Star Trek: Theurgy

[Lt Reika Sh’laan] Arboretum | Deck 20 | Vector 3 | USS Theurgy attn @Ellen Fitz 

Reika lay propped up on a pillow facing the foot of her bed in her quarters.  She wore a white pair of torn jeans and a horizontal black and white striped, short-sleeved, knit shirt.  Her hair was up in a simple ponytail on the top of her head and it still fell past her shoulders.  She had been discharged from sickbay two days ago and didn’t officially start on duty for two more days.  Apparently, they wanted to give her time to physically and mentally work through her new circumstances and to the fact that she had been placed in cryo and had awoken healthy, though physically scarred.  From the stories she had gathered while she lay in sickbay, ate a meal in the lounge, walked the halls, or swam laps in the public baths, there were more than a fair few in her same circumstances.

But for the last few hours, she had read through various reports to find out what had happened during the six months that she had been in cryo.  But now, she needed something else to do.  Something that wouldn’t remind her that their circumstances were at best tenuous, at worst, insurmountable.  But an overwhelming task didn’t mean it wasn’t worthwhile … tomorrow. Reika’s brain hurt.  She rolled over onto her back on her bed.  “Computer, display scheduled social activities on the calendar for today on this PADD.”  Holding the PADD above her head, Reika’s eyes ran down the very short list of fun events for today and she smiled.  “Wine and Painting,” the title read.  The location was listed at the Arborutum at 2000 hours. Before she could click through to the details, she realized that she only had five minutes if she wanted to be on time - and late wasn’t in her vocabulary.  Tossing her PADD onto the bed and rolling off the side, she slid her feet into the white slip-on tennis shoes.  She was out the door seconds later.

At 1959 hours, she slipped inside the Arboretum to the site of groups of people mingling.  “We’re going to start in ten minutes.”  A voice toward the front of the group said loudly.  “Grab yourself a glass of wine and find one of the painting stations scattered throughout the garden.”

Reika saw some of the groups of people with already filled - or partially filled wine glasses peel off and meander toward various easels.  Some were laughing, and some walked with hands twined together.  Still others had arms wrapped around each other’s backs.

“First order of business - a glass of wine.  Second order of business - hope there’s an easel left."  Finding the back of the line for a glass of wine, the tall Andorian folded her arms across her chest and admired the various flora scattered throughout the garden, but as she did, something struck her..  Almost everyone here was in pairs.  There were a couple of threesomes or were they couples with another single friend?  But when she turned around to look toward the front of the line to step forward behind the pair in front of her, she saw it.  On a large digital sign with a white background and words that looked like they had been painted,  “Couples Painting and Wine evening.”  And of course, it was adorned with heart and lips and wine glasses.  She closed her eyes and lay her hand atop of them, pursed her lips, and muttered something unintelligible and sharp-sounding under her breath.  Cursing herself for not taking thirty seconds to click through to the details of the evening, Reika blushed a shade of purple and tried to find her way back out of the garden before someone realized her error.

[Hirek tr’Aimne] Arboretum | Deck 20 | Vector 3 | USS Theurgy] attn: @Dree

The young man accepting volunteers had not quite known what to do when Hirek had first approached. A predatory smile already decorating his features, his lilted accent detailing a keen willingness to support any and all social activities program on the ship. If he’d been taken aback because Hirek was Romulan, the human had done an exemplary job of masking the species-based surprise behind the comfort of routine questions. What were Hirek’s skill sets, for one, his hobbies, another, comfort levels with a variety of activities, as yet another, and so forth.

Regardless of how disquieting the interview may have been to the human conducting it, only a few days passed from Hirek’s interview until the first missive from the morale department. Though he’d known nothing about the game, Hirek had joined the Parrises Squares tournament and come out the other side with some bruises but also more names with faces of the crew that he could consider amicable towards his existence. His efforts to integrate with the crew, garnering alliances—or friendships as they would likely be termed on this ship—were proving fruitful. So far, it seemed the number of crewmates wishing for his dismemberment was decreasing, and the number of those who knew his name and either had no opinion or a somewhat favorable one was increasing.

Hirek was not trying to become everyone’s friend. He’d never been the type to really care what others thought of him. So it was not of a desire to be liked that he attended and volunteered to support nearly every social event brought to his attention. Without the foreknowledge of when they’d be able to eradicate the parasites and bring an end to the silly civil war on Romulus—not failing to mention destroying the Tal Shiar completely—Hirek was pragmatic enough to note the wisdom of creating a network among those onboard. And if he could count some in the network as “friends,” or even lovers, that would only make his time on Theurgy all the more pleasant.

Wearing a turquoise wrap-around tunic over loose-fitted khaki trousers, Hirek moved in a silent gait along the curving pathways of the arboretum toward the central meeting location. This evening was yet another social event he’d been recruited to, which required an unquestionable comfort in one’s skin. Lips pulling back into a smile, Hirek found himself eagerly looking forward to the “main event,” never having felt anything EXCEPT comfort in his own skin all his life—sometimes to the detriment of those around him who perhaps wished he could feel at least a smidgen of discomfort for their sake.

He arrived at the mingling group of people just as the master of ceremonies opened the event with an invitation to grab a drink before selecting an easel. Hirek’s gaze lazily traveled over the group, noting that there were few he recognized among this crowd until he noticed a single Andorian female near the end of the drink queue. Hirek stopped, tilting his head to the side, trying to see if she were one of the few Andorian females he already knew. She was not. His gaze moving over her attractive form made it easy to detect when she realized this event had been tailored for couples, and she was clearly here on her own. Whatever she’d muttered to herself then, along with her apparent signs of discomfort, garnered some attention from the couples closest to her. Their expressions were a mixture of curious sympathy, some even a brand of withering pity. That would not do.

Hirek resumed his course at the same time the woman turned and looked ready to flee. Before she could slip by him, Hirek reached out. Plucking her hand between his own, he brought it up and placed a soft kiss on the back of it as he stepped close. Close enough to note individual rods that made up the ice-blue of her irises. Still holding her hand, Hirek smiled at the Andorian beauty, speaking loud enough for the pitying couples to hear, “Forgive me for being late,” giving her a wink that the others would not notice, Hirek kissed her hand once more before lowering their clasped hands and eventually letting go, “it has taken me a lifetime to find you.”

[Lt Reika Sh’laan] Arboretum | Deck 20 | Vector 3 | USS Theurgy attn @Ellen Fitz

Reika had already turned to make her way out when an unknown man took her by the hand.  That one act stopped her forward momentum.  Slowly turning around, The Andorian faced the newcomer. As he lifted her hand to his lips, she apprised the man.  He was Romulan, older, but more distinguished than aged.  His beard and hair were blonde sprinkled here and there with significant grey, but both were neatly trimmed.  Since he was obviously not in uniform, she had no idea what his department, his position, or his rank could be.  The turquoise shirt he wore pulled the blue out in his eyes.  He could have been considered handsome by some - distinguished by others - at least based solely on looks.  His brushed softly over the back of her hand.  “Forgive me for being late,” he said - and winked at her. 

There were so many things she tried to work out.  Why would a complete stranger walk up to her and kiss her hand.  She knew that there were many Andorians aboard the ship, so was it possible he was confusing her with someone else?  But his words were throw away, as if he was tossing them over her shoulder for the benefit of the others ahead of her in line, so as to relieve her discomfort.  And then there was the wink.  He had no idea who she was, but he was willing to try to help alleviate her discomfort.

Reika opened her mouth to say something, but before she could, he kissed her hand again.  But before he could lower her hand completely, she leaned and said in a whisper.  “It’s nice to meet you.  I’m Reika Sh’laan, a returning OPS officer.”

“It has taken me a lifetime to find you,” he said as he released her hand. 

But in that split second, Reika decided to play along.  “Indeed it must have.  I was afraid that you weren't able to make it,” and while she successfully tried not to laugh, her eyes betrayed her mirth.  Then whispering to him again.  “Whom do I have the pleasure of meeting?”

She was more of a sketcher than a painter, but even painting held a certain allure to her.  If this stranger was willing to give her a few moments of pleasure behind an easel with a glass of wine in hand for the next hour or so, she would - at least for now - indulge him.  She slipped her arm through his and fell back into her former place at the end of the line. 

[Hirek tr’Aimne | Arboretum | Deck 20 | Vector 3 | USS Theurgy] attn: @Dree

“Well, Reika, I must apologize for my tardiness. I was quite literally tied up,” he smiled at how easily she took to the ruse, her warm hand wrapping around the crook of his elbow as she tucked into his side, “I almost had to call for help. And let me tell you,” he leaned down as if to whisper but spoke loud enough that the couple standing in the queue in front of them could hear, “the security personnel will not long forget the sight of an oiled up Hirek tr’Aimne tied to all four corners of his bed like a hedonic appetizer.”

The woman in front of them gasped and shifted forward as if mere space in the line could prevent her from hearing further scandalous remarks. Her significant other looked more amused than offended, and from the almost wink the man shot Hirek’s direction, the Romulan presumed the human male found his story amusing, if not something to hope for. His gaze returned to the alluring woman at his side; Hirek reached up and lightly patted her hand as it rested on his arm.

“In the end, the morale officer is the hero of the hour. They arranged for my presence here this evening. I suppose they go through every department, and finally, the task fell upon Science. As time was drawing ever closer to the opening ceremony without my charming self mingling in the crowd, they panicked and sent someone to fetch me.” It was so easy for him to spin a tale with fact, as it was easy for any Romulan. To someone unprepared for the tale-telling of a “noble” Romulan, he might appear sincere in his story, from the microexpressions near his eyes to his tone of voice. Hirek couldn’t help but feel his curiosity build, wondering if the Andorian leaning against him would believe everything or see the tale for what it was, for her benefit to catch notes of who he was without being obvious and to frustrate the woman in front of them all at the same time.

The woman in thought shifted her arms, nearly losing some of her art supplies in the process. If it weren’t for her tried and true partner, a few pencils would’ve been lost to the crunch of the ground as they continued forward, ever closer to the promised glass of wine. Either she had not gotten the memo that she needn’t bring all that, or she was the type to insist on her own supplies.

“I see you did not bring your art materials this evening,” Hirek’s gaze roved up and down Reika’s body, another easy smile touching the edges of his lips, “relying instead on what they may supply you with? I admire such courage in a beautiful woman.” He heard another snort from the woman in front of them, and it sounded as if her partner was hiding a laugh behind a cough, earning himself a glare from the art-laden woman. Switching tactics, Hirek honed his attention fully on the Andorian, “What is it about painting and art that fires your soul, Reika?”

[Lt Reika Sh’laan] Arboretum | Deck 20 | Vector 3 | USS Theurgy attn @Ellen Fitz

With her arm threaded through the Romulan’s, Reika noticed some of the looks around them.  Not having any idea who this man actually was, the Andorian guessed that many of the others would, and she wasn’t sure what the looks were all about at first, but when Hirek spoke of being oiled and tied up to the corners of his bed, the OPS officer was glad that she didn’t have her wine yet, as the woman in front of them would likely be stained red - as Reika preferred red wine to white.  And while it took an immense amount of self-control to not burst out laughing. 

Instead, enjoying the ruse, she simply added, “Likely they wanted to join you, but duty is duty after all.  They had theirs and you had yours.”  But as he continued on in his audibly alluring speech, she noted that he was - or at least said his name was Hirek tr’Aimne, that he was the evening’s morale officer, and he was a member of the Science department.  She’d have to look into that as time permitted. 

But for the moment, her eyes casually observed her companion of the evening.  He was … mature … the word ‘older’ sounded derogatory to her ears, and he didn’t look or seem old, so mature seemed to be a better fit.  And he wasn’t at all unpleasant to look at, but the thought of seeing him oiled up, naked, and tied to a bed did conjure quite a mental picture.  She wasn’t sure if she would say that that thought would haunt her or amuse her for the next while.

Enjoying the ruse,  Reika responded.  “No, I did not bring my art materials.  Most of my items are still packed away.  Besides,  it gives one a chance to be more novel when you don’t know what you’ll be given to work with.  It gets the creative juices flowing and enables self-expression at new levels, don’t you think?” Reika said as she leaned into him, reached up to kiss his cheek giving the woman ahead of them something more to gawk at.

But when he asked about what about painting ignites her soul, the act disappeared and anyone could easily see the veracity in her words.  “It’s freeing, all absorbing, you can lose yourself in it. To capture the essence, the very core, of your subject on a canvas or paper is one of the highest compliments you can pay a person or an object.  And, of course, there’s the fact that you’ll never get it quite right which means that there is always room for improvement.”

As she finished speaking, Reika lowered her eyes from a nondescript location in the room to the line in front of them which was rapidly diminishing.  Not sure just how she shifted from being in character to being completely genuine, she chuckled as if it were just a part of the act and stepped forward to the bar as the couple ahead of them got their drinks and headed off for a corner of the room.  “Red wine, please.”

[Hirek tr’Aimne] Arboretum | Deck 20 | Vector 3 | USS Theurgy] attn: @Dree

Hirek chuckled at Reika’s assumption of duty, “Sometimes one’s duty is one’s pleasure.” As if to punctuate his words and intent, Hirek reached over with his free hand and lightly patted the back of her hand as it rested on his arm. He quick peck on his cheek had Hirek giving a soft snort of amusement, lips still pulled back in a smile. “Let me know if you need help unpacking. My dexterity is famed for various ‘un’ things, like undressing, and likely unpacking as well.”

He was impressed, and far from disappointed with her passionate response to his question. Hirek allowed silence to fall between them as they both accepted their drinks, hers a red wine, and his a rosé. Taking a tentative sip, Hirek let the sweet liquid wash over the entirety of his tongue, pressing it against the roof of his mouth and quietly moving it before swallowing. It was dry, with fruity notes, but with a surprising, almost savory aftertaste. Glancing at the wine as it swished in his glass with every step he took in following Reika’s path to an empty easel near a well-positioned pair of stools, Hirek compared the taste to some of the blends of his own home. He took another sip as they took position atop the stools and waited for the evening’s activity to continue into its next phase.

A smirk of amusement already tugging at the edges of his smile, Hirek lowered his glass and held it lightly between his fingers as he finally gave reply to her impassioned speech. “I have a variety of hobbies and interests that lend themselves to a primary artistic expression, which also happens to be quite lucrative.” Hirek shifted his grip on the glass, bringing it up for Reika to observe as he expertly moved the glass and its liquid, tipping it dangerously to the side as if to dump it out, and yet having every confidence and it wouldn’t breach the edges from all the times he’d done similar movements before. “Our islands have been brewing and blending Romulan ales for centuries. Although there are other popular manufacturers, the tr’Aimne brand has been well known for its consistent quality and innovative and exotic blends. Though my father never had much interest in the blending process, I took after my grandfather and carried the business further.”

Hirek sipped lightly again before continuing, “How you described your response to art is quite similar to how I would describe my own response to brewing and blending ales and teas. There is far more unknown and unexpressed than there is known and expressed, and it is always a joy and a pleasure to bring new combinations to fruition, watching as others partake and respond to the resulting blend.”

The master of ceremonies took to the raised circular platform in front of the semi-circled arrangement of easels. Already positioned on the platform was an ornately decorated tapestry fashionably draped over a high-back chair, equally ostentatious in nature as the tapestry, rich in tones and noble in design. Near the foot of the chair was a short stool with a bowl overflowing with fruit. A decorated canister sat on one armrest while a heavily jeweled goblet balanced on the other. Skirting around the chair and carefully avoiding the fruit bowl, the master of ceremonies called attention to himself.

“So glad you could all make it to our program this evening. We hope you enjoy the light refreshments that will be delivered later. There refills on your drinks is endless so have as much as you like,” the man winked and earned a wave of laughter from sections of the crowd as they whispered about the difficulties of drinking and painting, “We would also like to thank our volunteer model this evening. An honorary member of the morale department, namely because he’s willing to do just about anything we need, I would like to welcome Specialist Hirek tr’Aimne to the platform.”

Hirek stood, placed his glass on the stool he’d previously occupied, and shifted closer to Reika but a moment to whisper, “Please excuse me,” before he moved through the attending couples to stand side-by-side with the master of ceremonies, who continued on with his explanation of the evening’s program without further hesitation.

