Spa Night

Posted on Sat Dec 29th, 2018 @ 7:49am by Lieutenant Danica Kovitz

Mission: Season 2: Episode 3: Determination is not always a good thing
Location: Spa
Timeline: en route
3544 words - 7.1 OF Standard Post Measure

Off to the side of the ship's swimming pool, there was a small spa area, and it was almost deserted at this time of night. But Estelle liked that all the better. Having just come off beta shift, she could think of few better places to spend some downtime. She hoped Liorga would enjoy the place as well, and not mind too much that they had additional company. Now in a bathing suit, Estelle slipped into the hot tub and waited for the other two to join her.

Danica found the place after another botched turbolift trip. She really did need to review the ship’s layout in earnest. She’d worn a t-shirt and sweatpants over her suit, and she was glad she had. She hadn’t loved the idea of wandering the ship in her bikini to begin with. Had she interrupted that staff meeting in such a state it would have been doubly embarrassing. Coming around the pool, she found Estelle already in the hot tub. Casting off her cover outfit, she climbed in across from her. “You’re sure this will be cool with her, right? I don’t want to become a third wheel, as the old saying goes. You can give me a signal if you need me to make myself scarce.”

"I certainly hope she's confident enough that she won't think I'm straying", Estelle smirked. "She's Deltan, I'm sure she could take a firm hold on either of us if she wanted to." Not that she had any suspicions of that happening any more.

"She's right, I could." Liorga said as she stepped in, "Besides, I'm more than secure in our relationship. You know what they say, right? One you go bald... you never go back." Discarding her robe, Liorga slid in beside Estelle, kissing the Doctor deeply, adding, "Hi, I'm Liorga, nice to meet you."

While the two of them were introducing each other, Estelle waved over one of the holographic waiters she had called up for this place and placed an order for a round of cocktails. She liked the setting with palms and the noises of the beach from waves and birds and the occasional monkey, she didn't mind at all that the walls were still visible. It was relaxing nonetheless.

The young science officer smiled. “I’m Danica. Or Dani, if you prefer. And you won’t need to worry about me. Estelle’s been pretty great to me since I came aboard. I’ve had quite the last week or two, so I appreciate you letting me crash your spa trip. I definitely needed.”

"Yeah." Liorga replied, "I heard. Nothing stays hidden long on starships. I'm happy to help, Dani, besides, adding another attractive woman to a Deltan's tub is never a bad way to endear yourself to her."

Danica blushed slightly, though she hoped the warmth of the hot tub hid that. Her Deltan companion was certainly confident. ”I will keep that in mind.” The waiter returned and Dani reached for one of the cocktails perhaps a little too quickly, glad to have something to busy herself with. “So I’m the new Assistant Science Chief. I don’t think Estelle mentioned your position.”

"Engineer, damage control." Liorga answered, "I'm on the same team with Gallia Norris, who I'm sure Estelle has mentioned. They're like two ducks in a pond."

"Just because we like ducking around doesn't mean we restrict ourselves to just one pond", Estelle laughed, taking her shining blue cocktail that had just the right amount of Andorian ale in it. She put her free arm around Liorga and got comfortable. "As for Liorga's position... we haven't settled in on one yet, it does take some experimenting, you know?"

"Stella, don't embarrass our guest." Liorga teased, adding, "I'd love to say I'm trying to housebreak this one, but I'm really not."

Dani narrowly stifled a snort. She obviously didn’t need to worry about being a third wheel. If anything, she was an audience. “I don’t think you need to housebreak her. It gives her character.” Taking another sip, she turned to their rowdy surgeon. “By the way, what is in this drink? I love it.”

"Andorian ale, uttaberries and just a hint of tulaberry wine", Estelle said. "Can't go wrong with three blue ingredients, can you?" She took another sip, enjoying the fact that her peculiar nature seemed to draw in admirers. Whose ego would not be boosted by that?

Liorga took a cocktail and began sipping on it, "Oh, yeah, that is good." She moaned, looking to Dani, "One of the many reasons I keep her."

Danica slid a little further into the hot water. It was incredibly soothing, especially after everything she’d recently been through. Her muscles relaxed noticeably. After a moment, she realized that the familiar warmth wasn’t just coming from the water. “That Andorian ale has some kick to it though. I grew up on Andoria for a good part of my life, so I’ve been around it for a while. Then, back in the academy I dated an Andorian girl for a while. I don’t think I’ve ever had so many hangovers in my life. But I can’t deny that it keeps you nice and warm. Helps on those cold Andorian nights.”

