Making New Friends (Part 1)

Posted on Sat Aug 31st, 2024 @ 2:50am by Senior Chief Petty Officer Emily Charles {Kelea-Salik} & Lieutenant J'airesh Mora-Heath & Lieutenant JG Zac Smithson & Master Chief Petty Officer Chuck Finley [Reece]

Mission: Season 6: Episode 5: A church beyond heaven
Location: Holosuite 3
Timeline: Current
1462 words - 2.9 OF Standard Post Measure

J'Air was so nervous about meeting Emily, but nervous in a good way, in that she couldn't wait. Zac had told J'Air so much about his Fiancee and J'Air wanted to make it as easy as possible for the four of them to get along. She hadn't like to assume that Emily might be someone she could already know and either way, unsure as to which theme would be the most acceptable to everyone, J'Air had arranged three possible scenarios to be programmed into the Holosuite. On arrival, clutching Chuck's hand, she beamed as she saw Zac and Emily approaching.

"Thank you all so much for coming!" she stepped forward to welcome them, holding out a tray of beautifully calligraphed cards, each one describing a holoprogram.

"I set up three alternatives hoping I might land on one that everyone wants to try." she began. The programs all provide suitable equipment and gear etc, so we can pick one, even of if we're not dressed for it, at the moment!"

Handing Zac and Emily the tray to choose from, she added. I should add that Chuck hasn't seen the choices yet either but I hope we can all share the cards around and work out if we want to reject any at once? " She laughed a little nervously and pulled a quizical face, adding "Of course, if we reject all three, we can just pop up to 10-fwd for a drink and a meal instead?"

On the Tray, the three menu cards for the hologram programs explained:

Option 1) A hike in the Seres Province of Bajor where there are rolling hills and gentle climbs with Timpok Trees and waterfalls scattered amongst the undulations. We would find a remote home with food and drink inside, and shelter in case of any inclement weather. The food would be a feast not to miss.

Option 2) Glyrshar Canyon - A more serious climb if desired, featuring the Planet's Tallest Waterfall and plenty of water sports available at the base of it if preferred to the actual climbing. Canoes, White Water Rafting and relaxing picnics at the waterside. All depending on each person's choices to participate in.

Option 3) A banquet at a Medieval Castle on Earth, fully authenticated with clothing of the time, foods fit for Royalty and olde worlde dancing, entertainments and archery if desired. Mead, Cider or Ale all available (synthaholic or original). Bouts of Jousting could be chosen to watch and Horses available to ride if desired.)

The group all read the cards, passing them amongst them to read each one in detail.

Zac smiled broadly at J'Air as he and Emily approached. "Hi J'Air, This is Emily, Emily this is J'air." He thrust out his hand to Chuck. "I'm Zac Smithson, nice to meet you."

Chuck accepted the handshake with one of his own, smiling politely. "A pleasure, Zac. As J'Air stated, My name's Chuck, Chuck Finley. I'm the CoB." He then offered his hand to Emily, "A pleasure to meet you as well. What do you both do?"

Emily smiled as she greeted both J’Air and Chuck. “It’s lovely to meet both of you. To answer your question I’m a surgical nurse.”

"Hi! I wasn't sure if Zac's 'Emily' was going to be the same Emily that I knew from Sickbay but I didn't like to assume. Great to see you again Emily." J'Air said. "...and great to see you too Zac, of course!"

"Wow J'Air, this is fantastic! You really put in a lot of thought and effort. I am impressed." Zac said honestly as he and Emily looked over the options before them. He personally liked option two, but he would go with whatever option the others liked. So option one might be the best as it was low key and a way for everyone to meet and get to know each other.

He looked the looked the options over. "What do you think Emily? These are all great choices. I'd be happy with any of them." He looked to J'Air and Chuck, "Do you two have a preference to any of these?"

Chuck shrugged as he replied. "They all sound great. I'd say, we leave it to the ladies to decide," he grinned as he finished speaking, looking over at Emily, then J'Air.

J'Air's eyebrows shot up. "What?" she spluttered, looking from Chuck to Zac to Emily and resting on the last with an expression of incredulity.

"Does that sound like a cop out to anyone else other than me?" she laughed. "You don't get out of casting a vote that easily, Master Chief!" she poked Chuck in the arm in fun and looked up adoringly at him despite the put on severity of her pretended reprimand of him.

"Are we *ladies* accepting that?" she grinned at Emily, hoping to get back up.

Emily grinned. “Actually I don’t mind choosing, but I think it should be a group decision. I quite like options 1 & 3, I’ve never really climbed much before so a hike, or some medieval fun.”

Zac grinned at Emily's answer, "I can definitely go with option one. A nice, relaxing, non-stressful hike sounds perfect."

"Great!" J'Air took the cards and the tray back and agreed. "Good choice! And if we were to want to, there's always other times when we might chose the others." She moved towards the holosuite controls. "Let me just set up then."

Pressing buttons to select the Option from the three she had installed ready, J'Air led them all inside and put the tray and cards aside to collect and dispose of later. There are hiking boots - she gestured to a little ante room, and some comfortable clothes - in here - I checked for sizes with everyone's records and I can only hope we can all find something in here that we're happy with?"

The ante-room was equipped with shelves and four bench seats over a lot of shoe racks. "Each Bench has one size of shoes under it, in different styles. Please choose what you like the look of. The clothes are hanging above the benches as you can see, and each selection matches with the shoes, so if you find you size of shoes, you should also find your selection of gear." she explained.

Zac looked around the anteroom. "This is really something J'Air." He said with approval as he looked over the wide selection of hiking shoes as well hiking clothes. "Hard decision to make." He admitted and looked over at Emily, "How you coming along in making a decision Emily?"

“I’m getting there” Emily offered a smile. “I’m not used to hiking so it’s a tough decision.”

Chuck nodded approvingly as he looked over the selection. Clearly, J'Airesh has put a lot of thought and consideration into this. As Zac and Emily moved deeper into the changing rooms to get ready, he stepped over to J'Airesh and pulled her into a warm embrace, kissing her lips gently. Afterwards, he looked into her eyes as he quietly said, "You never cease to amaze me, Darlin'!" The look in his eyes showed that he was speaking the truth.

J'Air glowed under his approval and the kiss was much appreciated too! "Thank you, kind Sir!" She had been lacing up her boots and with a coy glance, she went back to it, still blushing.

Chuck grinned and dipped his head briefly. He then moved to his locker and quickly changed. Once done, he met everyone outside in the simulated hiking area. "Are we all ready to gave some fun?"

Emily, having finally chosen her clothing and boots nodded as she looked towards Chuck. “Ready as I’ll ever be I guess.”

Zac had finished lacing his boots and was walking back and forth trying them out. When Emily said she was ready, he moved to her and extended a hand for her to take. He looked at Chuck and J'Air, "Let's go see what we can see."

Taking hold of Zac’s hand Emily smiled as she looked at him, it was fun to spend time together while they had the chance.

Zac returned Emily's smile. It was wonderful to be with Emily, making new friends and having a good time doing it.

Chuck grinned and nodded, then turned to J'Air, reaching out to take her hand in his. "Shall we, darlin'?"


"Yes, let's" J'Air agreed, taking his hand and setting off into the holo-landscape with a spring in her step.

Zac looked at Emily as J'air and Chuck started off down the trail. He smiled at her and held his hand out for her to take, "Shall we get going? Or those two will leave us far behind." He grinned at Emily

{TBC}