“As the program details mentioned, Mister tr’Aimne with have a series of actions at the beginning of this session to accommodate those among the crowd who prefer a moving model, but then he will assume a variety of positions on this podium, with each position lasting approximately ten minutes before he shifts into another. There will be no formal break for food so once it arrives, take what you like as you like. Given how long formal sessions require models to remain still, we understand this may not be your typical model session. However, this evening is meant for casual fun and artistic expression. So without further adieu, I give you, Hirek tr’Aimne.”

The master of ceremonies departed the stage, leaving a neutral expressioned Hirek alone. He let his gaze languidly move over the crowd before settling on Reika, at which point he smiled and dipped his head in her direction. A soft strand of stringed music with light percussion began playing from a set of musicians that had quietly taken up position during the master of ceremonies explanation. Taking pity on the Andorian, for it seemed unlikely that she’d read all the finer details of the program’s activities, Hirek broke eye contact as he brought his hands up and began to pluck at the various ties holding his tunic closed.

While there were some hushed murmurs, as well as sighs of anticipation and appreciation, Hirek mostly heard the musicians and a general din of noise from the audience as he slowly peeled his tunic away from his body. His movements were intentionally slow, not exactly over-dramatized, but certainly not his norm. Knowing the audience was artistic in nature, or at least that was the intended purpose of this evening, Hirek smiled as he flicked his wrist, sending the lightweight tunic flying over the back of the chair, where it hung half on and half off, preciously latched to the chair with a single arm.

The muscles of his mostly hairless torso undulated as Hirek’s fingers shifted their attention to the ties holding his trousers up. His muscles were well-proportioned and lithe from years spent on and in the water and training with the martial art forms of his home world. Hirek revealed more of the warm sand tones of his skin as he faced parallel to the audience and bent over, drawing his trousers down over his hips and dropping them to the floor in a pool of cloth around his ankles. Leaving the trousers as they lay, though he kicked them slightly so one pant leg draped over the platform's edge, Hirek turned away from the audience—not stopping the smirk when he heard more collected sighs of appreciation—Hirek took hold of the canister.

He’d specifically asked for this canister, blending its contents himself. The oil inside was in a solid state that would quickly melt as it met with the heat of his touch. Understanding the purpose of the evening, Hirek had combed through the available herbs and flowers on the ship, looking for the precise blend to infuse into the oil. With a combination of plants known to increase blood flow and arousal and enhance a relaxed state, Hirek had carefully portioned them out before combining them into the canister. Again, his movements were deliberately slow, as Hirek turned parallel to the audience and began to dip his fingers into the canister, rubbing the oil onto his skin, starting first as his shoulder and then moving down the length of his arm.

Already sensual and shameless in nature, Hirek found the heady mixture of being on display to all these people, along with the scent of his own blend of herbs pleasing. Not to the degree that he risked a full erection, but Hirek was not surprised when his member twitched and his balls shifted in expectation as he began to rub the oil down his hip and thighs. He was intentional about turning to face the other side, exposing the opposite side of his body, by turning away from the audience. He would face them only when it was time to oil down his chest and face. Hirek methodically continued his oiling process with an expression of contented amusement.

He did not build anticipation or create fanfare before turning toward the audience, fingers already drawing a design crossway on his muscled chest. A thud from his left paused his movements and Hirek, along with many of the audience members, watched as a man hovered over his partner, frantically fanning at the collapsed woman. The master of ceremonies was already at her side with a hypospray. Considering the free-flowing nature of the drinks this evening, Hirek thought the extra precaution wise. Hirek resumed his work, rubbing the oil into his skin in slow circles across his chest and stomach, then drawing his fingers down and up in angled motions once it was time for him to cover the sensitive area around his groin.

Only once he was sufficiently covered in the oil, did Hirek shift on the podium until the back of his knees met with the chair. He took his seat, leaning against the back of the chair, and let his legs splay open in a natural fashion. Another thud, from further in the back of the crowd, this time two women were hovering over a third woman. Hirek gave a light snort as his fingers wrapped around the goblet near his left hand. Raising it his lips, Hirek’s eyes sought of Reika, catching her gaze over the goblet’s rim. Sending her a playful wink, Hirek tipped the glass up and greedily drank of its contents—an ale he’d created using the ship’s computer—happily allowing a few streams of the liquid to breach the corners of his mouth and twist their way over his jawline and down his neck.

Thirst quenched, Hirek settled again. The master of ceremonies displayed a timer in the back that Hirek could easily see from his position. Another ten minutes, he’d shifted to the side, pulling a leg up to hook over the empty armrest. The food would arrive then and after another ten minutes more and he’d pull that leg up to rest the foot on the chair with him, bracing an arm over his knee. He would slowly pull apart the grapes in the fruit bowl, popping the morsels into his mouth as if they were decadent candy for ten minutes more. And for the final ten minutes, he would lean forward, bracing his elbows on his knees, hands clasped together between them, gaze distant but intent as he stared at the timer as it ticked down to the end of his time as a model.

All the while, the musicians played through a series of styles of music, all sensual and relaxing, and only shifted the tempo to something marginally more active as the timer drew closer to the end. Once the timer ceased, the musicians did as well, and Hirek stood from the chair. He did not attempt to redress, and instead accepted the offered robe from the master of ceremonies as he returned to the platform.

“Thank you, Mister tr’Aimne. There is still plenty of time to finish your work, and still plenty of food as well. We will have the official voting on the pieces in ten minutes.”

Hirek stretched his arms overhead as he moved through the crowd, nodding with a polite smile at those who dared to make eye contact. With casual grace, he took up his discarded glass of wine, and resumed his spot on the stool. He studied Reika moment before nodding to her easel.

“Nice work.”

[Lt Reika Sh’laan] Arboretum | Deck 20 | Vector 3 | USS Theurgy attn @Ellen Fitz

The Arboretum was the perfect place for an evening like this.  The people couples and trios scattered amongst the foliage and blooms made for a personal setting while yet being a part of the larger group.  There was enough space between easels that couples could speak in hushed tones to each other without being overheard by the group if they didn’t want to be. 

Reika looked around to find an empty station in the arboretum, many were taken but there were a few left that would work.  Holding her glass by the rim down at her side, the Andorian steered Hirek toward one of the better spots where the sight lines were adequate and acceptable for whoever or whatever was going to take center stage.

And while Reika didn’t know Hirek from Adam, she was sure that she would enjoy their evening together.  After all, he had come to her ‘rescue’ so to speak.  Art was one of the constants in her life, so a little thing like a partner that she had never met before didn’t throw her majorly off balance because she’d get to be behind an easel - assuming he didn’t take over.  Well, then they may have problems.

Once they were seated on their stools set off to the side from behind their canvas and other art equipment, Reika finally raised her wine glass to her lips while listening to Hirek talk about wine and his experience not just as a sommelier but also as a brewer and blender of various beverages.

Hirek had finished with, “watching as others partake and respond to the resulting blend.” 

“Like getting to observe someone appreciate a painting of your own.  I totally understand the …”  But her words trailed away as the Master of Ceremonies took his place on the raised dais.  As she listened, she eventually heard … “An honorary member of the morale department, namely because he’s willing to do just about anything we need, I would like to welcome Specialist Hirek tr’Aimne to the platform.”

Reika’s head turned ever so slowly toward her ‘partner’ for the night, just in time for his lips to brush her ear in a whisper, “Please, Excuse me.”  And for a split second, Reika’s jaw went slack before she snapped it shut again.  The 3rd vector COO only heard snatches, “moving model, series of poses, ten minutes.”  And then she felt one set of eyes focus on her … and then about forty others.  She could have crawled behind the canvas.  She had played up her part opposite him and now …

She watched on in horror.  What the hell is he doing?  Oh no, he is noooooot.  Shit, he is.   Reika could feel the eyes going from Hirek to her and back to the model who was stylistically undressing.  Then as he tossed his shirt across the chair and started to undo the fastenings of his pants.

I’m sure he’s just teasing the audience.  This is just a show … nothing to see…..hell, yes he did!  And his pants flew over the edge of the raised surface.

Then came the oil.  Slow sensual movements of his hands.  His skin glistened as the solid salve melted on his body, then he turned around.  Reika could only imagine what he was doing to himself then, but as he turned back around and his hands started working toward his groin, there was a thud.  She turned her head - which had been completely immobile to that point.  A man was fanning a woman who had apparently fainted at the sight of the naked and rapidly engorging Hirek.  As she looked in their direction, she saw partners elbowing each other, pointing at Hirek and then pointing at her.  She couldn’t tell if their expression was one of jealous astonishment or extreme pity. 

There was only one thing left to do.  She picked up her palate and hid behind her canvas as best as she could and started painting until she heard another thud - this time behind her.  She turned momentarily until she saw more raised fingers and more pointing in her direction.  She looked back up as Hirek took his first pose letting nature and herbs take their course and laying life out in the open for all to see.  And people were certain enough to gawk - which given her share in the earlier charade - meant she receieved attention as well. 

Paint, Reika, No one will remember your part in this after tonight.  Her thoughts paused as she asked herself if that were really true before calling ‘bullshit’  on herself.  She had nothing to do, but to paint, so she turned her attention back to her paints and her easel, and she painted.  She painted a complete stranger in all of his aroused glory.  A complete stranger - who people thought she was intimately associated with.  And she bore much of the blame since she had gone along with the ruse.

Just paint the damn picture! She admonished herself.  Throughout the rest of the session, she never raised her head.  She barely raised her eyes.  The tall, elegant Andorian just painted … the whole … of Hirek.

When, thank the gods, the spectacle was over, she finally raised her head as the Romulan was offered a robe and covered himself.  Almost in horror, she watched as he … made … his … way … back to HER.  Picked up his glass as if nothing had happened, and looked appreciatively at her picture.  “Nice work.”

And all around her, she heard chitters, chuckles, snickers, and comments about ‘the lucky woman’ or ‘cute couple.’ 

With her head down, she continued working on her finishing up her picture.  She might as well have it judged amongst the rest.  Maybe she’d get some sort of consolation prize out of this gossip-filled night.  And without looking at Hirek, she asked, “So, is this something you do often or is it just a one-time gig that I inadvertently happened upon?”

But before Hirek could answer, the Andorian felt a gentle hand on her shoulder.  Turning her head to face the awestruck human woman, she heard slow drawn-out words articulated, “Oh, I envy you.  What a lucky woman you are.  He’s … amazing.”  Then the human put her hand over her mouth.  “He must be a lot to handle.”

All Reika could do was slowly nod her head up and down.  “Yes …” not in the way that you think, “He is a lot to handle.” 

Then side-stepping Reika just slightly, the woman winked and fluttered her fingers at Hirek.  “If you ever want a threesome … look me up.”  She slipped a corner of a piece of paper into Reika’s hand.  Apparently, the art supplies she had been given were paper and charcoals because on the paper scribbled in black smudged letters was a quarters assignment.  “Well, my friends are waiting.  I’d better go,” the woman had the good grace to blush and hurried off with her gaggle of friends.

“Yours, I believe,” Reika handed the paper to Hirek. While she heard more giddy chortling and heavily aroused sighs nearby, she continued her work attempting to finish the painting.   Who am I kidding?!?  The whole ship is going to know about this before tomorrow morning.  I will … NEVER … live this down.

[Hirek tr’Aimne] Arboretum | Deck 20 | Vector 3 | USS Theurgy] attn: @Dree

Hirek couldn’t help but smile with amusement as the human spoke to Reika as if Hirek wasn’t even there. As if he were an object to be shared between them. An unsurprising development considering for the past half hour or more, he had willingly sat as an object for their artistic endeavors. He nodded to both the human woman and Reika when the Andorian struggled to respond. Her skin deepened in color after the woman put a piece of paper in Reika’s hand before skirting off to rejoin her companions. Hirek had no concept of what might be on the paper until Reika passed it off to him as if she might be burned by it should she hold on to it much longer. Hirek’s eyebrows rose when he noted the quarters' assignment and realized this had been the human woman’s attempt to ensure further interaction, especially of an intimate nature.

Hirek quickly snorted as he tucked the paper into the pocket of his robe and resumed sipping at his drink. Reika’s abject intent on her painting was further evidence that she found these circumstances distressing. Be it from attraction to him or otherwise, Hirek couldn’t tell. But he did find her sense of embarrassment amusing and endearing. Setting aside his drink, Hirek picked up the brush that went with the as-of-yet blank easel in front of him and likewise began drawing the brush over its surface, choosing a variety of blues and greens primarily. When he spoke again, his intonation was calm, tone melodic and deep, as his mind’s eye drifted away from the ship and back to his home.

“Being from the Uluma Islands, I spent much of my childhood nude in the water, diving with the oyster hunters or vrena catchers. The vrena are not much different from creatures found on Earth, I believe they’re called octopus? In any case, vrena are caught not killed outrightly, like fish. Their flesh spoils rapidly after death, though it is highly sought after among the elite.” Hirek stopped, realizing he was rambling, as he was ought to do whenever it came to speaking of home. Giving the Andorian woman a half smile accompanying a shrug, Hirek smiled. “Apologies if my speaking of home grows tiresome. Although my time onboard has been brief, my interactions have been broad enough to note there is a common misconception of what it means to be Romulan as well as what Romulus looks like. I find myself acting as a self-elected ambassador of sorts now and again, which, if this is overly tiresome, please feel free to slap my hand.” Hirek smirked as he held out his hand for her to do so if she wished, “I learned recently that is an action human guardians take when their charges have been acting unacceptably.”

Another group of individuals came back, carrying their easel to the front, where several others were already set up for judging. Ignoring their not-so-subtle whispers, Hirek shook his head and finally responded to Reika’s question. “You were witness to my modeling debut, be that to your pleasure or horror, yet to be determined, I suppose.”

[Lt Reika Sh’laan] Arboretum | Deck 20 | Vector 3 | USS Theurgy attn @Ellen Fitz

Reika continued to paint while inhaling deeper and deeper with each breath.  This helped her heart rate begin to return to normal. When she was in a firefight as a tactical officer, how she could feel completely in control of every part of her body despite her heightened sense of awareness, and yet currently feel completely discombobulated when attention of this nature was focused on her, she didn’t know.  But ignoring everyone around her, the fluid movements of the brush combined with the deep breathing settled her spirit. 

As it did, Hirek began to speak again.  His tone took on a methodical and ataractic timbre as if he sensed her unease.  And truly, the description that he gave of his world could have made anyone feel relaxed, helped anyone let down their guard.  At that moment,  Reika decided that she would play the part for the night and play it convincingly, like the time at her advanced Tactical training where she was sent undercover.  That's what she'd do. Laugh as if she didn't care. Smile as if she knew all along, dote over Hirek as if he were her desire,  because he also knew that this was a ruse.

And after his apology, Reika tilted her head his direction. “No, it’s not tiresome."  Truthfully, she said, " I can imagine how much you miss your home.  At least your voice seems to say that you miss your home and your people.  How long has it been since you’ve been around other Romulans?”

The miniscule brush strokes continued gliding over various spots on the painting as the Andorian tried to finish up the composition as she listened to his answer.  “The Star Empire hasn’t given much opportunity for Starfleet or its officers in general to get to know your people on a personal level.  I can see how misconceptions could easily be commonplace.  I wouldn’t mind hearing more about your home …"

But her further words were cut off by “ All those who want their artwork judged should bring them forward.  The judging will begin in less than five minutes.”

Reika’s mouth closed as the announcement was broadcast throughout the arboretum. With a light laugh,  she said,  “I might as well throw my hook into the sea, and see if I get any bites.”  She wrapped her fingers around the edge of the canvas and turned to make her way to the front, but paused.  “You coming?  I mean these pictures are of you.  Who better to give his opinion?” she queried with a demure grin.

Carrying her canvas, the tall blue-skinned woman made her way back to the area near where they entered.  There was a queue of nearly twenty people who were eager - or at least willing - to have their works judged.  But it didn’t take long for all of them to set the paintings up.

