CHAPTER 01: Thermal Springs(https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/-CpyF2uGG_pw/UcNpjXQOJvI/AAAAAAAACFI/JhIjU4BQESc/w800-h380-no/hotsprings-setting.png)
[ Theta Eridani IV | The Thermal Springs Lounge | 2030 hrs. ]Hot springs have had a mystique about them for thousands of years, despite how science had long past proven that no mystical or regenerative powers came from them. They were most commonly created from water trickling through layers of rocks, accumulating minerals and heating up from the pressure of the earth. If it encountered a fault line, it was thrust up to the surface, bringing the minerals and heat with it. It had been because of the heat and high concentration of minerals that they had once been held as sacred, yet even if that was not the case, the appreciation for the comfort and chance of relaxation was undeniable when appraising the crew that found their way there.
In the shadow of the USS
Harbinger, the makeshift lounge had quickly been built that afternoon. There was a floating bar counter where the collective stock from the two ship lounges had been brought. Several waterfalls with cooler water cascaded down the mountainside, and gradually, spontaneous games came to be held with wagers held for replicator rations and holodeck time. After the two Captains had spoken to them all, the two crews had been made aware of the lounge and its location, and there were few places in the valley that drew such attention at the chance of getting some brief R&R. Most did not even bother to find something else to wear in the thermal spring than their Starfleet issue undergarments - piles of uniforms thrown away with little care or thought upon easily being able to find them later on.
For on the morrow, the hard work and toil would continue, yet tonight, there was a chance to let one's hair down and finally try and distance oneself from worries, loss and regret. The two starships would not be repaired overnight, this much was certain, so a faint hope came to grow that their temporary settlement would last longer than just one night. Who knew when there would be such a chance again? Who knew how many days they could avoid detection in that valley? Perhaps there was just going to be that night, so why not enjoy it to the fullest?
OOC: In order to encourage quicker banter and social interaction between characters, along with a higher post frequency, I will lower the rigorous minimum limit of 200 words per post in this particular thread, where it is fully expected that conversations may render mere two-ish paragraphs.
[Rory Callahan - Thermal Springs Lounge]
As soon as he had finished, he headed toward the place he'd worked to set up for the crews. Kicking off his shoes, he peeled off the socks, long sleeved dress shirt, and pants all in black and placed them on the bank close to the bar before wading in clad only in his blue swim trunks and braided leather necklace with a Celtic charm.
He took a moment to let the warmth seep into his legs and lower back before lining up mugs in preparation for the stampede of people no doubt wanting to drink away their blues. He also had his guitar set up on the bank as well as a little box similar to the holoprojector he'd used for the service but this one only holding music and no images.
There was an increase in the murmur of people and he poured himself a quick shot of whiskey. "May the gods have mercy on our souls," he intoned and knocked the dark liquid back, savoring the burning sensation down his throat and into his stomach. "Ahhhh, 'tis just what I needed right then. Looks like they're a'comin' quick."
Who knew what tonight would bring? From the little he'd gleaned while getting the images for the tribute, there was some animosity between the two crews. Even the English and Irish never quite got over their differences and yet here the crews were putting hard feelings aside and working together. If there was one thing an Irishman knew, that was damn near impossible!
Even though she was too small to remember, Hannah von Slaverton had been born in the shadow of the largest volcano in the Sol System; Olympus Mons. Her parents had studied the geography of Olympus Mons and even in the last months of labour, her mother had been collecting deep core samples of Martian rock from the centre volcanic basin. So, since she had spent her first two years living in a Martian research station, and later doing several visits through her life, the atmosphere around the thermal springs made her smile - heading there as she was with many of her squad-mates.
"First wolf!" she cried and cast a grin over her shoulder as she took off across the dusken plain. As she ran, she pulled her uniform jacket over her head, yanked down the zipper of her undershirt, and sped towards the rising cloud of steam in the distance. Underneath, she wore the light blue and sleeveless Starfleet-issue top, and as she yanked her pants open, the same issue of female boxers caught the firelight of the torches.
Once there, she saw that the water of the large natural bath had to be warmed by the volcanic nature of the land; making her quite nostalgic and thinking of home - for better or worse. She shook off the thought of home and her parents, just as she shook off her boots and bent forward to pull down her pants. As she hurriedly undressed, leaving only the top and boxers on, she noticed large moss covered stones the makeshift bar counter and the encircling rows of torches. Steam danced in the increasing moonlight, trailing in wisps over the surface of the water and the first bathers. Flighty, effervescent.
She howled like a wolf before she submerged herself fully into the spring well ahead of her squad-mates and she let out a joyous laugh when she re-emerged above the surface - fists thrust to the sky. Most wore their light blue undergarments for this occasion, so even if the fabric left little to the imagination when rendered soaking wet, they were all in the same state of scarce modesty, so it mattered none. Tonight was about celebration. Rest and recreation. At long last, and with new faces to discover - allies in a hard undertaking.
"Singer!" Nightmare called and waded up to the floating bar, coming to lean over it with her arms folded underneath her breasts, "I don't know what your pilots drink, but I would love to find out. Hit me!"
Meters away, beyond the wall of steam, ThanIda zh'Wann circled the springs with her hands behind her back - watching the proceedings in the hot springs like a crestfallen hawk. In full uniform, and being Andorian, the atmosphere felt utterly unbearable. Even if she spotted one of her people in the water, she was not so inclined to undress and enjoy getting light-headed from the combination of hot water and a high metabolism. She had found out perfectly well what had happened in that overheated holding cell together with David Grayson.
Grayson... That Pinkskin fool had not died, after all, but put in stasis. There was hope yet to tell him... What? There was little to be said other than he had fallen in the line of duty, almost killed at the hands of future holographic technology. No, what was worse was how that Cadet had disobeyed orders and endangered himself, opening fire against that hologram without hiding behind cover. Still, she should not have taken him into the Shuttle Bay. He had not been ready. By Lor'Vela, he had held his first phaser not an hour before he was shot down. Understaffed or not, Security had to act if there was an intruder alert sounded. It had been his duty and he had willingly come along. At the same time, Scosche's words had come to her when she'd seen his face lit the nocturnal sky.
"Just so we're clear, it was Security or the garbage detail. As it stands, I'm doing this because there's nothing else to be done right now. First and foremost, I am a gymnast, not a security enforcer. Much as I might enjoy having something to do on this gods-forsaken ship, if there were an option other than sitting in your brig day in and day out, I would be doing that. I will do my part and I have never given anything other than my utmost to any task. This will be no different, but the first opportunity I get to return to my old life, I will."
He had never gotten that chance. Ida frowned and looked towards the ground as she walked - antennae angled forward as well. She would take full responsibility for the death of that Cadet. It was bitter in so many ways. Not that it mattered to her anymore, beyond the import of keeping the crew safe and in capable hands, but Jien Ives would probably not give her David's position as Chief of Security. Since the Niga Incident, where people conveniently forgot that she was a damnable victim just so that they could lay the blame on someone, Ida had become a woman of very few friends. T'Less had come to understand her, yet she had also fallen by the hand of the Calamity's AI - also clinging to life in a stasis-coffin. Along with David... who she had hated for being promoted over her at first, but not for the obvious reasons rather than she thought him a risky choice. Yet a couple of days ago... they had...
It hurt too much to think about. All the unfairness done to her. With the lack of anyone of higher rank, she was the Acting Chief of Security now, Captain Ives yet having spoken to her since David was shot. There was a halfbreed Ktarian CSec in the Valley too - one Diadeniera - by the same rank of Lieutenant as she... but holding the Csec position in full aboard the Harbinger. They had traded brief words. Divided the valley in two. Arranged for tight patrols and scouts in the wilderness... the fauna of Theta Eridani IV largely unknown.
No humanoid life did not mean no life at all.
Looking up, she continued to survey the bathers idly - almost hoping for a fight to break out so that she could put her mind off her own hurt.
[Natalie Stark | Hot springs]
Covered in grime, still, and buffeted by the ranks of enlisted and officers making their way to the hot springs, Natalie came to a stop at the waters edge, looking around, wide eyes and lost. She hadn't planned on this, not at all. She watched as a pilot that she thought was from the Theurgy dive bombed into the hot water, her arms coming up to block the initial spray. Others were taking their time to strip down, most to just their regulation undies, but some -
Natalie turned her gaze away and blushed, as a rather athletic Bajoran man opted for the clothes free option, flashing an amazingly taut ass her way. Memories flooded her right there on the spot, of another well muscled man, with far darker hair, and alien eyes. She flushed a deeper red, and almost turned from the scene, but she was bumped, accidentally, by another crew member, and ended up falling back, into the hot water.
With a hiss and a yelp, the chief of Operations for the USS Theurgy went under, surfacing a moment later, sputtering. Drenched from head to toe, she fumbled about, till the crew woman at fault, falling over herself in fear, helped fish Natalie out. Accepting the apologies, Natalie waved the Rigilian off, and sighed. I'm already soaked... she thought to herself, taking it as a sign. She stripped down, to her skivvies, and left the rest of her uniform in a pile off to the side, except for her combadge. Designed to work in all forms of hazardous environments, a little water wouldn't cause any problem. Clipping it to her tank top, she sank back into the water. Not sure what else to do, really, the now dripping wet Lt.Cmdr made her way over to the bar, finding a spot along its floating surface.
[Nathaniel Isley and Edena Rez - Thermal Springs]
"Her first drink is on me," came the voice of Nathan, patting Hannah on the shoulder. Like many, he had taken the opportunity to enjoy the water, dressed down to only his boxer briefs, showing off a body seemingly chiseled from the stone of mount Olympus. Isley's Vulcan DNA made him strong, and his rigorous training set him above the combat ability of a Klingon warrior, but his training was also in conditioning, toning, the kind that made him look as powerful as he was. The truly strong oftentimes looked more overweight, but it was simply because they focused on strength training, which was far more bulky, then the toning that Nathan made time for.. The feeling of the heated water against his skin was soothing, and created a glistening layer of sweat on his upper torso that only made his muscles all the more pronounced. Not to toot his own horn, but he was one of the most impressive physical specimens on-board the Theurgy, and it was mostly thanks to the effort he put into his training.
"You saved my ass out there in that fire fight, Nightmare. I said you got a drink on me," he said, confirming that he was repaying the debt owed. Before that fight had begun, she had been sitting in his lap while they played a drinking game with Ravon and Carver. Now, it was just a good chance to relax, to get some much needed R & R, something the crew had been unable to obtain for quite some time. They had gone from one battle to the next, barely recovering from each one before the next crisis. Theta Eridani IV was the chance for them to mend their wings, rest their bodies and minds, and prepare for another leg of their difficult journey. Best they use the time wisely to unwind and get ready.
"Lieutenant," Edena said, approaching ThanIda. The Andorian woman had taken on more responsibilities with what happened to Adam Grayson, someone that the commanding officer was well aware she was close to. It had to be a difficult trial for her, and she felt the need to check on her. Illya, however, asked to be the one to do it. She understand psychology better then any of the other personalities in the Rez Symbiont, and she liked to think she had more of a rapport with Ida then Edena did.
Edena's body was not dressed down to her underwear, like so many others who were enjoying the water. Instead, she wore a wrap around her waist, along with a tank top that was a matching blue to the wrap. "Edena has to assure that you are fit for duty after what happened. I asked to be the one to conduct the interview with you, but she is still able to hear everything we say and to see through my eyes. I wanted to start by assuring you that this interview is not because your competence is being questioned, but more a concern for your mental and emotional health. You have been through some difficulty as of late, and I know you and Lieutenant Kingston were close. If you have anything you'd like to say before we begin, I welcome you to. Don't think of this as a test. Just tell me your honest feelings and if you think they might affect your ability to perform in the role you are needed for." Edena's usual professional tone, mixed with the softness of an understanding woman, was even more gentle then usual, like Illya was treating Ida like a baby bird with a broken wing, in need of some nurturing during a difficult moment.
Before the bartender got the moment to answer what it was she had ordered in asking for what the Harbinger pilots drank, Nightmare felt her wingmate's hand on her shoulder and heard his voice. Which, granted, was all pleasant... yet nothing compared to his undressed vision right next to her.
"Oh, my, what a gentleman," she said and chuckled with the characteristic gleam in her eye, turning around and leaning back against the floating yet sturdy counter - propping up her elbows on the edge and presenting him with the view of herself. She knew she fetched an eye or two in the worst of conditions, but in a sodden light-blue tank and her dark hair a wet mane down her back? Oh, she was fairly confident Nathan was getting to feast his eyes, just like she were. "I did nothing more than you would have done for me, Maverick, right? Still, a drink is a drink, and not about to be turned down."
Her glass came, and she glanced at it, picked it up to sniff at it and wrinkled her nose. "Kanar? Oh, please, are you sure this is what they drink?" she asked into the empty air behind the counter, since the bartender was already serving another customer further away. Cardassian Kanar was semi-congealed fiery petroleum of a drink that took a lot of time to get used to, and she was far too impatient a woman to learn. She put the glass down again and sighed, resting her eyes on Nathan instead.
"I suppose that since they call themselves the Dor'GhItlh Squardon, it has to do with something," she said and glanced over Nathan's shoulder, spotting a couple of them in the steam, "They look like hell, the other pilots. Imagine having to go through what they have. Forty fighters reduced to... eight... last I heard. They have been flying those old Mark II Valkyries since they began their escape too. Imagine how many of us would be left if we did not have the Mark III:s. Their Wing Commander was hurt too, but is on his feet. I hear he is refusing to have his scarred face treated too. Badge of honour, sure, but half his damn face is burned off... if rumours are to be believed."
She sighed and looked away from the Harbinger pilots, for while the survivors of that squadron were the picks of natural dogfight selection - the ice-blooded crazies of wartime survivors - Nathan was a far more pleasant sight. No less hard, either. His body that was, of course, yet she was not about to dismiss the potential of making him even 'harder'. She would sure use some distraction from all that they had been through. "How about you?" she asked and shook some wet hair out of her eyes, smiling ruefully, "How are you holding up?"
Ida recognised the voice first, yet it was the accent and the body language that told her whom was really speaking through that mouth, looking at her through those eyes. It might be the mouth and the eyes of another - contemporary - woman, yet this particular ghost of the deceased had spoken to her before. Twice, once as a newly released prisoner from the Brig and the next time as Ida's Executive Officer.
"Commander," she said in greeting, coming to a stop and turning to face the Trill.
Remarkable, came an errant thought, how quickly things change in times of strife and necessity.
When told that Edena - or Illya, by extention - wished to talk to her, Ida was somewhat heartened that her duties and efforts were not altogether ignored or forgotten by her commanding officers. A lightening of her heavy thoughts, even if the yoke of the past days and deaths were not to be lifted so easily. Not even the sight of Illya's current body - or more accurately the Rez symbiont - in tank and some sort of beach skirt did much to lighten her mood. Ida stood at ease, comfortably so, and spoke in answer.
"I am... uncomfortable with the idea of an informal interview," she said in a tight voice, yet she was even more uncomfortable with the sympathetic tone - the undermining emotions that eroded the walls she had raised. "For as informal as the questions might be, Commander Rez still wants to ensure my capacity, so it is still an test, despite any reassurances you might make. In the Imperial Guard, one's ability to perform the duties that were need was gauged by strict hearings and evaluations. Especially in cases like these, where a Guardsman or two might have died for Andoria."
Still, it was not like she had a choice. Pick the hosts however you liked, it was still Commander Rez standing in front of her, and she had to comply - the difficulty of the tone of this hearing notwithstanding. "Lieutenant Kingston and I were not so close as you might have thought, even if he was - and still is while he rests in stasis - a valued Security Officer. Last we spoke, in your office," she said, frowning as she looked out into the darkness beyond the firelight, "I spoke of my troubles. In how I was judged after I was skipped over for Grayson's position, the crew questioning me because of it, followed by what I did during the Niga Incident... and still is. Perhaps even more so, since a Cadet has now fallen victim to our crusade while under my command. Grayson is also in stasis, his fate uncertain, and while I had issues with his promotion, we will never know if my doubts were merited now, will we? First Wenn Cinn and..."
She swallowed and frowned even more. Trailed off when remembering the Bajoran that she had served the whole time while on the Theurgy, how she had failed to save him from being sucked out through that hull breach. That Ridge-Nose had been a fine Chief of Security. One which understood her need for a firm and righteous commanding officer.
"My voyage has been hard," so damnable hard, "yet I will not fail in the line of duty... unless I am brain-washed or possessed by some lecherous flora again. Emotions and passion has their place and time, and that is not a part of my job description. Unless I can't help it, my first priority is - and has always been - the safety of our crew. You might remember having experienced this first-hand..." It was just to prove her point, bringing up the fact that she had held Edena Rez at phaser point in a sonic shower what seemed like ages ago.
It brought other memories too, but the moment was not right to dwell on those...
[Rory Callahan]
Rory was about to speak when he saw a lovely woman standing near the water, still in uniform and looking rather lost. It was pretty much how he felt all the time and then he saw the other woman and cried "LOOK OUT!" and held his breath as another woman bumped into her and knocked her into the steamy water.
Shaking his head with relief when he saw her resurface and simply start working off her uniform, he turned back and grabbed a bottle. The pilots all seemed to have their favorite drinks but when they wanted to share one, it was that Cardassian drink that he couldn't stand himself but it was what the battered woman before him requested.
He had watched her quickly turn from him to the mountain of a man, rippling in muscle and good looks and apparently he was one of their fighter pilots. So much for flirtin' with her he thought to himself. All those Starfleet guys ... what did they have that he didn't? Bigger muscles and a uniform, that's what. Still there were people to serve and he put on his best smile.
Which he was glad he did as the lovely woman who'd been summarily dunked waded over to the other end of the bar. "Helloo," he greeted her with a smile that made the dimple in his cheek deepen. "Looks like ye could use a drink since ye been dunked in the drink," he said jovially yet with respect and concern for her. "What kin I get for ye? Beer, whiskey ... or how 'bout a Samarian Sunset? Pretty drink fer a pretty lady."
S'Iti walked slowly towards the water. It had been so long since she had been privy to a paradise like this. It was far from paradise to many of the others here, but the Cardasian helmswoman had to think this must be what it must be like to be on Cardassia Prime.
Her "homeworld" was as alien to her as Earth was. No, to her Space was now home. Her own species and the damned Dominion saw to that quite efficiently. The void was the only home that never had to be fought over, or stolen from another, or defended from invaders or any of those other nuisances that came with living on Terra-firma. Still she couldn't help but wonder what the steamy rain soaked cities of her species home were like.
This place was dry and hot unlike the paradise others had claimed "Prime" was. Here at the banks of these springs there was a lovely humidity that she could pretend was like what she had been told about. Slowly, the steam--and her own sweat--soaked her clothes to her scaled body leaving little of her figure to the imagination. Still though, dispite the lack of imagination needed to envision her body, she slipped out of the shoes, socks, pants, and shirt, leaving herself in the nothing but the standard issue light blue undergarments. Despite her distance from the surface of the water they were now soaked to the point of being form fitting and nearly translucent.
Finding a rather smooth and slightly sloped rock near the edge of the water, she laid down. The heat on the rock was enough to give most of those here a bit of a burn but to her it was the perfect dry heated smooth stone bed to complement the natural steam sauna around her.
She smiled to herself in a state of pure contentedness as she listened to the banter around the bar laughing at a few of the stray comments. Hearing the order for the foul Cardassian beverage she spoke her mind rather loudly with a blunt declaration punctuated with a single extended digit. "Fuck Kanar! You pilots need to learn how to drink something that doesn't taste like buffalo shit!" She then paused for a moment rethinking her words, "Disregard that last statement. At least you can grow crops with manure."
[Nathaniel Isley]
He had to agree with Slaverton on her views of Kanar. There were days when he suspected that twenty-first century humans would have poured bottles of that stuff into their vehicles to keep them moving, n an age before cleaner and more efficient sources of power could be found. Kanar would probably need to be refined more before it would even serve as jet fuel for the flying crafts of old earth, the precursors to the Valkryies. The Mark III's had done a great deal to help the crew stay alive over the trials they faced, so Nightmare was quite right when she gave credit to the harbinger flight team for surviving on outdated models. "Ours are the prototypes for the III's. The majority of the ships in the Federation are still using the II's as their primary. It was supposed to be our job to report back and say what improvements were needed before they went into mass production. Damn time anomalies have our valkyries as inferior machines even before that could happen." Calamity's newer ships had outperformed, their squad only able to take advantage of the human element, that the ship out of time didn't have human ingenuity and adaptability.
"When we get our hands on all the scans we got from those ships, we will see what we can do to improve upon the Valkryies, just in case we run into trouble with them again. I don't feel like being the next guy to want to wear scars like a badge. Face like mine wouldn't carry it so well." He looked towards Hannah, a far better sight to see then some grizzled veteran with a burned face. It had been difficult to look at her for a while, after seeing her infected during the outbreak, knowing he might have been able to stop it, but kept moving forward to complete his mission. If he had told her that, what would she think? Would she hate him for leaving her to it, or would she agree he did the right thing? He feared finding out. He would always worry about creating disharmony in the flight team with the animosity of her knowing.
"One thing I can say about my Vulcan side is that we hold up well. I'm not one of those emotion suppressing, neutered Vulcans, but when I need to be, I can raise the shields on emotional attacks. There's a lot of people who lost a lot worse then I did. We can't do a lot to fix their hurt, but we can stay tough, be the ones to carry the burden where we can, to lifghten it for those who can't handle it right now. You know what I mean, Nightmare?"
