in Drex’s apartment and it had only enhanced the painting. Vahin: Beautiful. ::turns back to Drex:: I’m afraid the Vahin family isn’t known for its artistic ability. One of my older brothers sings a bit but that’s as close as we’ve come to having an artist in the family. While listening to the Doctor, he left the glasses near the bottle and walked to the kitchen area, from where he could still see and talk with Vahin. Drex: We’re better off eating something, what do you prefer? Salted or sweet? Maybe both… Vahin gave the question more thought than it was probably needed, both sounded good, so he said so. Vahin: I’m happy with either though salted probably wins out by a hair. Like they say back home, “You can take the Bolian out of the ocean but you can’t take the ocean out of the Bolian.” In other words, salt is in our blood. ::he chuckles:: I mean obviously sodium is in our blood and in higher levels than a lot of species but I think we’re meant to take in a more metaphorical sense. The Denobulan smiled at Vahin’s explanation. Drex: Please, have a seat :: Pointing to the sofa and armchairs near the large glass wall. :: And let’s get all the time we need to enjoy this bottle in good company. He gave Drex a large smile as he watched the friendly Denobulan place food down on the table. He took the offered seat and relaxed back into one of the comfortable armchairs. Vahin: Once again you’re an excellent host. You and my sister would get along well. She throws the most amazing parties, every guest leaves with a smile on their face and a full belly. Vahin patted his belly as he spoke. Vahin: It probably came from having a twin who loves to eat. What about you Drex, what’s your family like? Drex uncorked the bottle and poured a generous amount of the Bolian wine in each glass, before taking a seat on the other side of the low table, facing the Bolian. Drex: My family… is a large family, not as big as many on Denobula. I have a twin sister and four, well almost five, half siblings and two official step mothers and I think three step fathers. I’m not sure if my mother is married or not at the moment. As Drex spoke about his family Vahin’s mind drifted to his mother, she had spent a few days in bed recently as her sickness flared up. When not in the clinic Vahin had spent as much time speaking to her over the vid-screen as possible. It had been hard seeing his one strong and energetic mother looking frail and bedridden. But he had come to visit Drex, in part, to get his mind off of things back home and he decided then he needed to push away some of the darker thoughts that crowded his mind and focus on the conversation at hand. Vahin: It can be hard being away from family, can’t it. But I can never seem to find the time to get back home to visit. The Denobulan pushed one of the glasses towards Vahin. Vahin takes the offered glass with a thankful nod and holds it in his hand. Drex: I didn’t go home this shore leave, but it’s not the time that I’m missing. Yet I know doctors duties are way heavier than mine. Unfortunately the moment we choose to serve in Starfleet changed our priorities and our responsibilities. Vahin: ::sighs:: So true Mr Drex. We did sign up for this life and I don’t regret it most days. Drex lifted his glass, studying the liquid against the light. Its color was dark ruby red with garnet reflection. Even though he was not a connoisseur, he was able to recognize it as an aged bottle. Drex: But some days you do… What's going on, Araxxu? Do you have a fiancé who is tired of waiting for you? Vahin: ::chuckles but then frowns:: If only it was that. Drex: I can be a good listener, if you need, and I'm good at keeping a secret. The science officer raised the glass to his nose: it smelled of red fruits and pepper and tomato leaves. Vahin watches as Drex smells the newly poured glass of wine. His uncorked thoughts float through his mind, his issues back home, his issues on Denali. He tries to put them into words but finds it so difficult. Vahin: Things back home aren’t good…they are…my mother is..I’m sorry. I’m not usually at such a loss for words. ::he takes a moment then just blurts it out:: My mother is dying. As he said the words it’s as if a damn breaks in his mind. For so long he had been trying to keep his personal and work life separate. As much as he knew the issues back home were affecting his work on Denali he had been trying to compartmentalise everything. But now, he had finally told someone and he could feel some of the stress he had been holding wash away. A few tears begin to pool at the corner of his eyes and he tries to blink them away. Vahin: I’m sorry. I shouldn’t bother you with this. I’ve been trying not to let things back home carry over to Denali. But I think I’m failing in that. He takes a deep breath before he continues and tries to settle himself before continuing. Vahin: She…my mother..she’s always been the one who ran the family. I don’t know what will happen when she’s gone. ::frowns:: And knowing she won’t be..won’t be here much longer. ::another deep breath:: I just wish I could spend more time with her now. Drex listened in silence. Those were no news people like