The judges began the process of critiquing each of the pieces.  Reika went to get another glass of wine - this time a blush instead of burgundy, but returned to Hirek’s side.  “So how does it feel to see yourself - or a representation of yourself on the canvas?”

[Hirek tr’Aimne] Arboretum | Deck 20 | Vector 3 | USS Theurgy] attn: @Dree

Hirek snorted over his glass at her question, “Not counting the Romulans on this ship? Or the Tal’Shiar agents I was planted with on Qo’Nos?” He returned his gaze to Reika’s, a sardonic smile tugging at only one corner of his lips. “Counting the non-polarized, politically-minded, glowering automatons longer than I’d prefer.” He set aside the glass completely and tugged the collar of the robe closer to his neck, fighting off the draft he suddenly became aware of. “Before I stepped into the role of informant among the Tal’Shiar on Qo’Nos, I lived a happy hermit’s life. After I returned from being drafted into the War, I took up a lecturing position again at the Imperial War College but found I lacked the same passion for my work. Society was growing increasingly polarized, and my students were growing increasingly narrow-minded despite my best efforts to keep politics out of the lab. So I resigned and retreated back to the islands. Dedicated myself to my hobbies and my parents, happily away from the idiocy of society until the idiocy of others landed on my doorstep. A sense of duty, and sheer annoyance, drove me to Qo’Nos where I’ve been up until my defection to your crew.”

Reika’s comment about the Star Empire’s penchant for isolation—though she hadn’t quite worded it that way—had Hirek snorting again. They were prevented from further discussion down that route with the announcement of judging to take place. He smiled at her invitation and nodded. He wasn’t the one doing the judging, but Hirek was curious about how others had depicted the scene. As they drew close, he could see how some had emphasized one muscle group over another; some were bold with colors, while others had played more with shadows and lighting. While Reika left to get another glass of wine, Hirek glanced over the rest of the paintings, keeping his amusement in check. Most of the pieces were marginally fair to mediocre, with at least two or three good ones, but for some, even squinting and tipping sideways, one couldn’t quite tell what the subject of the painting was.

Her question goaded another nonchalant shrug from the Romulan, “It is a rare moment to see how others think of feel about you on display. I believe empaths or those with telepathy would have a better description of the emotion, but intriguing is probably the best word I can come up with at the moment.” The master of ceremonies motioned for Hirek then. “Excuse me. While I’m not the judge, I am the one to give the award.”

The judging took place then, with Reika’s painting being a contender for the top ten but not making it into the top five. The winner, in the end, was a Betazoid man with a human girlfriend cooing at his side. Hirek’s smile of amusement was genuine as he placed the ribbon on the edge of canvas and shook the Betazoid’s hand. His earlier comment about empaths hadn’t been too far off in the end. The artists were then given the option of hanging their paintings in the temporary gallery adjacent to the arboretum café. With one last invitation to eat and drink to their hearts delight, the evening was brought to a soft close. Most of the couples continued to linger about, though some began to cart their paintings away—to be hidden in a closet or displayed yet to be determined. Easily moving through the dispersing crowd, Hirek returned to Reika’s side.

“I certainly hope this encounter hasn’t scarred you for life, Reika.” He winked, giving the first verbal indication of his awareness of her discomfort. Nodding toward her painting, his smile deepened, “What are you going to do with the painting?”

[Lt Reika Sh’laan] Arboretum | Deck 20 | Vector 3 | USS Theurgy attn @Ellen Fitz

“No.  It hasn’t scarred me - for today or for life,” she laughed lightly playing her part.  “Compared to being frozen and thawed, this,” she looked around the festivities, “this is nothing.”  She took a long slow sip of the pale pink liquid in the glass.  More than the first, this second glass of wine warmed her, relaxed her, lowered her guard, and brought a tint of purple to her cheeks.

“As to what I’m going to do with the picture, I’m sure at some point it will be worth something.  The great Hirek Tamin … Tram …Tamine … Aww hell, you know your own last name."  Her frustration at having been caught off guard earlier when they had called his name  - and consequently not remembering it now, showed only by a momentary glint in her eye and twirk of her lip which was gone as quickly as it had come.  "But it will be worth something someday, so I’m sure I’ll hang onto it.”

She turned to face her picture, raising her pinkie finger to trace different parts of the picture seeing the imperfections and her lack of skill with some of the techniques.  “People were never my strong suit.  I’ve always preferred nature, but as far as portraits go - and rushed portraits at that, it’s not that bad.  It’s accurate enough to pick you out of a lineup,” she chuckled again.

But now her eyes swept across the room, and she felt more than saw something else.  In many places that her head shifted, two people leaned together.  Some talked conspiratorily.  Some walked together, fingers laced around fingers.  For others, one sat upon the other’s lap with arms wrapped around the other person.  Some even stole kisses in a corner or behind an easel.  She saw the actions, but whether because of the second cup of wine or because she still felt ill at ease after just being thawed, or because it was true - she felt alone - there was an emptiness in the recesses of her heart which at that moment she felt rather keenly.

Blue fingers rotated the glass, and azure eyes glanced down into it as if she were asking it a question and reading the answer in the swirls of the soft rose-colored currents.  Nodding once, she poured more of the liquid between her lips, turning to Hirek.  “Walk with me back to my quarters?” she asked, not lifting her eyes to his.  “You can carry your portrait for me,” she grinned teasingly, this time looking up and meeting his eyes.

[Hirek tr’Aimne | Arboretum | Deck 20 | Vector 3 | USS Theurgy] attn: @Dree

Hirek picked up the painting with ease and gestured for Reika to lead the way back to her quarters. While he was well aware of his many faults, listening was not one of them; rather, being a good listener was one of his merits. A Romulan who couldn’t listen, be it with their ears or their mind, was a dead Romulan, and Hirek was a survivor at heart. He could sense Reika’s loneliness, read in her various ticks and gestures that she had a strong awareness of others—perhaps a misaligned sense of how others perceived her even. But the whys and hows of this, Hirek didn’t know, and he wasn’t the type to press to know. Asking probing questions directly also often led to greater problems on Romulus, and Hirek was a problem solver not a problem starter. Or, at least, he certainly tried to be. But creating problems was one of his faults.

Only as they moved away from the group, still intent on socializing and gaping at one another’s paintings, did Hirek speak up again.

“tr’Aimne. It is my clan name. I will presume your ignorance,” Hirek smirked at Reika, “and explain a bit about Romulan names. It differs from certain elements of Andorian naming trends, at least from my preliminary studies of Andorian culture since coming aboard the ship. Hirek is, as you’d guess, my given name, and tr’Aimne is the clan name I mentioned. Between those two names would actually by three other names. The locative name of where I was born, a name that only close family may know of, and yet another name that only I will ever know and may choose to reveal to my mate, should I have one. But, it is far simpler merely to go by my given and clan name among non-Romulans. And it seems the clan name may be difficult for some already.” He gave Reika a playful wink as they journeyed them from the arboretum into the ship’s corridors.

[ Corridor ]

The drastic difference between the green of the arboretum and the sterile colors of the corridors was jarring. Still, unless the captain approved Hirek’s preference to redecorate each ship deck according to the colors and textures of the various Federation member planets, it would continue to be in this lifeless generic state. Reflecting on her earlier comments, Hirek shifted his grip on the painting, moving it so the artwork would be on the outside, readily seen by any passersby, as he drew Reika’s attention back to her stated preferences in art.

“I created a holographic simulation of my home islands with Lieutenant Commander Pierce some time back. If you’re needing new inspiration for landscapes, I will shamelessly suggest a visit to the program.” Hirek grinned at a young man as he walked past, winking when the man hesitated to take a full view of the portrait once he stood parallel to Hirek. The man continued on his way with red cheeks and a downcast gaze. Hirek returned his gaze to Reika then, shifting his tone of voice from mirth to meaning when he next spoke, “I’ve met only a few members of the crew who were recently ‘thawed,’ and of those, quite a number expressed shock and anxiety when going over the present crew roster. Did you lose many comrades during your stasis?”

[Lt Reika Sh’laan] Arboretum | Deck 20 | Vector 3 | USS Theurgy attn @Ellen Fitz

Reika listened as she wove her way around the people in the still mostly full arboretum.  Given name. Makes sense.  Clan name.  Sure.  Location-based name - interesting.  Close family name - Maybe like a family nickname?  One that only close family knew?  But that last one truly surprised her - A name that only he knew - and maybe shared with a spouse.  Reika had no concept of anything like that.  Did he give it to himself? she wondered.

Reika answered as they turned into the corridor. “I can see why it’s easiest just to go by the two-name convention since many species have given names and family names.  I had never known that Romulans had a total of five names - and one only known to yourself?  That is a concept beyond any I’ve ever heard.”

She listened as he offered her the use of his holodeck program, and Reika’s gate paused mid-stride just for a fleeting moment as Hirek offered it for her use with the potential of it being a landscape inspiration for a future painting.  The description of the islands that he had given earlier had intrigued her and something lush and tropical definitely sounded tempting.  She walked on toward the turbolift for a few seconds before answering, “I think I’d enjoy that, and at the moment, it looks like I have plenty of free time on my hands.  It will be a pleasant way to pass my after-duty hours."

Hirek seemed to be enjoying himself, showing off his portrait, and Reika turned her head away the opposite direction hiding her grin.  
 But it didn’t take long for the Romulan's demeanor to shift again, and he spoke of people he had known who had been in stasis. 

By that time they reached the Turbolift.  While they waited, the Andorian took a moment to gather her thoughts.  There were so many different sentiments, conjectures, and feelings since she had been removed from stasis and that multitude of thoughts was so scattered that gathering them was necessary.  More than that, how much did she really want to share with Hirek.  She didn’t know him - at all.  Stealing a sideways glance at him, she was reminded that her isolationist tendencies during her first go-round on the Theurgy is what got her where she was.  And the ship was big enough, she wouldn’t likely see him often anyway.  What would be the harm in being honest?

After a moment’s deliberation, “Yes, and no,” was her answer.  The way she drew out the ‘no,’ however, made it was obvious she had more to say.  But at that moment the turbolift arrived.

She stepped inside and ordered it to “Vector 3 deck 12.”  As the turbolift started out, she turned to Hirek.  “Many people that I knew are no longer around.  Sh’Zenne, Chambers, and Halliwell from OPS,  Callahan, Covington, Tiran, Kae, Song, Zeshryr …”  Her voice trailed off.  “Those are the ones I can think of off of the top of my head.  And as I’ve tried not to think about it over the last few days, I’ve stumbled across a bunch of other names that aren’t coming to mind at the moment."

“But the truth of the matter is that I haven’t really lost anyone - which I’m coming to understand is even sadder,” she said looking sideways at him again.  But once again the turbolift stopped as she was mid-sentence.  She let out a puff of air that almost sounded like a swallowed yet forceful sigh as she started down the corridor toward her quarters.  “Here, my first time, on the Theurgy, I never let anyone close enough to really lose someone.  Sure people I know are gone - either having left or having died.  People I should have known better.”  As they reached her quarters, she keyed in her access code and stepped inside uttering, “Computer, lights.”

The room was nothing more than a standard officer's quarters.  Two crates were sitting off to the side of the couch.  There was nothing on the shelves or any personal affects out yet.  It was about as ‘plain’ a quarters as possible.

“Feel free to put that down anywhere you’d like,” she said slipping out of her shoes and making her way just inside the bedroom door, so she could put them away properly.  Not being gone for more than two seconds, she returned, but leaned against the doorframe she had just re-entered through..  “You’re welcome to have a seat if you’d like,” she motioned to the couch which was clear.  “And I’m happy to get you something to drink if you’re staying for a bit.”

[Hirek tr’Aimne | Deck 20 | Vector 3 | USS Theurgy] attn: @Dree

The Andorian woman walking beside him was quite unlike the other Andorians Hirek had gradually become acquainted with on the ship. And, in fact, each of them had also been their own unique rendition of the species. Reika was not the only one with a sense of melancholy hanging about her shoulders like a cloak for personal comfort; Hirek recalled the more subdued nature of the Andorian diplomat on the culinary excursion then smiled as he also remembered Zark, the blue hellion who’d nearly killed Madsen in her efforts to save the CDO from her own inebriated self—again, thanks to the combat medic’s ministrations. Hirek couldn’t help but feel curious if on a generalized scale, Andorians drifted more toward the Zark end or the Nysari and Reika. An entire planet of Zark’s could prove…interesting to say the least.

As Reika walked Hirek, proverbially and literally, through the corridors of her past life on the ship, he found some similarities between her present status and his own.

“Whenever I was stationed on a ship, I did my duties but never fraternized with the crew. Except when a superior officer solicited sexual favors from me, and then I had no choice but to comply.” Hirek shrugged, far from exaggerating but making no effort to insist on the credibility of his story with emphatic expressions or gestures. “My closest ‘friends,’ if you could call them such, have always been kin, and the majority of them resided on the Uluma Islands. And that trend is fairly the norm among Romulan clan groups. Even in marriage, especially the triadic marriage practices of the capital cities, there is rarely the warmth I’ve seen readily displayed between crewmates on this ship.”

Leaving him standing just inside the door to her quarters, Reika disappeared into her bedroom just long enough for Hirek to position the portrait against the wall, angled so Reika could see it both when she entered her quarters and when she first came out of her bedroom. Hirek smirked to himself, taking one last look at the painting before letting his eyes flick over the spartan decorations in her quarters. He noted the crates about the time she returned, Hirek moving his gaze to note her casual posture against the doorframe as she offered to get him a drink.

“If you don’t mind the presumption of using your replicator, I could also offer you one of my recipes for a tea blend that resembles a favorite from my home.” Hirek nodded toward the crates and addressed their presence, along with the lack of decorations, “Going into stasis interrupted your unpacking, or was it packing?”

[Lt Reika Sh’laan]  Lt. Sh'Laan's Quarters | Deck 12 | Vector 3 | USS Theurgy| attn @Ellen Fitz

As Reika stepped back into the doorway between her bedroom and the livingroom, she saw that Hirek had positioned her painting so that he, in all his glory, was in full view from her position.  She laughed lightly.  This Romulan was certainly a study in dichotomy.  On one hand, he seemed quite serious.  On the other hand, he didn’t seem to take himself seriously.  "I'm glad you seem keen on the painting.  "You sure that you don't want it for your own quarters?  I'm sure we could scan and replicate a duplicate."

But despite the fact that she offered to get him a drink, he proposed to returned the favor.  She thought about it for a moment, and given her determination to do things differently this time, she nodded, “Sure.  I’ll be happy to try one of your blends of tea.  What sets this variety of tea apart?” she asked.

But before he answered, he gestured to the crates and currently bleak surroundings posing a query about them.  “Actually,” she said, crossing her arms across her chest.  "When I went on ice, they packed everything I had away.  When I worked in OPS before the incident which landed me in stasis.  If someone were injured and placed on ice, we packed all of their belongings up.  We didn’t know if we’d need the quarters and wanted to make sure that nothing that had been stored in the quarters went bad or in the case of a pet, that it didn’t die.”

“So this is simply protocol.” the Andorian continued. “If you get frozen, they pack your stuff up.  I’ve just managed to avoid unpacking yet.  Instead, I’ve just replicated what I needed to this point.  I’m sure I’ll get around to decorating the shelves sooner or later, but there’s no rush to it.”

Reika crossed to the couch and took a seat waiting for Hirek to order their drinks since she had no idea what kind of tea he had in mind for them or her.  She watched him from her vantage point.  He still had the red robe with gold trim around the edges on - the one that had been given to him by the Master of Ceremonies - and as far as she observed, he had left the rest of his clothes in the arboretum, but she wasn’t about to offer to go back and get them for him. 

As she continued to watch the older man, she asked herself, what she wanted from the evening.  To this point it had been nothing but a shared ruse.  Before she was frozen, she would never have brought Hirek back to her quarters.  She likely wouldn’t have stayed once she understood that the event was for couples, and she most certainly would have been aware of what was going on on the ship before hand.  So nothing about this night tonight would have happened before she went into Stasis, but she wasn’t living before her stint frozen.  She was living now, and what did she want.  Some companionship, maybe something more.  So she watched and observed little things about the Romulan as he ordered the tea and turned to face her.