[Edena Rez]
"If you don't like the idea of an informal interview, then consider me contracted by the ship's Commander to evaluate you." Illya was not a Starfleet officer, and any medical licenses she had to practice psychology she might have held were long expired. For that reason, she wasn't exactly formal, but if the idea helped Ida, then she would play along with it. Comfort was the first priority of any good doctor who was counseling a patient. "Do you feel that David Grayson was unsuitable for his position as Chief Security officer?" It wasn't to speak ill of him, but Isa spoke of being passed over for that position. Maybe if she stepped back and viewed it, she would see it as David deserving the spot, not as her being denied it based on her involvement on Niga.
"As you may know, there are four aspects to the Rez symbiont right now. None of them feel that your actions taken against Edena were wrong. It was for that reason that she wanted you to be disciplined off the record, so that your service record would not be marred by it. We all saw a woman fiercely protective of her crew, who would do anything for it, even at the personal cost you were risking back then. It's a quality that we could use in a Security Chief right now. You're someone who isn't afraid to butt heads with your superiors. You respect the chain of command, but you don't have blind faith in it. You'll speak your mind when you have your own way of doing things, let it be judged accordingly. On a Federation vessel, that can often mean trouble, given that the chain of command is such an important thing, but right now, I think the Theurgy needs you where you are, Lieutenant."
Illya stopped speaking for a moment, instead letting a warm breeze brush across her face, blow her rather short hair back a bit, and rustle the wrap around her hips to display a bit of thigh, a bikini bottom that followed the same blue pattern which brought out the creamy color of her skin. Was the choice of blue Illya's idea, another way to put Ida at ease. On a planet filled with red, the Andorian woman stood out in the color palette . The clothes on Edena's body at least complimented her, maybe helped to cool the woman's mind amongst all the fire and heat.
"Security shouldn't be so much of an issue while we're here, but we will work jointly with the Harbinger crew on it. This should let you and their Security chief share the duties for the time being. You can both arrange shifts that provide you some time of your own to rest and recuperate. I am sorry that the temperatures on this planet are not very accommodating to you, Lieutenant. I will be speaking to the captain about choosing a location on Theurgy, perhaps Below Decks, where we can create a cooler environment for crewmen to escape potential heat stroke. Until then, just try and dress lightly. As I am sure you can see by the Thermal Springs, we are relaxing the dress code temporarily, so don't feel the need to wear something stuffy. Unwind while you can. You should put those artist hands of yours to work. It's good therapy."
[ Hannah "Nightmare" Slaverton ]
"Fuck Kanar! You pilots need to learn how to drink something that doesn't taste like buffalo shit! Disregard that last statement. At least you can grow crops with manure.”
The voice came from the side of the bar counter, just by the edge of the spring, and Nightmare was forestalled from answering Maverick for a moment, casting her green eyes in that direction. There was a Cardassian woman lounging like a snake on a rock, looking in their direction. It was such a contradictory opinion from what might be expected coming from her species that Hannah had no idea what to answer at first, yet she soon grinned and waved - knowing that it had to be one of the Harbinger crew. "Don't worry, dear, it's your pilots whom are into that vile liquid shit. We only drink the good stuff! Oh, I just have to say that I think it's awesome to see one of your people in Starfleet. The crap from the Dominion War should rightly be considered a thing of the past!"
Then she turned her attention back to Maverick and brought his words back to mind. "Yeah," she paused, thinking about those in the Triage Centre, "Got to stay strong for those that died and those that cannot deal with all of this. Its a damn shame, though, with Hardtop and Ranger - again. They are both back with the medics with Hardtop perhaps not even making it through this fight. I think Ranger will be back in someone else's cockpit sooner or later, medical clearence or not. She is a fucking nut-case but damn she can fly a bird when she gets out there."
Pausing again, her eyes shifted to Maverick's, and that gleam in her eye returned. "Hey, you sneaky bastard," she said and reached out with one hand, grabbing the waistline of his boxers and forcibly pulling him to herself and the counter that she was leaning against, "you trying to get out of the deal? Order me a proper drink this time." She would not look away from his face though, craning her neck to grin at him when he made due - her so close she had to straddle his thigh while making an order across her shoulder. With the masculine wall of his body so close, she still did not move her open hands where they hung - elbows still resting on the counter. She liked to play with her game on the occasions that she prowled.
In the corner of her eye, she saw a white-haired man wade past them in the water. Looking away from Nathaniel, she saw that it was Ensign Winterbourne, Rawley's half-brother...
[ Cale Winterbourne ] Attn: IronFerrox
His light blue t-shirt and boxers clinging to his frame, Cale Winterbourne made his way along the bar counter in the water. First, he had passed by Commander Stark, whom he knew from the Bridge and the last battle, yet while he gave her a nod, smiles were very rare on his end. Also, he had another destination in mind. He passed by two of the Theurgy's Valkyrie Pilots too, and he inclined his head their way too - his eyes lingering a bit on the strong back of the male one. He held high regard for the Tactical Conn, their flying being of a different nature than the kind he was proficient in. For as the Theurgy's highest ranking Helmsman, despite lacking the rank and position of Chief Conn Officer, he knew how to fly birds of the larger kind.
Which was also the reason why he did not stop by the people from the Theurgy, but headed towards the flat rock at the side of the bar counter... and the Harbinger Cardassian that lay there - basking like a snake in the sun.
"Are you Master Chief Petty Officer S'Iti?" he asked as he came to stand before the ledge - his eyes politely averted from the body that she happened to flaunt in the firelight. It was not like she was alone in that regard, yet it would be impolite to gawk. While his smile was absent, he had heard that it was rather clear by first impression that he was the unsmiling kind - like an albino Vulcan without the pointed ears. Some say he truly lived up to his mother's last name. "My name is Ensign Cale Winterbourne, sitting at the helm of the Theurgy. Pleasure to make your acquaintance."
Funny how his half-sister and him were so unlike, even if they held so much in common genetically.
"I wanted to meet you and I wanted to shake your hand," he said, stoically, where he stood in his wet undergarments yet still appearing to almost wear formal dress, "for that was some remarkable flying that you did with the Harbinger." Odd to commend this woman while she lay upon a rock, and while he usually preferred men lately, he was not unable to appreciate the company of a woman too. As for why he thought such immodest thoughts, he supposed it was the aftermath of the altercation that they had been through. Odd, how certain fancies situated themselves...
[ ThanIda zh'Wann ]
“Do you feel that David Grayson was unsuitable for his position as Chief Security officer?”
A just question, even if it was a sensitive one. Ida did not know if it was more or less sensitive now that Grayson was in a stasis unit. "I did at first," she said quietly, the steam rising in wisps and surrounding her where she stood with her hands folded behind her back. Her antennae rose a little as she continued. "Until we had to flee from the Sol System, Grayson had been a quiet man. Withdrawn. Humble. Not a leader in any sense. Yet when we learned about the conspiracy in Starfleet Command, you might remember a certain Admiral Grayson in the transmissions we uncovered. The Admiral - Grayson's father - was one of those that had been... compromised, and after learning this, Grayson became more bold in the fighting during our escape, taking the centre stage, on his feet all the time. I knew he was motivated by personal issues that related to the loss of his father... and in my eyes, that was a liability. His priority was not the safety of our crew but the intent to vanquish the enemy. I wondered if Captain Ives and Commander Nerina - may she be restored to us when we get back to port - saw this too. Yet with the times being as they were... I doubt it. And since I... cracked when Wenn Cinn died, Grayson was promoted over me and given the Department Head position - me remaining as Deputy."
She paused. It was dishonour to speak ill of a fellow Guardsman like she had just done, only Starfleet was not the Imperial Guard. She had challenged Grayson about his personal attachment to the fight they led in that holding cell they'd shared, yet she had not voiced her concerns to Ives. Nor to Nerina. She had thought the problem obvious, perhaps to her fault. "Grayson proved his merit though, during the Niga incident and afterwards, until the Calamity hologram got to him. In retrospect, I believe my concerns were undue."
Raising her eyes, she listened to the praise and the suggestions, and while she did, she wondered if the decision about the Chief of Security position had already been made. Commander Rez said that the Theurgy needed her where she was, but that left it open to interpretation about if it meant as Chief or Deputy. She was not about to pursue this, however, since that was not the honourable way. If there was to be an exchange of crew, perhaps Lieutenant Diadeniera was more merited to hold the position of Chief - since she already did on the Harbinger- and had not carelessly led a Cadet on is first day to his near demise. Given how alone she was in her own Department, with the loss of respect from her subordinates after Niga, perhaps Diadeniera would - in that case - be the better choice. Perhaps it was due time Security got some new blood. She would just have to wait and see what the turnout would be.
Illya's suggestion to undress and unwind a bit was first met with a stoic frown of unease. It was true that she would nothing rather than remove her jacket and undershirt. Objections about the fauna on the planet being unknown crowded in her throat, the risk to the crew unknown even if it was highly unlikely... yet in seeing Edena's thigh bared by the breeze, Ida decided that she would follow the suggestion of her superior officer. Looking to the bathers, she did spot an Andorian from the Harbinger crew. The young crewman seemed to have been pushed there by peer pressure, since he looked so light-headed he barely needed the blue ale in his hand. If nothing else, she might go advice him to retire for the evening.
"Yes, Commander, I will speak with Lieutenant Diadeniera," she said, using the rank even if it was the grafter who spoke to her. She smiled a little and cleared her throat, beginning to remove her garments one at the time. She happened to wear a non-regulation white tank underneath the undershirt, and it was damp with perspiration. She looked to Illya, if she was still present. "Thank you for taking the time to speak with me. After T'Less and Grayson fell, I thought I'd have to continue with my duties in quietude."
[Nathan Isley]
He was pulled in by Hannah by the only piece of clothing he had on. The result had her pinned against the bar, his body pressed to hers. He could have backed off, but he appeared to have little interest in that idea, liking the feel of her thighs riding his leg, of her bosom pressed up against him. If she wanted a proper drink, then he would get her one. "Hey barkeep, two shots of your strongest stuff," he said, looking to Slaverton like there was a challenge coming. She liked her drink and he liked the fact that he could out-drink nearly any person he had ever met. If this was all about having some fun and unwinding, he could think of a few ways to do that with a sexy raven-haired fighter pilot with no fear. "Let's see how many drinks you can handle before I'm gonna have to carry your tight ass out of this spring, Nightmare."
[Edena Rez]
"His training was different from yours, as are your values and your beliefs. It's reasonable to question what you don't understand. The important part is that you figured out your common goals and that you could work well together." Could the same be said of Edena and Ida? Hadn't the two of them started out at odds with one another, and now found themselves fighting for the same goal? Maybe Ida wasn't entirely trustful of the Commander just yet, but maybe that was a good thing. She acted to protect her crew, and as illya had already stated, that was something all the hosts of the Rez symbiont would respect.
"What's with all this Commander stuff? It's Illya, remember?" Edena was the one in control of the body at that point, so why bother with ranks. Illya had only been doing it to make Ida more comfortable, the Andorian still too stern with herself when around superior officers. To see her shed some of her uniform, a white t-shirt that had become rather see through the first thing staring her in the face, Illya was using Edena's face to show off that mischievous grin of hers. "Seems you have a habit of getting into wet t-shirt contests when around me, babe." Illya was flirting again, using that same nickname she had given her long ago. "You know, I always did take it personally that you didn't fall for my charms back then. Here I was, naked in a sonic shower, you could everything, and I am flirting with you,. And you don't accept? Started second guessing if Edena's body was as hot as I thought, which thankfully was put to rest by the SCO and his little crush on her."
Illya leaned in closer, saying the words that were far too blunt for Edena to dream of saying to anyone, let alone to another woman. "So is it that you don't wanna fuck me, or were you just too serious that day, babe?"
[Rory Callahan]
Just as he was warming up, hoping that calling Natalie pretty would make her feel good since she looked like she needed a bit of cheering, the big guy called out for a different drink. Turning to see him pressing the dark haired beauty against the floating bar, he worried for a moment they would knock everything into the water. With an inward sigh he turned back to Natalie and smiled his most charming smile again. "You think a bit more on what ye'd like an' I'll be right back," he said with a wink.
They wanted something strong and he just so happened to have a case of what used to be illegal, rightly so given how much trouble it had caused Captain Kirk and Dr. McCoy so long ago. Taking out two tall glasses, he poured in the light blue liquid and didn't skimp. "This should blow yer knickers off," he said with a cheeky grin as he set the Romulan Ale down within easy reach of the two pilots. "Definitely tastes better than that lighter fluid," he agreed with the assessment of the Kanar.
Grabbing a couple of ales on the way back down the bar for some of the crew members he knew, he finally made his way back to Natalie. His eyebrows rose in that questioning way but he couldn't help noticing her rich brown eyes and the sweet curve of her lips. "At risk of havin' me head knocked off for bein' forward, I have t' say a Samarian Sunset is pretty but wouldn't do ye justice. Perhaps some Altairian Brandy or a classic wine would suit better?"
[ Hannah "Nightmare" Slaverton ]
If it was something Nightmare knew well, besides flying, then it was how to party.
This was definitely her atmosphere, her setting, with a bar counter behind her back and enjoying the close attention of a man - ordering her drinks and not thinking her a fragile porcelain doll. The bonus lay in this particular setting, with their lower bodies hidden under the surface of the spring and the rolling clouds of fog encompassing glistening bodies. To top it off, the bartender seemed on top of things, providing her and Maverick with their first set of drinks.
"Our thanks, Singer!" called Hannah after the man as he vanished towards other customers. Then she returned her full attention towards the man who's thigh she was half-straddling in the water - her green eyes climbing to his bearded face. "You know, last time we had a drink, you made a mess, remember? I think you were about to call it a night soon enough, clumsy as you were."
She was referring to Below Decks and the drinking game, of course, where he had tried to drink a shot from her cleavage. Teasing him, she knew it was the Red Alert that had made a mess of things, yet it was not like she was going to let him off so easily.
Picking up her own small glass of Romulan Ale, which she was quite familiar with, she bit the glass rim with her teeth playfully in mischievous thoughts. This, while looking into her wingmate's brown eyes in the rolling fog, "So we drink," she said, shifting her thighs around his a bit, "to what?"
[ ThanIda zh'Wann ]
"Illya, of course," she corrected herself with a small smile and dropped the jacket and undershirt in a pile beside herself. ThanIda had come to know Illya quite well, even if she had spoken with Edena to an extent in the First Officer's Ready Room a couple of weeks past. The drawing came to mind anew, yet this was not the time for canvas and paints, with the humidity not good for either.
Admittedly, Ida felt a bit too strict and formal considering the occasion and the setting, yet it was just because Illya had managed to break the proverbial ice and made her look at things without the yoke of failure and fear for the safety of the crew. Trust was a rare thing coming from Ida, and she still had the fact that Edena Rez had been hiding her identity for a long time aboard the Theurgy in the back of her mind when speaking with her. Yet apparently, so did Illya, whom addressed the incident on new terms - or rather with ideas of old that had come to fall into focus again that night.
When Ida was in her damp white tank top and Illya commented upon it, stepping close and demanding uncomfortable answers from her... Ida had a choice. Either she would join in on the jargon, or she would allow her failures and the deaths of the other day bring her down. As much as she missed Grayson and T'Less, and regretted the fate of the Cadet, the voyage to the Sol System was far from over, and here was the Executive Officer putting credit into her fortitude and the way she performed her duties. Perhaps, she should try and push back the regret, and enjoy herself in the way she could before her Security Officers had decided to not invite her to their nights in Below Decks.
"Miles Renard would hardly be the only one finding our First Officer easy to rest one's eye upon," she said and smiled in a lopsided way, tilting her head and antennae to meet Illya's intimate glance, "and as I recall it, I paused in thought of the offer you made, yet I decided that the risk was too great - putting the crew in the first room... instead of my own desire."
Running her teeth across her lower lip, Ida's midnight blue eyes dropped to the opening of Edena's wrap, and she lifted a blue thumb to lazily hook it behind the waistline of the bikini bottom - her fingertips against the hip of the Pinkskin. Her other hand hung idle for the time being. "For my desire," she said and raised her eyes with a slowly growing smile, "was never something I could deny, be it as an artist or as a woman. I merely had to make a hard decision, Lor'Vela knows it, and the option of 'fucking' you right there in that sonic shower made it so."
Perhaps distraction was the right choice that night. She basically had the XO's permission to set her duties aside, didn't she?
[Nathan Isley]
It was appropriate to have a toast, to think in honor of something. Natghan found himself stuck for something to say, to think what might be the best thing to honor. After a bit of thought, there was only thing one thing he thought appropriate. "To keeping ourselves in the air." Every day they had a dog fight, it wasn't just skill that was keeping them from getting into their last battle. Maybe there was a bit of luck involved tioo. Isley thought it only fitting that they should make a toast to that, that they might keep living to see the fight after the next one. With the toast decided on, they had their drink, intense enough to leave Nathan slamming the bar with his fist a few times in an attempt to fight it all the way down. With a sharp exhale, he declared "Whoo! That is the good stuff. Now many of those you think you can handle, Slaverton?"
A challenge? Maybe. "And for the record, any clumsiness with that shot was because my shot holder wasn't on stable footing herself, and if I was going to be calling it a night, it was only because I suspected I wouldn't be going alone." His self-defense was spoken with a grin on his face, a bit of teasing to counter Hannah's own.
***
[Edena Rez]
Ida's efforts brought Illya against her, the thumb in her bikini bottom serving as the tether that drew her, their hips meeting in an act which brought a smile to the borrow face of the ghost that inhabited the
Theurgy Executive officer. Edena's hips were only covered by what parts of the wrap hadn't been adjusted by the wind and Ida's contact, bare thigh brushed against uniformed pants as the Trill's face took on a slight arousal. "You speak like a poet, babe, but are words all you have for me? During the Ishtar incident, I had my body again, you know. I got to use it and everything. It awakened some urges in me that I have been wanting to satisfy, but Edena is a bit too tame when it comes to the bedroom. Other then what happened during the outbreak, she hadn't slept with anyone since she was still in the academy."
It was a proposition, but not like the one that ida had suspected when last they spoke. She had thought it was blackmail back then, but this time, Illya was making it obvious that this was flirtation, and invitation even. She wanted some comfort which could only be found in another body, and maybe the Andorian security officer needed some of her own, the feeling of closeness after going through losses of both friends and colleagues, maybe even loved ones.
[ Hannah "Nightmare" Slaverton ]
"To keeping ourselves in the air," said Hannah in agreement, and tosses back the small glass with a smile.
A smile was replaced by a strained grin and a small cough, putting the back of her hand against her lips for a moment while her eyes waters up, and then she threw her head back and cried out in revelry - slamming down the glass behind her. She heard Nathan's question, and while chuckling in the aftermath of the sensation burning down her throat, she answered - propping herself up on the bar counter with her both elbows again. That first one was always a kicker.
"Plenty, I say," she said and made a small noise of contentment in her scourged throat as she felt her blood running warmer in her chest - spreading out into her body. She was war to begin with, given the setting, yet this was another kind of warmth. One that harmonised with the warmth of Nathan's body so close to her own. Her green eyes met his in challenge. "More than you can, surely, unless you decide to forfeit the game for the sake of other spoils. For while you might loose this game by giving in, you might have the chance of enjoying other treats."
True to her word, she glanced around the immediate area and slipped a hand down into the warm water - an idle motion innocent but for the chance that Nathan might spoil the illusion that nothing had changed. "Because speaking of going home alone, that might not have to be the case this time around, if you decide to give me the win."
Her fingerstips found his base and slid around it - tickling the length lightly through his sodden boxers from hilt to tip.
"What are you waiting for? Order us another round...?" Her teeth being bared in a grin was adjoined with an innocent raising of her eyebrows in the firelight. "Unless you have had enough for tonight already?"The stakes were honour and restraint against surrender, and Nightmare liked to think the odds were in her favour, even if neither of them could truly loose.
[ ThanIda zh'Wann ]
"Perhaps words are more than enough right now... right here..." said Ida and glanced around with conspirator's smile, "given as you are not in your own body right now but that of our First Officer's. Like you said, I hardly think Edena would like if we progressed any further tight here and now in plain sight. It might be bad for her image if she was thought to enjoy public displays quite so publicly..."
Odd to speak of someone in third person while she was right there behind those eyes. Still it was best considering all parties involved, and given the reactions she remembered when speaking of painting Edena's bare body, she thought that the Executive Officer could not be entirely opposed to Illya's and her immediate desires.
Unhooking her thumb from Edena's bikini-bottom, Ida stepped past Illya and slowly let her steps carry them away from the Lounge area. The bathers might not see any details because of the fog, so Ida did glance behind herself from time to time to make sure Illya did not loose sight of her. The soft undergrowth beyond the hot springs met her shoes eventually, and the lush terrain gave plenty of hiding places. Not before long, Ida came to a stop behind a jutting corner of a tall boulder - her white hair catching the searchlights of distant cranes on top of the Harbinger without really casting any light upon where she stood.
When Edena came into view, Ida just stood there, waiting for the ghost inside the Executive Officer to approach... even hands idle by her sides. The tension was thick in the humid air.