to hear. Vahin was a good doctor, so it did not seem respectful to Drex to reassure the Bolian with probably false hopes. Words could be useful, but Vahin needed something else. Drex: On Denobula we said that wine makes everything better. Let's drink to our friendship, then. :: He lifted his glass a little while looking at Vahin :: And if you agree, I will accompany you home, when the times require it. I will make sure you'll find the time. Drex’s kind words begin to lift Vahin from some of the dark thoughts he was lost in. It felt good not to have to go through this alone. Vahin: ::tries to smile:: I hope the wine is to your liking. My brother sent it to me from Bolarus and he knows more about these things than I do. Drex: I am not an expert :: He smiled :: But it tastes good. Vahin takes a long sniff of the wine inside the glass, at first it smells much like any wine, but there are some lingering notes that for a brief moment remind him of happier days on Bolarus; of he and his family sharing a bottle over dinner, and nights staring up at the starry sky surrounded by loved ones. Vahin: Are you close with your family? Drex: Yes, I am. To my sister and one of my half brothers, mainly. We grew up together. And I worked several years with my brother and his father. He took another sip of his wine as Drex talked about his family. It felt nice to sit back and talk with one of his Denali crewmates. So often their interactions were during the hectic moments of a mission, and although he knew Drex had formidable science skills, he knew little of him personally. Vahin: Ah, the family business. Most of my family works together as well. I’m..what’s that human expression, the black sheep of the family. ::chuckles:: What is it you did with your father? Drex: My step father has an architecture studio. We did design together. I’m older than I looked! Vahin’s eyes move to look at the painting Drex has done in his apartment. Vahin: Well that explains your artistic nature. Drex nodded and smiled, then I took another sip from his glass. Drex: Tell me about your experience with the sea on Bolarus. I wasn't kidding about taking a boat and explore this Ocean Vahin smiles at the mention of the waters of his homeworld. It had been quite some time since he’d last been out on the open seas of Bolarus but the memories of a youth spent enjoying them were always close at hand. Vahin: Well! As I’m sure you’re aware, Bolarus is more sea than land. I grew up in an undersea mining colony and was swimming before I could even walk. Once I got older I had my own catamaran. Nothing too fancy of course but I sailed it everywhere I could, I was braver back then of course, now I can’t imagine sailing rough seas in a cabinless boat. He took a long deep drink from his glass and let the Bolian wine warm his stomach. Drex: A catamaran! Cool! :: He did not have much experience in such a boat, as he always preferred to sail on single hulls, but he remembered trying them a couple of times when he was a teenager :: You must promise me we’ll go sailing on Bolarus sooner or later. Vahin: And yourself? You mentioned this boat was a gift. Drex: At home I have a skiff for fun and a small cabin cruiser for exploration. I haven’t seen the boat my father sent me yet. But if I know him well enough :: A sly smile appeared on his face :: And trust me, I know him enough… The boat will be beautiful outside and totally uncomfortable inside. The Denobulan reached out and grabbed some pretzels. He chewed slowly, thinking of his father and the events that had led the old man to his generous gesture. Drex: He knows how much I love to sail, but I’m quite sure I’ll find some unexpected surprise in that boat. Vahin: ::raises his glass:: Well here’s to good surprises. Drex: Well :: He finished chewing another snack :: The last boat he took was completely without bunks and a kitchen. He had everything emptied and installed holographic projectors that rendered the seabed detected by the sensors. Vahin: ::laughs:: I think I enjoy sleeping and eating too much to go without bunks and a kitchen. I hope we find both in your new ship. Drex: If it’s the case, I’ll ask Kettick for some to reprogram the projectors and have them render the inside of a luxury yacht :: He chuckled :: Would it work? Vahin: ::chuckles along with Drex:: Knowing Kettick, I’m sure they could make it work. He takes another long sip of the wine and leans back in his chair. It felt good to be relaxed, laughing with a friend, he needed to get out of the clinic and do this more often. Vahin: Have I ever told you about the time I took my catamaran out and got caught in a storm? No? Well it all started on what seemed like a calm, sunny day, I had heard that a storm front was coming but thought I had more time…. And with that Vahin and Drex drank wine and shared stories of their past adventures. By the time Vahin stumbled home a few hours later he was happy in the knowledge that he found a friend. <><><><><><><><><><>=/\=<><><><><><><><><><> Lieutenant Drex Science Officer Denali Station D240011D14 & Lt Jg Araxxu Vahin Medical Denali Station D240006AV3

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