Star Trek: Starbase 777 - lt-jg-essen﹢lt-jg-rajan

It had been several days for Essen of simply waking up, doing her duties, and then returning to her room when it had all been done. Barely speaking to anyone unless absolutely necessary, while still doing her job at the fullest, but as a fellow officer, she couldn't do any more than she could muster. Normally, a mark on her record would mean next to nothing for her in terms of discipline, as she was famous for her rather unorthodox Vulcan behaviors. But this? This hit her hard... and it hit her in the core. In a time where Essen finally felt like she could be herself and feel loved like she never had been previously by anyone as a kid - be it family, friends, or teachers - this made her terrified that it wouldn't go unnoticed. What if she had another mark on her record? Or another? Could it lead to dishonorable discharge from her duties? That could tear her away from Kaylee forever... and Essen couldn't have that happen... [D] Previously, Essen had sent a note to Kaylee expressing that she needed a few days to recover before being able to see her - or, for that matter, anyone - again. Essen reassured Kaylee that it was nothing Kaylee did, and that she would terribly miss her over that period of time. If Essen was trying to stay isolated for an extended period of time, that's when others knew something was wrong that extended much farther beyond Kaylee. A few days had finally passed - although that had not yet registered in Essen's mind. She was in her quarters after finishing her duties for the day. She sat tucked beneath her covers on her bed, simply looking out at the ceiling, not even moving. While she did not yet realize it, she was finally ready to see Kaylee again.

Kaylee had waited patiently for Essen. She had read the note over and over, missing her more and more as the days passed. She hadn't even gone near Essen's quarters until now. Kaylee stood at the door. In her uniform as she had just gotten off-shift. She adjusted her uniform, stood up straight and took a deep breath. She pressed the door chime and waited for an answer. 'Go away' she'd accept. 'Please leave' she'd acknowledge. But she silently hoped for a 'come in.'.

Essen, not expecting a door chime - well, maybe she was - still felt a jolt of anxiety rush through her. Thankfully, she was still in her uniform, and immediately she tore the covers off of her to hop out of bed and land right in front, standing at attention. "Good afternoon, Lieutenant Commander Pog," Essen said, thinking it was Pog who was at the door, as she was unable to see who was out there. "Please, enter." She was desperate to make a good impression upon Pog, given her conversation with him regarding her disciplinary offense. Essen kept her face emotionless and starign straight forward as to respect Pog, not knowing that it was Kaylee who was actually at the door...

Kaylee was taken a little off guard. She'd never even met Pog before. But she accepted the come in and opened the door. She offered Essen an awkward smile as she took a few steps in the door. She was worried that Essen was injured also during the tribble infestation, and thus was being very careful. Not rushing towards her and giving her a tight hug, but just waiting. "I...I don't know who Lieutenant Commander Pog is, but if you're expecting someone I can come back later?"

Essen kept her eyes forward as the door opened. She was determined to-- And then she saw the figure at the door, differently looking than Pog, in her periphery. Her forward-looking gaze shifted over to Kaylee - and Essen's eyes popped open. And within a fraction of a second, Essen let her guard down once more. Essen took a few giant steps towards Kaylee, with a growing smile on her face. Without saying anything, Essen gave Kaylee a gentle hug, resting her head on Kaylee's shoulder. And right away, Essen felt safe once more... protected once more... and whole once more.

Kaylee had a goofy smile on her face as Essen and her made contact. She hugged Essen tighter, and blinked away some tears. Kaylee hadn't noticed it, but she felt like half of a whole while she wasn't seeing Essen. And suddenly she was complete as Essen fell into her arms once more. Her voice cracked as she spoke. "Are you okay? You aren't hurt, right?" Kaylee was terrified that Essen was hurt worse than she was during that infestation. Maybe she almost bled out. Maybe she lost a leg. Kaylee didn't know and she was worried.

Essen felt Kaylee's arms around her, and immediately felt like she had just been infused with healing, soothing energy, energy which she hadn't had in days. "Yeah, I'm okay, I promise," Essen reassured Kaylee. "I'm alright, I didn't get hurt. I'm so sorry... I should have told you I was alright." Essen kept Kaylee close... the more Kaylee was with her, the more healed Essen felt, and the more she felt like she was safe.