"Andoria's a rough place to grow up, though", Estelle said. "Especially for someone built like me. I'm too short for a girl, not muscular enough to compete with the boys, and when I dated my parents always worried I'd end up with broken bones. Andorians can be pretty aggressive, as I'm sure you've noticed yourself. I spent all of my childhood there and I'd say I've got the scars to prove it, but those I have all had taken care of."

“Oh, I’m familiar,” Dani said. “Though I was mostly sheltered from that. I had my older brother to look out for me. Unlike myself, he got the height genes. But honestly, our town was more of a collection of houses around an observatory than a true village. A lot of Federation races there in town. So I didn’t get the true Andoria experience except for a few outings into the larger cities.” She displayed an old barely visible scar on her elbow. “I do have one little trophy though. A particularly rude kid in town decided to bully my little sister, Jana. I ended up with this little scar. He ended up with a broken nose.”

Danica shifted back into the water, sipping her cocktail. “I’m not a fan of violence, really. But if you mess with my sister, you’re gonna get hit.”

"Neither am I", Estelle said. "I'm probably the least competitive person you've ever met. And if you doubt that, I'll challenge you to see who is less competitive, just so you're warned."

"Most competitive thing I do anymore is tanking with Gallia." Liorga laughed, "I hate violence, but I'm good at it if I have to be." She'd had to be many times to survive, but she wasn't going to let that frack this lovely evening over; she sipped her drink and ran her fingers absentmindedly through Estelle's hair, "Good to have other people around who understand Andorians, though. Be great for Estelle and for Gallia and her kid..."

“I haven’t met Gallia yet. Is she Andorian?” Dani sipped her drink inquisitively. She could count the people she’d met on both her hands. And a lot of them were the nursing staff.

"Terran, just like me", Estelle said. "But she's adopted an Andorian baby, Tayalas. Cute as a button. Polished sapphire, too." She couldn't resist the temptation to extend the metaphor. "She's in for quite the learning experience with regards to Andorian children in the years to come." But then, Estelle suspected motherhood was a learning experience no matter the species.

"She would kill you if she heard you call her a Terran." Liorga chuckled, "She's a Scot, very proud of her heritage. As for Tayalas, she's adorable, Gallia and Lt. Hoffman are very lucky."

“They sound fun. I’ll definitely have to get to know them,” Dani said, sitting up a little so the heat didn’t get to be too much. “I think I’ll be able to be a bit more social once I move into my crew quarters. They still have me down in guest quarters at the moment. Probably wanted to make sure I was serious about transferring.”

"Best thing you could have done", Estelle said. "And we can always use more scientists. I've got an interest in science myself, biology mostly, but my failed efforts at plant grooming have shown me the limits of my skill rather glaringly." She had to call someone else in for advice, and what looked like a fairly simple approach she should have been able to figure out herself had actually turned out to be correct.

Dani nodded. She’d had her own flora related failings from time to time. “Honestly, plants are pretty finicky. I personally have stuck to the planetary sciences side. I’m familiar with biology, but it’s not my strongest suit.”

"So you're more an ecologist?" Estelle asked. "We need those. New colonies can so easily damage a planet's ecosystem, and many of the older ones need repairing, if that can be done." Estelle had seen pictures of Earth from a thousand years ago, and then more from a few hundred years ago, and even after more than two centuries of restoration efforts, they still had a long way to go, and would never be able to breathe new life into any of the extinct species. "A considerable responsibility." She was always approaching things from a healer's perspective.

“Yeah, among other things. I did some ecological work in the Delphis Sector back aboard the Nobel. A lot of colonies were impacted by a grain blight that had been transported in their fertilizer. But for a while now, my focus has been on stellar and planetary formation. That was actually our main mission aboard the Grissom, observing this bizarre star.” She sighed slightly. Sometimes the Grissom incident impacted her in a big way, causing her to break down. But sometimes it was subtle. Watching Estelle and Liorga together was bittersweet. They seemed good together, but it also underlined the fact that she was alone. And the fact that her best chance and having something more had sacrificed his life for her escape. It was a slightly different kind of pain. It added a somewhat selfish longing to the sorrow of the loss.