[Hirek tr’Aimne | Lt. Sh'Laan's Quarters | Deck 12 | Vector 3 | USS Theurgy] attn: @Dree

“This tea assists in sleep but also has a warming quality, starting with your lips and traveling along your tongue and to your belly. Some have equated it to a thrumming warmth, others a tickle, but it really just depends on your physiology. And since I don’t have the exact herbs required to make it to the strength or quality I prefer from home, this hardly represents how vibrant the flavors can be.” Hirek spoke over his shoulder as he worked at her replicator. “I’ve been studying the ship’s stores for herbs and resources for making tea blends or ale blends if the captain ever approves my still design for my quarters, so while I’ve found a fairly close blend, it still isn’t quite the same.”

With two saucers holding the steaming amber liquid with orange swirls undulating through it, Hirek carefully approached the couch where Reika had settled herself. The primarily floral scent of the tea had spiced undertones with a hint of pungent earthy herbal scents wafting off the surface. Hirek had learned that humans found the taste similar to a citrusy pepper with a cream-like flavor, enhancing its natural sweetness. He was curious how an Andorian palate would respond. After setting her tea on the table before her, Hirek settled on the other end of the couch.

“I learned about an old Terran tradition of leaving what they call a ‘calling card’ with individuals they would like to meet with later in the day or week. I wonder if I should replicate the portrait,” his gaze moved from the tea back to the painting as he spoke with a neutral tone, “and turn it into calling cards to leave with our crewmates. What do you think?”

Looking back to Reika, Hirek winked before bringing the tea to his lips and giving a tentative sip. The flavor was close enough to frustrate him, hinting at what he could not enjoy until they dealt with this mess, but it was likely pleasant enough to someone who didn’t know the true flavors he was aiming for. Looking back to the crates as he took another sip, Hirek nodded at her earlier explanation.

“I am growing fond of the ship’s replicators, I must say. I didn’t come aboard with much of anything except the soiled clothing on my back, and while I told the captain, I was comfortable in my own skin, he made sure I knew how to work the machines to prevent cultural exchange issues.” Shifting his mass around to settle more comfortably against the cushions, Hirek sighed. “Romulan ships are far from comfortable and do not have the luxuries of personal replicators. Everything is carefully and heavily monitored and tracked and, depending on your rank, is what you are allowed access to and is part of what determines the ease of your time aboard the ship. Things were only marginally more ‘bohemian’ at the College, but I only found freedom on the Islands, among my kin.” Glancing over to Reika and nodding towards the steaming liquid, “What are your thoughts?”

[Lt Reika Sh’laan]  Lt. Sh'Laan's Quarters | Deck 12 | Vector 3 | USS Theurgy| attn @Ellen Fitz

Reika listened as Hirek touted the benefits of this blend of tea.  She had to grin at his nonchalant attitude about designing his own quarters to blend teas and likely distill other beverages based on what he said earlier in the evening.   It was very un-Starfleet of him - and maybe that was part of his allure.  He had no inhibitions, whether it was oiling every inch of himself up for all to see or asking for quarters to be remanufactured to his specifications so that he could enjoy his pastimes more. 

“Comparing replicated food with grown food isn’t quite the same either, but it’s a close approximation,  While your refined palate may know the difference, I’m sure it will be minute,” the Andorian said, picking up the cup and saucer that the Romulan set on the table in front of her.  First, he held it under her nose noting the different fragrances from sweet to pungent.  “It smells delectable.”  Then, taking a sip, she held the warm liquid in her mouth momentarily trying to tease out its flavors before swallowing. 

Hirek was right, it created almost a buzz in her mouth and down her esophagus as she swallowed and continued down into her stomach.  “The flavors … I wouldn’t have ever put them together, but they blend so well.  And it is warming as it goes down.  What’s it called, as I think it’s something I’d enjoy again.”

And as Hirek named the blend, Reika took a mental note of it for future consumption.  It both tasted and felt incredibly pleasant in a way that she had not before experienced when it came to non-alcoholic concoctions.

But a moment later, he had changed the subject, alluding to the picture leaning against the wall “A calling card?” Reika echoed taking a moment to try to pull the phrase out from one of the crannies in a corner of her mind.  Then finally putting it together with what she thought she heard of it, she asked, “You mean that tradition of leaving something to let people know that it was you that visited in the case that they aren’t home?”  And with that, her face went from a nice azure hue to a sky blue - an Andorian’s version of blanching.

She thought for a moment how to diplomatically say what she was thinking.  “Hirek,” he paused and pursed her lips, having started to speak before she had really formulated what she wanted to say.  “I think … people may be intimidated by such a convention.  First off, they may not even know why an article such as a calling card was left.  Secondly, my artwork wasn’t even good enough to warrant top five.  Thirdly … Um … well …”  Spit it out Reika!  “I think that your physique may … intimidate the recipients, and unless you wish them to believe that you were propositioning them for a physically pleasurable evening, it …” And here her tone sent up a few pitches, “might not be a wise idea?”

But once again, Hirek turned the conversation onto another topic.  This time - the difference between Romulan Culture and that of Starfleet.  But when she heard his explanation of what the Captain had said about Hirek walking around naked and the phrase that the Captain had used, Reika latched onto it.  When asked about her thoughts, her non-sequiter was, “Cultural issues.”  Then looking over at him for a moment, she rolled her eyes at herself.  “That’s what I was trying to get at a moment ago in regards to your calling card.  It’s misinterpretation might cause ‘cultural issues.'”

But realizing that he had indicated the tea in her hand once again when asking of her thoughts and not asked her thoughts regarding anything else.  She nodded and smiled, looking down into her cup and then raising her eyes to him again.  “Well, I must have liked it well enough,” she lifted her demitasse and showed him the empty bottom.  “It’s gone.  And I feel much more relaxed than I had earlier,” she said, tilting her head looking at him out of the corner of her eye.  Grabbing the neckline of her shirt she pulled it in and out a few times as well.  “Is it me, or is it beginning to get a little hot in here.”  In the last few moments, her face had transformed from it’s earlier shade of sky blue into something almost akin to lilac, and beads of perspiration began to form on her face.  “Do you know if an Andorian has ever consumed this before?” she asked.  Her heart began to speed up slightly.

She took a steadying breath.  Is it the drink? The man?  A combination of the two?  Or something completely else?

[Hirek tr’Aimne | Lt. Sh'Laan's Quarters | Deck 12 | Vector 3| USS Theurgy] attn: @Dree

Hirek chuckled at Reika’s response to his calling card jest. It seemed she was a literal thinker, despite her artistic tendencies. She took his words and meaning at surface level, which was endearing only as she was not Romulan. A Romulan who did the same thing would be dead very quickly. When Reika finally commented on his “physique,” Hirek raised an eyebrow. So she HAD noticed certain details, and HAD found him marginally attractive. Her tugging at clothing and increasingly flushed state was not lost on Hirek. The other eyebrow rose to join the first, finding her body’s response to the tea fascinating.

“The effects of the tea happen in stages. One of the first stage's side effects is to initially increase blood flow to all the appendages and organs, causing a flushed and,” he didn’t fight the smirk, “semi-aroused state. After this initial phase, the chemical reaction of the tea alters, building into a relaxed euphoria, leading the muscles in the body to feel as if you’ve undergone a massage or meditation session. The last stage is akin to a light inebriation but without alcohol, lowering inhibitions, increasing relaxation, and enhancing your senses' receptors.” Hirek set his likewise empty cup on the table and leaned against the cushions to study Reika more carefully, “It seems you’re in the first stage. And no, I’ve never shared this with an Andorian before. The only other Andorion onboard I’m acquainted with would likely pour the tea over my head if I offered it to her out of a sense of loyalty to her friend who didn’t like being kidnapped by my false comrades on Qo’Nos and held as collateral to ensure passage off the planet.”

Hirek returned to the replicator and ordered a glass of cool water, explaining in a little more detail how he’d been placed among the Tal’Shiar operatives as a double agent, feeding information to Starfleet Intelligence, and had been forced to hold the chief diplomat hostage to maintain his cover, until they’d both been inadvertently rescued by Madsen’s peers. For the time being, Hirek left out the part that he’d intentionally overloaded Madsen’s weapon so they both received a stunning shock, sending them into the murky river and allowing what Tal’Shiar operatives who survived the encounter to believe he’d been killed, protecting his family from the consequences of his defection.

Coming back to Reika’s side, Hirek handed her the water and glanced toward her bedroom, “I do not think there any cause for worry, as your body is undergoing the expected changes for the tea.” Hirek returned his gaze to study Reika’s complexion, “I am also experiencing these same effects, though my body processes the chemicals differently.” He pointed toward the light flush on his cheeks with a carefree smile. He paused a moment before lowering his hand back to his side. Crouching next to the couch, making himself at eye level, Hirek tipped his chin upward to point to her forehead, “However, do you wish me to fetch you a cloth? Or assist you to your bed so you can lie more comfortably?”

[Lt Reika Sh’laan]  Lt. Sh'Laan's Quarters | Deck 12 | Vector 3 | USS Theurgy| attn @Ellen Fitz

Reika lifted her hands to her cheeks.  Flushed was an understatement to how she felt. After her efforts to cool herself by pulling her shirt in and out, the Andorian grasped her shirt by the hem and pulled it off over her head, then used it to fan herself.   By removing her shirt, it became obvious that the flush she was feeling was not contained just to her face.  Her shoulders, chest, and torso all adopted a purplish hue - the same one that colored her cheeks.  And despite the fact that her bra remained firmly in place, Hirek’s statement about being aroused was easily identified as hardened nipples showed clearly through the fabric.

“You do realize that with Andorian physiology having originated on an ice planet that something like this concoction could have undue side effects on us?  What would simply bring a tint to a human or Trill or Romulan might cause us a more extreme reaction."  Her chest began to heave more as her breathing sped up.  She reclined against the couch - not in ease - but as she tried to breathe more freely.  One blue leg ran up and down the other, and a blue hand moved from fanning her face and lowered to begin to fan her fluttering chest with her shirt until Hirek held out a glass of water for her. 

She sat up slightly, dropped her shirt into her lap, and practically grabbed the glass held out to her.  She gulped most of the liquid down, but the last few teaspoons down her chest, hoping to cool herself off as her huffed breaths continued. 

As Hirek crouched down, the robe that had been tied into place around his waist slid apart, exposing one of his thighs about halfway up.   “However, do you wish me to fetch you a cloth? Or assist you to your bed so you can lie more comfortably?”

“Yes,” she breathed out the word as she leaned forward, crossing her forearms across her thighs as her type of gaze transfigured before the Romulan’s eyes.  Her voice dropped lower and took on sultry tones.  She grinned sensuously at him. “I definitely think you should help me to bed, but I don't believe it will simply be to lie more comfortably,” she said, running a finger along his chin and scooting forward so that her knees brushed against the side of his exposed thigh.  Sliding a hand from his knee up his leg, helping the robe split a little further.  “Help me up?” she asked in mock innocence.  “I mean, you’re the one who did this to me, I think you’re the one to fix this for me.  Don’t you?”

[Hirek tr’Aimne | Lt. Sh'Laan's Quarters | Deck 12 | Vector 3 | USS Theurgy] attn: @Dree

Actively fighting the urge to smile in response to her dire straits, Hirek instead cleared his throat and put on a more neutral expression. He was skilled enough in medicine to track when or if her body was going to need actual medical attention and so far, she wasn’t exhibiting signs of distress. Extreme sensitivity to the chemical compounds of the tea blend, yes. Actual harmful distress? Nothing aside from the potential for embarrassment and wounded pride so far. In response to her huffed out frustration, Hirek chuckled.

“You do flush such a pleasant purple, I must say.” He let his gaze roam over the contours of her body for a moment, letting Reika note the genuine appreciation in his voice and gaze. “Would you like a verbal apology for the lack of warning? Or would something more action-oriented suit your tastes?”

When her voice dipped an octave and words slurred ever so slightly as she ran a single digit along his chin, Hirek answered his own question. Action-oriented, it would be then. He raised both his eyebrows, a smile pulling upwards, as Reika ran her palms up the exposed skin of his thigh, a feigned demure stature overtaking the Andorian as she felt the effects of the tea more fully with each passing moment. Hirek knew that given enough time, and neutral water, the “worst” of the arousal would pass—granted, if Reika had a good metabolism, which he presumed she did given her physique. Considering how skittish she’d been earlier when not under the influence of the tea, Hirek felt it wise not to fall into her “clutches” too readily. He already had to deal with the wrath of one Andorian female; best to keep this one less murderous upon seeing him.

“As the lady wishes,” Hirek gave Reika little warning before he surged forward and grasped her around the waist, hoisting the woman over her shoulder and effortlessly carrying her squirming body to her bedroom. The toss he gave her body then was calculated with just enough force to surprise her, but not so much that she would miss the bed entirely and land on the floor. Once she lay on the bed, Hirek retreated from the room again, “Divest yourself of as much clothing as you like, I’ll be right back. Your earlier comments inspired me.”

Once more, using the replicator, Hirek called for a pitcher of water, a bowl of ice, and a dry cloth. Pausing by the couch, he snagged the empty glass and placed it on the tray with the other items before moving back into Reika’s bedroom. The sight that greeted him brought a lecherous grin to the Romulan’s face as he let out a pleased sigh.

“Are you quite ready for me to fix your problem?” He asked as he approached the bed and placed the tray on the bedside table, standing out of her reach yet still close enough to track how her body continued to respond to the tea.

[Lt Reika Sh’laan]  Lt. Sh'Laan's Quarters | Deck 12 | Vector 3 | USS Theurgy| attn @Ellen Fitz

At any other point in her life had someone looked at her the way that Hirek did and commented on something even as innocuous as her coloration, it would have caused a deeper blush.  But this time she didn’t blush further, instead a cheshire grin almost imperceptibly slowly wound her way onto her face.  She tipped her chin, her eyes narrowed and sparkled, and she bit at the inside corner of her lip, while her hands grasped her at her shirt.

And almost without warning she was hoisted over a shoulder.  She squealed with glee, and using her shirt, she swatted at the area of Hirek’s backside while she wriggled in his arms still giggling.  But then she felt her body lunge backward and she fell into a heap on the bed.

“Divest yourself of as much clothing as you like, I’ll be right back.  Your earlier comments inspired me.”

Her breathing deepened even more as she finally extracted herself from her bra tossing it aside.  “Oh, so much better,” she gasped.  Then she tried to fumble at the button on her jeans and then once it was undone and the zipper down, she arched her blue back and shimmied out of her jeans and panties, folding one leg at a time up and disentangling her legs and feet from the fabric.  As they left her hand, Hirek reentered the room with a tray and walked over to her bedside table. 

She rolled over and on hands and knees crawled over to the edge of the bed where she lay on her side, cradling her head in her hand.  One knee bent with a foot planted in front of her opposite knee.  “Sooo ... much ... better,” the Andorian said wiggling her shoulders.  The smile was no longer there, but her lips were pursed and the tip of her tongue rested against the apex of her lips.

“Are you quite ready for me to fix your problem?” the Romulan asked with a lacivious smirk.

Her tone low her register “So, Hirek,” she bit the tip of her tongue, “I just need to know how you are going to make me feel better.”

[Hirek tr’Aimne | Lt. Sh'Laan's Quarters | Deck 12 | Vector 3 | USS Theurgy] attn: @Dree

The clinical side of his brain fired as Hirek studied the beautiful blue form of an oh-so-deliciously nude Reika lying on her side like a Romulan goddess waiting for worship. Aside from the antennae and skin color, there were a few differences to note between Reika’s naked flesh and a Romulan’s. She had softer curves than most of the Romulan women he’d been with in the past, but these rounded curves invited closer inspection with fingers and tongue. And this was where the baser side of his brain fired, reminding Hirek of how much he enjoyed exploring the warm depths of a woman’s body and relished the feel of their softness rhythmically rocking against the fleshy steel of his body.