[Natalie Stark | Hot Springs Bar]
Natalie spotted the pale skinned Conn officer as he passed her on the way down the bar. He nodded to her, and she returned he gesture to the Ensign. The two had survived the assault on the bridge by the Calamity's avatar, side by side. It was a harrowing experience, once she wanted to forget (perhaps the driving factor behind her coming down to the hot spring bar) but she did not let that desire make her reactions to Winterbourne cold. She sensed he had a goal in mind that wasn't her, so a quick polite nod was more then sufficient. And by then, there was someone after her attention specifically.
Her gaze rose, as did the color of her cheeks, to meet the Celtic, barely clad man behind the floating bar; clearly, he was the bartender for the night. He had been the man that performed the small number earlier, at the joint gathering. Natalie had to admit that he had quite the inspiring voice, and, while easy going, his up front manner caught her slightly off guard.It was refreshing, for sure, and far different from a lot of the officers and crew she worked with. Very few people there were simply at ease with her; and she had never really gotten a chance to know William Regal, the Theurgy's bartender, before the misfortunes of the Niga incident left him in stasis, along with so many of the crew.
Before she could tell the bartender that she didn't really have much experience with alcohol - tho still more then I've had with sex , she thought ruefully - her coworkers from the Tac Conn wing were once again demanding the bartenders attentions. He rattled off something quick that left Natalie stammering, and blushing all at once. She wasn't used to people flirting, and while the analytical (and perhaps cynical, at this point) part of her mind told the soaked brunette that he was just being polite, the part of her that hadn't done much flirting at all was encouraged, and maybe just the slightest bit wistful. Flustered, she watched him work, and pondered his words.
When he returned, Natalie smiled, and placed her hands on the bar, taking a slow breath to calm herself down. It didn't help the blush, but still, she managed that smile, by God. "Honestly Mr..?" she waited for him to supply a name, then smiled "Lt Cmdr Stark," She replied, then amended "NO rank pips," a stutter, "Natalie will work. As I was saying, I don't drink much," hardly a drop at all, you liar!, "So I think, well, what would you recommend?" She gulped, but she got it all out.
[ Triage Centre | En-Route to the Thermal Springs Lounge ] Attn: Searcher
Waiting outside the Triage Centre after having completed his follow-up meeting with Dr. Amelya Duv, Dr. Nicander was enjoying the cooler air of the twilight evening. Despite how the commanding officers had tried to simulate volcanic heat and a forest fire with all the torches - in order to throw off the sensors of the Calamity with the exothermic chemical processes and the black-body electromagnetic radiation - the air outside was definitely more inviting than inside the Triage Centre. The coming night would be cool, however, so they would be able to get the temperature conditioning devices to work on the morrow.
As it were, Lucan had removed his teal undershirt and his labcoat long before heading out, standing bare-chested and unshaven below a unknown kind of birch-like tree - leaning against the trunk with his forearm and rubbing his forehead. To restrain the presence inside during everything that had happened during the past day had given him a severe headache, and he was covered in layers of itching sweat. With only his hands remained cleaned and sanitised, he looked very much forward to a relaxing bath. Perhaps it would soothe the beast as well, even if it was unlikely.
"Hi there," he said as he heard and saw Eve come. He smiled to her as he turned around, having just been about to contact her with the combadge in his pocket. "I think I have never been more in need of a bath. What do you say? Judging by the echoes across the valley, it seems like the Lounge they put up is popular. Should we go?"
OOC: Feel free to have Lucan walk beside her in your post. :)
[Rory Callahan]
Ah the poor lass was nervous but not in the way he was used to with fans. He sensed she was that way with just about anyone and it made her all the more endearing. "Callahan, but just call me Rory. I'm no' Starfleet a'tall so jus' me given name'll do," he introduced himself with a casual smile and offered his hand. "Lieutenant Commander Natalie Stark ... sounds quite impressive but 'm glad to call ye by yer lovely given name."
He was thoughtful for a moment and held up a finger in the universal 'gimme a moment' sign, wagging it a little as his brow furrowed while he rifled through a few boxes. "I think this would be suitable," he said as he lifted a rather plain looking bottle out and uncorked it with a bit of flair, waving the bottle a moment and taking a sniff, nodding with a satisfied expression. "Jus' lettin' her breathe a bit," he went on amiably and retrieved a wine glass.
"Bit older vintage, red and sweet but not too much kick. I stumbled across it in the States an' it was so unusual I always try t'make sure there's some on hand." He poured a fair amount out in a glass and the color was a beautiful ruby red. "There's a bit of apple flavor, which is really nice, but the most interestin' was somethin' like cotton candy. Don' know if ye've had any o' that but it's spun sugar that turns into a fluffy cloud an' lit'rally melts in your mouth."
"It's a good drink for those who don't drink much, used a lot as a dessert wine in fact. If that doesn't agree, then we'll find another that might do," he explained as he handed her the glass, a finger lightly brushing against hers though he didn't release until he knew she had a good hold. Rory was careful with his drinks, preferring not to spill a drop lest he feel the sadness of a wasted moment of flavor bursting on his ... or in this case his patron's lips which admittedly had him a bit entranced.
[Eve Jenkins - En-Route to Thermal Springs Lounge]
She'd gotten Rihen someone much more qualified to help her talk through her feelings and awakened Lieutenant Nora Patterson from her rest and explained the staggering of shifts, placing her on a twelve hour rotation opposite of her own. Now it was time to meet up with Lucan and though she was weary, there was that light and bubbly feeling inside of her as she thought of him.
That sensation only nearly boiled over when she saw him leaning against a tree, his bare torso displayed so deliciously. He was rubbing his head though and even at this distance she could see his muscles were taut with stress. She was still in full uniform, having continued to check on patients when her part was done which gave an excuse to be somewhat playful.
"I hate it when I'm overdressed," she murmured and unzipped the uniform top showing the teal undershirt to be plastered to her skin, the heat inside the triage having made her sweat as she scurried about assisting what seemed like everywhere at once.
"I think a drink and a good soak is just what the doctor ordered," she chuckled and hooked her hand in his arm as they ambled toward the hot springs. "You are definitely getting a massage to help with that headache," she added quite casually.
[Nathan Isley]
Hannah played a very clever gambit. His superior constitution would never let her win a drinking game against him. It was more about how long she lasted then if she could best him, but she found the one means by which to make him concede. She suggested far more amorous activities that could be taking place, her hand against his manhood through his boxer briefs serving as the exclamation point to the words she spoke. To give up for such reasons wouldn't have been all that honorable, would it?
Fuck honor! He wasn't a Klingon!
"You know, now that you mention it, I am feeling not quite up to it tonight. Maybe the heat is getting to me more then I realized." It wasn't the heat of the thermal spring, however, but how hot Slaverton was getting him. She was an effective seductress when she wanted to be, but did she have the intensity in the bedroom. The last time he had slept with a fellow pilot, Skye carver proved to be as tough as any woman he'd ever known, going round for round with him until they both had their fill. Did Hannah have that same kind of durability? That same kind of contrition? He would have been more then happy to find out.
[Edena Rez (Illya in control)]
"Edena doesn't mind me having some fun as long as I am discreet. It isn't like her body is innocent to most things." Illya confirmed. Edena wouldn't be upset if the two of them wanted some time together, so long as no one else knew about it. She was still being professional, still trying to figure herself out in the midst of an identity crisis. Illya knew exactly who she was, however, and she also knew exactly what she wanted to do with the blue skinned beauty.
When they found each other again, hidden from prying eyes by the lack of light, the lushness of the foliage and the cover of the boulder, Illya wasted no time taking what she wanted. She pressed up against Ida, their chests swelling together in union, as their lips met. It was tentative at first, testing the grounds before getting deeper, stronger. Her hands found the woman's sides, holding her closely, intimately. She was used to people feeling hot, but Ida was cooler, not to the point of cold, but enough that she noticed. For blue skin and cooler temperature bodies, Ida had a way of turning up the heat. "Been a while since I was with an Andorian woman. You'll have to remind me if all the buttons are the same." It was a simple question. Compared to other humanoid females, did Andorian women have different erogenous zones that Illya could take advantage of. She had once had fun with a species whose greatest erogenous zone was their elbows. Suffice to say, a nudge from one's elbow meant something far different in that culture, something illya learned when her means of getting someone's attention was taken as a sexual advance. That had been a fun night.
[ Hannah "Nightmare" Slaverton ]
"You know, now that you mention it, I am feeling not quite up to it tonight. Maybe the heat is getting to me more then I realized."
"Oh?" said Hannah where she was leaning against the bar, looking up at him with wide, innocent eyes. One of her hands remained below the misty surface of the water, and only her wicked grin might betray what was going on there. "You feel like you are quite... up to it. Are you that sure you forfeit the game, recognising me as the winner only after one drink? My my, I guess you really can't hold your alcohol, Maverick..."
Throwing a teasing grin his way, she shifted her legs around in the water, turning to face the bar instead. She leaned against it and pretended taking an inventory of what was available... while working her behind against Nathan's hardening crotch. Slow, undulating movements in the water, barely noticeable, yet still firmly applied. The fabric of their undergarments warm and weightless, it left little to the imagination. It lasted only a couple of seconds, before Hannah straightened and leaned her back against the hard planes of her wingmate's chest.
"Nope, I can't find anything else I'd like to drink here on my own," she said wistfully, looking up at him over her shoulder with her hands on the bar counter. "However do you suggest I celebrate my sweet victory now?"
[ ThanIda zh'Wann ]
Tilting her head, Ida met the kiss from Illya without retreating an inch. She closed her eyes, and felt Edena's body meet her own - the damp tank Ida wore doing little to mask the hardening of her cerulean nipples through the fabric. The dim, sweeping light of the crane high above them played over their bodies in the intimate embrace, and a small moan of tensions released escaped Ida - muffled by the First Officer's warm mouth.
Since her own waist was embraced by Illya, Ida's hands roamed the ghost's back and neck, cheeks and shoulders - raked through her dark hair. When asked if Andorian's had specific preferences, Ida chuckled ruefully against those inviting Pinkskin lips. "They are, all in all, the same..." she breathed, using her thumbs to pull Edena's blue bikini top upwards - the bared breasts spilling free from the cloth against her own bosom. Ida let the bikini top be afterwards, still clasped behind the back. The kisses never ceased. Not truly. "My antennae are very susceptible to touch... Not as sensitive to touch as the Ferengi ear, yet intimate contact with an Andorian's... nngh... antennae is nonetheless considered soothing."
Breaking the kiss to lean down, Ida framed a breast in her blue hand and encompassed the hard peak with her lips - tonguing and sucking upon it. "The stroking of antennae... is considered an act more advanced than a hug, but less intimate than a kiss... Otherwise we are the same... My endoskeleton... won't be in the way... Mmmhh..."
A fiery trail of kisses, so warm for being that of a cobalt-blooded being, roamed the skin of the Trill.
[ Dr. Lucan cin Nicander ]
Leading Eve across the plain and towards the distant frivolities, Lucan answered Eve with a small smile on his exotic features. "I'm much obliged," he said, enjoying the breeze as they walked in the alley of torches, "and please, do not think you will be the only one pampering. I have the idea to make you enjoy the evening as well. So tell me, is there ought I might do to make the lady's evening memorable?"
Eventually, they would reach the Harbinger, and from there, it would only be a matter of following the noise of people and waterfalls. The dark thoughts that surfaced in Lucan's mind contemplated what might happen if he chose to add diluted hypochlorite to the water. The moving mass of water and the heat would make the dissolving effect incredible. Oh, he might even chose to use a mix of concentrated sulfuric acid and a even more concentrated dosage of hydrogen peroxide... Idly, he wondered which would itch and hurt the more, making the bathers leave prematurely.
Perhaps he might settle for doing it in the Neotin quarters. Ash'reem bones were softer and there would be literally nothing left of them afterwards. The worst that could happen were if Amikris and her father Arcorn clogged up the decon filters in the Theurgy's water system.
Suppressing the thoughts that stemmed from the presence underneath his skin, Lucan raked a hand through his dishevelled hair and smiled to Eve - thus finding it easier to push away the images that kept coming. "I never got the chance to ask you what befell you when the Ishtar entity roamed the ship. Anything you care to talk about?"
Slowly, they came to enter the shadow of the Harbinger.
S'iti Aisha
She smiled holding out her hand, Pleased to meet your acquaintance. You weren't too bad yourself. Takes quite the talent to coordinate three vectors at once. Experimental AI on-board the ship or not. You must have had your hands full at the Conn. She said opening her eyes and smiling to the young conn officer.
She then heard the remark about the dominion war being a thing of the past and cursed lightly to herself. "My 'race' is an endangered species. It it wasn't bad enough that the Anglos nearly Killed my culture off hundreds of years ago. Then the Cardies who all but slammed the coffin on my peoples culture. Took ya'll Feddies long enough to see things strait and believe your own former colonists."
"Funny, Earth gets attacked by the Borg and it's 'drop everything, Earth needs help.' Bunch of 'primitives' from earth get slaughtered by Scalies and you do everything you can to appease the damned snakes. Now that the war is over its, 'Oh lets not judge them; lets not hate them; they need to rebuild.' Wheres the people who be there to ask to rebuild the former Federation colonies in the DMZ. Oh that's right they are dead. Can't answer a wheel that's forever gone, but you sure as hell can listen to a squeeky one. The Cardassians did all they could to make sure their voices would never be heard. Ya know, If I stay the only one to ever wear this uniform then that's one too many of my species with a positive record in the eyes of this Federation." she said in a low voice every word dripping with venom as she spoke it.
She laid back on the rock looking around for a moment then sighing, "Sorry about that little rant there. I just get irritated with how everyone seems to want to forgive the crimes of the Cardassians and seem to forget the people who they all but made extinct"
[Nathan Isley]
Hannah liked to rub it in, proving herself to be a sore winner. She was seducing him into giving up, and when he suggested that he might, she began to gloat over it. It would have been enough to make him change his mind normally, to drink her under the table and deposit her drunken body in her room. The only thing that prevented him from it was the feeling of her barely covered buttocks against his crotch, practically grinding into his stiffness. "let's just say I wouldn't want the alcohol to get in the way of certain exercises. If you want a means to celebrate your victory, maybe you should join me on that. I promise you you haven't had a work out quite so . . . exhausting before." He could go until she would say no more, as Slaverton could find out if she accepted the invitation. She might have been codenamed Nightmnare, but he had nothing but sweet dreams in store for her tonight.
[Edena Rez]
A lot of people made a big deal about Andorian antennae, the same way they often lavished attention upon a Trill's spots. They were those unique features about their race that made them exotic, different from others. At least ida got something out of it though, even if it was just slightly more intimate then a hug. As she bared Edena's breasts, a decent sized C cup, Illya used the Commander's face to give a wicked smile, returning the favor to Ida by pulling up her own soaked shirt, exposing her own bosom to the warm night air. Despite the heat, their nipples were stiff, thanks to the arousal they both felt. As Ida lowered her head to wrap her lips around the Trill's breast, Illya let out a satisfied sigh, her hands moving through the snow white hair of her partner, fingertips lightly brushing along her antenna Her other hand reached down to press against a trim stomach, the result of Ida's workouts and physical conditioning. Rubbing circles in the stomach, she soon drifted up to cup a breast, to return the attention being given her to, squeezing the ripe melon in her palm, letting her nipple roll between a thumb and finger, creating a gentle twist
"Mmm, your mouth feels so wonderful there. You had better let me return the favor before we continue onto anything else," Illya told her, always wanting to give as well as she received, if not better.
[ Cale Winterbourne ]
Whatever faint ghostly smile that touched Cale's features when he shook Chief Aisha's hand vanished when she became upset about something said from the bar's direction. He turned his silvery head of hair that way to try and see if there was anyone attempting to start a fight, yet it rather seemed like there was some kind of misunderstanding from the Theurgy crew's side and the pilot had taken offence. The words from the Cardassian woman at least shed some light on who she was.
"Please, there is nothing for me to forgive," he said and propped himself up against the edge the rock she lay upon with an elbow and nodded towards the bar, "and I think ignorance might be at fault in this case. Bajorans also have trouble forgiving Cardassia so easily after the Dominion Wars ended. I do think that with this uniform, we are supposed to be impartial and objective in these matters, yet its rather hard when history has dictated every premise we have for ending up in the fleet."
Pausing, Winterbourne looked back to the exotic MCPO. He might be deemed as a man made of ice, and yet his eyes came to wander briefly. This Aisha might technically have been of lower rank than himself yet her elevated non-commissioned rank suggested greater experience than his own. He decided to see how far gossip had spread. "Have you had the chance to learn what has befallen the Theurgy crew since after we fled San Francisco? I bet there must be many stories circulating at this point."
[ Hannah "Nightmare" Slaverton ]
Enjoying how she felt Nathaniel's chest reverberate when he spoke since her face was turned up towards him as she leaned her back into his muscular frame. Hannah raised her eyebrows with mock-surprise. "Exhausting exercise? Are we to power up a Gymnasium aboard the Theurgy?" she asked, playing a coy dimwit even if the gleam in her eye showed she knew exactly what was afoot and that she clearly meant to follow along - merely playing in her situation a bit. "Sounds like you have confidence in your physical stamina, Maverick. If nothing else, I would like to see you put your money where your mouth is."
And suddenly, she had used her hold on the bar counter to push backwards, meaning to topple her wingmate over in the water. Regardless of outcome, she slipped away a few feet by wading through the water. She turned and shot the man a grin and a sultry look. "You will have to catch me first, though!" she proclaimed with playful mischief and began to wade through the throng of people - heading for the waterfalls at the back end of the springs...
[ ThanIda zh'Wann ]
Paying diligent attention to Edena's breasts, which curve and mass became better known through touch and taste rather than sight due to the darkness, Ida gasped for breath when she was touched in kind - the air against her bared breasts making her moan against the First Officer's flesh. Her antennae shifted underneath the delicate touch, sending shivers down her body and filling her eyes with clouded memories.
The spotted Pinkskin was clearly enjoying the attention, and said she wanted to compensate Ida in kind - something that Ida would surely not object to. Her tongue twirling around the hardened nipple inside her mouth, she broke away eventually with a hard kiss and framed her own breast with her hand in breathless offering. Her other hand pressed Edena closer as it lay upon the small of her back.
Last time she'd had sex was more than two days ago with T'Less in her quarters, so she might not be desperate for intimacy for lack of it, but rather for the sake of the moment found with Illya at long last. There had been plenty of talk and innuendo, yet now - finally - it looked liked they had caught a break. Between hasty breaths, Ida had to ask, "Would you still like me to draw you some day?" she asked, voice trembling and hands roaming Edena at every chance she got after surrendering her bared blue flesh to the Executive Officer, "I promise I will leave my phaser out of reach."
Aisha S'Iti
She sighed, "I shouldn't be so sensitive about this whole thing I guess." she said looking around. "And those pilots have nothing on the SCO on our ship. Guy was raised by an diplomat to Cardassia or something. Practically runs his squad like a Gul from what I have heard." she said.
"And, I'm not holding it against the Cardassians themselves. War is what it is, war. Would I have prejudice myself against a Cardassian soldier? Of course not. If I held prejudices against the people who fight in wars then I would loathe the Federation for the deaths of my birth parents during the Cardassian Wars. Still I do feel slighted in its own way. Its like brass cared more about patching things up with our former enemies than considering how its own allies might feel having their aide supplies sent to help rebuild the empire that tried to either extinct them or subject them to abject slavery. I mean there are plenty of small refugee colonies barely surviving in the former DMZ, the remnants of the people the Maquis fought for. Their aide is diverted to the people that tried to extinct them. No, welcoming our new allies into the fold is one thing. The way it reminds me of how the brass seems to care more about patching things up with the Dominion and it's allies rather than repairing the damage they caused their own citizens. That's what pisses me off."
She paused a moment noticing how he came closer and welcoming it as she shook her head regarding the rumors. "No real rumors actually. There was a rise in propaganda against questioning orders from brass. Academy teachers have begun to withhold much of the content regarding instances where the actions of a captain defying the admiralty's orders have resulted in said captains being hailed as heroes. Needless to say the stories of James Kirk's more well known exploits have been disappearing from curriculum. As for rumors on you guys. Not much really. We were given orders. We were told to hunt you down and kill on sight. The Mark III:s and the Theurgy-class vessel were deemed acceptable losses. Orders were maintain radio silence. No quarter is to be accepted. Destroy the vessel and any fleeing craft including any escape pods. As for rumors about you guys and your motives. Most rumors are you stole some secret super weapon and this is why you have been unable to be destroyed in combat. Those of us who have some degree of intelligence to us Disreguard the superweapon rumors and think you keep on evading capture because of your fighter squadron of Mark Threes and because you have a state of the art MVAM ship with the most advanced ship brain in the fleet. Any tactician would see that in a head to head fight there are few ships to match the Theurgy, and it would take quite the tactician to defeat it in combat especially with your Experimental AI." She smirked thinking about the ship, "I guess you could say I envy you a bit. You have no idea how badly I would love to sit at your Conn Desk. An Akira class is fun and all, but a Theurgy in MVAM though. God...I bet she flies like a Falcon. To coordinate the movements with the help of a ship's brain like Thea's. It must be amazing."
[ Cale Winterbourne ]
"It is something quite different, so say the least," said Winterbourne and his gaze drifted off, remembering the things he had been through since he was commissioned aboard the Theurgy at the time it had returned to San Francisco. He had been fresh out of the Academy when he operated the Conn of an Excelsior starship, and had thought - in his detached appraisal of things - that he had known what he was getting into. He had studied the Theurgy ship extensively, wrapped his head around the new additions to it - tried to work out some kind of linear and easy way to predict and control the output of Thea's digital mind. Yet just as little as he had been able to read Thea and put her down as an ordinary AI, just as little had he expected what was to happen.