"I'm sure that is fascinating as well", Estelle said. "Which I could feel more if I understood the first thing about it, which I don't. But, there's this Ensign in OPS whose leg got taken off a while back, Justin Case, he's very much into that, too."

“Good to know. I’ll have to talk to him. Maybe he has an interest in the sciences. I’m always looking to lure people over to the blue side of things,” Dani gave a mischievous smile. “I assume you know him due to the leg incident?”

"I do. We ran into a bit of trouble, pirates stole the ship and we had to chase after it in an Intrepid. We won because our security and tactical people know this ship a lot better than the pirates did, but that Intrepid took some damage. He was the last out in a section that got blown to bits, and the pressure door took his leg off. He saved two people, though. He doesn't remember, which is fairly normal, but says that's worth it. In a few weeks, I'll give him a new leg."

“Damn,” Dani said, raising her eyebrows. Her warp core breach seemed a mundane tragedy by comparison. And the casual nature Estelle had used to describe it... “That’s more adventure than I think I’ve seen in my whole career. I wonder what I just got myself into with this transfer.” She took a comedically large gulp of her drink for effect.

"I hope it's just an aberration, not the norm", Estelle said. "I prefer to just see new things and meet people in peace, if I get a say. Some in security and the marines are itching for fights, though. Quicker promotions and all that." She shook her head. "No, it's just one of those double standards. Like, when Aphrodite lies around naked in a giant clam shell, she's a 'goddess', but when I do it I'm 'drunk' and 'no longer welcome at the aquarium'. You can't please everybody."

"Nope." Liorga chuckled, "And you're getting a giant clam shell for Christmas."

"I don't celebrate Christmas, and I don't think it would fit in my cabin", Estelle grinned. "But the thought is appreciated."

"Gift wasn't just for you." Liorga smirked, poking Estelle gently.

Dani laughed out loud. “Yeah, I think you may have given Liorga an idea or two.”

"I like to seed ideas here and there. Occasionally, some come to fruition and it's usually good", Estelle said. "Even those that backfire on me aren't all bad."

"A good engineer only needs an idea." Liorga winked.

“You guys are something else,” Danica said through laughter, trying her best to not think too hard about the view she’d just received into their love lives. She looked around for one of the holographic waiters, keen on ordering a second drink. It was amazing how they could be the only people in the simulation and the waiters were still somehow occupied. These waiters were nothing if not accurate reproductions. She stood out of the water waving her hands around in what must have been a ridiculous display. “Am I missing something? I feel like there needs to be some sort of cue to get a waiter over here.”

"I'm sure there is", Estelle said. "But for the moment, keep doing what you're doing." A young woman in a bikini waving her bits about in front of them wasn't something to complain about. Estelle grinned and took another sip of her drink. "Wasn't too bad an idea, was it?" she asked Liorga.

"Nope." Liorga chuckled, draining her drink, "Real stroke of genius, love."

“Hey!” Danica said, kicking water at the two as she splashed back into the water, covering herself up. She struggled to keep a straight face as she teased back at them, not exactly upset about the attention. “Jeez, at least buy me dinner first.”

Estelle laughed hard. "That was on the agenda for later, actually." She hadn't cooked herself this time but there were certain replicator recipes that were good, too. She wasn't that stuck up about eating from the replicator, despite common belief.

"Yes, food." Liorga agreed, nodding her bald head, "Food is good." They'd been working so hard in engineering that they'd forgotten to stop for lunch, so Liorga was starving.

"Okay, moving that part ahead then", Estelle smiled. "Computer, give us a table." She had prepared that, and a table shimmered into existence between them, and plates of food were beamed onto it. It was pure laziness and mostly thanks to Estelle's access to site-to-site transport thanks to her medical clearance. The table suddenly held lots of sliced pieces of fruit, bread and cheeses. "Good German bread, you can't beat it."

"Perfect." Liorga smiled, grabbing a piece of bread and dropping two slices of delicious Swiss cheese into it, "That's just what I needed...."

“Dinner in a hot tub. This is the perfect combo of luxury and laziness. Where has this been all my life?” Danica grabbed an assortment of ingredients. “So what all exactly do you have planned for our evening? Can’t say it’s off to a bad start. Even if my companions keep eyeing me up.” She winked at them before diving into her little feast.