Kaylee felt relief wash over her like the waves on the beach. Essen was okay. "That's good. That's really good." She had missed Essen like crazy. She'd wanted to come straight here after the infestation, and see her. But she couldn't. She had to respect Essen's wishes. And she waited the days; counting down until today. Kaylee was amazed at how much 1 person can change how you feel. But suddenly Kaylee felt so much better than she had the past few days. Without Essen she had felt tired, sad, lonely, even around other people. Empty. And now she was here. And she was happy. Energetic. Ready for anything. All because Essen was here now, because they were together.

Essen pulled away from the hug, but immediately placed her hands on Kaylee's shoulders - she looked into Kaylee's eyes, gazing into them and feeling even more like Kaylee was her protector, and she was Kaylee's protector as well. "I have so much to tell you... and so much I need to explain. Get comfy," Essen said, feeling like this would take a while to explain. "I feel horrible for pushing you away for so long... I promise, I just needed some time for my mental health. I promise, that's all it was." A sense of guilt over this whole thing made Essen worried that Kaylee would be upset upon hearing that Essen was given a mark on her record.... for saving her life...

Kaylee was a little concerned as she heard the way Essen spoke. Her large smile faded to something smaller as she took a seat. "It..It's okay, this can be a stressful job. You don't need t-...to be so worried." She kept looking at Essen with a soft, worried look as she waited for Essen to say what she needed to. A million things ran through her head. What if she was assigned elsewhere? What if she was leaving Starfleet?

Essen quickly saw the change in Kaylee's face - and almost as if she read her mind... "Don't worry, I'm not leaving Starfleet. I'm staying here on the starbase, I promise." Essen sat down next to Kaylee, keeping one hand on Kaylee's shoulder at all times. It took more strength than Essen had ever mustered to even say this. "I... got in trouble... for saving y-your life." Essen immediately burst into tears, laying her head onto Kaylee's shoulder, crying into it. "I don't know why I got in so much trouble for helping you... they need to see that... they need to see how much you mean to me..."

Kaylee froze. She almost didn't even know what was going on for a moment as Essen cried into her. She pulled Essen into another hug, holding her and desperately trying to think of something to say. "I...I'm sure its just protocol, right? It won't be personal..." Kaylee could understand why she was upset. Hell, Kaylee would be upset if this is what happened to her. But Kaylee wasn't about to go off on Essen for getting in trouble. It was likely she'd already been scolded enough and she didn't need Kaylee being upset at her too. Kaylee couldn't even begin to think about being upset at Essen. If it weren't for Essen, she might have bled out in that turbo lift and died.

Essen looked up at Kaylee, her eyeliner now smudged and running all over her cheeks. "B-but protocol doesn't measure how much you mean to me... I tried to fight for you when I was brought in by my senior officer, I tried so hard... I'll never stop fighting for you." Essen in fact, did, feel like this whole thing was personal, even though it was true that protocol was protocol. Essen gazed at Kaylee with the frightened eyes of the Vulcan she was at age 10... that fateful day when she decided that she wouldn't let anyone she cared about perish, especially for reasons they couldn't control.

"You're right.. And I appreciate what you did." Kaylee looked at Essen, ignoring the smudged eyeliner and only looking at her eyes. Her eyes which held so much fear and Kaylee didn't know where it came from. And as Kaylee stared into Essen's eyes, she made a promise, a promise that she would never, ever let Essen be this afraid ever again. That whatever it is that made her this terrified would never hurt her. "But, sometimes they can't ignore the rules for just one person. And I'm sure some of them wanted to, some of them really wanted to I'm sure of it." She spoke to Essen, continuing to hold her. Kaylee had never cared about someone this much, ever in her life.

Essen hugged Kaylee even tighter now, of course not hurting her, but keeping her close enough where she was sure she would keep Kaylee close. "I...can't break protocol again," Essen said to Kaylee. "But I can't lose you. Not like I almost did then. If you're ever in danger I will do everything I can remotely to keep you out of danger, I swear it on my fucking life. If I can't, then I'll get someone who can. If I get too many more marks on my record, it could not end good for my commission... it could tear us apart." Essen looked at Kaylee, her eyes even more scared than before, even listening to her own words. *"I promise to you, even if I'm not there physically like during emergencies... I will keep you safe." *Essen felt there was absolutely no excuse to making sure Kaylee was safe - but she had to be careful about protocol, the last thing she wanted was Starfleet to kick her out for pulling too many unwarranted stunts, thus keeping them apart forever... (edited)