The last almost three months of insanity and battle had made him numb. He had known he was a decent when at the Conn of a starship, but to think that he had been able to work with an AI and his fellow crew and fought the entire fleet for sake of protecting the truth. Added on top of this was the outbreak aboard when they had orbited Niga. He remembered some. Other things were lost. He knew he had been cornered on the Main Bridge. Ensign Carletta from the Science Department had... They had been at it like dogs in heat, and it was something so abject to reason... this image of himself and the Ensign in his lap - riding him while he sat in the Command Chair. Oh, and then there was that 'god' that had come their way, meaning to profit from the energies the crew had emitted at Niga. It was so utterly insane he had no words to describe it. Surely the rumours about it all would spread like wildfire in the valley quite shortly.
"Something quite different..." he repeated, then caught himself having halted the conversation in his musings. "Pardon me. I was daydreaming. Tell me, is it true that your species thrive in this kind of heat? Your scales look more... revitalised than upon other Cardassians I have seen." It was true, she glowed like her wet undergarments might catch the light. His analytical mind stayed on the subject, just as his eyes were.
[Nathan Isley]
"Trust me, there are far better places my mouth can be then where my money is." He gave chase, brushing people aside as he gave chase after Hannah. She was making him work for it more then he would have expected her to. With how much she had been coming onto him, he would have thought the fastest she could get him alone, the better. Instead, he was playing some sort of game of tag with her, pursuing Hannah with intent to get hold of her, to cease her running away so he might show her exactly what he was capable of. Once he had her within reach, big strong arms wrapped around her waist, lifting her out of the water for a moment, her legs flailing upward before he set her back down, but kept his hold on her. He wasn't about to let her run off again. "I can think of far better workouts, Nightmare, but we're still a bit overdressed for them . . . unless you are wanting to do something here."
The water was misty enough to not see through, and they were now far away enough to not arouse suspicion. Men's underwear had that opening in the front for many reasons, but most found it served well to inconspicuously get one's manhood out Just as easily, he could have pushed her underwear down, let them get to fully know each other in such a public location. Surely there was a turn-on in that.
[Edena Rez]
As Ida's mouth left her breasts, Illya started working down the Andorian woman's body, lips finding her neck first before traveling down, feeling her way around in the darkness. In a way, they were being cruel to each other, denying themselves the opportunity to see each other in better illumination, to fully appreciate the naked breasts in front of them. Finally, her lips found Ida's nipple, a small laugh before her tongue flicked against the stiffened point, doing so a few times before her mouth sealed over the nipple completely, sucking and tonguing it further. When she had good suction, she would pull back, giving the sensitive little bud a playful tug, only to go right back to it. She listened to Ida's sounds, the gauge of her pleasure, and when she started to balance out, Illya switched to the other breast, the unstimulated one, and started the whole process anew. By switching back and forth, she could keep spiking the pleasure levels.
"You name the time and place and I'll be ready to get naked for you," Illya said. Edena had already agreed, so long as the work was not made viewable to anyone but herself and Illya. Edena was a professional first and foremost, and would not have her fellow crewmen thinking differently of her if they saw what the blue skinned Security officer had created of her. As long as it remained though, she had no objections. She didn't hate her body enough to deny it the chance to be a model, though she was too nervous to sit in for the role herself. Illya, with her confidence, was far more suited to the role.
[Eve Jenkins]
Lucan offered to some pampering of her in return, something that sounded more than wonderful. She ached not just in body but her mind and heart as well. It wasn't something she talked about very often because a lot of people were sometimes uncomfortable with her empathic abilities. The way she could touch and block pain was always welcome but there were some who were uncomfortable knowing she could feel the emotions of others.
And the emotions lately had been running in the more negative realm. Sadness, anger, frustration seemed to come at her from all sides and only her mental shielding saved her from being overwhelmed at times. There was still some of that but the nearer they came to the others in the hot springs, the more she felt the more positive things. It was enough to make her sigh, as if someone had just lifted something off of her and she could breathe again.
"Memorable," Eve echoed in a dreamy sort of way. "As if just looking into your eyes or having the pleasurable privilege of touching you isn't memorable," she replied with warmth though restrained herself from touching him right then. They always maintained an air or professionalism around the crew and she wasn't going to break that protocol unless he wished to be more open about what had gone on between them in the distant and recent past.
He brought up something she hadn't expected and since she hadn't intended to ask him what had happened to him, she was slightly hesitant. "That was a strange moment in time," she said finally. "I had just taken breakfast to Khorin Douglass and was examining him, helping him with his level of pain as he sat up when a woman walked into the area. She brushed her hand along my bum ... and then Khorin was miraculously healed and we shared an intimate moment ... if you could call it intimate."
Her eyes were troubled as she spoke of the incident. "I remember thinking it wasn't right, that he couldn't possibly be well enough for that and also that it was inappropriate, that it could be seen as me taking advantage of him. Yet ... the more primal part of me couldn't resist and I enjoyed him. There is a part of me that wishes I had been able to control myself but ... given his condition now ... I have to hope that the encounter and then the battle was how he wished to go."
Since Lucan had shown up on Nimbus III, Eve hadn't been with anyone else and she had found no one truly drew her in the way Lucan did. There was actually a tinge of guilt, something she'd never experienced after a sexual encounter. She knew it wasn't anything she could have changed and part of her didn't want to, but it was the fact she'd been used by the Entity and been with someone she hadn't ever thought of being with in that sort of situation.
[Aisha S'Iti]
She smiled softly hearing his answer; it was enigmatic to say the least. when his attentions turned to her body or rather how she seemed so 'at home' in this environment she couldn't help but give him a soft and slightly flirtatious grin as she moved her hand over her clothes still clinging to her body and pulling them flat as if to give his eyes an even better view of how her body would look under the clothes. "You could say that." She smiled as she raised up a moment and slid down the rock sliding gracefully into the water giving a soft moan of pleasure as the water began to caress her body.
She smirked as she looked up at him coming much closer than him. "I guess you can say I just love it when things get hot and moist." As she got closer to him and wrapped an arm around his head with a soft grin as she pulled him in resting her scaled neck against his shoulder. "Would you care to make this little snake even wetter?" she whispered seductively as she ran a hand down his chest making her intentions hopefully very clear to the fellow flight controller.
[Natalie Stark]
Yes, she was sure he was flirting at this point, but she wasn't sure if that was his default setting, or if the charm was all for her. How do people manage to do this? she wondered to herself, and not for the first time at that. She was always better with machines then people, despite, perhaps, earlier interactions to the contrary. Social skills, to say the least, were not very highly ranked in the Lt.Cmdr's repertoire.
Natalie watched the bartender with silent fascination as he procured the plain looking bottle. Idly, she wondered how the bottles were kept cool and safe from the hot water, given that the bar top was practically surface level with the water. It would be a mildly fascinating bit of engineering. Oh sure, dermal coated refrigeration units probably took care of it, and a outward floating drawer would do the rest. But it was a welcome technological distraction to wrap her mind around and help her flatten out any awkward social gestures.
Still her eyes sparkled as Rory talked through the drink. The way he described the flavor made her almost able to taste it without having put the glass to her lips. By the time the bartender was done, she barely noticed the brush of his fingers on hers as she took a firm grip of it. "With a build up like that, Mr. Ca--Rory," she swallowed, correcting herself, "I'm sure it will be wonderful." Steeling herself for the bite she expected despite her words, she sniffed the wine (as she had seen done at a few formal dinner - again, not her strong suit), before taking a slow, timid sip.
A sip that became a longer pull a her eyes went wide. Sure enough, it did taste faintly of apples, with a sweet little rolling sensation as it washed down her tongue. She pulled the glass from her lips, gently letting her tongue flick out over them, subconsciously. "Oh wow," she exclaimed, soft, but clearly pleased. Taking another small sip, the woman's face lit up, betraying her younger aged for her rank. "You were right, this is delicious."
[ Hannah "Nightmare" Slaverton ]
Caught and hoisted up in the air, Hannah cried out with laughter - her kicking legs showering the bathers close by in the mist with warm water. At the point she was set down and held against Nathan, the commotion had merely earned chuckles and laughter rather than curses and irritable comments.
"I was heading for the waterfalls, you big oaf," confessed Nightmare in her laughter and tried to break the hold Maverick held around her, to no avail. She could feel him against her lower back, and she threw a glance over her shoulder - biting her lower lip before leaning against his neck. Her big eyes were as challenging as they were playful. "I am confident you could have fun with me right here and I would not show these people anything about what you'd make me feel... Leave them all clueless..." she said boldly - setting the stakes for the new game of the evening.
"Or..." she said and added the flip-side of the rules while she reached down to stroke him under the water again. Her thumb brushed the crown of his length. "We head behind a waterfall so that I can make you scream your lungs out, wingmate. Let me go, or give me your best shot... Your call."
She usually did not like the games where all parties were essentially winners regardless of the outcome, but in this case... she would be delighted in all possible outcomes.
[ ThanIda zh'Wann ]
Finding herself leaning back against the cliff-face and leaving her body completely at the mercy of the First Officer, Ida gasped rhythmically into the night air - blue fingers raking through Edena's hair. The hardened peaks of her aching breasts were vivid to her mind despite the fact that she could only make out their outline against the XO's ghostly face in the darkness. They were so roused and firm it almost hurt, yet Illya made them hurt in a very delightful way.
"If we... nngghh... can spare an hour or two for the preliminary sketches," she whispered breathlessly, "and not be otherwise distracted... I would like to begin soon...mmmhhhh... perhaps on the morrow? We cannot know how much time we get for... for... mph! ...for artistry these days..."
Ida ran a hand down her sweat-pearled abdomen and past the waistline of her own panties - seeking the third aching, wet spot in the darkness. Perhaps selfishly so, yet Illya was very good at what she did. She rubbed her herself slowly, until she had to quit and take the initiative - simply for sake of prolonging the inevitable. Her gasps were coming faster, and there was so much more she wanted.
"Should have known," she said through winded breaths, and turned them around so that Illya had her back against the cliff. She promptly, hurriedly kissed her way down her front, speaking in between each contact her lips made upon Trill skin, "I should have trusted you... Should have put my phaser away and shared Edena's shower with you."
Wrap and bikini were feeble obstacles in her path, made short business of before she lay her mouth to Edena's nether lips. One of the cranes cast them in peripheral light, and Ida's antennae danced slowly in appreciation of the taste.
[ Cale Winterbourne ]
Cale's light blue eyes analysed the way Aisha's scales made imprints against the stretched fabric of her tank, not exactly catching on to the innuendo at first but rather partaking in an odd field study of a Cardassian in her natural environment. A very thorough study, admittedly, since the subject in question was easy to rest one's eye upon.
It was not until she slid into the water and joined him, quickly drifting well beyond proper social distance for conversation that he caught on to what kind of development he had inadvertently caused. Admittedly, he found women attractive too, and Aisha was certainly all woman underneath her wet clothes. In his immature years, Cale showed great flirtatiousness and shallowness, yet after all that he had been through, his emotional world had been cased in ice. He saw beauty yet reacted no more.
The fact that he disjointedly, awkwardly, stood his ground in the hot water while she came to cuddle and caress him was not a sign that he might be thawing, but he had not disentangled himself either - his curiosity getting the best of him.
"How would you surmise I could make you feel wetter when we are in this thermal spring?" he asked for sake of saying anything at all, laying his hands against her back by reflex of a common embrace. He frowned, yet the shock soon subsided enough for amending his ignorant comment, making his eyebrows climb. Purely visual study had become something quite more. "Oh, you mean..? Can I..? How would I know? I mean, I just met you."
[ Dr. Lucan cin Nicander ]
Listening to Eve gave Lucan something to focus on, like immersing oneself in a book just so that one might escape reality. The reality was that the beast still seemed unaffected by the passage of time since the incident with Garen Nelis in Surgical Suite 02 - remaining a dominant presence still. The story itself was what could be expected, in retrospect, of such randomness and fickleness that the Ishtar identity had shown. Besides, of course, his and Natalie Stark's fate.
"I think any pilot who'd had you before being shot down would call it a fortunate demise. You were in Sickbay when Commander Stark and I showed up, so I suppose you might guess that we were intimate when the Ishtar Entity 'played' with the ship. Our story is more grim, however, in how we came to relive what happened while the Theurgy orbited the planet Niga in the Mahéwa System. I am sure you have both heard the rumours and read the reports. I am bound by doctor-patient confidentiality in regards to Commander Stark's and - and by extension - my fate. The... acts of the flora we found there were not the most flattering for the victims, and especially not for us in the Senior Staff. We are supposed to be leaders for our departments. We cannot afford to show weakness. Not when we are in a situation where mutiny might be a risk."
Glancing to his side, he supposed he could tell her something else. Something less dark. Something that she, as half-deltan, might find quite humorous. "You know, I might get some indecent proposals from time to time aboard, women and men who think I might be interesting to flirt with. I know, it's hard to imagine, but it do happens," he said and gave her a lopsided smile, looking back to the path ahead of them, "I don't know what it is, but perhaps it has to do with the situation we are in: meeting new people that share our plight. In any case, today, one of the Harbinger's doctor's - whom I as a gentleman won't name - took off her lab coat and her undershirt in my office while blaming the heat. I said that if a nurse walked in, they might get the wrong idea, whereas she said that the heat was enough to excuse the state of undress... unless I had other ideas in mind."
Chuckling, Lucan continued, shaking his head while they walked. "Now, I admit that as a mere man, I was intrigued by the boldness and the situation. One thing led to another, but we had to break off what was about... since a Cadet walked in. I swear, it was like one of those comedy holo-programs from that point on. Before the Cadet arrived, the doctor hid behind my desk, I had to pretend like nothing was about, and try to fool the Cadet that there was nothing suspicious about the PADDs that had fallen off my desk, along with my bloody coffee replicator!"
Chuckling lightly with the telling of the story, Lucan ended with an off-hand gesture. "Anyway, after this hilarious sketch played out, the doctor and I parted ways and more or less agreed that it was not the brightest of ideas given the time, place or our obligations. Nonetheless, its like there is something in the air tonight - affecting people to live out ideas that would normally not occur to them. Or perhaps its just that neither of the crews have had any downtime in almost three months."
At that point, they arrived at the Thermal Springs Lounge. In the throng and the swirling mists of the open area, Lucan noticed a woman being hoisted out of the water in the arms of a man before being lowered down again - laughter drifting over the noise of hundreds of voices and the sound of waterfalls and the spring's low murmur. "Like I said.." he commented and threw Eve a knowing smile.
[Aisha S'Iti]
She giggled softly "That naivety and innocence is so cute on you." she said in a gentle whispered voice as she nuzzled close to him. Her head rested against his shoulder as she relaxed enjoying the embrace. "Well you could start by just treating me like you would any human girl. I was raised by humans after all so there's no real challenge in deciphering some cultural divide with me. How about you just start by holding me close like you are right now."
She sighed as it seemed to him she was almost more like a study in alien biology more than a potential romantic partner. In a way though some complex romance was far from what she was wanting right now. Catching onto his interest in her differences as a species he was less used to knowing so intimately she then added. "Of course you are welcome to learn what you can about my unique physiology. After all, tactile examination can be quite enlightening when it comes to the examination of a unfamiliar species."
[Eve Jenkins]
It was a compliment and yet Eve couldn't help wishing he'd seemed at least a little upset that she'd been with the pilot. He is not committed to me she reminded herself and continued along with her hands clasped behind her back, surveying everything around them as they walked. She'd started to tell him he didn't have to say anything when he mentioned doctor-patient confidentiality but he continued to speak and she was silent.
The reports she'd read and the things she'd heard and emotions felt left her with no doubts what had likely happened with him at the pretty engineer. No wonder the woman had been out sorts! To have endured that kind of trauma twice was enough to make her wish that goddess had been executed by the others. Most everyone involved in the Ishtar incident were sent into pleasurable escapades so why was she so cruel to Natalie and Lucan?
He followed that with a tale of being caught in the act with a Harbinger doctor and though he was a 'gentleman' by not saying a name, she knew it had to be Dr. Duv. He was laughing it off and though she smiled, she couldn't quite hide the pain in her eyes. He is not committed to me she reminded herself again. He was free to be with whomever he wanted and she was a mature woman. This was one of those times she had to push her feelings aside.
Damn it was hard though. He wasn't wearing a shirt because he had been fooling around with someone else, not because he was trying to entice her. If he hadn't been interrupted, he would likely still be with the doctor and she, Eve, would have been standing there waiting on him like a fool. But she was a fool, simply because she loved him. Looking at the two being playful in the water, she wished she could feel more of their happiness to override her own sadness.
"Do you want to get a drink or just find a quiet corner so we can soak our weary bones?" she asked to avoid any further discussion of intimacy with others. The heat and humidity here was palpable and she unzipped her uniform top and removed it with a sigh, reaching up and rubbing the back of her neck to try to work out a bit of a knot that was forming and would only make the headache she already had even worse. There was no doubt she would sleep like the dead when she lay down.
[Nathan Isley]
Either scenario felt like a winning one for him, but Isley was well versed in the old saying of giving a woman what she wanted. So he let her go, allowed her to head towards the waterfall she had chosen as her final destination. Once behind it, the roar of the water crashing down on the rocks below was more then enough to drown out the sound of the other officers just beyond it, as he was sure they too were drowned out from the other side, the sound dampening of the waterfall likely better then any standard bedroom wall. With the shelter of the water, he reached out for Hannah again, this time not being so discreet about his actions, her standard issue sports bra style top was pulled up, her breasts spilling out of them as his chest pressed against her back, his palms pressing into her endowments, lifting them, feeling their heft and shape with a certain degree of observation.
"Nightmare hardly seems like an accurate name for you when you're like this, Slaverton. You're more like a dream . . . a wet dream, considering where we are." His lips fell to her neck, seeking out that sensitive spot that all necks had, to start raising her arousal level, spurred along by firm hands giving her breasts a gentle squeeze, finger tips grasping her nipples with care to lightly pinch and twist, all in an effort to get her heart rate up, her breath starting to hitch in her throat.
[Edena Rez]
Some time for her art was something Illya agreed to with a nod of her head, before they were back to the important task at hand, enjoying each other in their private manner. With her back against the cliff side, Illya's hands grasped at Ida's head as the woman began cunnilingus, soft gasps and moans leaving the woman as her fingers brushed through snow-white hair, thumbs caressed along Ida's antennae with the kind of care she would have given a pair of nipples, albeit very long ones in the case of the protrusions on the Andorian's head. "Mmm, you are too good at this. You've been doing it a long time, haven't you?" Illya said with a grin plastered on her face. One of her legs raised up, spreading her thighs further apart as she rested the leg upon Ida's shoulder. Easier access for Ida meant more pleasure for Illya. "I was nineteen the first time I was with another woman. A roommate aboard a Trill transport ship heading for a Federation Starbase. I just left home with dreams of something more for myself, and I was feeling as daring as could be. A combination of a very receptive Starfleet woman I was sharing a room with and a few glasses of something Humans call Tequila and I was spreading my legs for her to do exactly what you're doing now."
[ Hannah "Nightmare" Slaverton ]
Caught and embraced from behind, Hannah made a bark of a laugh at first, until her breasts were bared to the spray of water and then warmed by her wingmates hands.
"Mmmhhh... But if I were to change my callsign, people might think I wet my bed," she said loudly to override the din of the waterfall. Her grin faltered into a sharp intake of breath when he pinched and twisted her nipples, yet she grinned and leaned back against him when he kissed her neck.
His hands on her felt wonderful and the privacy behind the waterfall did not make her feel so exposed - her bra hiked up underneath her armpits and over her globated breasts. She blinked away water from her eyelashes and moaned deep down in her throat. She pressed her bum against his erection as he kissed her. She reached back over her head with one hand - raking her fingers through his beard and his hair. The feeling of a man behind her and wanting her made for a perfect culmination for her festive evening - all the games played out and ending up where she was now. Enjoying his hands and his lips, she could but hope she would enjoy him inside her just as much.
What she did know was that she wanted to play with him too, but she let him feel her out thoroughly first - wanted him to explore her fully with those magnificent hands of his. "Mhhh, more..." she said and lay her free hand on top of his, holding it to herself.
[ ThanIda zh'Wann ]
Ida listened to the story and smiled against Edena's wet nether lips, her cerulean tongue scooping at the nectar covering the First Officer's clitoris. Images of Illya in the aforementioned situation made Ida lick more firmly against the clit and along the valley of her womanhood. It was intoxicating, this taste of the Trill that had come to her, looking out for her in a time of emotional and professional turmoil. A victim, even, to this turmoil, who was so magnanimous about it she rather saw it a benefit than a flaw to her character.
She had been asked a very private question, yet Ida did not suspect that Illya would ever meet any of those she had been with since she left Andoria. All of them had been on the briefer spectrum of relationships, and her being secretly romantic at heart despite all manner of pictures she might paint for others, she had come to think that perhaps all of them had been lacking in her love for them and instead earning her attention for the love of love itself. "Mmhhh... Well..." Was this what was happening again? Was history repeating itself? Far too early to tell, just like it had been with T'Less and Grayson. Not the thoughts for the occasion. Easily suppressed given the moment.
