Space - The Beckoning Presence part 2

Posted on Wednesday 19 October 2016 @ 22:09 by Commander Save'ena (Sav) Tillatix & Lieutenant Commander David Tan & Major David Scarlet

Mission: Old, New Ship
Location: USS Merlin, Deck 4 Round Table
Timeline: MD8 Mid / Late Evening
3402 words - 6.8 OF Standard Post Measure

ON:

==== Deck 4, Round Table ====

Lieutenant David Tan, Lieutenant Save'ena Tillatix, and Crewman Brenda Aumento were toasting Sav's promotion to full Lieutenant. Talk now turned towards other friendly endeavors.

Sav smiled to David, "So, as we are getting to know each other, I'm single, usually the wingman and duty driver. I do love to dance, electronica style, and I can play the synthetaur decently and have an okay voice." She grinned and sang out, "You're turns.. " Her voice sounded very much like Andrea Britton, but with more lilt to Sav's voice along with an exoticness behind it due to her churrs within her chest and muzzle to form the words.

... David took in the information from Sav, realizing he knew very little of his colleagues and made a mental note to look at the records once he had the time to do so. He looked at Sav, who was seemingly waiting expectantly for one of them to add their story. Given both were now drinking, he decided to go ahead:

"Hmm, I'm not much into music, though I have it pumped at me constantly. As for dancing, I consider myself to have the proverbial 'two left feet' .... so the slower the dance the better, and only with someone to hold on to." he grinned before taking a sip of his drink, then continued, "I am married, My Wife, Lana, was Head of a school in San Francisco, our home town, and she will be taking over the educational requirements of the Children aboard, she's going to be running the newly formed school on the Merlin. I've got two Children, Mackenzie, who's six years old, funny, feisty, very clever, and Mia, who's four, but acts twenty four at times. She's got a very dry sense of humor, saying things that can have the rest of us in fits of laughter, even when she's trying her hardest to be serious. She could represent the Federation in sulking too, but thankfully very rarely ... Thanks to Commander Barstow they are already aboard. My Daughters have a fondness, though I sometimes think it borders on obsession, with twentieth century fairgrounds, and they research trying to find the highest, fastest, longest, the ones most likely to make you throw up, you name it they want to ride on it, several times." he said, feeling the tint of bile in the back of his throat for a millisecond, remembering his breakfast, and the good fortune he inwardly felt that he'd managed to keep it down while on their latest, adventure, "Well, that's me in basic." he finished, downing the remainder of his drink and signalling for a nearby Steward for a refill, glancing at Brenda to give her story ...

Brenda shrugged. "I don't dance really... well... " She grinned. "Mostly Irish drinking songs... And really... tonight that's about all that matters." She reached over and refilled her glass before downing half of it again. "Oh, and I can drink like a fish when the mood strikes me."

"Of course, the last time I drank was in the academy... doing shots with David..." She paused and looked over at David. "Not you, Scarlet." Brenda grinned. "Only one who could keep up with me."

Sav listened to the two, her tail flicking in joy as one word stuck into her mind, 'KITLINGS', even as a part of her mind downplayed, 'No Dancing'. She churred to Brenda, "I usually remain sober and don't drink much as I am 99% of the time the designated duty driver. I can do two shots an hour, and hence, I usually sip." Sav sipped her drink with a smile, then added, "and sorry, I don't know any Irish drinking songs."

Brenda grinned and took another swig of her drink.

Sav looked over to David, joy expressed upon her face as she exclaimed out, "KITLINGS!! You're Married and have KITLINGS!! That... is... so... Awesome." She churred, "I'm glad for you David." She blushed lightly, "And, sorry for embarrassing you earlier. Most officers I've met are single, so I assumed you were too. I hope I didn't cause too much embarrassment for you when I referenced flirting with Brenda." She winked, "Still, you have to admit, she is eye candy for any male."

... "No need to apologise." David said, smiling at Sav, "Besides, it's somewhat flattering, of course, I'm sure my Wife would find it amusing, and yes, your friend here is very attractive, but then so are you. Of course, I have no real point of reference for the comment, never having met another of your race, so it's just a personal opinion. I'm lucky to have two such, attractive drinking companions." he finished, raising his glass ...