Kaylee couldn't think of anything to say, so just stayed quiet. She hugged Essen. She didn't know why Essen was so determined to save her. Kaylee, a person she only met about a week ago. But she understood it as well, as Kaylee did care about Essen a lot. But as the two sat here, nearly crying over each other, Kaylee wondered what they'd do next. Maybe they'd still go get lunch. Or maybe they'd go back to the holdeck and see Kaylee's home again. Maybe she could even program her house and her family in. Kaylee didn't want Essen to lose her commission, or even to be kicked out of Starfleet.

Essen cried profusely for a good solid thirty seconds, keeping Kaylee close, thankful and full, and relieved she had her other half with her again. Essen pulled away from Kaylee slowly, but still keeping her hands on Kaylee's shoulders. She didn't dare let Kaylee go - not after all this time... "I think it's time I told you how I got this," Essen said, motioning to the long, deep red scar on her face. "It's why I am like this today. It has changed me. And it --- i-in a way, it l-led me to you. If you w-want to hear, that is. If I'm honest-- I was worried the scar would scare you away from me when we first met..."

Kaylee looked at the scar. Like, really looked at it. It never really scared her. It caught her off guard at first, but she didn't mind it. "You...you don't need to. If you aren't comfortable you don't have to tell me yet. But if you really want to, I will listen." She paused for a moment, still looking at it. Not in fear, or disgust, but in awe. Something like that must've been traumatic, and to still be so sweet and determined is amazing. "It..it never really scared me." Kaylee assured, gently placing her hand on Essen's shoulder.

CW: Discussion of injury, gore Essen looked at Kaylee and a smile formed on her face - the scar didn't deter her? That rarely ever happened for anyone else! "Well, I figured you might know since you're my--" Essen began. She gulped and then took a leap of faith. "M-my girlfriend." Essen took a breath before beginning to speak. "I almost died when I was ten. I got pinned under a heavy piece of machinery during a class field trip at an energy plant on New Vulcan. Being so small, I fell in between the railings into machinery several stories below. The machinery began to slice into my head, starting to split it in half, and leaving the scar. Thankfully, I was able to think quickly as I yanked a stray piece of metal and lodged it into the machine to destroy it. I narrowly escaped and was taken into medical care soon after. The machine had barely nicked my brain, from what I was told, but caused damage nonetheless. What's worst is - no one could save me in time..." Essen didn't feel as much of a tug on her emotions as she normally would, telling others this story. But with Kaylee? She felt so much more comfortable. Still... the memory brought up her determination and unshakeable will to be the hero to others, a privilege she herself didn't have. "From that moment forward," Essen said. "I vowed to myself and others: never again… for myself, or for anyone I cared about, especially you. No one saved me when I almost died. I promise you and myself, I won't let that happen to anyone else if I can prevent it."

Kaylee froze again. She knew the story of the scar was going to be bad, but she never thought it was going to be that bad. "Essen..." Kaylee began, trying to think of the right thing to say. Nothing came to mind as 'right'. Everything she could say almost sounded bad. Or condescending. Or hurtful. There was nothing she could think of that wouldn't hurt Essen. But she had to say something. "That's...that's very noble of you. Protecting and saving everyone you can because of the time no one did it for you." That was the best she could come up with. It wasn't great. She knew that. But she hoped that it wouldn't upset Essen. Someone who trusted her enough to tell her this. She would never want to hurt her.

Essen brought Kaylee close, looking into her eyes again. "And to this day, I have not let a single fellow officer or friend perish for circumstances out of their control. Not one. And I promise you, I will do EVERYTHING in my power to keep you safe... being the angel you are, I don't know what would happen if I lost you, especially for something you couldn't control... you're everything to me." Essen's eyes continued to look afraid, but slightly less so - still, she hadn't ever told Kaylee any of this, and finally she had disclosed the very thing that had kept her alive to the point where she met Kaylee. Kaylee already gave Essen another reason to keep going... countless reasons.

Kaylee looked back into Essen's eyes. There was still fear, but it was protected by determination and bravery. And Kaylee couldn't stop looking. She lovingly stared at Essen. A softness in her eyes that spoke volumes. "I... I love you." The words fell from Kaylee's mouth before she had time to think. But she didn't hate the idea. It felt right. She didn't rush into an explanation or a denial. She just waited for Essen to say something back.