Hirek’s lips pulled upward in a broad smile at Reika’s tone of voice. Lightly running a single digit between her shoulder blades, Hirek’s smile shifted in nature, returning once more to one more predatory. He wouldn’t be surprised if he ended up having to use the rope holding his robe closed before this “treatment” was over. In fact, he rather hoped he would have to, but for the time being, Hirek merely sat on the edge of the bed, her back parallel to his position, and placed the tray on the bedside stand.

“Lay on your back and close your eyes,” his finger continued its downward trail, stopping just shy of the crack between the rounded mounds of her ass.

Her unbeguiling movements to comply reminded Hirek of her youth and naivety, further solidifying in his mind that his choice of “treatment” was probably for the best, even if it didn’t quite suit her desires at this present moment. Once she was fully settled on her back, chest rising and falling in panted breaths due to body heat and arousal, Hirek poured water over the dry cloth, with the residual droplets noisily falling into the bowl of ice. He watched how she responded to the sounds and how her antennae moved as an external sensor so aptly alien to his own body. Careful not to press his body against hers, inciting a premature response from the woman, Hirek leaned forward and drew the folded cloth lightly over her forehead before tracing it down her temples and over her cheeks. He pulled it back occasionally to air it out and refold it, keeping the damp rag cool enough to alleviate some of her discomforts. Only after he bathed her face entirely with methodical, gentle caresses, Hirek laid the cloth across her forehead, folded so that a layer also lay over her eyes in case she wanted to open them later and spoil them the fun.

“Be a good girl,” Hirek purred to the Andorian as he reached for the ice cubes, “and lay very still.” The first ice cube was placed in the triangle divet at the bottom of her throat where her clavicle came together. “And keep your eyes closed.” The second ice cube was placed just above her belly button, and the third just above her mons pubis.

As Hirek left these to melt and pool, he took a fourth ice cube and drew it down the edge of her neck. He continued the movement across her shoulder and down her upper arm and on to her elbow, stopping only when he had to switch out for another ice cube to finish the trail over her forearm, the back of her hand, and down her middle finger. He repeated the trail on the anterior side of her hand and arm, a melodic tune from his home rumbling from his chest as he hummed. Hirek’s smile broadened at Reika’s reaction when the ice cube entered her armpit area. He clicked his tongue against his teeth and shook his head.

“Don’t be naughty, Reika,” he lightly swatted the side of her rear, quickly replacing the ice cubes that her squirming had dislodged. “Good girls get rewards. Bad girls get punished.”

He was patient in his work, just as he was thorough. Though he primarily hummed, more than once, the hum turned into soft singing as both arms were looked after, legs too—though he intentionally did NOT go all the way up her inner thighs. As each of the three stationary ice cubes melted, Hirek replaced them, dipping the cloth into the melted ice water of the bowl every so often as well. He saved her breasts for after he finished her appendages, watching with delight as she responded to the cold cube being trailed up the edge of her breast and briefly held against her nipple, the beaded point immediate and oh-so tempting.

Drawing in a breath, Hirek licked his lips and swallowed. He was not unaffected in all this. His erection was hot and heavy, throbbing against his body as he continued to see to Reika’s needs. But he found pleasure in giving pleasure and had learned from experience that there was vulnerability and danger in presuming that his partner would be remotely interested in seeing to his pleasure in the same session. He’d entered this encounter intending to ensure her physical comfort and potentially her sexual satisfaction as well, but with no demand for his own release. It was all about the process, not just the completion.

Only a few ice cubes were left, but for what he intended next, Hirek wasn’t terribly worried. First, he pulled the cloth away from her face for another dip in the ice water, wringing it out over her chest and watching with rapt attention as the water droplets rolled in all directions over the beautiful azure color of her skin. Replacing it over her forehead and eyes, Hirek grabbed an ice cube in hand as he stood from the bed.

“You’ve been a very good girl, Reika,” Hirek knelt on the bed between her ankles, watching how she responded to his change of position though he had yet to touch her, “remember what I said about good girls?” He touched the ice cube to the inside of one ankle, trailing it up her skin to her knee as he shifted his body closer. “Yes,” he pulled the ice cube away from one leg, leaning to place his lips against the cold skin where it’d once been while he move the cube over to her other leg, touching it against the sensitive skin just above her knee, “they get rewards.”

Hirek continued to alternate the warmth of his lips and the light touch of his tongue's velvet with that of the hardened ice as he journeyed ever northward. He stopped only once he was settled between her legs, kneeling comfortably. Hirek ran the ice cube over the edges of her labia, his smile languid as the cube melted faster now that it was so close to her intimate heat. Even if Andorians boasted a lower body temperature than Romulans, Reika was still hotter here than elsewhere. Unsurprisingly, it took only one and a half rounds of the cube over her folds before the ice cube was gone completely.

He gave her a millisecond to adjust before he leaned forward and drew the flat of his tongue over the length of her slit, curling it up only once he felt the nub of her clit. His warm hands reached under her legs, fingers wrapping over her hips as he anchored her in place for further attention. Gaze moving up the length of her body, Hirek repeated the same licking movement, spending a longer time prodding her clit with the tip of his tongue this time. Pressing both of his lips against her sex, he suckled her nub, enjoying the taste of her juices as her body responded to him.

Pulling away, Hirek fanned his fingers back and forth over her skin, “Do you want more, Reika?”

[Lt Reika Sh’laan]  Lt. Sh'Laan's Quarters | Deck 12 | Vector 3 | USS Theurgy| attn @Ellen Fitz

Reika squirmed her shoulder blades and hips as Hirek trailed his finger down the center of her back, but as he reached the divot just about her rump, she wriggled mercilessly.  That was one of the most sensitive spots on her entire body - and while she would never verbally divulge that fact, her movements may as well have shouted loud enough for the whole ship to hear.

Her shoulder blades were still shivering from waves of heat that the motions of his finger on her lower spine caused when the Andorian heard Hirek’s command, “Lay on your back and close your eyes.”

It was an easy position adjustment despite the fast heaving motions of her chest.  She found that all she could do at that moment was comply.  With the intense heat and prurience that she was experiencing, everything else was inconsequential.  She needed relief from both maladies and Hirek was offering to administer the antidotes.  With one last look at his face, she closed her eyes and lay her head straight back.  Her hands at her sides, her fingers were moving in patterns almost as if they were playing arpeggios on a piano as her mind began to process the sites that she had seen now that her eyes were closed.

The last glance she had taken at Hirek hadn’t fully registered with her as her body cried out for relief from the effects of the tea he had given her.  But now that one of her senses was cut off, she was able to process previous sights and current sounds, and smells more fully.  The last sight Reika had taken in before she closed her icy orbs was the look in Hirek’s eyes.  It wasn’t a tender, caring look.  It registered with Reika as hedonistic, wanton, gratuitous.  But even as her mind recognized and acknowledged those things, her body was powerless to choose anything else.  She had never felt this sweltering before.  Her body also had never needed relief from the level of sexual tension that she was experiencing.  Both of which informed her extreme need to comply - there was no other options in her mind.  It was comply or dissolve into oblivion as the tea continued to disentangle her from any past, present, or future vestiges of reality while only allowing her to think about two intertwined things both relating to relief.

Then there was the water.  The tinkling of the drops as they hit the cloth and either were absorbed or rolled off into the ice.  ‘Oh…ice!  I could take a bath in it, plunge my head into it. Her body couldn’t contain her need and it squirmed - just like her antenna - it writhed in desire and need.  Fingers twirled into the bedspread, toes curled and unfurled over and over.  While her legs were extended, her straightened and flexed.  Anything - anything to relieve her mind and body of its burden. 

Finally, a damp cloth extended across her forehead, bringing a marginal relief from the heat coursing through her veins.  Every centimeter that the cloth traversed brought more and more relief.  Her huffing breaths began to abate just the slightest margin, her flushed cheeks changed from almost a plum shade to closer to lilac.

Despite the single layer of towel over her eyes, she opened them to see what Hirek was about to do - when he placed the first ice cube.  It’s chill continued to minister minute relief, and seeing Hirek pick up another ice cube, she almost held her breath in anticipation until she heard, “And keep your eyes closed.”

But she didn’t fight.  He was bringing her relief and again she had no alternative but to comply - her need still so burdensome.  One at a time, Reika reveled in the relief that the three cubes began to bring.  Then as she tried to quiet the extremities of her body, she simply focused her attention on the ice. 

At first, the cubes were replaced with more regularity.  But then a fourth moving cube was introduced, and it felt wonderful as it glided across her cerulean body, across shoulders down arms, even to the tips of fingers, but when it retraced its steps and came to her armpit, somehow the sensation caught her by surprised and she squirmed, earning her a verbal chastisement and slap on the side of her butt cheek.

“Don’t be naughty, Reika.  Good girls get rewards.  Bad girls get punished.”

‘Was that slap a reward or punishment?’ Reika wasn’t quite sure, but she knew that she felt very much alive in a way that she hadn’t before.  Methodical, soothing, relaxing.  With every new ice cube, her heartrate slowed another fraction.  But as Hirek’s attentions continued meeting one of her needs, she became very aware of the second need which was growing with each melting ice cube dragged across her skin.  And when his attention finally focused on her breasts, there was a sharp intake of breath from the blue body, and she expected to begin to feel relief - but her need for fulfillment of her sexual tension only heightened.  Pressing her eyelids together, she wished to feel lips around the protruding nub of skin that Hirek had drawn out with the ice.  She tried so hard not to wriggle - with everything in her.  She needed release - and she feared if she moved that it would be denied her.  The fear started small, but continued to grow as her breasts were tended without the feel of any skin on them.  Just the ice and trailed water.

She drew in a ragged breath when Hirek once again removed the cloth from her forehead and dipped it into the wonderfully cool ice water.  This time, instead of hearing the water fall back into the basin from which it came, it the excess was rung out and allowed to cascade across each of breasts, from the peaks to the valley between.  And while it, again, felt amazing, her breaths were crescendoing to a frenetic pace as her body physically reacted to her need for and fear that she would not be aided in the release of this building sexual tension.

She gasped - almost in fear - before she quickly reigned herself in as she felt Hirek leave her side where he had been seated for the entire process so far.  Instead she focused all of her senses on where he was going and what was going to happen next.

And once again she heard his voice.  “You’ve been a very good girl, Reika.  Remember what I said about good girls?” Reika felt the bed become concave between her ankles, and she understood that Hirek had taken up a new perch there.

“Y-y-yes,” she finally managed in answer to his question.  Her heart almost despaired as she once again felt ice touch the inside of one ankle and trail up to her knee, but then she felt lips replace the ice, and she blew out a quick puff of air…Is this it? she asked herself.

“Yes,” he replayed the motion on the inside of her other leg.  “They get rewards.”  And another touch of his lips.  Painfully slowly he worked his way up the inside of her legs, with each inch Hirek proceeded up the inside of her legs, they spread further and further apart.  She understood the new pattern - ice, then lips where the ice had been.  Repeating the process, ice and then tongue where the ice had been, so when he used an ice cube on her labia, she knew what was coming next and she was not disappointed as she felt his tongue widen out and drew the entire length of her folds - and then - just briefly, the tip of it circled around and over that breathtakingly sensitive nodule.  Then a pause and her breath drew in.  Was he going to stop?  Was that all she was going to get, but the answer arrived after a few seconds pause as he repeated his movements, this time focusing on her clit for longer first with his tongue and then with his lips.

A short, but needy moan escaped her lips.  She tried so hard to stay still, afraid that his efforts on her behalf would slow or halt, but with his lips puckering around that nub, she pressed into him, but as she did, he pulled away, though fanned the heat of her sexuality.  “Do you want more, Reika?”

“How can you even ask that?” she said, her hips now wriggling out of extreme need, while at the same time not able to move because he had her hips pinned to the bed.  Her eyes opened and she looked down at the Romulan, her eyes wide, her mouth open almost gasping for air.  “Hirek, don’t stop,”  She halted short of saying that she begged him not to stop.  She did not beg.  And while she didn’t beg, she wasn’t above a slight coercion.

And in his current position, she raised her knees and used them to squeeze his midsection and pull him slightly forward, closer to where she wanted him to be - where he needed to be to continue to bring her relief from the need that wouldn’t stop.  From the need that began to overwhelm her.  A low, pained growl escaped her mouth as the two were locked together.  She - because he pinned her to the bed.  He - because her knees squeezed him into place.

Smiling furtively at him, she asked, “So what’s it going to be, Hirek?”

[Hirek tr’Aimne | Lt. Sh'Laan's Quarters | Deck 12 | Vector 3 | USS Theurgy] attn: @Dree

Reika’s efforts to secure him, in word and deed, brought a wry smile of amusement to Hirek’s lips. Her attempt at an ultimatum was likewise amusing but in an endearing fashion. Hirek did not intend to leave until she was well cared for and satiated, but her uncertainty had worked in both their favor. Not only were her nerves alight all the more so now with the rush of aggression she’d displayed in securing her knees against his sides, but she’d given him even greater assurance that his attentions were not being misinterpreted. Knowing that making someone like Reika beg would only bring negative repercussions in the future, Hirek returned his attention to bringing her pleasure without further delay.

While he kept one hand on her hip, shifting his body so his single arm could hook up and over her waist more comfortably while freeing his other hand, Hirek languidly traced the tip of his index finger along the sensitive lobes of her sex. His lips and tongue kept up a constant sucking, circular pressure on the nub of her clit. The room was filled with the sounds of her response and the occasional growl of delight emitted by Hirek himself, finding as much pleasure in giving Reika pleasure as if he’d been receiving it. As they’d not discussed it before—there’d been no reason to—Hirek didn’t know how long it had been since Reika had been intimate with someone. Pulling back from sucking at her clit long enough to press a moist kiss to the sensitive juncture between thigh and pelvis, Hirek watched her expression as he inserted his index finger into her wet warmth. He pumped his finger in and out slowly, drawing out the pleasure as she grew accustomed to the change when he inserted a second finger.

“I have no intention of stopping, Reika,” Hirek kissed her inner thigh, keeping up the rhythmic pumping of his fingers as he spoke, “at least not until you tell me to stop.”

His intentions made quite clear, Hirek turned his lips and tongue to her clit, subtly increasing the pressure and speed of his fingers as he continued the relentless drive to make her crash over the cliff of her climax.

[Lt Reika Sh’laan]  Lt. Sh'Laan's Quarters | Deck 12 | Vector 3 | USS Theurgy| attn @Ellen Fitz


Reika could count on one hand the number of sexual encounters - not partners - that she had during her time on the Theurgy.  And every time she had another encounter, she vowed it would be her last until she found one that understood her and needed her as much as she needed whomever it happened to be.  But this was different.  Whether only because she had the tea or because she had been frozen for so long or because her body had an internal timer that had registered as being up and in need, this rendezvous was what her body - though not her soul craved.

Consequently, Hirek’s tantalizing actions grew the urgency with which she needed the physical release. And when his lips and tongue began their ministrations on her clit, her mouth opened in a breathy moan.  But once again the Romulan stopped that particular action - though not the entirety of the treatment that he was administering as a remedy to the tea he had given her.  A softer, desirous moan broke free as his lips moved to the apex of her thighs, but as they did, she felt a finger slip within.  A loud sigh of relief.  She wanted to press against that lone finger, but she restrained herself.  She could feel his efforts building with mindnumbing slowness, but building nonetheless.  Then she felt a second finger as the girth that slipped inside at least doubled.   Short stacatto breaths escaped her mouth.

“I have … no intention … of telling you… to stop, Hirek,”  she barely voiced.  All her efforts were exerted on controlling the overwhelming need, but as she did, once again his lips and tongue returned to their former post, and between his fingers and his lips, she was close…tantilizingly close, but she wanted to feel the pleasure that the act itself brought, so with everything in her she fought off the climax trying so desperately simply to revel in the sensations.

But a canoe can only paddle upstream for so long.  And no matter the amount of effort that she put into delaying the gratification, her mouth opened and a loud cry broke from midnight blue lips as her orgasm slammed throughout her entire body.  Her hands clenched into the sheets at her sides, her head drew back, her eyes pressed closed, her mouth - now silent - held itself open as she worked to breathe, her knees twitched, and her legs tensed all to be followed by a limpness in her muscles as her legs fell sideways apart as her body had to acknowledge that she had reached the zenith of climax and fell quickly over the apex to the stillness at the foot of the cliff.