Sav blushed at this comment. While people always commented she was pretty, she just didn't feel pretty, not after the island, and, pretty tended to get you noticed by the underground, as in what happened on the island. Sav brushed away the gathering reflections and tears they would have brought on and raised her glass, "And here is to the very pretty Brenda and Handsome David, may his kitlings outshine us all."

"Here here!" Brenda raised her glass and finished her drink before reaching over to pour herself another.

Sav went back to sipping her spiced rum, the Sambuca to the side for the time until she finished the rather generous pouring into her glass by Brenda. Sav grinned, "So, Brenda, any dates you have had you wish to tell about?" She glanced at David, a mischievous grin on her muzzle as she continued, "I am sure after that, David might have a ball-and-chain story about his wife he wouldn't mind getting back to her through the rumor mill..."

"Oh Sav..." Brenda cooed. "A girl doesn't kiss and tell... or anything else and tell for that matter..." She smiled and laughed. "Truth be told, stories of my dating life would bore the socks off you."

.. David grinned at the 'Ball and Chain' comment, thinking Lana would have something to say about it, and more than likely secretly agree. Though they did share everything, duties permitting of course ...

Sav churr laughed at Brenda's comment, and then snorted in humor at the 'boring' part. She spoke up, "What? No taking you to the rodeo and surprising you by entering you in it? No hang-gliding expeditions? No fishing for the big one that got away?" Sav churred out again in humor as she added, "Me neither. My dates were rather disappointing. They were mostly after things I did not want." She turned to David, "So, the best part, how did you meet Lana? Common, details, we gals love the details."

..."In San Francisco actually." David said, finishing his drink and refusing a refill, "Bit of a whirlwind romance kind of thing. We were both out having a meal with friends and met while in the restaurant, we had a drink once the meal was over and arranged to meet the following evening, it went from there really. We got engaged while Lana was still a primary school teacher, we got married, I was in Starfleet then, and Lana became Head of the school she was teaching in. In the next few years we had two Children. To be honest, I was almost ready to leave Starfleet to be at home with Lana and our girls. But an offer came up, we talked about it for a long time before making the decision that I remain in Starfleet and join the Merlin ..."

Sav followed along upon every word David said. She just loved true romances, especially as her mom wrote romance novels for a living. She was very happy for him, and in finding a Beta wife and having kitlings, the most important resource in the universe. Sav churred out, "That is soo awesome, David, I am so happy for you. A romance without drama is a dream one, to be sure."

David glanced at the chronometer over the bar and thought about Lana, "Well Ladies, sorry my story is lacking in details, but I think I should go, there's somewhere I would like to take Lana while we have the free time. Goodnight Sav, Brenda, enjoy the remainder of your evening." he said leaving the crew lounge and heading to his quarters ...

Sav smiled to him, "Definitely enjoy your time with her, you both deserve it, truly. Goodnight."

Sav watched him go, a dreamy look on her face. After he was gone, she sighed, then looked down at her tummy, touching it with her left hand as a fleeting emotion of sorrow that was tinged with anger passed over her face and muzzle. She looked back up to the whiskey glass and slammed down the remaining fiery liquid with her right. She blinked back tears as her muzzle showed reaction to slammed drink as she was not used to doing that type of drinking. She looked at Brenda, remarking, "Wow, that definitely has fire to it." She shook her body, then asked, "So, his romance, kind of what you're hoping for?"

Brenda smiled and looked around quickly, making sure that David was out of ear shot. "Nice for some, but not for all." She shrugged. "Last thing I plan on is getting tied down for anything or feeling like I'm going to be."

Sav snorted out in light humor, "Especially as we're still young and it's still early in our careers, eh?" She moved her whiskey glass closer to Brenda to see if she could get another pour even as she said, "Still, I wouldn't mind finding an very understanding male who would have me for his wife and hope his other wives would accept me as well."

"Other wives?" Brenda raised an eyebrow, but was too far gone to be even remotely judgemental. "Kinky." She very carefully refilled Sav's glass and then topped her own off. She shook the bottle slightly and listened to the sloshing. Damn... needed a new bottle of... something...

Sav churr giggled, "Oh, yeah, my culture usually has anywhere from 1 to 5 wives in a family, only one is called a 'core' family." Sav giggled again, hiccuping, as the slammed drink began having its affect on her. She continued, "Heck, L'Tandrey families usually have a minimum of five wives, and they have specific roles within the family." She sighed, "It comes from sex ratios, L'Tandrey have seven females to one male, while Mephetians have three to one." Sav took a large swig of her whiskey, then grinned conspiratorially to Brenda, "I think.. I think.. I'm getting drunk."