"Oh sure, it is not the first time, I'll admit. And while I like the male canvas, your smooth grain is much welcome tonight, I tell you that..." She slid a hand up Edena's inner thigh and thumbed the slit she was licking, "At one time, I... indulged in finger-painting together with a Bajoran I met on Starbase 39 - the one named Sierra near the Romulan Neutrual zone? It.. turned out we were doing body-painting instead, for some odd reason that escapes me."
Pausing, Ida began to squirm her thumb past the XO's labia - slipping inside her hot wetness. Her tongue paused for speech anew while she worked her way into her depths. "The first time I was intrigued by a woman," she said softly, her thumb working rhythmically, "it was when I attended an art seminar on Lya Station - ages ago. Topic was naturalism, and my interest was peaked by the model depicted in a holographic waterscape. I... never dared speak with her afterwards, even when she came up to me and complimented me on my drawing of her. It was as if she had snatched off both my antennae and my tongue - fumble-footed and speechless as I was."
Ida chuckled at the memory, and applied herself to what she was doing again - her tongue flickering fast over the Trill's smooth pearl while her thumb surged into her. Her free hand sought to pinch a nipple above her in the darkness, then caressing it soothingly with her palm.
[ Cale Winterbourne ]
Embracing the Cardassian who claimed to be human at heart, it was hard for Winterbourne to deny the effect she had upon him. The intimacy, the warm water, the mist swirling about her and her blatantly obvious willingness to engage in carefree frivolities together with him all sent the same message to him. The same message that his whole being had been sending him on that shift where the entire Main Bridge had turned into a heaving pit of naked bodies. The gut instinct that he had failed to adhere to.
Alarm. This was not ordinary. Before he knew it, he would surely be possessed once more. It was the outbreak at Niga all over again. It was almost as if Ensign Caletta's face superimposed itself over Chief Aisha's, and Cale's heartbeat actually quickened, something that rarely happened any more. His rational mind would cast aside the idea that the virus was present, yet his impulse in this situation had been rendered anything but natural. Chief Counsellor Nelis had even explained this to him before he was lost in the battle, yet still Winterbourne was haunted by the memories.
Memories, which combined with Aisha's proximity, made him hard underneath the surface of the water, yet petrified his hands from moving where they lay against her back. He had to say something, to let his rational thoughts win over instinct. "I am not a Science Officer, if that is what you think. I... was merely intrigued." Should he say the truth? It was the rational choice. "Your 'unique physiology' tempted me on a baser level than a Scientist's, despite how I am prone to put logic and analysis over recklessness. I am a pilot, after all, and in earlier years I had the same cavalier attitude towards life that any other Federation Fighter jockey had. Now, it would seem the endless fighting has seared away the baby-fat around my wits."
Words half meant for her yet mostly for himself. He needed not fear this situation. The virus was dealt with. "My base attraction for you comes from another time in my life," he said with his pale blue eyes staring into hers, "like an echo of the man I once were. I am as surprised as you by how it makes me try to make analysis where no such is due. I am, simply, of a mind to learn what being intimate with you would be like, even if you realised it before me."
Only then did he lower his eyes to her body, his palms beginning to run over the slick scales of her back between the two pieces of her sodden Starfleet underwear.
[ Dr. Lucan cin Nicander ]
"A quiet corner would be most welcome, for I have had plenty of the crowd for today - the Triage Centre being what it is right now," he said, while his mind dissected what little information he could derive from Eve's reaction to the two stories. She had not been her usual easy-going self when he had told her about either of the encounters - one expecting to get that effect yet not the other. He supposed he shouldn't read too much into it since they were both weary, yet something told him he might not develop upon the story with how he'd had to fool Cadet Amikris - that could sense the pheromones of sexual desire in the office - that he desired her instead, making a second thing lead to a third. In protecting Amelya Duv, he had to develop the friendship he held with the young Ash'reem while the CMO hid behind his desk. It had been... interesting, to say the least.
Too bad Amikris was destined to die quite soon, before she ventured from her schedules and entered Surgical Suite 02 and risked finding her monstrous child. Oh, he had taken precautions, yet there was no accurate way of telling if she could sense something behind the bulkhead. As much could be said about Arcorn Noetin and Sarresh Morali, and killing all Ash'reem aboard was a decision he had made the moment he stayed his hand from killing the small green foetus he had extracted from Amikris womb.
Stopping by the edge of the spring, Lucan opened his uniform pants and let them drop, removing shoes and socks too before turning to face Eve. "You ready? I think there might be a private area towards the back over there. If you are thirsty, I could buy you a drink before we retreat there."
Did he mean to kill her too because she managed to touch old sides of his soul that he rather lived without? Was the decision to head somewhere private truly his own... or the beast's? He truly did not know any more...
[Nathan Isley]
"More, huh?" he asked, smiling at Hannah's request. One of his hands, the one uncovered by her own, slid down her torso, cupping her underwear clad pubic region. He rubbed against the underwear a few times before drawing back, fingertip working underneath the fabric to touch bare flesh beloe. He made the journey intentionally slow, made her anticipate his finger arrival, when two of his fingers would finally reach her slit, each one working down either side to stroke against her labia. While working her lower half with careful precision, warming her up but not trying to push her over the edge too fast, his hand on her breast squeezed more firmly, fingers pinched at the nipple, gave it a careful twist, a gentle tub, all to excite her body with the sensations that felt oh so good. "I don't know if I can decide what I like better on you right now, these wonderful tits or your cunt. I might have to keep playing with them for a while longer until I make up my mind."
[Edena Rez - Illya in control]
"Mm, once an artist, always an artist," Illya said, a small laugh accompanying it. She started her love affair with women over finger painting, something which led to her and her partner's bodies becoming the canvas of choice, it seemed. Illya's hips moved with subtle motions, only to deepen the actions performed on her by Ida. "We're a lot alike. We couldn't be restrained by what our people think is the right thing for us. You're a warrior who found artistry. I come from a race of people who dedicate themselves to science and all I wanted was adventure. I think we were destined to . . . come together." The choice of words no doubt were meant to signify the act they performed. Indeed, Illya reached climax only a few minutes later, but rather then just crumble to her knees in pleasure, she pulled Ida back to her feet and saw to it the favor was returned. The Andorian's pants and underwear were pushed down in one motion, freeing the blue velvet lips that awaited her. Illya let her hot breath grace the slick petals first, before her pink tongue touched cerulean skin, starting at the inner thigh and trailing up to the womanly folds. The acting Security Chief would get back what she gave. Illya would see to that.
[ Hannah "Nightmare" Slaverton ]
They were wrapped in their own private world behind the waterfall, where the sounds from the nearby crowd were drowned out by the cascading water yet where their own hands became more important than words. Hannah did hear Nathan though, leaning back against his strong chest as she were - thoroughly enjoying herself as her wingmate's hands roamed her wet body. While one hand rubbed her neather lips, he refused to slide any digits inside her heat, and the teasing was equally delightful and frustrating. At least he would make full use of his other hand as it fondled her aching breasts. She sighed and undulated her hips against his hand, blinking away water as she moaned. His words told her he still wanted to play games with her, which was much to her own liking.
"You don't mind if I make a preliminary examination myself, do you?" she said loud enough for him to hear, and she reached behind herself with both hands to pull down his boxers - feeling his arousal popping free against her back. While one hand reached down to encourage his as he groped her, the other made a firm and hard grip around his wet member - milking it with the motion in which she undulated her hips against him. She took care to rub her thumb across his bulbous head too, teasing him as best as she might with her hand. "Mmmhhh... I would welcome this in any way you can imagine... Yet at the same time... I would gladly keep doing this too... just to see who popped first..."
[ ThanIda zh'Wann ]
If Illya liked adventure, she no doubt found some kind of merit in the hazardous situation that the USS Theurgy - and the Harbinger - was in. She said nothing, but applied herself more dutifully to her bountiful undertaking. Very pleased with having caused her First Officer to climax on her thumb, Ida's satisfied smile showed white teeth in the darkness as she looked up at the dark profile of Edena's heaving and shivering body. It seemed Illya did not need time to gather her wits about herself afterwards, and to Ida's delight, she was helped back on her feet and pressed against the warm cliff-face.
Breathless and shivering with her own anticipation, she could not help but make small sounds of primal lust as she helped rid herself from the remaining items of her uniform, gasping when the grifter's breath hit her womanly folds - made oh so very damp already. When Edena's tongue came, Ida leaned her head back - her eyes rolling on the waves of pleasure. "By Lor'Vela..." she moaned and ran her fingers through Edena's hair while Illya made wondrous acts with her mouth against Ida's gently thrusting sex. She was undulating her whole body as she leaned against the cliff-face, choking on her attempts to keep her voice down lest they'd draw unwanted attention from the crew that threaded the darkness as they went to and from the new Lounge.
Ida was not going to jeopardise the First Officer's integrity. The crew needed not get the wrong ideas about their Executive Officer. She would keep her voice down no matter what. Regardless how hard it proved to be. "You said... I wronged you when we were at Niga too... in not trying to claim you for myself. I tell you now... I wish I had not sent William Regal in my stead when I was infected... as strange as that might seem... given the circumstances." What a thing to say, even if it was true.
[Rory Callahan]
She'd started to call him Mr. Callahan and he raised an eyebrow and gave her a little sideways tilt of his head but she corrected herself and that dimple in his left cheek deepened. "Not ev'ry drink gets that kind of approval but it's one that can stand up t' the praise," he nodded sagely. Then he watched her swirl it and sniff, noting it was a very cute nose.
Both eyebrows rose as she finally took a sip and he could see the surprise in her eyes, could tell she was letting it roll around her tongue and mouth hitting every taste bud possible. That sip turned into a long pull and he chuckled heartily. "Aye, it's like yer not drinkin' liquor at all," he said at all and felt a nice little draw in his gut when she licked her lips.
"So I think we found just the right thing for ye. It suits ye too, pretty an' sweet." He took a moment to fill a couple of other drink orders but then floated right back to Natalie. "So I know yer smart an' really pretty ... an ye don't drink much," he added with a little wink. "What sort of things do ye like outside of work? Hang out with friends? Enjoy music?"
Sure he was fishing a little there. "If ye like music, I can sing an' play a little, not too shabby if I say so m'self." She hadn't mentioned knowing him so it was sort of giving him a chance to just be a normal guy, though among all the Starfleet guys he wasn't so sure that was a great thing. Then again, he knew he didn't seem intimidating which in Natalie's case seemed to be a good thing.
[Eve Jenkins]
At the edge of the water, Eve slipped off her boots and then socks which she tucked inside then unfastened her pants. Every move was slow and sensual though it was completely unconscious, just so much a part of the woman that she didn't even think anything of removing clothing in front of others. Bending at the waist, she tugged her pants free one foot at a time and then folded them neatly to set by her boots. Next she gathered the hem of the undershirt and fluidly pulled it up and over her head and folded it neatly as well.
Now she was like so many others she was only in her standard issue undergarments. "I can wait for a drink for a bit so let's find a quiet corner," she said and slipped into the pool. It was like instant relief, the soreness in her feet and legs evaporating into the steam and she groaned as the level rose to her hips and then waist. "Sonic showers get you clean but there is nothing like a real bath or shower," she said conversationally as he led her along and found a more private area.
Only when no one was around did she show her real concern. "I know you can't talk about what happened to Lt. Commander Stark but I know I felt a lot of things when I was examining her. She's what some might call spikey, jabs of fear here and stabs of shame there. From what I've gathered, she's suffered rape at least twice. I think she should speak with a counselor as soon as possible. I find her fragile and I'm worried about her ... just as I'm worried about you as well."
She was silent for a moment and then took both of his hands. "From everything I've read, heard, and deduced, I know you were raped too and while I know I wasn't there and there would have been nothing I could have done, I wish I could have protected you somehow. Circumstances have kept you pushing yourself without any break to try to work through any feelings you have but right now there's time and while I'm not a psychiatrist, I'm someone who cares. If you need to talk or just be held, I'm here for you Lucan."
[Nathan Isley]
"You don't have to play so coy with me, Hannah. I know exactly what you want." Sure, she might have been enjoying having his fingers upon her womanhood. She might have even enjoyed stroking his length with her dexterous hands, but there was only one thing that was going to satisfy the two of them. Nathan slipped away from Hannah's fingers, his manhood brushing against her backside on it's way to her womanhood. One arm wrapped around her waist for support, while the other continued to enjoy groping her breast. In a smooth motion, he slid inside her wet, pink lips, letting her feel what had been in her hand only moments before, and feel it far more intensely then she ever could have dreamed. "Uhnnn . . . Damn, Nightmare. You're tighter then I ever would have expected." It wasn't to say he expected her to be some woman of loose virtue, but she was definitely an adventurous soul. The idea that she might have had many lovers in the past seemed a no-brainer, yet the tightness of her love channel suggested that maybe she truly was more picky then he thought, and that whatever trauma her body might have suffered during the outbreak was healed and vanished.
[Edena Rez - Illya Rez in control]
Edena had simply been trying to survive the Niga outbreak as best she could, but Illya had to admit she had felt a bit rejected. She had sent plenty of strong signals to Ida, and yet she hadn't come herself to infect Edena, instead using a proxy through Bill Regal. It had been a little insulting, as far as she was concerned, but at least she finally got her chance at Babe the Blue Andorian, her mouth working as eagerly as the other woman's lips had only moments before. "I can forgive you for Niga, considering how well you are treating me now," Illya said with a smile, before she was back to work Illya kept working until Ida hit her climax, her womanhood spilling forth the signs of orgasm. Illya rose back up, kissing Ida, each one having the taste of the other in their mouth, sharing that experience with the other. "Was it as good for you as it was for me? Or do I need to go back down there and give you another?"
[ Dr. Lucan cin Nicander ]
Eve surely had a way of being a distraction in Sickbay, and in this atmosphere, she turned plenty of heads amongst both the present crews as she undressed. It was quite evident to Lucan that if he had not been by her side and clearly been her company, several of the present men and women would have approached her. While Eve might not have noticed, Lucan did, but pretended not to - acting as if Eve was a close friend yet nothing more for sake of appearances.
Following Eve into the warm water, Lucan led them towards the outskirts of the bathing area - wading through the shallow water. He felt his way forward underneath the surface with his feet - sliding along the naturally smoothed bedrock. The water might reach to his lower abdomen, yet the warm mist swirled about them both as they made their way to an area that was only dimly lit by the torches of the Lounge. The vapours quickly speckled his dark hair with droplets of water, and the heat not only loosened the knots in his body, but also made him sweat - giving his tenacious body a glimmering sheen. At Eve's comment, he could but chuckle and agree. "Progress does not always equal comfort or enjoyment."
At the time they were alone, having found natural seats underneath the water at the edge of a C-shaped nook at the far shore of the springs, Eve brought up her concerned about Lucan's well-being. He listened, his reaction twofold - one below the surface of his countenance... and the other being how his façade answered her concern by smoothing it over. "You are right in your classification of that happened to me, and while your concerns warm my heart and are altogether merited, fact is that the nature and effects of the flora and the virus made its subjects more... inclined towards what happened to them. Rest assured, though, that I have prescribed Ms Stark to seek counselling at her earliest convenience. As you have pointed out, her injuries are more emotional than physical - making the two of us inferior to the task of treating them."
His tattooed hands held by Eve, Lucan shifted the grip so that he held hers instead, gently pulling her forward so that their fingers were clasped between their chests. The distant firelight danced in his eyes as he looked into hers, and if she had known the danger she was in, the flames that burned there might have reflected the searing vitriol of hatred one half of his soul held for her. For her bloody concern undermined his resolve... yet the other side of him knew it might be the key to controlling the darkness that welled inside. His only means for control. He needed to draw strength from this face that belong to a time before he became a host to the alien within his body. Before the rape that was of true concern had occurred.
"As for me, you are already helping by agreeing to come aboard the Theurgy, joining me and the crew on this hellish crusade," he said in his deep voice - speaking the truth for once - and slowly spun her around with the grip on her hands. A gentle dance motion made in the waist-deep water. "Thank you, my sweet dear, for your care and concern in these dark times." Having spun her around, she had her back to him instead, and he still holding her hands, he pressed her close to his chest in a warm embrace. "I only wish I can help you equally in coming to terms with what might have happened to your grandfather."
He realised then, that despite of his best intentions, he had turned the tables on her. Manipulating her thoughts, he had turned her away from himself and made her face the darkness of the world outside, and what awaited her when they reached their destination. The fears of the unknown enemy that had lingered every day since she fled for Nimbus III, and an enemy that now had her in his arms. No matter where she turned now, she was trapped between the danger she was in, and what would come her way if she survived her lover and continued her journey. It made the malign spirit inside Lucan laugh with mirth. It almost made him hard thinking about it.
[ Hannah "Nightmare" Slaverton ]
Making a sharp intake of breath when he squirmed his thick girth into her, Hannah's eyes fluttered shut, and could not help but reach down and touch their joining - feeling his hardness slide into her wetness. "I-It's you," she gasped in a thick voice, reaching behind her shoulder with her other hand to rake her nails through his beard and his hair. "It's y-you who's so big. Was it just little ol' me t-that made you this hard?"
The waterfall cascading over their moving bodies, Nightmare let out small rhythmic cries of pleasure after just a short while - her wingmate feeling so good inside her. She thrust her hips to meet his movements as best as she might, even if the arm around her waist gave him perfect control of the situation. She continued to touch herself and his sliding shaft, rubbing her clitoris and his hardness in rhythm with their pagan dance.
It was such a relief, and even if Hannah had seduced the Chief Medical Officer before the battle, or at least she genuinely thought it was her that had seduced him, it felt like forever that she had longed to explore what it might be like to have Nathan between her legs. The drinking game had been her idea, having set her sights on Maverick a long time ago, and if it had not been for the battle interrupting them, she had planned to continue playing more games with him in private.
"Seems - ngh! - like I got more out of the bargain than just a d-drink, Mav," she gasped throatily and chuckled with mirth as she reached further down - fingers sliding across his swollen sack as he thrust into her. She flashed him winded yet teasing grin over her shoulder at her comment. "I'll make sure... to save your ass... more often... when we are out there."
[ Deputy Than'Ida zh'Wann ]
When the climax hit her, Ida had to grind her teeth together as the convulsions raked through her blue ghelnoid frame, just to keep herself from crying out and alerting everyone about their mischief in the dark. Panting heavily, she unclenched her fingers from Edena's hair and ran hands over her lover's neck and shoulders, heart beating blue blood loudly in her ears.
When Illya made Edena rise to her feet, Ida had nothing but a breathless embrace and pleased little noises to offer in response at first. The kiss stole the opportunity for speech anyway, the interspecies exchange of bodily fluids mixing in their mouths, and the Trill did have a quite memorable taste. The mere touch of those slightly colder hands had been a boon in itself during that warm night - each finger a chill delight.
"Was it as good for you as it was for me? Or do I need to go back down there and give you another?"
Faces close, Ida chuckled as her antennae languorously swayed back and forth - their glistening bodies lit by the crane high above. The peripheral luminescence of a searchlight was passing them by again, and Ida glanced up by reflex to make sure they had not been spotted. They appeared to have escaped notice from the crewman operating the crane as well as the throng of people a stone-throw away. "We shouldn't press our luck, I suppose, despite how much I'd care to taste you a great deal more. The both of us have things at stake that we might loose if we linger, Rez."
A name fitting current and past hosts, which felt odd because it sounded less personal in this case, despite how she preferred using the last name due to her upbringing on Andoria. "Illya," she amended with grin and lay her blue hands against the Trill's firm bottom - pressing her closer so that she might burrow her tongue behind the First Officer's collarbone. "Then again, my name is already dishonoured, so my deepest concern is for yours."
Strange, how she found herself looking out for her superior officer's repute despite how she - deep down - refused to let herself trust the Starfleet Intelligence operative. After all, hidden behind those brown eyes of her was the host of Jona Rez, whom was a facet that justified all her old suspicions. The thought of him watching her struck her, as they...
"Has... he been watching us?" she asked quietly, her face rising slowly just as her antennae drew down.
[S'Iti Aisha]
She smiled with a coy grin as she listened to him and sighed softly at the feeling of his hands against her body. Her scales were far smoother than they had looked giving her skin the feeling of an ultra exquisite snakeskin. "Ooh, your hands feel so warm." she said sinking into his body her own temperature just slightly colder than his own as she enjoyed his body heat against her nearly naked form.
She gently rested her head on his shoulder as she breathed in the steamy air closing her eyes nuzzling her head into his shoulder. "I can't say my intentions are so noble as to want to learn." she said softly. "I need this." she said with a gentle whimper as her hands moved down from his chest to his lower stomach then down to his hardening member gently wrapping her fingers around it slipping her hand into the shorts he wore.
Natalie Stark
ok, she thought to herself, that smile could be dangerous. She found herself smiling right back at Rory, his smile truly infectious. It was so different from the heat laden smile that Dr Nicander had leveled on her, in the cramped confines of the Transporter room Jefferies tube. The thought of that dalliance had her face light up cherry red for a moment, and she hid it behind another sip of the wine. Rory's smile, she thought, was more...kind, and soothing, genuinely happy, not heated and hungry.
Natalie had to admit both smiles had their strong points.
Swallowing, and blushing at the compliment, Natalie laughed it off, "not that pretty," she replied, "but yes, the wine is quite sweet. Thank you very much." She wasn't quite feeling the effects of the wine, not yet, but the heat from the water certainly helped calm her. The bartenders voice went a long way to easing her as well. At his question tho...her eyes darted to the side, and down, glancing at the small waves in the hot spring, bubbling up around the floating bar. Her finger traced the rim of the glass, and she shrugged softly, "Music can be nice," she finally said, smiling back up at Rory.