Essen heard those words, and it didn't immediately process for her at first - but once they did, Essen's stomach filled with butterflies. Never before had she felt this - and she was certainly unsure of how to handle it. But if there was one thing she did know how to handle... "I-I love you too." Essen's mouth curled up into a smile, as she looked into Kaylee's eyes again, this time, the fear completely leaving her own, and now appearing like those of a Vulcan girl who was ready to take on anything with Kaylee, and devote herself to Kaylee. Before long, Essen's butterflies slowly went away -- she did it. She was with Kaylee, someone who she could love, and someone who loved her back just as much.

A smile overtook Kaylee's face as she almost fell forward into Essen to hug her even tighter than before. She had never felt so happy. She was glad that Essen felt the same way. Tears filled her eyes as she hugged Essen. This was going to be amazing.

As Kaylee practically bear-hugged Essen, Essen felt an even greater energy rush through her - even saying those simple words were enough to bring her to happy tears as well. Essen held Kaylee close, instead of crying out of sadness, she cried out of pure joy. Something also arose in Essen's voice, something she herself didn't really think through saying, but she felt even better after doing so... "Y-you're my Kaylee."

After a few moments of letting everything sink in, Kaylee spoke up again. "So are we still on for lunch? Although, I suppose at this time it would be dinner... Or just some drinks?" Kaylee gently grasped Essen's hand as she spoke, giving three quick squeezes after she was done.

Essen blushed upon feeling Kaylee squeeze her hands three times, and almost turned beet-red from her blushing so much. "So you mean... a date?" Essen smiled. "Because if so... you won't hear me complain about a date with you." Essen gave three quick squeezes of Kaylee's hand as well, smiling at her, almost swooning as she did.

"Yeah! I uh, know a place we could go at the food court?" Kaylee asked, still holding Essen's hand. She was getting excited. Maybe they could go to the holodeck some other time.

Essen smiled - their first date! Or, rather, their first uninterrupted date. Either way, Essen was just as excited as Kaylee! "Lead the way, beautiful," Essen said. Standing up from their spots, Essen kept hold of Kaylee's hand while slipping on her boots with her free hand.

Kaylee glanced back at Essen, waiting for her to be ready to leave before walking out of the room. "I plan too, my love." Kaylee lead them out of the room, down the hall, into the turbolift and down to the food court.

Surprisingly, during this whole escapade with the anomaly causing flickering lights and temporary failure in some systems... Essen stayed perfectly asleep. After a long day, Essen had the rest of it free. No need to worry about duties - or so she thought. But for now, she dozed peacefully in her quarters, almost obnoxiously so. Thank goodness for the fact that she didn't sleep in the same room as her roommate, or else Essen probably would have received a noise complaint for her snoring.

CW: medical condition, fainting Then... The lights went out again before becoming brighter than ever before. And this woke Essen up immediately. The light was so bright and so intense, that it scared Essen reckless. "AAAAAAAHHHHHHH!!!!" Essen screamed as she covered her eyes, in a scream that could send shivers down anyone's spine. Essen scrambled out of bed, still covering her eyes as she was still adjusting to the light. But she almost ran into several pieces of furniture, while her foot did bump into the end table and the wall. "AAAH!" Essen screamed again, before she collapsed onto the ground, her breathing rapidly increasing. It was getting too much for her to handle. Then, she started to hear things that definitely didn't sound like they came from the ship or the computer. Ghoulish sounds. Echoing... Essen hit her communicator badge immediately before covering her ears. Was this actually real?! It couldn't be... It couldn't!!! [COMMS] "Kaylee... Or anyone in Medical! Doc?! Where are you!? Help me, Kaylee, I'm having a nightmare and I can't wake up! Please... Doc?! Help me!!" Although, if there was a hidden camera, it would have made for a very entertaining prank on Essen. Perhaps it was entertaining for the ghosts! The shock and awe was too much for Essen. Her eyes rolled back into her head, and she fainted, thankfully falling to the side of her bed, and not causing any injuries whatsoever. (edited)