After she regained a sliver of composure, she raised her head a minuscule measure and looked down her naked body at the Romulan still perched between her knees.

[Hirek tr’Aimne | Lt. Sh'Laan's Quarters | Deck 12 | Vector 3 | USS Theurgy] attn: @Dree

In Hirek’s experience, a sense of satisfaction could be derived from many things. Creating a new blend of ale or tea that created the desired effect and became popular among his clients. Discovering the connection between two variables necessary to bridge the biology and the machinery in a vital experiment. Noting a new behavior in a known species of creature that proves helpful in various departments beyond that of zoology. And bringing a sexual partner to such a complete climax that their body seemingly melts into the mattress, and for a few moments, minutes if they’re lucky, all is at peace in the universe, and they are centered enough to feel at peace with themselves as well.

By the time Reika had enough energy and strength of mind to raise her head to check on him post-orgasm, Hirek had already sat up to a kneeling position, his hands idly stroking up and down her calves in a soothing fashion. Though his robe was still loosely tied around his waist, there was no mistaking the erection he bore beneath the robe. His smile was lazy as he gave her a nod just before scooting from the bed and moving back around to take hold of the glass of water and press it into her hand. He carefully sat on the bed next to her prone body, reaching up to remove the cloth from her face, folding it neatly, and setting it back on the platter with the now-empty ice bowl. Hirek already knew he would make no demands of her, as he had no expectations, but neither would he refuse if she initiated further intimacy.

His voice was soft when he spoke, “How do you feel now, Reika?” Do you need anything else from me?” He couldn’t help the slight teasing tone in the second question but kept his face devoid of any facial cue that could be misunderstood as judgmental.

[Lt Reika Sh’laan]  Lt. Sh'Laan's Quarters | Deck 12 | Vector 3 | USS Theurgy| attn @Ellen Fitz

Reika’s breathing began to even out as Hirek gently stroked her calves.  At that moment all that went through her mind was while she still felt warm, how much better she felt.  The majority of the heat that she had experienced had been excised from her body during Hirek’s care for her, but as she watched him stand from his position, his own need was obvious.  Reika inhaled through her nose and slowly blew it out through her mouth. 

The internal struggle began.  He’s done me a service.  I’d be an ass not to help him with him discomfort.  But he’s caused my discomfort.  And alleviated it as well.  And I did invite him back to my quarters.  What did I anticipate would happen once we got here?  A pleasant evening discussion of our civilizational histories?  Help him relieve his discomfort, Reika. 

The conversation with herself didn’t take long - less than the time it took Hirek to move from the foot of her bed to where he handed her the glass of water.  Reika rolled onto her side, took the cup, and drank greedily.  Her mouth being left dry from the heat caused by the tea.  After draining the cup she slowly lifted her body up into a sitting position, her chest leading the way.  When she reached about a forty-five degree angle, she settled her hands underneath her to support her upper body while she tilted her chin toward the Romulan. 

“It seems that you relieving my condition has caused you one of your own,” she said, running her hand up his leg, parting his robe, and brushing her fingers across the sensitive skin of his inner thigh.  “Would you like my help easing your own issues that apparently I have caused.

[Hirek tr’Aimne | Lt. Sh'Laan's Quarters | Deck 12 | Vector 3 | USS Theurgy] attn: @Dree

It was a shame that he was not as gifted in the arts as Reika for she proved quite a sight, lying on her side, sipping from the cup he’d handed her. Her body was flushed a deeper azure as she recovered from the heights of yearning he’d driven her to—with much help from the tea that he’d not expected to divert her quite this far into the realms of desire. While he would be sure to add notes of warning next to the listing in the database in case others on the ship wanted to try the blend, Hirek did not regret this encounter. It remained to be seen whether Reika would regret it, yet likely, given how she continued to stare at him, it did not yet dictate her actions. Her question, which sounded more rhetorical than interrogative, had a single eyebrow rising. Then she touched his leg, hand moving up as she sat up, and Hirek couldn’t deny the pleasure her touch brought him and granted her an honest response.

“I get pleasure from giving pleasure, Reika. Seeing and hearing your responses, tasting you, touching you, were all satisfying.” He paused as the cooler air of the room wrapped around his exposed flesh, and his robe parted further under her attention. “Do not feel an obligation to satiate me, Reika, for there is no obligation.” Pulling her hand gently away from his leg, Hirek crouched and pressed a kiss to her palm. “But if you gain pleasure in giving me pleasure, then I will not deny you what pleasure you seek.” He kissed the back of her hand before standing again, bringing his waist to her eye level. Hirek kept silent and still as he waited for her response.

[Lt Reika Sh’laan]  Lt. Sh'Laan's Quarters | Deck 12 | Vector 3 | USS Theurgy| attn @Ellen Fitz

Reika’s head tilted up to look him in the eyes.  She found it telling that when she lowered her gaze, right at eye level, Hirek’s robe protruded the most, and in answer to his question, blue hands reached out and untied the belt that fastened the two sides of the robe together, letting it naturally part and fall open.  Reika, for a second time that night, was treated to the sight of Hirek’s erection.  His protruding penis was now only centimeters from Reika’s waiting lips. 

And despite her earlier internal dialogue, she could easily find pleasure in bringing him pleasure.   She pursed her lips into a small ‘o’ shape and blew softly a gust of air onto the tip of his stiffened glans.  The backs of her fingertips trailed lightly up and back down the outside of his legs. 

“And now,” she breathed out, her eyes momentarily lighting on his own as her fingers once again brushed up his thighs.  “I will take great pleasure in bringing you pleasure.”  Once her fingers reached his hips, they slipped behind the Romulan and firmly grasped his buttocks, squeezing each cheek and in minuscule degrees at a time pulling him closer.  She opened her lips and guided his penis slowly into her waiting mouth.

The Andorian slowed to a stop as her lips swallowed up just the head and focused her attention on just that sensitive spot with licks, kisses, and feathered touches with her tongue.  She wanted to take her time with him, tasting him while taking care to only inch him further toward climax.

[Hirek tr’Aimne | Lt. Sh'Laan's Quarters | Deck 12 | Vector 3 | USS Theurgy] attn: @Dree

Hirek's breath caught in his lungs with a sharp inhale at the sensual and cold touch of the Andorian. Their body temperatures were just different enough to send a chill from the head of his cock up through his spine. His body shuddered from the icy pleasure this blue Vixen was giving him as he balls drew up in response to the cooler touch from Reika and the build-up of pleasure. The pulse in his erection was growing almost painful, the cool touch of her tongue soothing to hot blood that pumped through his cock in anticipation of the much-needed release. The sight of her on her knees, blue hands holding his hips, blue lips pursed over his reddened member, had his breath catching on a moan. Her tongue on the head of his cock, over the sensitive area just under the tip, almost tickling as much as it was tantalizing, elicited another guttural moan. The pressure from her sucking brought more blood to his groin, his balls clenching in anticipation, his cock swelling. It took every bit of self-control to keep his touch gentle when he reached down and laid a hand on her head, resting the weight of it there, not quite gripping.

Hirek spoke, his voice strained. "You have to decide," he said, his fingers briefly entangling in her hair before remembering to be gentle. He growled, "I'm almost there."

[Lt Reika Sh’laan]  Lt. Sh'Laan's Quarters | Deck 12 | Vector 3 | USS Theurgy| attn @Ellen Fitz

Reika was surprised about how close to the brink that the Romulan had been.  Even with just her little attentions she could tell that his body was responding rapidly.  And when his words, “You have to decide.  I’m almost there.”

There was no decision to be made.  Instead of withdrawing her lips, wordlessly she slip them up the shaft of his cock, taking him fully in her mouth with a purr that caused something akin to a vibrating sensation. Her lips moved forward and back in little strokes, never moving far, but persisting in the motion in order to continue to edge him nearer to the precipice.  And the suction that she exerted in the midst of the miniscule movements was meant to amplify his pleasure.

Her hands left Hirek’s sides.  One moved to fondle his balls rolling them in the palm of her hand, while with the other, she pressed the padd of her thumb behind his scrotum and massaged.  She cast her eyes up to watch his face as he closed in on the climax that she wanted to bring him to.  She needed to satisfy him fully.  The breath through her nose tickled the dampness that her lips left behind during her ministrations.

[Hirek tr’Aimne | Lt. Sh'Laan's Quarters | Deck 12 | Vector 3 | USS Theurgy] attn: @Dree

Hirek worked his fingers into Reika's hair, mindful of her antenna. Feeling his cock throb, he lightly encouraged her head to move up and down his shaft with the timing of his pulse that pounded through his member. Though cooled by her skilled tongue and lovely mouth, his boiling blood drove him closer to climax at an alarming rate. As she picked up pace, her deft fingers reaching down to cup his testicles and eliciting a delicious pressure on the taint between his ballsack and his ass, Hirek felt himself reach that point of no return. He clamped down the muscles at the base of his cock to try and stave off his impending orgasm. But it was no use. She’d been so lovely in her earlier responses that just watching and listening to her and watching her body come undone because of his touch had brought him this far. And it had been quite some time since he’d engaged in such delicious activities, his cock swallowed in the warm, wet mouth of a charming partner. So the rational part of Hirek’s mind, still marginally firing, was unsurprised at how quickly his climax built. The irrational side, well, that prompted his hand on her head to grip harder as his body tensed with a desperate need.

Her continued humming was the weight that pushed the scales out of balance, and Hirek let go of—nearly—all restraint. Framing her face with his hands, his mouth open on hot pants, Hirek caught her gaze with his own, as he began to rock his hips forward. Building up speed, he went deeper and deeper down her eager throat as he looked into her eyes. Whenever his partner was a non-Vulcanoid, there was always a semblance of restraint still in place, with Hirek very well aware of the differences in strength between himself and most other non-Vulcanoid species. Even now, desperate to release everything and roar out his climax, Hirek remained vigilant in Reika’s bodily responses, quickly adjusting the depth and speed as her body responded to his movements. But then, Hirek felt himself reach a point where he could hold back the tide and lost all rhythm. His balls tightened, and his cock spasmed as spurt after spurt traveled down his engorged manhood. He held her all the way down to the hilt on his shaft as he emptied himself completely into her, his torso curving inward until, with a grunted sigh, the spasms ended and his muscles released their tension.

A breath’s moment passed before Hirek pulled his length from the heated dampness between her lips as he reached for the empty glass and the discarded rag. Experienced as he was, Hirek knew that not every partner enjoyed the taste and texture of cum. Though she’d deliberately kept him between her lips until he’d emptied himself completely, Hirek wasn’t about to presume her eagerness to swallow. Holding out both items for Reika to take if she desired, Hirek’s smile was languid and easy. He cared not that the robe hung half on one shoulder and half off the other, still shamelessly parted in the front, his cock hanging long and flaccid between his legs, glistening still from her saliva.

“That was, indeed, a pleasure.”

[Lt Reika Sh’laan]  Lt. Sh'Laan's Quarters | Deck 12 | Vector 3 | USS Theurgy| attn @Ellen Fitz

It had been a long time since anyone - Balek really - had held onto Reika’s hair in that fashion.  A fashion that said, more and more and more.  The way he grasped her hair, egged her on and she continued, driven on by his need, swallowing up his body, while still working with her hands.  His grip on her hair tightened.  And if Balek’s response had been any indication, she knew it wouldn’t be long.

He controlled the pace now.  She looked up at him to see his head tipped back and his mouth opened.  He was panting just this side of ecstasy.  Her hands on his hips, she worked in time with his thrusts.  Each one further and further into her mouth.  She took more and more of him.  Faster and faster her eyes encouraging him to let go - to stop holding back - to give in and succomb to the pleasure of the waiting moisture in her mouth. 


As one hand continued to roll his balls, she felt them pull slightly back up before her mouth was filled with warm cum. His strong hands holding her in place while his dick was through her mouth and down part of her throat. She could feel his cock pulse over and over with every spurt of cum.  And with one last thrust, what was seconds before full was now empty.  As he pulled out of her mouth, she sucked his entire length, taking the last little dribble at the end of his cock with her tongue.

Reika stood from her knees, and standing provocatively close, she took the offered glass of water and took a sip to chase down the cum she swallowed and clear her mouth further.  She set the glass back on the bedside table and took the towel and wiped the sweat that their encounter had left on her face.

“That was indeed a pleasure,” she heard him say.

A chesire grin wound it’s way across her face.  She took the towel in her right hand, moving it over his left shoulder and with her left hand over his right shoulder, she grabbed the other hand so that the towel encircled the back of his neck.  Still holding onto each end, she drew it back and forth over his neck.  “I know you’re sated physically, but what else do you need or want, Hirek?” Reika asked.  “Are you like me and companionship is a rather aloof bedfellow?  No expectations, no commitments.  How long has it been since you’ve actually shared a bed with someone, Hirek?”

[Hirek tr’Aimne | Lt. Sh'Laan's Quarters | Deck 12 | Vector 3 | USS Theurgy] attn: @Dree

Her question so innocently and casually asked, touched on a nerve Hirek typically kept deeply buried. Perhaps because his mind and body were still in the vulnerable afterglow of his climax, and his blood flow was still not quite regulated. Hirek touched her cheek affectionately while hiding his surprise behind a smile. He’d made the mistake of genuinely loving and seeking love before, reaching out with physical and emotional affection to the one person who should have been a guaranteed reciprocator. Only Llaiir had ridiculed his soft nature, brutalized his heart, and weaponized physical affection against him. While he seriously doubted Reika had even one cell in common with his late wife, Hirek was uninterested in exposing himself in that way again.

“That is kind of you to ask, Reika.” Hirek’s tone was genuine, reaching out with his other hand to smooth down some of her more wild wisps of hair, “An aloof companion is a safe companion in my experience. For those very reasons, no expectations or commitments.” He dropped both hands, smile and voice tinged with sardonic humor. “And to answer your question, I have not slept in a bed with someone at my side in…” he tipped his head to the side, doing the math, “decades.” Hirek smirked, “In my experience, those who wished to enjoy themselves with my body were uninterested in sharing the emotional intimacy of their bed. But before you feel the temptation to extend sympathy or pity, understand that Romulans are also not the most trusting of individuals. We can share physical intimacy and yet still conspire against one another.” He cleared his throat, willing to offer a smidgen of personal truth here, “I have lived through such things. And,” his voice tipped upward, “this is also why Romulans have so many names. There are names our family may know and use that no one else does, and even names that only we know and no one else knows except maybe, if we are truly lucky, we do find someone who is completely trustworthy and a kindred to our souls, then they may know that secret name as well.”

Hirek bowed under the towel and then nodded toward the bathroom, “I am happy to bathe you and, if you like, be bathed in return. If, after that, you wish to listen to music or talk awhile, I would be pleased to share that time with you as well. But I do not think I should sleep here with you.” He laid a hand on his chest and formally bowed his head, hoping she understood the sentiments were genuine, even if he wasn’t offering greater depth for why.

[b][Lt Reika Sh’laan]  Lt. Sh'Laan's Quarters | Deck 12 | Vector 3 | USS Theurgy| [/b]attn @Ellen Fitz

Reika noticed something flash across Hirek’s eyes, though she couldn’t discern what the flash was all about, but something in what she said had pierced his steely exterior as his touch to her cheek seemed heartfelt - even perhaps affectionate.

“An aloof companion is a safe companion.”

She stood there with her hands on the ends of the towel that she had draped around his neck and pondered for a short piece.  Was that why Barek had simply bid her goodbye?  Because it was safer to be aloof?  It was safer not to be attached or have emotions entangled?  Not that Reika had thoughts of being entangled with Hirek at all, but at least he had the decency to be up front with the fact that he chose to be alone.  But his next answer surprised her.

“Decades.”

Sex was a necessary part of her life, but it wasn’t everything in her life.  She longed to be cared for and held.  She needed someone at her side, and she especially hated sleeping alone.  She had tried that on the Theurgy after coming aboard.  It sucked, but she had been afraid of letting anyone else in and getting hurt.  But nearly dying changed something fundamental in a person - who they were in the depths of their being.  And while that person wouldn’t be Hirek, something in her needed that closeness. 