"I'll let you eye me up after dinner, so we'll be even", Estelle teased. "But for my part, I was thinking going for a swim afterwards." It was a myth that one shouldn't go for a swim after having just eaten, after all. "I've got until the start of beta shift tomorrow before I have to be up again, so I'm certainly willing to entertain suggestions." She leaned back and stuffed some food in her face. "I don't think they can be as nutty as any of mine."

"I can guarantee that." Liorga chuckled in agreement, "But that's why you're great." She didn't know where either of them were going with this line of conversation, but she was definitely interested in seeing what came next.

“A swim would nice! It’s gorgeous and that’d be a great way to cool off,” Dani said. “By the way, you were going to get me that drink.”

"Oh, right. Waiter! More drinks for everyone", she said. "And computer, lower the tub temperature by three degrees." Estelle loved being in the hot water, she'd always loved that while on Andoria. But Danica had indicated she wasn't too comfortable, and Estelle wanted to be a gracious host. "You're fortifying yourself for more silly things to come, or gathering courage?" she wondered.

“A little bit of both? And a hint of trying to keep my mind off other things. My goal for tonight is to stay distracted. I’m up for whatever wild antics that involves.” Danica was fairly serious about all that. She was hoping to keep her mind on newer, more entertaining events and not the sadder things she’d been fixating on.

"You do realise that's a very dangerous statement to make within earshot of me, yes?" Estelle laughed. Her mind was already hard at work trying to come up with something that would be suitably wild to satisfy Danica's stated desire.

“Hence why it’s also gathering courage,” the young scientist laughed.

"You do have one way to save yourself still open to you", Estelle winked. "You make a suggestion."

“Let’s not do anything that’ll break a bone or jeopardize my lovely new posting. But other than that, I’m pretty fair game,” Dani said. “But I need to head back to my room so I can get some rest before alpha shift tomorrow. So I can’t be out too late.”

"Didn't you say you had to move out of your room?" Estelle wondered.

“Yeah. They have me holed up in temporary quarters. My crew quarters haven’t been assigned yet. But my temp are need for some dignitary,” Dani wrinkled her nose. “So I’m not quite sure what the solution to that will be.”

"Hm, why don't you bunk with Anya Neeze?" Estelle suggested. "Liorga's assigned roommate." She snuggled up closer to her woman. "But Liorga's staying with me, so there's a vacant bed."

“Sleeping in enlisted quarters?!” Danica said in a feigned offended voice, but she quickly returned to her normal tone. “That’d be great, as long as she doesn’t mind sharing briefly.”

"Well, you could just ask", Estelle said. "She hates chaos, though, that much I know. Better keep the place tidy."

Dani shrugged innocently. “I don’t exactly have many belongings left to clutter the place up. I’ll just be sure to clean up after myself. Do you mind introducing us? I figured it’d be better than a stranger showing up.”

"Don't worry about it", Estelle grinned. "Just tell her I sent you. She'll be delighted."

“I’ll definitely have to give her a visit then!” Dani finished the last of her drink.

Estelle popped a piece of fruit in her mouth to keep from grinning in a way that might be discouraging.

"It's okay, she doesn't bite." Liorga laughed, "Hands off my hair dryer though!"

“Don’t worry, I won’t tou-,” Dani stopped midword. “Never mind. I get it.”

Estelle giggled. "Is that me having an effect on you, or is that all you, Liorga?" she wondered.

"Well, I spend my shift with the Prank Princess, then come home to the Queen." Liorga shrugged, "Had to know I would eventually show signs of exposure."

"You're still sure you want to risk spending the night with Miss exposure-by-proxy?" Estelle asked Dani.

"The sheets are clean." Liorga said, it wasn't much, but it was something.

“I think I’m up to date on my prank inoculations,” Dani said with a laugh. “It’ll be perfect.”

Then it's settled." Liorga announced, "But I'm serious about my hair dryer. Thing can cook a cup of Ramen in two minutes flat..."

"Take it down with you when we beam to the planet?" Estelle asked. "That might be useful."

"Don't leave home without it." Liorga chuckled, though at that moment she couldn't eat another bite if her life depended on it.

Estelle finished off what was on Liorga's plate, she always ate more of the good stuff than she probably should. "You'll enjoy it on this boat, Dani. I know I am." She looked at Liorga and smiled.

"Best job I ever had." Liorga agreed, smiling at Estelle.

"Are you saying I'm a piece of work?" Estelle grinned.

"An amazing piece of work." Liorga answered, draining her drink.