This evening was becoming new territory for Sav. She never got drunk do to being always the duty driver. But now, with what happened earlier in the day, and being with a female friend who she trusted, she went ahead and drank to be with Brenda and was feeling the effects of the very potent whiskey.

Brenda laughed. "It's all for the celebration Sav!" She leaned in close. "To be perfectly candid... last time I drank with a superior it was for totally different reasons... Nice to just have a girls night."

Sav churred out in pleasure, responding to Brenda, "Yeah, ah girls night out, no worryen about guys ora ranks... " Sav took a swig of her whiskey, sighing out in pleasure at the golden, burning treasure, "Justa let me know if Ah do sometin wrong.. tis me first time tah get drunk and justa let me hair down, ayuh."

"Nope." Brenda said with a wink. "Sometimes it's the wrong things that are soooo... right." Brenda refilled and shotgunned another shot for emphasis.

=== Holodeck Two - Deck Four ===

... As the last rays from the setting Sun lanced across the almost still waters of the Bay of Bengal and he felt her grip tighten by the smallest amount.

"Thank you." Lana whispered. He leaned forward and kissed the back of her hand. He could see a single tear in her eye, falling as she blinked to run down her cheek. Placing his glass on the table he wiped the tear away .....

With the sun set and the moonlight beginning to stretch through the trees, They began to pack up the crockery and remains of their food. drinking the last of the champagne David stored the bottle and glasses away. Taking a few moments to stand, arms entwined, they both looked at the moon, their love for each, and for their Children, other ever stronger. Almost reluctantly, they left the holodeck, David requesting the computer save the program under his access code, just in case they wanted to revisit. Both in Civilian clothing, Lana linked her arm beneath Davids as they began to go back to their quarters. Lana mentioned how early it was, even though it was now past twenty two hundred ships' time, and she wondered if there was anywhere they could go for a nightcap. David immediately recalled the earlier conversations with Sav and Brenda.

"OK, we'll go for a nightcap as you call it, but we're both up early, so no after-hours." he quipped, receiving a dig in the ribs for his trouble .....

=== Round Table - Deck Four ===

As they entered the lounge, he looked over to the tables directly in front of the panoramic plexi-glass windows and could see Lieutenant Save'ena and Brenda still at the table. He looked at Lana, who was already passing pleasantries with a young Lieutenant who's Daughter would be attending school. They moved over to the table and David waited until Sav noticed their arrival.

Sav was thinking about if she could actually get up or not when she noticed a couple approach the table where Brenda and she were at. She turned to look, saying, "Heya Brenda, anotha gal fer the party, witha escort even. Whacha think?"

"Mind if we join you ladies." David said, receiving nods from the two women before pulling out a chair to allow Lana to sit before he made the introductions, "Lieutenant Save'ena Tillatix, the Merlin's CAG, Crewman Brenda Aumento, may I present my Wife Lana, she is opening the Merlin's first dedicated School ....."

"DAVIE!" Brenda exclaimed in joy. "You came back! And you brought a hottie!" Brenda's smile was so large it was as if she was at risk of swallowing her own ears. "Lovely to meet you Lana! But shame on Dave for bringing you by when we're not..." She paused and grinned at Sav before straightening up in her chair and putting on a faux posh accent. "Properly dignified and lady-like."

Sav churred out, then added to what Brenda said, "Sorry, dear girrl, butta Ah ama not sure what Lady-like is supposed tah be." She turned to Lana, "We're letten ourun hair down, wanna join?"

He could see that Sav and Brenda had drinks, but decided he could risk another bottle of champagne. Asking a passing Steward to fetch a bottle and glasses he waited while Sav and Brenda spoke to Lana, then when there was a lull he spoke:

"We're not here for the duration. Just a nightcap ..." David said, a smile on his face as he glanced at Lana, "Besides, I just wanted to introduce the owner of the keys to my 'ball and chain' ....." he finished as the Steward returned with the tray. He winked at Lana, grinning at the other two at the table wondering whether they would expand on his comment or wait for him to do so ...