Ten was sitting in an office in the medical wing, trying to repair Tricorder. He didn't want to take it to engineering, he almost felt bad for harming it and responsible. He had very little idea what he was doing though. He had a PADD to the side and was reading technical manuals on the tricorder trying to get it back to working to no avail. His comms badge beeped “Help me, Kaylee, I'm having a nightmare and I can't wake up! Please... Doc?! Help me!!" These repairs would have to wait. He pushed his com badge and responded. [Comms] “This is Lieutenant Junior grade Ten of Four Five, it would appear you are in fact awake since you are communicating with me, just stay calm.” He paused for a moment getting no response, then tried once more “Mam? Do you copy?” “Computer please tell me who sent that last message” Ten asked the computer “The previous transmission originated from the quarters of Lieutenant Junior Grade Essen and Lieutenant Junior Grade T’keest. Message was sent by Lieutenant Junior Grade Essen.” The computer responded. Ten Quickly got up from the desk leaving Tricorder behind, As he left the sickbay he grabbed a first aid kit and headed towards quarters, just in case. “Computer Status of Essen.” He asked as he was quickly making his way. “Status…of….is….” The computer responded then let out static. “It is okay Computer. I know something is wrong with you, thank you for trying.” He sighed. [Comms] Ten tapped his badge “Ten of Four Five to Kaylee Valkyrie and Essen. I am on route to your quarters from sickbay, Computer is having issues detecting you, please respond as soon as you can with your status.”

[COMMS] "....."

Ten hastily walked over to the sickbay transporter with a first aid kit in hand and transported over to the front door of their quarters. He materialized in front of their quarters and rang the intercom “Medical override Ten Delta Victor, unlock and open the door.” He requested The door opened about halfway in response “Close enough” He said to himself, turning to the side and fitting his way into the room. He squeezed his body in, however the first aid kit was in his hand and he dropped it in the hallway as the door closed on him. He brushed himself off and walked over to Esssen who was on the ground next to her bed. He read her pulse via her wrist and nodded then visually looked her over. Without a Tricorder he would have to rely on his own intuition. He lightly tapped her arm after reading a good pulse in an attempt to wake her.

Kaylee entered the room through the barely open door and saw Ten over Essen, who was now unconscious. Or...possibly dead? Kaylee slowly approached Ten and Essen. Calm down Kaylee, she's fine. She's gonna be fine. "Doctor? Is..is she okay?"

Ten continued looking her over, seeing there was no injuries. He nodded in response to Kaylee "I believe she is just unconscious. I am unsure if she was in her bed when she called me or she called after falling out. I can not determine for certain since Computer is sick right now and Tricorder is, well Tricorder is in the shop. I dropped a first aid kit on my way in, it is in the hallway, could you grab that for me please. "

Kaylee nodded as relief washed over her. She almost leapt out of the room and grabbed the first aid kit. She brought it into the room and set it next to Ten. "What happened to your tricorder? Do you still have it?" Kaylee had a few tools strapped to her on a belt, maybe she could try to fix it? Or just mend it enough to get it to work again.

Then, stirs... Ever so slightly. But still, stirs... Essen shifted slightly. Muffled mumbling. Slight movements, signs that she was regaining control. Essen's toes twitched. Her hands grabbed the ground where she could to regain traction. "No...no...gotta...wake up..." Essen began saying, more clearly, until... Her eyes opened, just barely, noticing her princess standing above her. With the bright lights, Essen believed that far worse had happened. "Ka....Kaylee? Am I dead? Is this the afterlife?"

Kaylee had wished she'd spent some time trying to get the damn lights off, but it was too late now. She grasped at one of Essen's hands and smiled. "Well, I thought so for a second... but thankfully you're alive!" Kaylee didn't know the status of the station yet, the lights were too bright in there that she didn't even notice the yellow alert. "What happened? You weren't hurt were you? You weren't attacked??"

Essen's eyes could barely open more than they were right at this second. At least Kaylee was there... Kaylee always made everything better. Without a doubt... everything. "N-no," Essen said, her voice slurring as her mind attempted to lurch back into motion. "Are there like ghosts here?? On the starbase?" Essen realized this, and not even grabbing her red headband, although still thankfully in her uniform, tried to stand up, although almost falling due to her balance being off kilter. "WhooOOAAAaaa... They're gonna... WHOA! They need us! They're gonna...whoa... Call us."