The truth was, she didn't have any real friends on the Theurgy. The man she replaced, Hendricks, she could have considered a friend. The rest? colleagues at best. People to share a smile with, sure, but close to? They kept dying before she could do that. "I'd love to hear you play more," She said, meaning it, even if it also allowed her to dodge the rest of his question.
[Eve Jenkins]
Eve was smart enough to see evasion and while she wanted to call him on it, that wouldn't have been productive to a time that was meant for relaxation. In the slow twirl, she found herself facing away and her back pressed to his chest and this time he went for redirection ... or perhaps misdirection. Many years past he had always been forthright, tackling issues with enthusiasm. It was one of the little differences about him she was starting to notice.
"There is little I can do about my grandfather right now," she said softly. "Until we figure out what is controlling him and others, how to combat them, and mostly until we can even get anywhere near home I'm just going to continue serving the crew to the best of my abilities. I've learned that sometimes no matter how much you want to help someone, sometimes they're too far away to do any good so it's best to focus on those near you."
What she didn't say was sometimes even when you are right there with someone that there's absolutely nothing you can do for them. Unexpected a tear spilled down her cheek as she thought about her mother, how her grandfather had tried so hard to help her and how she'd sit there and try to help her on visits to come back to the real world. The only consolation was she was still caught in the euphoria of love and pleasure she'd shared with Eve's father.
In that same moment, she found her heart filled with doubts. She couldn't help her mother and she didn't know if she could help her father. On top of that, she was being physically held by a man who kept her emotionally at arm's length. With all the recent losses and casualties, she knew she should think about others but her own heart was hurting. Would they, or she, ever find the light at the end of the tunnel and the happiness that was supposed to be waiting there for them?
[Rory Callahan]
There was a moment when she seemed to blush for no reason and Rory wondered what was going on behind those lovely eyes. He didn't figure it was anything about him as they'd only met, unless he was lucky enough to already have her mind wandering to delightful interludes. "Not that pretty," she said and he wondered what sort of assholes had paid any attention to her.
Though she thought she wasn't answering certain questions, her looks and silences told him quite a bit. She didn't hang out a lot, if at all, and the thought that such a lovely person spent her off-time alone saddened him. He knew all too well how lonely it could be even when you were stuck on a ship with hundreds of people around. Well then he'd just have to show he could be a friend so that she might seek him out when off duty.
Placing his hand over his heart and giving her a slight bow, Rory said "The lady's wish is my command." The demand for drinks had slowed enough and he waved someone over, asking them to tend a bit while he played. Taking Natalie's hand in his, he led her to the edge of the pool as if she were a princess. "Before we're parboiled to a fare-the- well, have a seat while I get out my guitar." He offered her a gentlemanly hand up if she wished.
In a fluid motion, he drew himself up with his arms and stepped over several feet to some of the extra boxes of alcohol where a case was propped. Flicking open the top, he drew out an acoustic guitar and padded back over to Natalie where he sat down and took a moment to make sure all the strings were in tune. "This is a little somethin' I wrote t' pass th' time once I figured out there was no goin' back home," he said and blushed a little. "No one back home's heard it but maybe one day ..."
There was a bit of melancholy when he said that but then he smiled again, one of those easy going friendly kind and started strumming in earnest the intro. It was a bouncy kind of tune, one meant to lift spirits speaking of directions and matters of the heart but most of all it spoke of everyone's desire to never be forgotten.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8uBxdUUuYmk
[ Dr. Lucan cin Nicander ]
"So let us focus on those closest to us then for a while," said Lucan quietly and smiled a little as he tightened his embrace around Eve a tad and kissed her neck, "since we have taken the time to get off duty for the first time in what seems like forever."
The easy-going tone and his following chuckle an attempt to lighten the mood of this brief escape from the Triage Centre, Lucan was actually suppressed the boiling urge to drown Eve right there in their small watery alcove. Like all other ideas that came from the dark well inside his mind, it was hardly productive to draw such suspicion upon oneself. Near half of all the bathers had seen Eve at the edge when she undressed, so it was reasonably clear they had noticed him being there by her side even if they slipped away in the fashion they did. No, Lucan needed Eve, even if he was not entirely clear on how just yet.
"May I have the honour of 'doing' you first?" he asked ruefully, and began to massage her shoulders, unlocking his arms around her waist to lay his tattooed hands on her.
He used his thumbs to slowly knead the minute knots away. He had a medical understanding of the procedure due to his two-fold education, yet the actual enjoyment of the treatment was something he had come to learn by practice. Since her sodden light blue top was in the way, he soon slipped his hands underneath it so that he might apply his hands directly upon her skin.
"You are quite an amazing woman, Eve," he said in a low voice in the darkness as he moved to treat the musculature that ran down along each side of her spine. "I would have thought you'd be married to some lucky Starfleet Officer the next time I met you after the Academy. Seems like I was proven wrong. Then again, the winds know it would take one rare and fine man to be worthy someone like you. I hardly think I can aspire to it either, even if I could, given the circumstances."
The chain of command and regulations were the main and official reason why they had to be discreet. Yet as Lucan massaged her, he realised he wanted to spare Eve from his own nature, and thus kept himself from dwelling harder upon the words she had said to him before the Ishtar entity had come to visit them. The realisation struck him deep, yet he said nothing.
[ Ens. Cale Winterbourne ]
The close and warm embrace was something Winterbourne could handle without his sense for propriety being uprooted. A hug was a hug, and naught more, and it was not like they were the only ones around that were embracing and taking about things lost and gained over the course of the recent past. He had to look around to verify this, of course, since he had been too distracted from the conversation about the Cardassian legacy and Aisha herself to notice much else of what happened around him in the Thermal Springs. Apparently, there was someone playing an instrument close by, and the music covered the heated words of the Cardassian Conn Officer - only Cale hearing them perfectly.
"I need this."
When he felt her slightly cold hands descend behind the waistline of his boxers and discover his involuntarily hardening member, he choked on the casually said word "What?" Which was what he meant to ask in reply. His eyes widened momentarily and he had to look around once more to make sure no one had noticed what she was doing. He kept his arms around her though, if nothing else to awkwardly hide what she might be doing to him. No, what she was actually doing to him.
"This is hardly regular," he said in a thick voice, swallowing as he tried to look everywhere at once yet also trying to act as if nothing was amiss, "nor advisable. We might be seen. Don't get me wrong, I meant what I said, yet... Here?"
Then again, it was something quite... striking about the situation. He dared not move his hands from where they were yet though.
[Edena Rez - Illya Rez in control]
Illya grinned when Ida asked about Jona, and if he was present when the deed had occurred between them. "Does that make you nervous, or does it turn you on more?" she asked, giggling a little as the two fished around for their clothes in the dark, looking to get dressed again before they rejoined the others. Ida was right that they couldn't be taking risks with getting caught in the act, or Edena would probably never show her face in public again. "When one of us is in control, there are still two others left with him. We like to make sure that private moments are observed. You see, to the Rez symbiont since joining with Edena, it's like there are three ghosts always following you around. Usually, I'm one of them, but Edena let me borrow the body, and she and Kiya took Jona . . . let's call it for a walk. They basically distanced themselves enough to lose awareness of what was happening here with us. The first hint that Edena should get of what we were doing is when she tastes you in her mouth. Mmm, I'm gonna enjoy seeing that reaction from her. You're her first woman, even if it wasn't technically her."
[Nathan Isley]
"You know how to compliment a man," he told her, referring to Hannah's comments on his size. There was likely not a man alive who didn't like hearing that. If anything, it made him thrust stronger, deeper into her, seeking to leave her body ravaged, satisfied beyond all reason. Nathan Isley could be a proud individual, another emotion that Vulcans would have looked down on. Yeah, they could say they had no emotion, but they could damn well be arrogant, carrying around an air of superiority so thick their heads should have cracked under the pressure of it like a deep sea diver. Nathan liked being proud, and his favorite thing to be proud of was ruining women for other men, to make every lover after him a downgrade. It helped that intense one night stands could often be some of the most sexual, the kind of memories held onto by a woman when she wanted nothing more then to fantasize about her most satisfying moments. "I wonder if we can make you orgasm so hard that someone could hear you over the roar of this water fall. Shall we find out?"
[ Deputy ThanIda zh'Wann ]
Whether or not Jona Rez was present as a witness was never the real issue to Ida, yet the nature of the ghost called for her to be careful with what she said lest it might be used against her at some point. "Not nervous, precisely," she said as she pulled her panties up her legs, searching for the right word. "Somewhat cautious, perhaps. Though I am gladdened for your sake to hear that the four of you can respect each other's need for privacy somehow. It would seem to me that getting to be alone for once would be somewhat of a rarity."
At the bold comment about the First Officer tasting Ida in her mouth when she'd repossess her body from Illya, the Deputy was not quite sure what to say, even though she saw some level of slightly embarrassing humour in the scenario. It was her First Officer they were talking about, and the idea that she would taste her... Well, it was not like Edena Rez wouldn't guess what Illya was about since there had been little more discussed between them at the times they'd met. Ida was just glad they had finally found an opportune moment to live out their desire for real. Ida's desire for Illya had only come to truly manifest itself after the Niga Incident, yet now - when Rez had been redeemed in the eyes of the crew and the Senior Staff - there was nothing that forbade Ida to consider the Trill as a lover. Except Jona, perhaps, given what had transpired on the Bridge a couple of days past.
"I hope Commander Rez can forgive us this little excursion into the dark," she said with a lopsided smile as she dressed, not necessarily mentioning the lingering smells and tastes that Edena'd have to take part in, "for this Andorian truly needed to unwind after all that has come about. I have lacked in fortitude because of resent events, admittedly, and after having tried to seek some mutual comfort with Lieutenant T'Less... she was shot down. Thank you seems an odd thing to say, even if it is gratitude I feel for you and Rez coming to speak with me tonight."
[ Hannah "Nightmare" Slaverton ]
"Mhh... I like the sound of that, so try as you might," said Hannah with a grin as she moved with Isley, eyes closed in order to appreciate the feeling of the water running down her body and the cock running up her womanly sheath. She felt her inner walls siphon upon the male meat that slid up and down in her slick juices, and she felt his length enter her at the tips of her fingers too. Her heartbeat was quick and her whole torso ached with need for imminent release - the tautness being the worst in her water-coated breasts. "Although, nggh... I would suggest you turn me around then... so that my little girl down there can feel more of you."
Without asking, Hannah disentangled herself from Mavericks embrace and slid off his cock - grinned as she wrapped her fingers around it when freed into the waterfall. Facing Nathan again, she got an undeniable urge to kiss him at long last. So she let go of his shaft and wrapped her arms around his neck - kissing him without quarter given for anything. Moments later, she jumped on his frame and wrapped her legs around him too. The kissing distracted her momentarily, yet she soon tried to reach down between their bodies and guide her wingmate inside once more - now able to grind herself against this new lover as best as she might.
"Harder... please," she said thickly in the din of the water, just as she managed to set him right and slide down along his length. "Mmph! Yes, more, give me more.. .Ahhh!"
She chuckled softly, "Ooh I didn't know you were the shy type." she said in a playful whisper. Her fingers slid around his shaft as she began to give it a few gentle tugs as a thumb rolled softly over his head. Her lips grazed over the skin of his neck as she gave it a soft kiss then began to lick gently giving it a soft suckle. "Please...here!" she said in her exited whisper, "The water feels so good to me." she pleaded.
Her will was becoming weakened from the ecstasy the spring offered. The lightly sulfuric scent from the nearby active volcano, the steam filling her lungs as she breathed, the water soaking into her nearly fully exposed skin. each factor made her relax more and more as she took a hand down to her fleet issue panties and pushed the strip of cloth between her legs to the aside as she slipped a finger against her slit finding that her panties had became wet from far more than just the water she was relaxing in
"If we can just stay here in this warm spring," she practically begged. "Just give me one time here in this heaven and we can go somewhere else." she offered in an eager, wanting, and--surprisingly contrasting her recent words and actions--very submissive tone. "I promise I'll keep quiet in here." she whispered in her soft plea. "I'll even let you have me however you want after we leave here!" She added then sweetened the deal further, "And, as many times you want." She offered as the water was ecstasy for her at the moment and she would give anything to feel the rapture of her body's climax here surrounded in this warm water.
[Edena Rez]
"Honestly, after all this time, it's kind of hard to imagine being 'alone.' When I was a host, I always had a bit of Kiya with me, her knowledge, her memories, even if she wasn't there in the physical sense. Since the joining with Edena, the three of us have been somewhat alive again, ourselves within her. It's sort of like Kiya and myself are Edena's room mates, and Jona is like that bossy landlord who won't leave us alone." A laugh accompanied that statement, as Illya adjusted the top on Edena's body. Pulling her wrap around her waist and tying it afterward. "I think this excursion was good for Edena's body too. A little endorphin rush to get the bocy relaxed. If only her mind could be affected so easily. Poor girl is so stuck in her own head right now. Identity issues have been getting to her, not to mention dealing with the idea that there is a member of the crew who actually wants her in a romantic sense. I suppose it might make it awkward for her too, considering I was with him when we were separated during the Ishstar incident, and when we rejoined, she actually got the memories of everything me and the others did in the way that a joined Trill was meant to." It meant she experienced having sex with Miles, and Jien through Kiya.
"I suppose I should stop mortifying her by telling her personal problems to others. I should just mortify her with one last tease." Illya moved in and grabbed one more kiss from Ida, deep and intense, only to halfway through it switch out, and leave Edena back in control of her body. To her credit, it was half a second before she pulled back, a frantic, embarrassed look on her face. She was speechless, her bottom lip moving like she wanted to speak, but couldn't find the words to say. Dammit Illya, why do you do things like this to me!
Because your reactions are just so much fun, Eden.
[Nathan Isley]
Hannah's suggestion to turn around was taken, her body now pressed against him from the front. She leaped up onto him, and he was ready to catch her, hands grabbing her full backside in his hands, lifting her upward. It was the kind of position which would be exhausting for normal lovers, but Nathan was both three times as powerful as a human, due to his Vulcan blood, and also well trained in weight lifting. Hannah was a sturdy woman, working out her own lean muscle, but she was still a very light woman, far beneath his limit. It took a moment, but he worked his way back inside her, at which point his hands kept the work up where his hips began, lifting her up and down his length with controlled motions, feeling each and every movement made. When she asked for harder, he wrapped his hands around her better for a better grip between her butt and her hips and was able to thrust her harder, faster, stronger. Her breasts bounced in his vision, his mouth kissing at them when he could reach them, at her torso when he couldn't. There was nothing romantic about what they did. It was a biological fulfillment of need. They both wanted the same thing, and they were getting it.
[Natalie Stark]
The bow was a tad over theatric, Natalie thought, but the meaning behind it was appreciated, and it achieved its goal. She gave a small giggle, elbows resting on that floating bar, as she leaned forward, dark eyes following the bartender, watching as he set up someone else to man the fort. But to her surprise, he offered her his hand. Taking it, with a gentle squeeze, feeling the callous's that came from playing an instrument against the palm of her hand, she followed Rory to the edge of the pool. Quietly, with a fond smile now on her face, she let him help her up, mostly out of the pool, to sit on the smoothed rock edge. "Thank you," she said, earnestly charmed by his polite gestures.
Drawing her legs up and resting her chin on her knees (and conveniently covering the way her tank top now clung to her curves) the Lt.Cmdr watched the dripping wet musician pad about. mmm; The back view is rather nice too she found herself thinking, with a small, almost scandalized giggle. Perhaps that wine had started to get to her after all. She reached for the glass and took a sip as she watched Rory return, and sit down next to her. Quite close, but not too close; he seemed adept at judging her comfort zone, drawing the smile wider on her lips.
She watches him settled, watches his leg hang off the rocks, and most of all watched his face sink slightly when he spoke about the song. She wanted to reach out and grip his hand and tell him that for sure his song would be heard back on Earth. That they'd get home. But she didn't. Instead, she gripped her knees all the tighter, wet hair clinging and cooling against her back, and let herself get lost in his tune.
It seemed like such a small thing to say, when the Celt finished, but she smiled, eyes lit up, and whispered, "I loved it."
[ Ensign Winterbourne ]
Cale did not know what to do. They were right in the middle of people talking and relaxing in the hot water, the bar was nearby, and there was no excuse - truly - for being any closer to the Cardassian woman than he already was. The hug might have made it appear they knew each other from before, and with her kissing his neck, it might be they thought them lovers of old. Yet that did not mean that regulations would allow them to do more publicly.
Still, the MCPO seemed so urgently to want him, and she had very easily made his body answer in his mouth's stead. Regardless, his mind was on the propriety and tried to find a way to acquiesce to the snake-woman's pleads without drawing attention. Something which was easier said than done since she was being very bold with her advancements.
"By the e-edge," he said thickly at last, her hand still working his length underneath the surface of the water. I c-can pretend giving you a shoulder massage." Rather hastily, he led the way to a spot with slightly fewer people. He settled down on a natural seat underneath the water, in slight disbelief of this actually happening to him. When she sat in his lap, he would try to keep his face straight while massaging her, even if his whole body screamed to lay his hands upon her generous bosom instead.
OOC: 1 am here and I will have to continue on the morrow with writing the last replies. I owe Kurohigi and Imaginette posts among others.
[ Deputy ThanIda zh'Wann ]
In hearing the explanation of her First Officer's unique nature, Ida had naught but sympathy for the feeling of having an identity crisis. When she left Andoria, she had ceaselessly tired to find herself. She had been uprooted and adrift, with no culture or countrymen to rely on. No keth and no one to trust but herself, with no place in the entire galaxy to call home. To take that scenario and then have three people inside you striving for control simultaneously, with no chance to ever be let alone and have her own private time. It seemed to Ida, holding her undershirt in her hand, that it was fortunate that the Trill were trained for the joined experience through their young lives, and were prepared for the feeling if split personalities. Then again, no Trill had been trained for what the Rez hosts were going through.
Then, she was surprised by the kiss, even though she answered it immediately with a small sound in her throat. Tilting her head and welcoming the Trill's tongue against her own, the fabric of her damp bra grazed across her nipples as they were pressed tightly against the Commander's uniform. Her antennae had risen in surprise, yet then slowly lowered in contentment. Her arms wrapped around the Trill and... Gone were the lips and the embrace and the mix of tastes in their mouths, the interspecies mix of female juices, and Ida came to understand Illya's ploy - seeing the results in the startled expression on the Commander's face. Wicked, wicked Illya. By Lor'Vela, what should I say now?
Having let go of Edena, Ida cleared her throat and lowered both eyes and antennae, taking great interest in the undershirt that she held in her hands and the distant fires. The awkward pause between them remained while Ida folded her arms underneath her breasts and wrestled with the words that did not come, looking away again before meeting her First Officer's eyes. "It would seem one of your previous hosts have an odd sense of humour, Commander Rez. Apologies for the rude... awakening. I have a crew to protect, so I better be on my way. Thank you for... for the talk. Much obliged."
The darkness hid the darker blue shade upon her neck as she made her way away from the XO, having no idea where she might go quite yet.
[ Hannah "Nightmare" Slaverton ]
Hannah moaned at the feeling of Nathaniel's cock slipping through her, arching her naked body before his eyes, teasing him with both her grin and her wet flesh. She went wild on him, with the waterfall hammering against the water mere feet from where they were - fucking at the at the very edge of the torrent. She ran her hands through his hair, stroking his beard as he made them grind together - moans escaping from her lips as he thruster higher and faster, pumping himself rhythmically through her and making her breasts jump with the force of it. Feverishly her hands gripped at him, squeezing herself up against him as he slid in and out easily - wet flesh on wet flesh.
"More, more..." She rocked her hips back and forth against him, rubbing her clit on his pelvis as she gasped and writhed in his embrace. Her hair plastered to her face by the waterfall's torrential blast. The tone of her breathless voice rose as she felt the orgasm begin to build in her, tightening her arms around him. She was panting against his muscled shoulder as she began to clench around him. Finally she went rigid, holding her body stiff, yet the cry then came, and she happened to lean back into the waterfall. It hit her like a fist, it's force slamming her down hard, rand she pulled him with her with her hands and legs.
The thunder of water pounding down upon them drowned out her moans and gasps. Struggle to find footing and to keep themselves together were secondary. Hannah screamed into the water in shock and climax. Despite it all, she managed to hold on to him and the shudders passed through her body, her teeth gritting, her nether lips clenching wildly over his cock even if he'd have to find her sheath again after the blow they'd taken. When she blinked water free from her eyes, she found that they were in front of the waterfall now, only hidden in the white mist of of the cascading water's proximity. He was still inside her, and she was still clenching around him. It had been the wildest orgasm she'd had as far as she could remember, despite the brief interruption. Only she was too taken to admit or say anything of the like while she still held on to her wingmate.
[Rory Callahan]
Rory thought Natalie might decline his hand and the assistance to sit up out of the water warm enough to cook food after a certain amount of time but she had accepted them and he'd given her one of his gentler smiles to help keep her at ease. If there was one thing his mother had instilled in him, it was that a lady liked to be treated nicely and that too many of the gallant or chivalrous acts had fallen into nonexistence.
