Pandemonium - ROLL CALL POST

Posted on Fri Jan 3rd, 2025 @ 9:28am by Harper o’Leary

Mission: Season 6: Episode 5: A church beyond heaven
Location: Deck 10, Civilian Promenade, USS Elysium
Timeline: MD5 11h00
590 words - 1.2 OF Standard Post Measure

The bell above the door to Pandemonium chimed softly as Harper O’Leary glanced up from the counter where she was arranging a newly arrived shipment of crystals. The shop was a riot of colors and scents, filled with racks of bohemian-style clothing, shelves of books, and displays of candles and statuary. The air was perfumed with the gentle mix of lavender, sandalwood, and the faint citrus tang of her handmade soaps.

Harper’s red hair, tied back with a colorful scarf, gleamed in the soft lighting. Her blue eyes flickered toward the door, where a young ensign hesitated before stepping inside. She smiled warmly, a hint of mischief curling her lips. “Don’t worry, love,” she said in her lilting Irish accent, “the statues don’t bite, and neither do I—well, not unless you’re rude.”

The ensign blushed and muttered something about wanting to buy a gift for a friend. Harper nodded, her earrings jingling softly as she gestured toward the shelves near the back. “Candles are always a good choice. Or if they’re into a bit of mysticism, we’ve got tarot decks and crystals. Just don’t go thinking the crystals will solve all your problems. They’re not miracle workers, despite what some folks will tell you.”

As the ensign wandered off, Harper returned her focus to the counter. Sailor, her black cat, lounged nearby on a patch of sunlight streaming through the holographic window. “You’ve got the life, don’t you, Sailor?” she murmured, scratching the cat behind his ears. He purred in response, a low, comforting rumble that filled the shop.

Running her shop was a balancing act, but one Harper relished. She loved the ebb and flow of customers—crew members seeking a touch of home or a little escape from the structured life aboard the Elysium. Today had been steady, with a mix of curious ensigns, seasoned officers, and the occasional civilian stopping by.

Her thoughts drifted briefly to her children. Niamh, Kendra, and Edward were at school, and she had just enough time to herself before they came bursting into the shop, full of stories about their day. Niamh was the quiet one, always eager to help with restocking. Kendra and Edward, on the other hand, loved causing mild chaos, often rearranging displays to suit their whims.

As Harper was labeling a batch of her newest lotion—cinnamon and vanilla, perfect for the colder months—a regular customer strolled in. It was Lieutenant Elara Voss, a science officer with a penchant for Harper’s handmade candles. “Ah, Elara!” Harper exclaimed, her grin broadening. “I’ve got a new blend that’s just your style—cypress and patchouli. Makes you feel like you’re walking through an ancient forest.”

Elara chuckled, picking up the candle and inhaling deeply. “Perfect, as always. You’re a lifesaver, Harper.”

Harper winked. “Just doing my bit to keep this crew sane.”

As the day wore on, Harper moved through her shop with practiced ease, offering advice, sharing laughs, and occasionally diving into deeper conversations with her customers. Pandemonium wasn’t just a store; it was a sanctuary, a little piece of Harper’s eclectic soul shared with the vast, swirling life aboard the USS Elysium.

When the last customer left and the door chimed shut, Harper stretched and glanced at Sailor. “Another day done, eh? Let’s see if the kids have left us any chocolate.”

The cat yawned, unimpressed, as Harper began tidying up, ready to face whatever tomorrow would bring.