"My Arm malfunctioned and broke her, I was trying to repair her myself, when you called she is back in my office. I will get her fixed later once the station is off yellow alert.” He grabbed the Tricorder from the first aid kit and scanned Essen “For now I can use this one, it is fine.” He responded as he was looking over the readings. He thoroughly scanned her while helping her to her feet, up and down, seeing there was nothing physically wrong he walked over to the replicator. “Glass of ice water please,” he requested. The Replicatior materialized one glass full of ice cubes and one glass full of water, Ten shrugged grabbed the glass of water and brought it over to Essen. “Please drink this, I am looking at your readings here and there doesnt apear to be any issues. You said you where having trouble sleeping? Or was it that you where having a nightmare? Are you experiencing any pressing symptoms right now?”

Essen took sips from the glass of water, beginning to feel a little more stable, but still not able to stand on her own yet. The water definitely helped, however. "Thanks, Doc," Essen said, motioning to the water. "I guess I didn't have an actual nightmare. I was in a nap, and all of a sudden, the lights got super bright, how they are now. I started hearing things! Almost like... Laughs? Mischievous ones. Eerie tones? Something like that. It makes sense if there are ghosts on the starbase." Essen rubbed her head, before approaching Kaylee and hugging her, partially for balance, but just to be close to Kaylee again. "Thanks for saving me, princess," Essen said, giving Kaylee a small kiss on the cheek. "I... Probably would have been knocked out cold for a while if it weren't for you and Doc."

Kaylee stood off to the side a little, letting Ten help Essen at first, but approached slowly as Essen stood up to hug her. "Are you feeling okay? I was...kinda worried." Kaylee hugged her back, feeling like a weight was lifted from her as Essen was awake now, she was so worried for her.

Essen blinked a few times, keeping Kaylee close as she needed to maintain her balance. "I'm... A little woozy," Essen said. "The more I'm able to keep myself up, though, the better, I think... The water helps." Essen kept Kaylee close while taking a few more sips of her water. She took a few deep breaths in, trying to reintroduce stronger blood flow into her system. "If I pass out again, please... promise me you'll tell Lieutenant Commander Pog," Essen said. "That goes for both of you...just so he knows where I am..." Essen wasn't nearly as worried about Tevis anymore, as much as keeping her own body in good enough condition to even function properly. She dug her feet into the carpet to ensure she had enough traction to stay up, while having Kaylee close really helped. "I'm scared, Kaylee..." Essen said. "I'm so scared... This isn't like those tribbles..."

Kaylee nodded an affirmative for the telling Tevis if it happens again, but when she heard Essen say she was scared, that hit Kaylee deep. Her eyes filled with tears which she tried to blink away before Essen could see. That hit Kaylee in her soul, hearing that from her. "I know. Me too. But we'll be okay. Everything will be fine. I know it."

“It is normal to be woozy, after passing out.” He went back over to the replicator, this time pressing a few buttons rather than speaking anything. It materialized a few packets of a dissolvable powder, he scanned the packets with the tricorder to verify they printed correctly then nodded. He handed one to Essen. “Here put some of this in your water it contains electrolytes and various nutrients. It is good for headaches.” He let out a soft grin handing the packet to her. “They taste like strawberries.”

Essen glanced over at Ten, holding out the small packet of pink powder. It looked kind of like Pixie Stix... But Essen ignored that and eagerly took the powder packet. "You're amazing Doc, thank you," Essen replied, ripping open the packet and pouring it into her water. She gently swirled the water around to mix the powder evenly before drinking the new and improved water. "Mmm! It does taste like strawberries," Essen said. "It feels like this might take a while to kick in. Hopefully I'll be back up and ready for it anyone calls us. Am I presentable?" Aside from Essen's uniform, she didn't even have her red headband, her boots, or her phaser. Her hair was a slight mess.

Ten set the rest of the packets on the nightstand next tot the bed and packed up his kit "My Roommate from academy's hangover cure actually. And we have already been called on, the station is in yellow alert. And you are medically fit for duty so you should report to your respective stations. Let me or a medical staff know if you have any other issues." Ten packed up his kit and tossed it over his shoulder. Carfully wiggling his way out of there half open room and making his way back to sickbay

Essen's eyes popped open. "Wha-- yellow alert?!" Essen almost fell over again, realizing this was the very thing that got her in trouble last time. She didn't care about a stupid headband. She practically almost dove for her phaser, picking it up before nearly collapsing again. "Kaylee," Essen said. "We gotta get moving! Come on!" Before opening the door and waiting for Kaylee - she'd need Kaylee as support to stay upright.