But while she was keeping her eyes open for whomever that person with whom she would share that closeness would be, she would take pleasure in Hirek’s company - for the next hour or two anyway. 

Like everyone else in Starfleet, Reika was familiar enough with Romans as a species, but Hirek was the first that she had known in any form or way.  To get a glimpse into how a Romulan pictured themselves was enlightening.  But more than that, the Andorian got a sliver of a glimpse into what made the Romulan before her into who he was today when he explained that he had lived through sharing intimacy and yet conspiring against another.  Reika’s eyes narrowed a little as she contemplated if he was the one who was conspired against or if he had done the conspiring.

While Hirek refused her offer of sharing a bed, he did offer instead to share a shower with her instead. “A generous offer,” the Andorian said as she released the ends of the towel hanging around his neck.  “To be bathed and to return the favor sounds rather lovely.  After a relaxing shower, we can see how awake we feel and if we continue our discourse.”  She stepped toward the bathroom.  “I’ll be happy to get the water going.  I’m betting you prefer it warmer than I do, so it my take a moment longer to get it heated up enough,” she said as she passed the threshold of the smaller room off of her bedroom.  Moments later, water could be heard running, as Reika grabbed two towels, laying them across the sink and setting two washcloths on a shelf inside the shower as she waited for the water to heat and for her companion of the evening to join her.

[Hirek tr’Aimne | Lt. Sh'Laan's Quarters | Deck 12 | Vector 3 | USS Theurgy] attn: @Dree

Reika displayed greater wisdom than many of her similarly aged peers might in similar circumstances. Instead of pouting, creating an unnecessary fuss, demanding further explanations, or even throwing him out in a flurry of self-pity and misdirected angst, the Andorian woman met his stipulations with charming poise. Pushing the robe off his shoulders, Hirek folded it before placing it at the end of the rumpled bed. As he studied the evidence of their earlier intimacy, Hirek smiled. Determined to repay her patience in at least a small gesture, Hirek tidied up the room, taking the used items to the recycler before returning to the bed to pull down the covers to make it easier for Reika when she was ready to sleep.

“What do you do in your quarters alone to relax?” Hirek asked Reika as he rounded the corner to stand just behind her, watching steam build in the shower stall. “And I don’t mean in a self-pleasuring way.” He winked, waiting for her to precede him into the shower stall before he continued, “If you listen to music, you could share some of your favorites with me. The Uluma Islands have a long history of music, mostly acoustic, due to the seafaring vocation for most of the original inhabitants. But we have incorporated several different instruments into the culture over the centuries.” Picking up one of the cloths Reika had placed inside the stall, Hirek held it up to the water, “I believe the saying is ‘ladies first.’” With the cloth wet and soap dispensed on it, Hirek worked up a lather but still refrained from running it over her body until she signaled him to do so.

[Lt Reika Sh’laan]  Lt. Sh'Laan's Quarters | Deck 12 | Vector 3 | USS Theurgy| attn @Ellen Fitz

Reika was standing in front of the mirror unbraiding her hair.  With the intricacy of the plaiting, and the myriad of different bands holding different parts of her hair in patterns, it took a while for her to extricate all of the small elastics.  Once they were all out, she ran her fingers up her scalp from her hairline in back trying to free any tangles that she had caused by taking out her accessories.  Only after she could run her fingers through unimpeded, she tipped her head back and shook her long white locks free of her shoulders.  Without anything holding parts of her hair up, it fell to just above the dimple at the top of her backside.  After which, the Andorian looked over her shoulder as she heard the question come from just behind her.  She laughed good-naturedly at Hirek’s smirk  “Sometimes I’ll sketch - which is very different than painting by the way.   Other times I’ll play a game of Vulcan chess with Thea, but I do love music.”  Reika opened the door to the shower and slipped her hand under the water to see how warm it was. 

Giving a nod she stepped inside under the water jets of steaming water, though she turned to face Hirek.  The streams of waterdrops cascaded down her body from various angles, tumbling down her skin in rivulets over her shoulders and down between her breasts, down her flat blue stomach, and further.  The other part of the water fell over the backs of her shoulders winding its way down her elongated back finding the path of least resistance while yet making into nooks and crannies as it continued down its run to the floor of the shower.

Tilting her head back, the water began to saturate the white locks. From this vantage point, she quite literally looked down her nose at Hirek.  She reached out and laid a gentle fingertip on his cheek.  “I’d be happy to share some of my favorites with you.”  She thought about it for a moment before she looked up at the ceiling and said with amusement in her voice, “Computer play Tomorrow’s Dawn by Ice Chips.”

The computer started playing music filled with instruments like a soul-stirring deep woodwind, some soft stringed instruments, every now again again you’d hear something from the brass family.  There was some syncopation to it.  Reika’s head began to nod and her shoulders swayed in time with the music.  “What do you think, Hirek?  Is it your type of music or no?”

But without waiting for his answer, she lowered her chin watching the Romulan.  Then reached up and adjusted the shower head so that he also received some of the heated spray of water.  She lifted his hand with the cloth and set it on her clavicle.  “Whenever you’re ready,” she said touching the tip of his chin, as if holding his face still, studying him and the way the water clung to his beard or carelessly ran down his facial ridges. 

Whether it was just being more focused after her climax or it was the music, she noticed some aspects of Hirek's features that she hadn't caught before.  While his abilities or his physical prowess never betrayed his age, at this close distance, Reika noticed some of the careworn look around his eyes and wondered if it was at all related to his earlier statement about having betrayed or having been betrayed.  There were similar creases around his lips when he talked and when he raised his eyebrows at all, there were similar furrows above his brow. 

As he bathed her, the Andorian reached out and ran a finger across some of the lines that she found, as if she were trying to gently caress the cares away while still being very much attuned to his touch on her body as well.  And as she thought it over, she decided that he had been the one betrayed.  Something in his look said that - while he was perfectly capable of it - whatever he was referring to wasn’t something of his own making, and her eyes took on a plaintive look.  “I’m sorry,” she said softly - almost a whisper - and she wasn’t at all sure it could be heard above the sound of the water hitting naked bodies.

[Hirek tr’Aimne | Lt. Sh'Laan's Quarters | Deck 12 | Vector 3 | USS Theurgy] attn: @Dree

The music was to Hirek’s liking, and he gave Reika a genuine lopsided smile of approval. “Is this a group from Andoria?” The band's name was a clue, but there were other ice planets in the Federation, and it was far more interconnected than Romulus was with its colonies. “I like it,” he answered her question as he smoothed the cloth over her shoulders and up and around her neck, adjusting his grip to wriggle a single digit behind each ear before adjusting again and using his other hand to hold up one arm at a time, drawing the sudsy cloth over her azure skin. “I appreciate all types of music. Even if it is not something I would play in the background of my lab while I’m working, I think there is something to appreciate in all musical varieties. Music, like art, reflects a person’s soul, even their culture. Experiencing different art forms is important for understanding a culture or person." He finished one arm, playfully tapped the end of her nose, and then worked on the other arm. "I doubt there are many if any Romulan songs in your database, but I would be happy to sing a few for you later if you like.”

The music continued to fill the silent spaces in their conversation. Hirek stood back up from cleaning the front of her thighs, eliciting a few chuckles from the Andorian when he scrubbed around each blue toe. A contemplative look settled on Reika’s features, and Hirek paused. He knew better than to interrupt a woman when she was deciding on something internally, especially when it could or would directly impact him externally. Hirek was sure she was deciding something about him as she touched the sensitive skin near his eyes and mouth. Her words, though confusing, were softly spoken and with a depth of earnestness that, though Hirek wasn’t certain for what she was apologizing, he was clear about her sincerity and gave her responding nod of acknowledgment in return.

“I doubt you’re apologizing for my age lines,” he tickled his fingers up her ribs before leaning forward and kissing her forehead quickly, “and I’m not a mind reader. I’m curious,” Hirek used his hands on her shoulders to turn the Andorian to face away from him so he could wash her back as thoroughly as he’d washed her front, “What was the motivation or intent in the comment?”

[Lt Reika Sh’laan]  Lt. Sh'Laan's Quarters | Deck 12 | Vector 3 | USS Theurgy| attn @Ellen Fitz itz

Reika closed her eyes and lifted her chin to allow the water to slide down the back of her head instead of over her face as Hirek worked the suds into her azure skin.  But upon hearing his question, she cracked an eye open and her lips turned faintly upwards.  “Yes.  This is a group from Andoria.” she said as he lifted an arm.  “This particular song is the title track from my favorite Ice Chips album.  My Charan is one of the group.  But music on Andoria - as is the case in many of the Federation worlds - is very eclectic.  Ice Chips is part of a more melancholy-sounding genre, but we have from earsplitting music to upbeat music often played in clubs to … I don’t even know how to describe it - it just feels ambivalent - happy one minute, whining the next.  It’s strange, but I must admit, it’s hard for me not to move in time with the music even as you wash me.”

“And I would love it if you did share some Romulan music with me,” she said as she looked down her body to watch him as he meticulously cleaned her, even between her toes which tickled.  “Somehow I’m guessing you would have an enticing baritone voice, and I would enjoy listening to it.”

At his inquisitiveness over her statement, her face took on a drawn look even though her mouth had a soft smile.  Something in her could identify - at least in a small way - with Hirek and his desire to be alone.  But he deserved an explanation for her words.  “In each of your interactions I’ve observed tonight including your exhibition in front of a large crown that would have many people wishing the ground to swallow them up, you’ve exuded nothing but strength and confidence.  But seeing you this close,” she took a tiny step nearer, “I can see something else too.”

Blue lips reached out and gently kissed care lines beside each eye.  After which Reika raised both hands to his chin, turning it slightly one way and then the other while studying his face further. “You said earlier it was easier to be alone because Romulans could share intimacy and then conspire against each other…that you’ve lived through that.”  The Andorian tilted his head now so that they could look directly into each others eyes.  “No one should have to live through that, and I’m so sorry that you’ve been betrayed by someone whose bed you shared.  It doesn’t need to be me, but please, Hirek, “ she said as her eyes glistened with more than just the moisture from the shower. “There are people out there who would tend you gently, worship the ground that you touched, and always be faithful in body, actions, and words.”  She paused for a moment, trying to maintain composure, her heart overflowing with empathy,  "I know you are not young, but you are not past the time in your life where someone could genuinely love you and make you happier than you’ve ever dreamed.  Heal, but don’t shut your heart forever.”  And nearly ten seconds after her statement and watching his eyes, Reika reached out and softly kissed him.  It was as innocent as a kiss on the lips could be, but it brimmed with emotion and gentleness and hopefulness for him and humility. 

[Hirek tr’Aimne | Lt. Sh'Laan's Quarters | Deck 12 | Vector 3 | USS Theurgy] attn: @Dree

Hirek’s hands were gentle when he braced them on Reika’s hips, eyes remaining open as she kissed him. He tasted her youth and innocence and his own anemoia for the life he’d always wanted to live but had been denied because of race and place. For being of a race not known for high levels of empathy, Reika certainly exhibited it in spades. It was a trait Hirek admired and appreciated in her, though he wished to protect Reika from herself in the future if need be. Someone like her would get chewed up and spit out on Romulus. Her good intentions and considerate heart would be completely disregarded and abused until there was nothing left of her soul except a husk.

Her hopes for his future, also tasted in the softness of her kiss, were commendable, albeit naïve of the reality Hirek had lived and would go back to live. Even if everything went as he hoped, and they could eradicate the tyrannical reign of the Tal’Shiar once and for good, there would still be generations of soul-scars commandeering relationships and interactions. Unlikely in his lifetime would a Romulan be born who could freely choose how he lived his life, who he loved, how he loved, and all without the fear of having his own good intentions twisted into weapons used against those he loved. It was certainly something to strive for, and Hirek was doing that very thing in his own way, but it was not something he would live to see.

The kiss ended, and Hirek rapidly blinked his eyes as he pulled back, not wanting Reika to feel uncomfortable knowing he’d kept his eyes open. Romulans often keep their eyes open when they kiss someone they don't trust or when they feel they are not in control. However, others could find this act insulting or disturbing. Hirek didn't feel threatened by Reika, but the kiss was intimate enough that he kept his eyes open to respect her intentions and his own lack of belief in her hopes for him.

“Thank you,” Hirek placed another soft kiss on her forehead, “your kindness is like a balm to a weary soul.” He was uninterested in commenting on the specifics of her words. He knew it would not be respectful to point out how illogical and unrealistic it was to live life as she’d encouraged him to, so he opted for diversion tactics. “Your turn.” He held out the cloth for her to take. “And if I may?” Hirek gestured to the ceiling, “I’ll share a song I think matches our present activities. As in washing,” he winked before instructing the computer to play a rhythmic beat without instrumentals, as the computer had no concept of the melody.

The lilting melody he sang was like the sound of water washing over skin or a mother lovingly cleaning her baby. It was a song his grandmother had sung to him as a child when she managed to wrangle him into a bath – he loved water but hadn’t always loved being clean. Hirek didn’t share a complete picture of where he’d first heard the song, but as he explained the lyrics as being of showering blessings and luck upon the child as they are bathed, he noted that it was a traditional song for bathtime on the Uluma Islands.

“Not all our songs feature water, though amusingly enough, most have a fairly aquatic theme. But that is to be expected considering we are an archipelago with a long history of maritime vocations.”

[Lt Reika Sh’laan]  Lt. Sh'Laan's Quarters | Deck 12 | Vector 3 | USS Theurgy| attn @Ellen Fitz

When Reika’s eyes opened, She noticed Hirek’s lids fluttering.  His words were gentle and generous, but the Andorian could tell that there was either some subtext or some pretet behind them, but despite that, she took  the offered cloth and switched places with the Romulan starting her cleansing efforts at the back of his neck and working around to the front of it, bathing his clavicles and then down his chest.  But as the beat began and his words matched the rhythm, she began to wash in time to the more upbeat tempo of the melody. 

Ever the student, she looked on again trying to ascertain his thoughts as she washed down his well-muscled chest.  His ponderings, however, weren’t easy to read - seemingly neither favorable or unfavorable or either favorable and unfavorable in equal measure.  She was self-aware enough to know that for a warrior race, she was an anomaly.  Maybe that was what she was sensing from him.  She knew herself to be strong and powerful - dangerous even - and yet she was a woman who knew how to wield that power with gentleness and restraint.  She had often heard well-meaning people discuss the antithesis of her race and her demeanor when they didn’t realize she was able to hear.  But it was the trouble in her past that made her the way she was.  It was the turmoil that taught her restraint. It was the anger that taught her gentleness.  And she would gladly let people continue to puzzle over her.  She was fierce with love for her allies and animus toward her enemies.

She continued to work her way down his well-muscled body, her toes tapping in time with the song as she listened to his explanation after the song concluded.  After cleaning down his front side, she swung herself around to his back and once again began at the top and worked her way down.

Reika had never had the opportunity to meet a Romulan before Hirek.  She wouldn’t have known what to expect of the species let alone him as a person.  But as a Romulan, he wasn’t what she would have expected of his species either.  Did they have more in common than she had previously realized both rarities in their own right.  Hirek a Romulan who could - and had showed genuine kindness to a newly thawed woman and she, a warrior who knew how to feel genuine empathy for the other’s plight.

But by that time, she had washed her way down to Hirek’s heels.  “I’m going to lift your feet to wash their bottoms,” she said barely over the splash of the water around them.  She lifted one of Hirek’s feet scrubbing it gently in case he was ticklish, and then setting it down, she swapped it out for the other.

Standing back up to her full height, Reika smirked slightly and her pointy eared companion for the evening.  “Are you water-logged enough that you’d like to dry off?” 

She allowed Hirek to turn off the water to the shower and she grabbed two towels and handed him one of them.  Starting with her long tresses, she began to dry herself, drawing the fluffy fibers across her glistening skin.  “If you would like, I have an Andorian oil that has just a touch of fragrance to it.  I would be happy to work it into your shoulders if you’d like once you’re dried.  When I was washing them, your shoulders seemed tight to me.”