He watched her as he sang, his gaze going about now and then to watch others but for the most part he focused on Natalie. While it was a song asking to not be forgotten, there was also a message of taking your life into your hands and doing what you love. For Rory, it was his music and making people feel good with his tunes so when he finished and she said she loved it, that boyish smile took over.
"I'm glad ye liked it so much, was a little nervous singin' it to be honest. My style isn't always received so well but it's me an' I figure as long as I'm happy, an' maybe a few like you too, then that's all that matters." He was quiet for a moment then, leaning on his guitar as he gazed into her eyes. "I know we jus' met but I was thinkin', hopin' even," he said with a roguish smile, "that ye might do me the honor of havin' supper sometime. Might be rations but the company would sure be nice."
[Eve Jenkins]
Eve nodded and had a rueful smile of her own. "I know it hasn't been that long but it does feel like we've been going nonstop for days now," she said. "And yes, you may 'do' me first," she chuckled at the innuendo in spite of the feelings going on inside of her.
As he began kneading her shoulders, a low groan issued so deep it was felt more than heard. She was more tense than she'd realized and it was almost painful for him to work on her shoulders, but the pressure was just what was needed to force those muscles to relax.
When he slipped his hands under her bra, she considered just pulling it off but knew they had to keep up appearances. Right now they were just two medical staff tending unseen wounds for all intents and purposes, just no one knew how deeply some of those wounds ran.
His words brought a bittersweet smile and she reached up to massage her neck more while he worked down her back. "There are very few who hold my interest for long and most of those officers who can are already married," she replied with an ironic chuckle.
"It's even rarer when I can find someone I can let go completely during intimacy, who can stand against my father's curse. Mmmmmmm, there's a sore spot," she purred when he reached her lower back, the place just where her backside started to curve.
Her throat tightened when he said he couldn't aspire to be hers, for more reasons than their positions with Starfleet. "You don't give yourself enough credit, Lucan," she said as her hands slipped down the front of her. "And I am merely a woman, no higher or lower than any other."
[ Dr. Nicander ]
While massaging her - making her utter such sweet noises - Lucan was just about to slide his hands around her torso underneath the surface of the water... when he caught the meaning of her words about her father, in how him being such a rare lover to her might make the fact of her affections even more important to her. She had higher stakes in exploring their relationship than he'd initially thought, and it made it even more clear he might have said too much in admitting that he had fraternised with one of the Harbinger's medics. Eve might not give much clue to the fact, yet perhaps she was hiding her hurt for sake of his feelings?
His silence grew deeper when she said he held her in too high regard and that he underestimated himself. Still, his hands continued to work upon the indicated sore spot upon her lower back - fingers spanning her slim waist as his thumbs rubbed the area. The question of what he might say or do proved a minute dilemma, for he both wanted to protect her from his own nature and yet keep her close in order to treat it - to heal the scarring of his mind with recollections of the man he used to be.
Where do I take this pain of mine? he asked himself, considering whether or not to end the relationship. Perhaps even end it terminally. No. Eve, I beg you, you must tear me open... have to pour me out. There is something inside that scream and shout for blood. Oh, beware, for it wants yours too, and it... me - I - am something inside without a bloody care. Still, please, wash me with memories and affection until I'm clean. I do not know who I am. I do not want it anymore. And yet I do. Oh, I do. With her help, I'll tear me open, make you gone. No more will you hurt anyone...
When his focus shifted back to her and the world outside his seemingly endless perdition, he realised that he had wrapped his tenacious arms around Eve... embracing her. Perhaps a bit too hard than ordinary, so... what might he say to make up for his lapse? It had to be something affectionate. He kissed her shoulder and lay his forehead against it, as if continuing some kind of inner contemplation. Something which was no untruth at all. The rather innocent lapse proved the fact that unlike her, he would never be able to let himself go completely when close to her.
"I am sorry," he said, meaning a lot of things, "I feel that I have failed you, thinking that your Deltan nature made you else than the mere woman you claim to be. Perhaps... I did not take your words in the Hydroponics Bay as seriously as I should have. You certainly should not give me any credit in that regard, for perhaps I still remember you as the promiscuous soul from the Starfleet Medical years."
The winds scythe any onlookers that might have followed them out into the darkness to spy on them, for he hugged her still, not caring about the vitriol boiling inside or the heavy responsibilities of his Starfleet position. "I... need you in this madness we have to endure," he said, which was a grave understatement, knowing he might end up killing her or enslaving her when his kin seized the entire galaxy. "The winds of my soul are waning... a human might say I am loosing heart, unless someone can keep it beating true. I need someone to remind me about the goodness that we fight for. To keep me centred. Focused. For so many have died underneath my hands."
So very many.
OOC: Credit goes to the song "Until It Sleeps" by Metallica, which I find could be this antagonist's theme, so to speak.
[Aisha S'iti]
She acquiesced to his request quickly, eager to have her needs fulfilled. "Thank you." She said softly her body shifting as they slowly moved to the edge. She leaned back against him feeling his hands slowly slipping over her shoulders as she sat down slowly her soft gasping's real reasons being hidden by his hands on her shoulder. By now she had fully slipped her undergarments to the side and had guided his erect meat into her waiting chasm.
She moved down slowly feeling his stiff member push past her already slickened walls. Her ecstasy was only heightened by the warm water that was pushed deep into her in that first push. Slowly she leaned fully back into his arms as her soft walls relaxed around his girth allowing him to dive fully into her body.
The Warm water surrounded them both as she inhaled the thick air relaxing into the combination of his hands delicate touch and the intense pleasure as the warm water surrounded his cock as he began to work a magic kind of touch that surpassed anything his hands and fingers were doing. "It feels so warm," she said softly as she suppressed every urge to moan out in the ecstasy of a kind of pleasure that was long overdue for her.
[Natalie Stark]
Yes, sometimes it was simply nice to be treated like a lady, 24th century sensibilities non withstanding. It left her smiling softly, with a warm little glow about her cheeks, to the point that the Lt. Cmdr found herself absorbed by his song, and the smile on her face, and completely failed to realize that others had floated near. Perhaps not near enough to intrude, but more then one person had paused to follow the singers words, allowing themselves a brief moment of respite.
They didn't even register to Natalie.
She smiled up at him, her eyes catching some of the fire light that ringed around the springs, seeming to flash, for just a moment. Natalie almost commented on the singer apparent nervousness, about how he had no reason at all to worry, but his gaze caught hers, and the words seemed stuck in her throat. She smiled instead, not wanting to break into what ever small moment seems to have happened.Eventually tho (hardly a minute, truth be told) Rory broke the silence, asking her to dinner.
Her face flushed, just a tad, and she found herself leaning back on the rocks a bit as she pondered the offer. He was right, they had only just met, but at the same time, it wasn't like she had a long list of folks waiting to take her for a meal. Her dinners had been, all in all, a lonely affair, save when she was eating with her team. "I...that is," she paused, took a deep breath, and then nodded "Actually, I'd love that. Even if it is just rations, Mr C--Rory." she caught herself again, and smiled. "Truth be told, I've no plans for the foreseeable future, beyond working on fixing the ships." Another deep breath, "Consider my evenings completely available to you."
Consider my evenings completely available to you? Really Nat, that's the best you can come up with, really? Good lord when did you become lame! The only sign of that inner rebuke was the slight blush on her cheeks.
[ Ens. Winterbourne ]
Cale felt her fingers deftly pull her sodden undergarments to the side, and given the state of his unyielding hardness, she did not seem to have any trouble aligning his rigid arousal to pass through her womanly gates.
His breath caught and he could not help the choked gasp that climbed his throat when she pushed down unto him - traversing his length slowly with her warm sheath - his hands rubbing her shoulders and keeping up a pretence about the situation that Cale had difficulty to maintain. She leaned bacl against him, and it made her grind down upon their joining. He felt himself throb in her confines, stretching her minutely with the blood that beat in his instrument. She felt even warmer than the water to him, even though it might be his own imagination. The presence of her slick nectar was undeniable though, in how it provided far better lubrication than the water they were submerged in - hiding the fact that they were joined in sexual intercourse right in the throng of people in the Lounge.
"It r-really does," he said in answer to the Cardasssian pilot's claim. He caught himself forgetting about massaging her shoulders and instead undulating his hips underneath hers, until a glance from one of the bystanders - a Vulcan named Cir'Cie - looked his way. He ceased all movement immediately. His slight panic not showing - he hoped - he smiled instead and inclined his head to the Science Officer, fingers moving across Aisha's scaled shoulders again, until she returned the nod and looked away without a word or expression in response to what she saw.
"Let's slide d-down a bit further," he said, sliding down on the seat he had found a bit so that the surface of the water reached Aisha's collarbones. After a quick, breathless, look around, Cale began to roll his hips as best as he might again, and one hand vanished down below the surface of the water. For while one hand still kept rubbing her neck, the other slipped around her torso - his palm coming to explore the MCPO's body more boldly. His fingers sought their way up behind the weightless veil of her top... and explored her generous and reptilian bosom.
"Amazing," he whispered into her ear, breath catching again as he slid in and out of her at a slow pace.
[Rory Callahan]
Rory had started to strum a quiet tune on his guitar, something light and unobtrusive that would just maybe bring a bit of joy and comfort to those who were starting to gather a bit. His eye were on Natalie though, that easy going expression steady as she looked at him so prettily. The firelight danced in her eyes and gave her such a warm look that made the already pretty woman even lovelier.
He worried though when he asked her to dinner, the way she set back away from him and seemed like she was about to decline his offer. The sting of rejection was never enjoyable but he reminded himself that some women preferred to get to know someone better even before they shared a meal. Not all women threw themselves at him, which made those few all the more alluring.
Then she accepted and the dimple in his cheek deepened as that boyish smile grew wider. He was tempted to tease her about her choice of words but seeing the blush and the way she sort of held her breath gave him pause. Respect a lady, and a lady she was in his mind.
"Excellent!" he rejoiced and then looked thoughtful. "Perhaps tomorrow around six ... ermmmm ..." His eyes unfocused for a second as he did a quick calculation and then corrected himself. "About eighteen hundred hours? Ye'd think I'd be better at the military time by now," he chuckled self-deprecatingly.
[Eve Jenkins]
"I'm sorry ..." Two small words brought so much pain and Eve hugged his arms around her even tighter. "You haven't failed me. Like the Deltans, I have sought pleasures in many forms and back then part of the pleasure was the new and intense feelings that could be had with other partners. Over the year though, I've learned there's a lot to be said for a little more stability," she said with a chuckle.
His next words cost him, perhaps she didn't know just how much but the sentiment was received loud and clear. She turned in his arms, reaching up to touch his face. "I am here, Lucan," she said simply yet was full of conviction. "If I knew how to keep those winds whipping the sails of your soul, I would do so. If I could reach inside you and gently pump your heart for you I would," she replied in a soft, loving voice.
She'd told him she loved him and she wished to tell him again but would it be pushing him? "If there were a way I could ease your burdens I would, Lucan. Just remember that there are far more who have been under your hands who now live and thrive. Don't give up on yourself and know I will never give up on you." Her lips touched his, a mostly chaste gesture before she wrapped her arms around him. "We need rest before our weariness drags us into deeper, drearier thoughts."
[ Dr. Nicander ]
In her embrace, Lucan's thoughts upon hers and his own fate slipped aside - the kiss and the bodily warmth shared mending the cracks in his sanity.
Yet still the notion of killing her lingered through the dark vein running through his soul, and the idea that she was good for him remained tarnished by thoughts of her making him weak. If he and his kin were to finish what they had started, he could not afford her to seed any doubts? Or were the doubts merited since the primal drives that animated him now would surely undermine his control? The clandestine approach would take him the furthest, his kin served best in that fashion, and if the doubts he felt in Eve's presence held any merit, then he would have the time to figure out what it meant.
The winds could not cease to blow. He had to be the leaf on that breeze, and try to avoid loosing himself to the currents. He would act, play along, be the model officer still - urges stirring inside be damned. If he could, he would try to slake the bubbling blood-thirst with compassion, and let Eve try to ease his mind around the fact of his situation. This, he decided whilst he kissed her in the water, arms wrapped around her and thoughts churning behind his closed eyes.
"I know, and thank you for being there in these times of ours," he murmured against her lips, laying his forehead against hers, "Rest might do us good, and perhaps save some more lives since we have to stay sharp. I don't know how I could manage without you by my side."
He gave her another kiss in turn, and then he let go of her so that he might submerge himself in the mineral-laced water one more time. He came up with his dark hair a waterfall down his back, and he sat up on the ledge of their rounded alcove by the edge of the springs. His calves and feet were still in the water as he sat there, rubbing his face with a tattooed hand to rinse the water from his eyes.
"Times like these," he said and rubbed his hands together, looking at his nails, "it seems like there is no way to rinse the blood from your hands, no matter how clean they actually are."
[Natalie Stark]Natalie hadn't quite noticed that the he'd been strumming again while the two were debating dinner, but she certainly noticed the way his smile seemed to grow when she said yes. Feeling like a school girl being asked to prom for the first time (a feeling she had not had in years) the blush on Natalie's cheeks seemed to settle in. He was clearly pleased she said yes, which in turn kept her cheeks a rosy red. It was a nice feeling, she decided, resting one hand on her knee now letting the other leg stretch out, then dangle back into the warm water.
"1800 hours it is," Natalie said softly, the brunette smiling wider, "And don't feel too bad about the whole military time thing. Took me a while to get used to it as well," she admitted, tucking the damp hair back behind her ear again. "Just add 12 to the time, and there you have it." Really, giving him advice on how to tell time? Come on! She mentally chastised herself again.
"Where did you want to meet up?" she asked, in an attempt to move beyond what she felt was her own gaff. She knew there weren't all that many options but she was curious none the less.
She softly sighed enjoying every second of his exploration of her. She gasped feeling his hands grasping at her scaled chest barely containing the moan of exited pleasure as she felt her nipples harden from his touch. Her inner walls stretched and parted with each of his slow methodical motions as water surged into her pressing against her cervix and flowing into every inner crease of her body's most hidden recesses. Soon it was too much for her as she began to feel herself being pushed to her edges. Her inner walls began to clench as she leaned against him pushing him in deeper as she began to shift her weight around his cock hiding her real actions as best she could as her body began to milk at his meat begging him for release her slick walls tugging practically sucking at his member wanting to be filed with his seed.
She turned round hugging him in a relaxed way as she hid her race in his shoulder as she bit her lips and panted her face hidden from other prying eyes as the intense pleasure washed over her the combination of the Hot water and the warm meat of her partner filling her made her eyes roll back in ecstasy as she held onto him and relaxed as her climax began to settle her mind so foggy in her side of the pleasure that she had no clue if she had even gotten him close. Of course if she hadn't then there was always giving him the privacy he wanted to have with her. And if she had satisfied him this would just be the first time of what she hoped would be a nights worth of gibing into a lust that was long overdue with being sated.
The feeling of the Cardassian siphoning upon his proud erection with her weightless pelvis got to Winterbourne's head, effectively shutting out thoughts of propriety despite the exposed place they were in. He began to make excuses for himself, reasons to allow full enjoyment - wordless desire for more taking control of his mind. He told himself that the mist over the water shrouded them. That people were too preoccupied with their own to bother watching two heads sticking up by the edge of the springs in the dim firelight.
When she leaned her back against his chest, working her pelvic thrusts up and down his length, he let go of her shoulder with the other hand and slipped both underneath her zero gravity top. The contrast of the silky textile and her warm bosom claimed his breath. He slid his hands over her, fingers roaming wilder, feeling the hard peaks of those minutely scaled breasts scrape wetly against his palms.
Suddenly, she shifted position, sliding off him for a couple of seconds before she wrapped her legs around his waist, he almost came outside her. Her top was riding high underneath her armpits by then, so he felt her snake-like body completely against his chiselled and pale frame - felt it slide against him in the water. And as she sheathed him inside once more and panted hotly against his shoulder, Winterbourne soon did come together with her. He could not have foreseen how suddenly he did, for she clenched up around his thick girth and rode him over the edge - conjuring his climax with her alien hips. He ground his teeth together as he came, roping her insides with his seed, and held her tight against his chest while choking so that he would not gasp too hard.
"Ahhh..." was all that came out when the tremors subsided and the fire-lit world came into focus. He turned his head to catch her eye, his interspecies experience complete, and her lonesome hunger somewhat sated. Still, he could not help but slowly rake his palms over her body underneath the water, his throbbing manhood still inside her. What might he say to keep up the charade for the closest people? "So... it w-would seem we fly quite well together."
She nodded as she relaxed against him, "Yes, we do." she said with a soft sigh nuzzling into his neck relaxing softly. "If you want we can go somewhere else now, or would you rather have a rain check on my offer." she said very quietly, softly kissing his neck gently so she wouldn't have to speak too loudly for him to hear. "I suppose that at the very least I should buy you a drink for such a wonderful massage." she said more loudly as she began to pull away shuddering as his length pulled from her body and the rush of the trapped water and seed began to flow out of her.
With a soft pant from the sudden release of the built up pressure against her walls she relaxed back against the rock as her top floated to the top of the water which she reached out and grabbed and slung around her neck before she motioned towards the bartender, "Oi, Rory!" She said in a friendly voice to the bartender whom she had gotten to know very well since being on the ship. She didn't know him as well as she would sometimes like but well enough that he was used to her use of this failure of a faux-Irish accent to know that it meant she was in quite a good mood at the moment. "Mind treating my friend here to a drink on my tab, whatever the Ensign wants, and a coffee for me and don't skimp on the Irish please."
[Nathan Isley - Behind the Waterfall]
The act between Nathan and Hannah reached it's conclusion, both of them being rocked with an orgasm of their own. Isley clutched Slaverton tightly when his came, though eased off after it had passed. The cool down came next, which was helped along by the water that pounded down around them. Nathan had never been the guy to go very long without a lover against him, but with all the stresses upon the crew as of late, it felt like ages since he had been with anyone. Commander Nerina, Captain Ives female form, Ensign Skye Carver, as well as some minor encounters with the blue skinned Ida during the outbreak, and now Hannah Slaverton was among the women he had bedded since joining the Theurgy crew. It was a streak of beauties like that which made him even more thankful for his posting aboard the ship. He might have come for the chance to pilot a new fighter, but the lovely women had become an unexpected bonus.
"Just melts the stress away, doesn't it?" he said with a grin. He had spoken of their act as being a good workout, but it also served to release the pent up stress in their body in the most amusing way. After taking a moment to adjust their clothes, or what little of that they wore, they could rejoin the rest of the crew, none the wiser what had happened between the two.
When offered the opportunity to take a rain check on her earlier, quite bold offer, Winterbourne did not know what to answer, at least not right then when his mind was still smothered by what they had just done. Thankfully, the other CONN officer did not wait for an answer, instead removing her sodden top and laying it over her neck before heading to the bar-counter. While submerged, it made for an enticing sight of her bobbing back as she headed away from him. Clearing throat, Cale adjusted his undergarments underneath the water and followed her - still a bit light-headed from the sex and the heat.
Damn she could fly, added Winterbourne silently in his thoughts as he came up next to her at the bar counter.
This 'Rory' must have been busy with another customer, seeing as he was still speaking with the Chief of Operations, since another bartender tended to their orders. On his part, Cale asked for a glass of wine - a Terran vintage - and used the time of waiting to rake his wet, white hair from his face. While short, it still tickled hos forehead. When Aisha had gotten her coffee and Winterbourne had his glass of wine, he turned around to lean his back against the bar-counter - propping himself up on his elbows.
"So how is it like on the Harbinger?" he asked, for lack of anything else that was innocent enough when they were in earshot. It made for a somewhat awkward turn of conversation given what they had done a short time ago. Still, he was interested to know, so it was a legitimate query. "I never piloted an Akria-class before. What is it like?"
Oh, but it was hard to not try to look in her chest-level, even though he generally preferred men. It was her exotic nature that had been the allure for him, and evidently, that allure had yet to wane. He tried to conceal his glances by sipping his wine - looking through the glass and thermal vapours when he could.
[Amelya Duv]
Amelya showed up at the hotsprings in a darkblue bathing suit. Well it looked more like a crossover between a bikini and a bathing suit. It accentuated her forms and curves perfectly. She had tied her hair up with a couple of clippers so she had a large ponytail right now. There were still two flocks of hair running down her neck that stopped just in front of her collarbone.
She overlooked the springs from a small elevation and waited for rennan to show up. She didn't really know what to expect from this so called date. Yet the earlier encounter with Lucan still had it's effect on her. It looked like a lot of people were enjoying themselves at the spring and she couldn't wait to feel the warm water against her skin.
She leaned back taking a drink of her coffee, "Humm, Its kinda hard to describe something like that." Guess its kinda like a galaxy class when the saucer section is seperated from it. No I would say its more like taking a Defiant and Scalin it up to the size of a Ambasador class and loading it with all the weapons it can carry. From what i have heard your ship would be well from what i would imagine its like a scaled up starfighter when in MVAM. She smiled as she leaned back inhaling the vapors and savoring the perfect blend of black coffee and wonderfully aged Irish Whiskey her chest rose and fell as she relaxed breathing in the humid air.
((sorry its such a short post but i can't realy think up much more for her to say or do. Besides I think all my other posts as my other characters should make up for my lack here.))
Listening to the comparisons made, Winterbourne turned to his own thoughts for a moment. Or at least he tried to, given the circumstances. In the end, he had no comment save for answering her statement about the Theurgy-class and the MVAM-mode.