Kaylee almost dashed over to her, but stopped to grab the headband. She...she just wasn't herself without it. She out it on Essen's head softly with a smile. "There, now we can go. No need to worry though, I was at my post, and you were having a 'medical emergency'. We won't get in any trouble." Kaylee was then ready to leave, she stood next to the door, with Essen. Let's kick these ghosties asses. For scaring her girlfriend they weren't leaving this station alive. Wait...

Essen quickly put on her headband before slipping on her boots. "Thanks, babe," Essen said, smiling at Kaylee. Kaylee was such a good girlfriend!! Then, she heard the announcement over the #pa-system. Those were their names! "Let's go, honey." Essen put her arm around Kaylee for support before heading in the direction of the #airlock.

Essen opened the door and strolled inside with Kaylee. She was so happy, and so carefree, she and Kaylee just had her first date, she was so excited for where their relationship would lead them next. "I... Hope I did good for our first date," Essen said. "I don't really know how to do that sort of stuff that well. It's my first time. But I hope it was good enough for you... You deserve only the best." Essen gazed upon her girlfriend with innocent eyes once more, simply in awe of the beautiful young woman standing across from her.

Kaylee hugged Essen tightly. Really tightly. "You did, it was perfect! How could you even begin to think you didn't do well?" As Kaylee hugged Essen, despite how much she loved it, she couldn't help but think, what if Essen didn't? I mean, as far as Kaylee was aware, Essen was a Vulcan. Those guys take touch and hand-holding very seriously. And don't tend to like it. She slowly retreated from the hug, with a strange feeling in her stomach. It felt like guilt, but why did she feel guilty? Its not like she knew, right? "Um, if I ever do anything that makes you uncomfortable, you'd tell me? Like, if you didn't like the hugs, or the hand holding, or anything. You would, right?"

As Essen felt Kaylee's hug, she felt like she had done something that was honestly bigger than herself or bigger than either of them had realized. This relationship was the beginning. A new beginning. For both of them. A new beginning where life could just be... Peaceful. Fulfilling. And joyful. Now that they were together. But when Kaylee asked Essen about her comfortability levels, Essen immediately smiled and looked Kaylee right in the eye. "Of course, babe!" Essen replied. "You haven't made me uncomfortable at all, you haven't done anything to upset me. All of this? I've needed it since I was a kid, honestly! I haven't had as much support from anyone like this as much as you." As if she read Kaylee's mind again, Essen realized what she was meaning to say. "Ah, I'm guessing it's because I'm a Vulcan. And trust me, you're not wrong for having that concern! But you don't have to worry about upsetting me in the slightest." Essen then sat down on her bed, and looked up at Kaylee. "What about you? Have I done anything to upset you or make you uncomfortable? If I did then you'd tell me too, right? I want to make sure I'm handling this in as healthy of a way as I can. It's super healthy that you brought this up, really!"

Kaylee felt so much relief as Essen assured her. She was so worried that she made Essen uncomfortable, and it all just vanished as quickly as it came on. "I'm so happy. I...I'm quite a touchy-feely person when it comes to affection. But I realised I never really asked." As they both sat down on Essen's bed, Kaylee carefully considered Essen's question. Had she? Not that Kaylee could think of. "You haven't. I've been perfectly comfortable and happy with you thus far." As the two sat there, Kaylee felt nothing but love for Essen. Love, care all of it. Everything told her that Essen was the person she wanted to be with.

Essen smiled and also let out a sigh of relief. She also felt so happy and in love with Kaylee, she couldn't even quantify it. "Awww, baby girl," Essen said, staring lovingly into Kaylee's eyes. "I just love you. So much." Then Essen had an idea. "You know... How about something outside both our comfort zones? You wanna... Dance?" Essen definitely took a leap of faith - she wasn't necessarily a dancer by nature, but she certainly wasn't turning down the opportunity if Kaylee agreed to it.

Kaylee gazed lovingly back. She couldn't put her love for Essen into words. "D..Dance? I uh, I...I haven't danced since...since high school, we did some dancing there.." Kaylee took Essen's hand and gave Essen a dancing twirl around. Just a bit of fun before she agreed. "But I'd never say no to a dance. Do you have some Music in mind?"