[Hirek tr’Aimne | Lt. Sh'Laan's Quarters | Deck 12 | Vector 3 | USS Theurgy] attn: @Dree

Accepting the towel from Reika, Hirek raised both eyebrows at her offer. “Is this payback for the tea I gave you? Are you trying to seduce me using a presumed harmless agent like Andorian massage oil?” Swiping the towel overhead, his short-cropped hair stuck up and out in every direction, lending a certain youthful appearance to the Romulan as he smirked at the Andorian. “If that is so, I am flattered you feel you still need to seduce me.” Hirek winked, dropping the used towel in the recycler. “And if it isn’t so, I appreciate your offer. I have been bent over test samples for a bit the past few days,” Hirek rolled his neck, lips turning downward briefly as if he’d only just noticed the stiffness that had been so apparent to Reika’s fingers, “I won’t turn down the offer. And there’s an offer for reciprocation if you have any areas of tension you’d like some release in.” He reached out and tapped the end of her nose, eyes roving down the length of her body, a lecherous smile of appreciation once more appearing on his face, “And I do mean any area.”

Without waiting for her response to his ostentatious flirting, Hirek preceded Reika back into her bedroom area. Having decided to treat the area as if it were his own for the time being, Hirek made a beeline for the replicator and called up two mugs of simple Terran tea, a type he’d learned was used to aid in relaxation before sleep. It was doubtful that it would cause any unexpected side effects with Reika since, as in the description of the tea, as Hirek had studied it, he’d seen that it was a major import to Andoria and popular among its people.

With both mugs in hand, Hirek smiled at Reika, uncaring over his still quite nude status, “I know for certain this won’t harm you. It’s commonly drunk on Andoria according to the logs. Now,” he looked around the room, “where would you like me to sit?”

[Lt Reika Sh’laan]  Lt. Sh'Laan's Quarters | Deck 12 | Vector 3 | USS Theurgy| attn @Ellen Fitz

Reika smirked at the Romulan.  “Well, if the massage oil that I have will provoke a response, it would be one that I’ve not seen anyone experience before.  It’s a natural oil from an Andorian nut with some added oils for tense muscles.  I used to use it often when I was a tactical officer,” Reika returned. “The combination of a hard massage and the oils really helped minister to my sore muscles.  Besides, I’ve already seduced you,” she laughed knowing that despite their sexual encounter, she hadn’t really seduced him.

It wasn’t long after that Hirek ran his eyes up and down her lanky and well-filled-out body.  It was obvious that he liked what he saw. And a twinkle crept into her eyes.  And while she had no intention of pursuing the Romulan, it made her sad that the man was willing to fulfill physical needs but seemingly allowed no one in to fulfill his emotional needs.  But drawing her attention back to the here and now, she asked, “What kinds of test samples have you been working on that have your muscles in knots?” she asked.

But Hirek had already turned to leave.  She rolled her eyes good-naturedly and followed him into her bedroom.  But as she arrived, the Romulan handed her a cup of tea.  She paused and looked at him in a skewed glance.  “You expect me to trust you after what you pulled earlier?”  But as he handed one mug over, she listened to his assurances.  “I know for certain this won’t harm you.  It’s commonly drunk on Andoria according to the logs.  Now where would you like me to sit.”

“Feel free to sit on the edge of the bed, and I’ll kneel behind you on the bed.  That will give me access to your entire spine.” 

As he positioned himself on the edge of her bed, she walked over to the other side of the room, opening a drawer, extracting a bottle.  Once it was in hand, the Andorian waded across the bed on her knees, coming up behind the greying Romulan.  She took a moment to rub her hands together for several seconds to warm them.  As she did, she said, “I’m surprised that someone with as well-defined muscles as you have allows himself to feel such a normal thing as tension.”

Once her hands were sufficiently warmed, she poured some of the oil out into one hand and then closed the twist nozzle shut.  Then she pulled her body up against his back as she feathered her fingers out across his shoulders first and then grasped his shoulders tightly before using her thumbs to work into his scapular region.  Some of the extra oil dripped down his back and slipped in between their two bodies easing her slight up-and-down motion as she worked the oil into his tight shoulders.

[Hirek tr’Aimne | Lt. Sh'Laan's Quarters | Deck 12 | Vector 3 | USS Theurgy] attn: @Dree

Hirek allowed Reika her jest regarding seduction and complied with getting situated on the bed. Her warm hands were strong despite their petite size, and Hirek hummed his appreciation. It had been a very long time since a flesh and blood individual had given him a massage; so long, in fact, Hirek couldn’t quite grasp when he’d last had one. But he kept this tidbit to himself. Reika could latch onto these truthful statements as yet more fodder to embrace and kiss him. Granted, Hirek truthfully enjoyed the affection and also enjoyed her company – she was an intelligent and witty woman with no small amount of beauty – but he had not quite decided if he “liked” being the recipient of so much affection so freely given. It went against so much of what he’d been forced to live through over the years, and he’d hinted at the truth earlier. Only danger for himself and his family lay in growing accustomed to this openness of opinion and affection, for it could not be sustained once he returned to Romulus, at least not without reaping terrible repercussions.

His eyes closed, Hirek allowed himself to relax under her touch. He’d memorized the position of all nearby objects that could be used as a weapon and had likewise studied Reika’s movements and the items she’d carried before getting comfortable on the bed. While he highly doubted she had evil intent, that was an element of his personality and upbringing Hirek couldn’t just switch off even in the company of someone as seemingly guileless as Reika.

“In brief,” Hirek spoke after a few moments of silent enjoyment, “I’ve been working on two separate projects. One is in connection with Romulan technology, or rather, a threat connected with using certain Romulan technology.” Hirek understood from Pierce that not everyone on the ship had the same clearance level or some access to information, with some details being “need to know.” He opted for broad-stroke terms as he didn’t know what sort of access Reika had or what level of clearance she’d been rated at. “The other with the…Infested. I believe that’s what they’ve been called until now, though I find that term unsatisfactory.” Stretching his arms straight in front of his chest, Hirek rolled his wrists while holding his feet off the floor, giving his ankle joints a much-needed rotation. “I doubt they call themselves that. Even we Romulans have our own name but given present company, we accept being called Romulan. And thankfully,” Hirek angled his head to shoot Reika a cheeky grin, “you have decided to call us the ‘non-Vulcan knife ears.’ Though, amusingly, I did hear that.”

When her fingers found a particularly sensitive spot, Hirek winced, gesturing for her to focus on the band of muscles lining his spin just below his thoracic area. Hirek knew better than to try to leave the conversation there. Reika was the type to want to right a wrong, even if it hadn’t been made against her.

“During my first days on the ship, an exaggerated version of how I ended up here was spread. Consequently, there were a few intriguing conversations with some crew, but nothing I couldn’t handle. And, in case you’re about to ask, no,” again Hirek glanced over his shoulder at the long-haired Andorian, “I did not report it because I honestly don’t care. I’m not unaware how my people have done a fantastic job of isolating themselves, for the good or bad of it, and allowed some false and some exaggerated though accurate presumptions about who and what we are to circulate through the neighboring quadrants. That said, I don’t feel it is my job to ‘correct’ false information regarding my people. Words mean nothing on Romulus; action means everything. Anyone can say anything, but character is shown through consistent action or inaction.” Letting out a contented sigh, Hirek smiled. “I have nothing to prove and my own objectives to gain, so it is not useful,” he paused to tap his chin a moment before he snapped his fingers and smiled again, “to cry over a spilled beverage. It’s a Terran phrase I picked up and since I brew ale, I found the analogy amusing.”

[Lt Reika Sh’laan]  Lt. Sh'Laan's Quarters | Deck 12 | Vector 3 | USS Theurgy| attn @Ellen Fitz

Reika’s hands continued their ministrations.  His shoulders were incredibly tight, but those were only several of his muscles that were tense.  His neck muscles weren’t quite rock hard, but only a shade shy of feeling as such.  But her experienced fingers played his neck like an accomplished pianist, both hard and light touches working the various muscles, teasing out their tension and telling them of the benefits of relaxing. 

It was interesting watching the Romulan’s microexpressions through his ears and the side of his face as she maneuvered this way and that, in order to continue to work the taught muscle groupings.  She hadn’t studied him enough to know exactly what these minuscule changes meant, but she knew that they did mean something.  She was a student of those around her wanting to understand why people reacted the way they did, so she could better help or serve them in the future.

Reika listened and worked her way down just below Hirek’s scapula as he began to talk.  It made sense that he was assigned to deal with the Romulan technology or whatever would be affected by it.  While she was quite a capable tactician and programmer, the technicalities of science weren’t quite her forte.

Now the infested though, that she knew more about having been in on everything as they were in the SOL system and then fled being chased by Starfleet.  As Reika continued to work, she noticed him lifting his arms and legs and rotating the various appendages.

“Well others may call your race ‘Non-Vulcan knife ears, but it’s a term I’ve never used - until just now.  And one I don’t ever plan to use again.  It feels derogatory to me, which means it’s something that I wouldn’t use,” but as she spoke, Hirek winced.  “Oh, let me work that area a little more tenderly, until I can work out those kinks.  You need someone to give you a backrub more often, Hirek.”

But he continued on, having already garnered her Modus Operandi fueling his need to explain himself.  But Reika understood.  In many ways, this was a defensive mechanism so as not to elicit sympathy from her, and she let him continue as she worked her way further down to the dimple just about his gluteal muscles. 

“Have you gotten to know me so well from our brief encounter this evening that you understand my thought process enough to provide me that explanation?  Sometimes it’s hard, because I will readily admit, I don’t like to see people suffer.  More than that, I don’t like to see people suffer if there’s something that I can do about it.  But I’ve also learned that everyone suffers one way or another for much of their lives and there is so very little that I can do about it other than try never to be the source of someone’s suffering.”

“If you want me to continue lower, you’ll want to reposition yourself onto your stomach,” Reika said. “I am happy to continue if you’d like."

Reika backed away and allowed Hirek time and space to reposition himself.  While he did, she headed into the bathroom and returned with a new bottle - not the same one that she had previously used. 

She caught a look from Hirek, she wasn’t sure if he was uncertain about this new oil or if it was something else.  She took a seat beside him on the bed and unstoppered the bottle to begin administering it to his skin.  “This is just a different oil.  The other was for sore muscles.  This one has just a slight bit of a warming quality to it,” she said as she dripped some onto his buttocks and down each leg before stoppering the bottle again and setting it on the floor beside her.  Her fingers slipped across his rear and down his legs as she allowed the oil to warm the exposed areas of Hirek’s skin.  Once she had made sure that she had smoothed the liquid across evenly, she repositioned herself once again so that she could begin working on his glutes.

She hummed a light and lilting tune as she worked, her deft fingers slipping across his skin, working the sides of his hips and then his back to the top of his backside drawing one hand down each of his cheeks with her thumbs grazing down the crack in the middle of his ass,  She repeated the process several times, each time her thumbs penetrating further and further into the recesses until they played around his sphincter as if she were waiting for approval or instruction on how he would like her to proceed.

[Hirek tr’Aimne | Lt. Sh'Laan's Quarters | Deck 12 | Vector 3 | USS Theurgy] attn: @Dree

Reika’s giving nature was not lost on Hirek. Still so unaccustomed to her species as a whole, Hirek didn’t know if this was a norm or not. The other Andorians he’d met onboard were a far cry from Reika, but that didn’t mean she couldn’t display violence or that those who had couldn’t demonstrate this type of softness and affection. This was part of Hirek’s new life onboard that he appreciated almost the most: exposure to alien cultures. As a scientist, his curiosity was rarely satiated. So long as he remained on Theurgy, he’d be able to observe, interact with, and ponder a number of Federation species Hirek otherwise would never have met in person. While all things considered, he would rather circumstances be such that he’d never had to leave Romulus and abandon his parents and his people, having the opportunity for cultural exchanges—if this evening could be called thusly—did grant some comfort to the older Romulan.

“Are you insatiable?” Hirek’s voice was muffled, his chuckle also almost lost with his face pressed into the pillow. Reika’s massaging fingers had boldly pressed against his sphincter, though she may not have meant it in a ‘let’s initiate round two’ manner. “If you don’t mind my curiosity, what are the common sexual practices for Andorians?” Twisting his head to the side, Hirek parted his thighs a few inches further and winked before adding, “I’m sure there is as much variation among your people as there are among Romulans, but if there are norms, what are they?”

Hirek closed his eyes, content to let Reika explore and massage his body as she desired.

[Lt Reika Sh’laan]  Lt. Sh'Laan's Quarters | Deck 12 | Vector 3 | USS Theurgy| attn @Ellen Fitz

Somehow sensing some hesitation.  Instead, she repositioned herself kneeling over his knees, her blue fingers splayed wide and instead of focusing on one small spot, she concentrated on the whole area, up and down over his backside one hand on each side.  Pressing with the heels of her hand as her hands, she moved up his gluteals, and then as she pulled down, she rounded her fingers and pressed each finger leaving little trails down his buttocks.  Once, twice, three, four times. 

“Are you insatiable?” she heard Hirek’s voice ask as he turned his face to the side.

Reika chuckled.  “I tend to be insatiable about two things.  The first,” she said this time dragging her fingers further down to his thighs, “Is doing my job to the best of my ability.  The second thing that I’m insatiable about is when I’ve been given the opportunity to bring pleasure - as completely as I can. So many people go through life without the simple gift of pleasure with no thought for what they themselves are going to get out of it.  Sometimes something as simple as a gift like that can change things for someone.”

The next time, she dragged her fingers down his thighs, her thumb and pinkie going wide so that she covered the entire width of his thigh.  Even there, she could feel some tension and she made it her goal for Hirek to feel as complete relaxation as he was capable of feeling.  With every movement, she pressed, squeezed and released.  Buttocks, thighs and eventually she straddled Hirek’s ankles.  As her fingers dragged down his calves, she could feel the hardness in those muscles as she worked his calves with extra pressure.  The heels of her hands were getting a workout.

“As for Andorian’s sexual practices, I don’t see how it’s different from any other race.  Now, granted, there are four of us, so yeah.  There’s that dynamic sometimes.  But it can be any and all combinations of the four once we’re mated.  Nothing’s off the table.”  By this time she had crouched down at the foot of the bed and began to massage his feet, grasping the undersides and using her thumbs to work from the balls of his feet back to his arches and toward his heels. 

“What about Romulans?  Any interesting sexual proclivities in your people?”

[ Hirek tr’Aimne | Lt. Sh'Laan's Quarters | Deck 12 | Vector 3 | USS Theurgy] attn: @Dree

Hirek shifted his head on the bed so he could peer down the length of his body to spy Reika as she crouched over his feet. Her descriptions, albeit vague, explained much of the behavior of the other Andorian he had encountered the most - Madsen's friend. A much different kind of Andorian, it seemed, from Reika. He wiggled his toes, watching her antennae move in response to his teasing, her features brightening with a smile.

"Not many off-worlders know that in certain parts of Romulus the common marriage practice is a triad. Not for any genetic reasons and entirely for lack of trust reasons." Hirek rolled his eyes before relaxing back against the softness of the bed. "The thought is that it is harder to betray the marriage of three, and if one does cross the others, the other two may more readily recover than if they'd been in dyadic marriage. Only a few on our islands are in such a marriage, but they married into our clan group and came from the larger continents where it is more readily practiced." He tilted his head to the other side and let out another sigh. "This doesn't answer the question of sexual proclivities, however. As for that, because of the nature of our society, most 'deviants' practice more open emotive responses during sexual intercourse or refrain from using sexual interactions as a tool for transactions. And from that answer, you might have guessed that I am considered a sexual deviant among my people."

The massage drew to an end soon after this, and Hirek repaid Reika's kindness with a massage of his own, though he refrained from stimulating any of her erogenous zones. He noted the heavy-lidded nature of her eyes when they'd traded off and knew if she didn't fall asleep during the massage itself, she would fall asleep soon after. Only a few minutes after he finished his massage, Hirek left Reika's quarters to return to his own, mercifully clad in his robe again. The evening had turned out quite different than what he'd expected, and it pleased him immensely that it had turned out better.