"We usually fly in SOM, so that's how you come to think of Theurgy in regards of her... identity, so to speak. Only she does have an identity, really, in how she has a projected... avatar, if you know what I mean? Our Ship AI hologram is one identity, yet us CONN officers by her helm have come to know her in a second way, just as our engineers have come to think of her when dealing with her Warp Core, or at least that is what I'd imagine."
He sipped his wine, wondering how much she already knew about his ship. He decided to tell her how he looked at his duties regardless how well informed she were. "In MVAM, there are two ways to go about it. Either we man the Secondary and Tertiary Hulls, our Vectors, given the meaning behind the MVAM abbreviation we are so familiar with. Or the Captain, the Tactical Officer or the First Officer utilises MVAM without manning the two Battle Bridges on the other Vectors. Then we do it by remote control, and we CONN Officers can - flight-wise - sit on our hands while Thea does the job as ordered. She is given attack and defensive patterns that are deployed in those situations. Usually, though, when there is a CONN officer present in the Main Bridge, you are not competing with Thea to fly your Vector. We are authorised to reclaim the helm by our station at any given moment. The working relationship is more of a symbiosis than a tug-of-war for the controls."
Watching the riveting Cardassian beside him, Winterbourne wondered who was in control of their situation. Her, because she knew what she wanted and got it, or him, because she was not really what he generally preferred, yet had nonetheless acted on his desire for her exotic nature. In the end, it did not matter, as long as they both benefited. Yet somehow, he could not shake the feeling that this woman was not just a better lover than he'd ever be, but also a better pilot. Why? He had no idea. It was just something about her.
[Rory Callahan]
She'd said yes and now she was helping him with military time, something he actually appreciated even if he'd sort of figured it out already. "I do that but sometimes run out of fingers an' have to use me toes, which is a bit hard when wearin' boots," he replied with a little pouty lip. It was an expression that really brought out his boyish charm, playful and a bit carefree.
"As for where ... why not right back here? I've always loved the water an' could prob'ly talk someone into helpin' me make somethin' better than those package thingies that someone stamped on as food. That someone obvious had no sense of taste," she said with a wrinkling of his nose. "I can guarantee one thing though," he said and tapped her glass. "I'll be sure t' bring tha' bottle an' we can have it for dessert."
[Eve Jenkins]
Even though she could not read his thoughts or feel his emotions, she could see pain in his eyes and that gentle smile was there when he thanked her, then dipped under the water. She did the same then, letting the water soak her tumble of hair and when she emerged she waded over to where he sat. There were no words she could say when he spoke of blood on his hands but she reached out and massaged his calves that had dipped back into the water.
Expert fingers worked those muscles and then shifted up to work on his upper thighs. "We need rest but you need more than that, Lucan," she murmured as she drifted closer so that she was positioned between his legs. Even though she knew he'd done things with others earlier, his pain called to her and her only way of helping him was to offer herself. As her fingers worked their way toward his hips, she leaned up and gave him a light graze of her lips on his. "Lay with me tonight," she whispered into his mouth, then sealed her lips on his and let her tongue speak the universal language.
To be approached by a half-breed Deltan just so, and hearing such an intimate offer, it was surely an experience to be envied. Even though Lucan wasn't susceptible to her kind's mind-related abilities, Eve Jenkins' allure was still undeniable, and her hands were only the beginning as they kneaded his legs, for her words made his heart skip a beat. Wasn't there some kind of Terran symbolism to the washing of feet? Such an errant thought. Regardless, the wet apparition of Eve in the misty warmth coming so close made him stir in more ways than one, just before their lips came together.
Their Starfleet undergarments had taken on a dark grey hue - plastered to their bodies and leaving nothing to the imagination. It was only the darkness around them, competing with the distant torches, that left them hidden from the distant crowd around the lounge area. Their private alcove might have been another world altogether, or perhaps, Lucan was trying to convince himself of that as he raised his tattooed hands and ran his palms up her arms - fingers slipping into her wet and silken hair as he kissed her. This woman who held answers that he both feared and longed for. He still could not make up his mind, yet the voice of the parasite inside him abated in the onslaught that was the taste of her tongue. The heat of her mouth upon his own.
"Aye," he confessed, even if his desires already betrayed him where he sat, "I may need to forget myself." Plain truth. For once.
He spoke with his lips barely leaving hers, beyond caring if anyone with keen enough eyes could make out their silhouettes from afar in the swirling mists. It was unlikely, he told himself, as he could not resist - despite his constant control - to linger with her. He ran his fingers along her neck and her cheeks, over her forehead and back into her hair while he kissed her still - his own tongue speaking the same language as hers.
"I may need to remember you, and to reacquaint myself with the man I used to be... before this nightmare started," he whispered into her mouth, voice broken by desire and kisses stealing away both breath and words. "If nothing else, to forget about the lives we couldn't save."
Only then did his inked hands venture further down, to take bolder paths across her skin and underneath her clinging top.
Aisha relaxed and closed her eyes listening to his descriptions of the Theurgy. "I'm a bit surprised really. I would have imagined In MVAM your captain would have two skeleton crews designated for the secondary and tertiary hulls at all times or at the minimum a three man team of a tactical officer a helmsman and a commander. Hell I could even see Main hull with bridge crew secondary with the three man skeleton crew and the tertiary with Thea running it as a ECH taking orders from the captain as a task force commander." she said imagining the kinds of decisions a captain in his or her shoes would have to face not just in these circumstances but with the command of a ship as versatile and state of the art as Thea was.
"You know I'd kinda like to meet her. Thea I mean, she seems like the kind of girl I'd want to get to know. I can only imagine what it's like to actually get to know your ship. Sure we all feel like ships have a personality but usually it's just variations of the same basic Starfleet AI. But from what I have read, she grows, she develops, she learns, but more importantly she has the capability to befriend, to even love. I guess I just have a thing for ships. The idea that a ship can feel how her pilot treats her, Its romantic." She smiled with a soft blush as she looked in the direction of the Theurgy. "In this light she sure is beautiful isn't she?"
Winterbourne had, on occasion, also had fantasies about Thea, yet not out of the same standpoint that Aisha now illustrated. While the Cardassian pilot painted up a romantic image of the helmswoman and the AI working in symbiosis, with affection growing between them because of it, Cale had instead imagined something less poetic. Like... creating a copy of the AI's projection on the holodeck just to learn what she looked like underneath that body-suit she always wore. It had been a brief thought, though, both because his interest in women was fleeting but also since he figured Thea would know what he did to her image on the holodeck.
"Yeah, she is great," he said, sipping his wine and not knowing what to say to that without incriminating himself, "as for what you said about two skeleton crews on the other hulls at all times? Three man team or more? Like I said, we are in SOM most of the time so those people would be sitting on their hands unless there is a fight. The present, automated protocols for using manned Vectors during MVAM gives us quick site-to-site Transporter routines, where Tactical, Conn, Ops and a designated Command Officer instantly man the Battle Bridges as required. It used to be the Captain, the XO and the CTO... but that was before Lieutenant T'Less died. Now, I do not know who the third commander is. I suppose Thea could do a good job, but she has no real-life experience with Command. Just applied theory and records of old battles. She has never been tested for such a role, as far as I know. I think she is just a prototype too."
Feeling that the conversation had fallen back into the pool of duties once more, Winterbourne downed his wine and set the glass down on the floating bar counter. Then he waded up to Aisha, running his arms around her waist from behind. He whispered into her ridged ear, which was freckled with droplets of water. "I have never been with a Cardassian before," he admitted ruefully, "and I just..."
He trailed off, seeing an extraordinary sample of a man from the Harbinger's Tactical Conn squadron. The dark-haired, bearded man had just arrived and chose to drop his clothes entirely before stepping into the water, right beside Cale and Aisha. He swallowed and tried to collect himself. To remember what it was he had been saying. "I... I... Cardassian, yes. I... Where was I?"
The fighter pilot, as unknown as he had been extraordinary, slipped into the crowd without noticing anything.
OOC: Feel free to name the passers-by if you feel so inclined, lol.
[Eve Jenkins]
They had worried about being seen but as their lips met she couldn't care. There was only the water and Lucan, the feel of his muscles under her massaging hands. She knew his body but she caressed him everywhere, rememorizing every part of him as their tongues danced. Fingertips lightly grazed up along his sides and around to his back, nails drawing lightly just under his shoulder blades while she pressed herself against him.
His fingers in her hair, cupping her cheeks, everything was soft and gentle yet there was great intensity in every touch and taste. "For now you are only a man," she whispered against his lips, bringing her hands back around his sides and up his chest. Fingers kneaded at his shoulders as she shifted her lower half from side to side, letting her lower abdomen work against his hardened member. By the gods he felt so good against her!
"Don't think of anything else but this, how good it feels and how it will only get better," she purred then sighed against him as his hands slipped under the wet bra and cupped her breasts. "Right now there is only pleasure as we touch each other," she continued to croon as her own hand slipped down and under the waist band. A single fingertip touched the head and made a soft and slow circuit around the flaring tip before it dipped to cross over the opening and ridge.
Her body was like a serpent, slipping along him as her nipples hardened against his palms. The tip of his cock pressed against her palm as she slipped all of her fingers down his length and then drew back up with those light touches, just enough to make him yearn for a firmer grip. Her lips, her hands, and her body all barely touched him in an effort to inflame. This wasn't just sex or fucking, she was making love to him with excruciating precision on points she knew would elicit the strongest responses.
Eve was asking Lucan to surrender himself to what they were doing. Wished him to forget all else but her and what she did to him. What he did to her. Nothing mattered but the present, and all the strife and misfortune was to be forgotten. What she did not know was that it also entailed forgetting who he really was, which was something that he desperately needed. Because since he had killed the Chief Counsellor, that question had haunted him. Who was he really?
Was he in essence the same as his kin, or was he still the man he used to be? How much of the old priorities were merited, and how much should the new dictate his every action and thought? When trying to retain and answer from that crucible of existence, he was always given two answers instead of one.
Yet his Head Nurse now gave him a third answer. To forget that the dual nature did not exist. That only they did. Right then. Despite mission and regulations. Regardless of the time and place. Could he truly forget himself, though? And afterwards, what manner of existence would seem like the right one?
That remained to be seen, because Eve was just getting started. So was he, lingering in the slow progress, and his focus upon her instead of his internal war became easier the more she enticed him - caressed him so lightly with touches promising so much more to come. Her mouth was driving him away from the deceiver he used to be, since he now used his mouth for else than lying. Her hand was stroking his desires to grow; encouraging the primal needs of sexual release instead of rational thought. The evidence of her success lay in how his hands became more insistent upon her, and how he really put his neck into the passionate kiss they shared.
He met her eye, hooked his thumbs underneath her wet bra and pulled it up, her breasts spilling free excitedly against his warm palms. Her hand was driving him away from thoughts of concealment and propriety, warm and hard as he throbbed against her touch. He leaned forward, his mouth leaving hers finally, to lay his lips and tongue against the side of her neck, trailing down her wet skin in a feverish rush to taste the water upon her skin. Her nipples tasted like the minerals of the hot spring water, and he swirled his tongue around one of them - the needs for words forgotten.
Perhaps, even his dual existence may be forgotten too, since the beast had fallen silent.
Natalie Stark
So maybe he didn't need any help with military time; he still seemed amused by, if not exactly grateful for her advice. And ok, yeah, she really, really wanted to run her thumb right over that pouty lip, and where had that desire come from? Did he have any idea of what that look did to people? Or her, at least. It definitely did something to her, and she had to giggle, or she'd blush more. Still, it was way too cute for the bartenders own good, or Natalie's. It was certainly the kind of relaxed, at ease charm she needed tho.
"Back here then. Dinner for two in the hot springs," she repeated back to him, paraphrasing his words with a soft smile. She bit her lip a bit, sucked it between her front teeth, then nodded and leaned forward, resting her elbows on her knees. "It's a date," she said, doing so good about not blushing this time. She realized that she was looking forward to the simple company, drinks or no. "I look forward to seeing you," she said, pointing at him, and then moving her finger oh so slowly to the bottle, "And that, as soon as I get off shift tomorrow."
[Rory Callahan]
That giggle was certainly something he enjoyed hearing and with a flick of his head he flipped those long bangs over to the side as the dimple in his cheek deepened. Considering how she'd looked when he first saw her, before she'd been knocked into the water, he felt that maybe he had done some good. He was always an entertainer, wanting to make people feel good, but he wasn't really serving in that capacity now. He was just a man, a very ordinary man compared to those around him, and since things had deteriorated he'd felt a bit inadequate, useless even. Now he felt a warmth inside him, accomplishment and the happiness of bringing a simple laugh from someone. There was another warmth too as he looked deeply into her soft brown eyes, something responding to the way she'd looked at him when he'd pouted.
"It's a date," she'd said and his eyes sparkled with the joy he was feeling. "A date, right here, and I and the bottle look forward to seeing you as well," he said and reached out to take the hand that had been pointing at him and the bottle. With a genteel air about him, his grip not really a grip but more just his hand guiding hers, he brought her delicate hand to his lips and placed a soft kiss on her knuckles. "As much as I'd like to stay here and enjoy such lovely company, I fear I should return to the bar for at least a little while so for now I bid you goodnight." He paused then, his fingers still tucked under hers as he looked into those warm eyes. "The Irish have many proverbs and when I look at you, I am reminded of one ... True strength lies in gentleness." He smiled again, that boyish happiness shining through. "I dare say I've met one of the strongest people in all the universes." Reluctantly he let go of her hand and stood to put away his guitar, giving her another look and smile before stepping back into the water.
[Thomas Ravon]
After their little downtime in Kestrel Thomas and Skye were making their way to the place where all the true relaxing and R&R were. Thomas gazed over the countless people that were visible or barely visible due to the steam. He grinned a bit "Well, looks like the real party is out here..." As they reached the spring itself, Thomas removed most of his clothing so he wouldn't feel the fabric of his clothes down in the hot water. He only kept his briefs on and went into the hot water. The feeling of it just blew his mind, it had been ages since he felt something like this and he enjoyed every moment of it.
The bar looked like a perfect target for them and as they made their way to it Thomas glanced over at Skye "So, what will it be for you? A screaming orgasm? Or did you manage to get one of those already..." He asked her, teasing yet taunting her as well.
[Natalie Stark]
Ohmygod even in her mind the words were rushed together, and damn, there went all of Natalie's attempts at keeping from blushing, just right out the window. Thank you ma'am and so long. He bowed over her hand and kissed the top like she were a princess and lord no one had done that before. Schoolgirl much, Nat? she thought to herself again. Lucan Nicander had a predatory charm to him that she'd been unable to resist in the moment, but Rory Callahan had a charisma all his own.
And then he had to go and flirt. Because she wasn't red enough. Because he wasn't already charming. Nope. She never stood a chance. A soft squeak burst past her full lips, and she ducked her head. Rather then tell him he was wrong, that she wasn't strong or worth any such praise, she just looked up at him, thru her own damp bangs, sitting there on the rocks. She squeezed his hands as he stood to leave, and managed a very soft spoken. "Thank you Mr C-- Rory. Good night. And sweet dreams." sweet dreams, really? She leaned back on the rocks as he left, and sucked her lip under her teeth again. He was charming. He was sweet. And he looked as good from the back as the front.
One cramped romp in the Jefferies Tubes and you're suddenly turning into a fiend? she shook her head. She had to get control of herself or she'd die of blood loss and embarrassment. Her cheeks were still beet red.
Aisha smiled as she noticed his distance cross some of the others, especially the males. "Looks like I'm not the only body you would like to share some fun with tonight. She smiled as she looked to the Tac-Con pilot the helmsman had been staring at. "He ain't really my type but for you perhaps I can settle." she said witha smirk before whistling out loudly, "Hey Ripper! Over here. she said as the pilot turned around a bit. "I'd like to introduce you to someone."
The specimen of a man waded towards them smirking, as he looked to the Helmsman and couldn't help but crack a smile. "You have my attention." he said looking to Aisha. "Oh noting I just figured you might not want to wander around looking for some fun when I think I may have found you a sure thing.
He grinned, "And which one of you are you referring to, Little Snake." he said reaching a rather firm hand under the water soon causing her to gasp out in reflex from whatever he had treated her with.
she flushed little as she moaned from the continued public treatment by him. Both of us obviously if you want." she said through panted breaths Before the man took his hand out from the water and licked it off with a smirk looking to Winterborne with a gleam in his eye and predatory smirk that seemed to say 'Fresh meat.'
Oh, Winterbourne was quite intrigued by the development.
Not only would Aisha help him catch the eye of the incredibly male pilot that walked by, she even felt compelled to share in whatever the night might entail for all three of them. And what good fortune that the pilot fancied men as well, which was made clear by the way the man looked at Cale from across Aisha's shoulder. And since he had his arms around the MCPO's waist from behind, Winterbourne had a pretty good idea of what might have transpired beneath the surface of the water too.
"Pleasure to make your acquaintance," he offered the pilot, smiling quite warmly to him despite his usually passive demeanour. He reached forward with his hand and shook the man's while Aisha was still between them. The feeling of his strong fingers made him harden even more despite the fact that he had just had sex with Aisha just a few minutes ago.
"Not yet," said the pilot named Ripper in answer, stepping closer to both Aisha and Cale, "but I'd like to think so."
- Fin
[Skye Carver and Rory Callahan]
"I dunno," Skye had replied. "I kinda liked our little party once it got going," she teased. She too stripped off her uniform, down to the standard issue undies and slipped into the water right next to Razor. "Ooooooh," she moaned and sank for a moment up to her chin, arching her back and rolling her shoulders. "We better be careful or we'll be parboiled to a fare-the-well," she sighed as she straightened and followed him toward the bar.
There was a playful look in Skye's eyes as they approached the bar and she laughed heartily over his suggested drink and question. "Oh it was close but I think ... let's get a bottle of something really hard and find a spot where we can play some music. I seem to recall you liking my Def Lepperd song quite a bit," she said with a lewd smile and wink. Looking at the Irish guy, she smacked her hand on the bar. "I need something stiff and tasty, besides my buddy here," she said which brought a laugh from Rory.
"Do ye now?" he replied and after some rummaging around pulled out a bottle still half-full of an amber colored rum. "From those words I'd say ye be wantin' the bottle an' no' the shots. This should do fer a nice bit of fun but leave him still stiff an able," he said with a wink then looked at Razor. "Got yerself a spirited lass there. Have a real good night," he said as he handed him the bottle and watched Skye dragging Thomas off, sort of wishing a pretty little engineer would drag him off with a good bottle. He'd wished Natalie sweet dreams in return, assuring her his would be the sweetest ever.
(OOC: We can end it there for them I think. Seems a good spot to call "CUT!" :D )
[Eve Jenkins]
Helping him with the bra, Eve tossed it with a wet plop onto the rocks behind them and wrapped her arms around his head as he buried his face in her neck and began the sweet journey to her breasts, bringing her nipples to achingly stiff peaks. Feeling his cock twitch hard against her, she realized she was neglecting that part of him so worked to at least roll his underwear down past his hips then did the same with her own except worked them down with her toes until she could nab them and toss them over on the bra.
She didn't give him time for anything else, lifting one leg and wrapping it around his hip then pulling herself up to wrap the other around as she lined him up and sank onto his rigid shaft. Her chin rested for a moment on the top of his head as he suckled her breast, a drawn out moan of pleasure covered by the sound of the water crashing down around them. Eve loved sex but more so with Lucan as she could drop those mental shields and just lose herself in the feel of him inside of her.
"Lucan," she whisper-moaned as her hips rolled and ground her against and along him, the purr in her voice enough to vibrate the eardrum so close to the lobe she sucked past her lips and tongued. While he could smell and taste the mineral water, something more permeated his nostrils and taste buds. For some reason she was sweeter, more enticing than ever before as her body melded with his.
It would seem Eve was as at least as eager as him to cast off regulations and copulate in the open, and Lucan obliged them both by continuing to tease her with his mouth as she made sure nothing would get in their way. In short order, she had peeled down his sodden underwear and tossed her own, wrapped her legs about him and helped him sheathe his rigid arousal.
The humid and hot air was thick with febrile lust, which was born from the need to reaffirm the way they depended one each other, and Lucan was quickly loosing himself in the intoxicating way her presence made him feel like a better man. Gradually, the haunting feeling of the parasite inside him being too much in control subsided with each kiss, stroke and thrust. His tattooed hands roamed her just as he made her grind down upon his cock. A madness that had been raised by the deed to kill the Chief Counsellor was now waning as he reminisced their past lovemaking, making him feel more like himself and not the last barrier between the nature of his kin and what they meant to do with all unjoined. Eve brought him to the here and now, the presence of her and the demand for him to please her aching body.
She said his name, and he could not make up his mind as to if he heard Kisane's voice or hers. Right then, it did not matter, for her Deltan pheromones were bringing him out of the shadows, and he repaid her for it in full, since she could never know what he might do next. In possession of his wits again, he might still not afford to forego his ambitions and control, yet at least he no longer felt the need to kill and maim at every turn and thought. There was a lot of work to be done, and now, he could at least carry out his goals without making a mess. Ambitions aside, he had now resolved the issue of Eve and her effect upon him. She was not just a treat, because she was key to make him rein in his darker half.
He could not afford to loose her, lest he might loose the remnant of what was left of him, and it suddenly seemed quite valuable to him. Because you easily knew what you might losse when it was about to vanish in darkness. Making love to Eve by the edge of the water was just the beginning of a night filled with soothing balm for his soul, and for her, experiencing his thurough gratitude.
- Fin