Brenda chuckled. "Dave... I might be drunk... but I'll have mercy... you just walked into SO MANY jokes and puns that I'd sober up twice before I got through them all..." She smiled at Lana. "A school sounds awesome by the way... I can't imagine going to school on a starship... that would be so awesome..."

Sav churr laughed, the melodious sounds expanding from her like musical notes upon a singing voice. She now stated, "Buta Ah ama the one tah bring t'at up, Brenda. Ah wanted tah know ifin David here-in had any ball ana chain stories... ana Ah got one." She smiled to Lana, "Why'dya keep him? Hisin puppy act a really, really good, hmmm?" Sav was grinning, knowing the married couple would know she was joshing with them.

... Lana watched the two woman. She wasn't opposed to having a drink, and had imbibed way too much on occasion, so seeing the two pretty much as drunk as they were going to get sort of amused her. She glanced side-on at David, who seemed to be keeping his expression neutral, but she knew full well he was enjoying the back and forth banter between them. She smiled inwardly at the 'puppy act' comment, wondering how they had managed to read her Husband so easily. Yes, he could put on the innocent hurt child expression if the occasion warranted it, but he knew when and where.

"Oh he can play the hurt puppy, when he wants to, but he's a good man. Good to me, and good to his Daughters, otherwise there would be no keeping him." she said, lifting her drink and grinning at David as she took a sip ...

Sav now exclaimed out, "Ana School means KITLINGS!! Mahvelous, Mahvelous Kitlings. Ah hear yah have two, ana keepers too, ana now witha playmates while learning, ayuh."

... "Kitlings ?" she repeated, looking at David, who explained that was whet her race called Children, "Ahh, right. I think we'll have fourteen students, ranging from four years old up to, erm, fifteen I think. Our two are six and four years old, so may begin in the same classes, but Kenzie will have some things that Mia won't, and vice versa. I think it should work out well." she finished.

"So I'm assuming neither of you two have early Duty shifts." David asked wryly.

"Normal shifts," Brenda sighed, not wanting to think about work right now. "But I been worse an I can 'andle me drink wit da best of 'em. Dat an I got a real good cure fer a 'angover."

Sav's tail and ears flicked as a slight confused expression came across her face. She responded, "Typicahl Mornen Shift, oh eight hundred hours ina CAG office. Why shoulda t'at.. oh, yeah." She blushed lightly, "Ah remember taken care ofa ot'ers next mornin. Ah better slow down, huh. Tis mah first time tah get drunk, ayuh, ana Ah don't know how Ah ama goin ta be ina morning. How bout yah, David?"

"Me, no, Lana is going into the school early to meet up with her assistant teachers. I'll be taking the Children in around ten, then from there it's a zero eight thirty hours start."

"Oh half past eight, if you're not frog-marching your Children to school." Lana commented making everyone laugh at her quip.

"They stayed in the Round Table for another hour, enough time to polish off a couple more bottles of champagne, then bade Sav and Brenda good night.

Leaving the Crew Lounge they took the turbo-lift to Deck two and walked arm in arm to their quarters. Thanking their babysitter, they retired to their bedroom .......

Sav touched her wrist computer and a holographic clock was projected above it. Sav wryly smiled at it, "Tis aftah midnight, Girrrl. Ah need tah get tah bed, Ah get too little sleep asa it is. Yah goin ta be okay?"

Brenda grinned and shook her head. "Noo... but dat's da point. Ye celebrate yer permotions. Cause tamorrow ye might not 'ave time ta relax. Be sure ta drink lotsa water before ye go ta sleep. Dat's da trick... lots an lots a water..." Brenda leaned forward and raised her eyebrows. "Dat is course if ye can get up from da table."

Sav snorted out in light humor, "Ah sure will, Girrl. Ana, Ah don't know yet. Letta me get up an see." Sav stood up and took a step, swaying a little but staying upright. She hrrmmed out, "Ah guess Ah be okay. Tanks agin fer the drinks ana great time, Brenda. We'll be havin tah do tis agin." Sav turned and took a couple of more steps, then shifted and headed to another part of the lounge, where the freshers were. She was needing to pee, desperately, before getting out of the lounge.

OFF:

Lieutenant Save'ena Amilia Tillatix
CAG/Uroboros Squadron Leader
Bridge Command Specialist
USS Merlin

Lieutenant David Tan
Chief Operations Officer
USS Merlin

Crewman Recruit Brenda Aumento
Security - NPC
USS Merlin