Essen let out a giddy giggle as Kaylee twirled under her hand, and she immediately knew Kaylee was down to dance. She was excited - her first dance with her baby girl! Essen thought for a moment, considering her options... Then, she got an idea. "Maybe we don't have to dance in just one style," Essen said. "Maybe... Somewhere Only We Know, and then I'll put on one of my songs." Essen looked into her girlfriend's eyes, gazing into them, feeling lighter than a feather, and reeling in her mind. She just loved Kaylee. And she was starting to love Kaylee even more in the best ways. "Shall I have this dance with you, my sweet?" Essen said, holding her hand out for Kaylee to take, gentlemanly like. (edited)

Kaylee had never been more ready for a dance in her life. As they both prepared to dance, she couldn't help but being reminded of high school. She didn't have any partners at the time so she danced with he friends or other people who didn't have partners. But now? Now she had Essen. Someone she loved and cared about and was happy with. She couldn't wait to dance with Essen. To some of her favourite music too. "Yes." was the only word coming to Kaylee's mind as she took Essen's hand.

Essen smiled genuinely, more than she had in a while, before she turned her head to address the computer. "Computer, play Somewhere Only We Know by Keane." [D] And without any hesitation, the song began. Essen gently took Kaylee into her arms, arranging her hands to be able to do a waltz-whatever hybrid that she knew how to do. Then, it was just a step to the left, and then a step to the right -- no, not the Time Warp, silly. Essen gracefully waltzed with Kaylee, before improvising a little and doing the hand-twirl that Kaylee did to her before. During this whole thing - her smile practically stretched off her face. And then, as they reached a part where they could both take it easy, a slower bit of the song, Essen's brow furrowed in curiosity. "Hmmm... Babe? What's your favorite dog breed? Just... Asking for a friend." Wink!

Kaylee danced with Essen. Enjoying the graceful waltz and the twirls. Softly singing along to the music too. A wide smile on her face and a soft happiness in her eyes as she gazed at Essen. "Oh? My...my favourite breed of dog? Hmm...a Samoyed, yknow? The big white fluffy ones!" She spoke enthusiastically, clearly excited about even just thinking about her favourite dog. "My parents never let me adopt one. Too much fur to clean up they said."

Essen thought for a second while dancing with Kaylee - but it did take longer because she was just so focused on Kaylee. And her unending, only-growing love for Kaylee. "Hmm... I think I know which ones you're talking about," Essen began. "Samoyed. I'll have to remember that!" Through her voice Essen clearly hinted at something else relating to the Samoyed dog - perhaps they'd get one someday... Sooner than Kaylee would expect. As the two continued dancing and waltzing together, the song reached the bridge, to the point where Essen simply took Kaylee in her arms, and held her close, touching her forehead against Kaylee's, and almost touching noses. Essen legitimately couldn't describe her own love for Kaylee in adequate words to come close to what she felt for Kaylee. It was greater than even she knew. And now they were... Taking their first dance, holding each other close, and feeling more whole than ever. Together.

Kaylee smiled at the seemingly random question. Not getting the subtle hint, clearly. "Well, do you have a favourite dog breed?" She managed to ask just atfer the bridge. A beautiful moment between the two at their closest point in their dance. Words escaped Kaylee as she tried to find a way to describe her love for Essen. She just knew that Essen was the one she loved, and that was that.

Essen kept Kaylee close, feeling her energy absorb into her, and hoping Kaylee would absorb her energy as well. They were like fuel cells for each other, filling each other up and keeping each other whole... And Essen loved it. "My favorite dog breed? Is whatever your favorite dog breed is, my love," Essen said, smiling. "Although... My favorite was already the Samoyed too." Essen let out another giddy giggle, which caused her to shift around slightly, letting their noses touch a few times as she laughed. She hoped that she would be able to live such a long, happy, full life with Kaylee... She would make it so. For Kaylee. Forever.

As the song concluded, Kaylee hugged Essen tight. Laughing and giggling as well. Full of so much happiness she thought she was going to explode. "I can't express my love for you in words. I just feel so much...happiness, pride, just....a warm, light feeling whenever you're around." Kaylee started to try to think of more songs to dance to. Something more upbeat, happier maybe? But she didn't find anything, not yet. Thinking of songs was hard when she was so distracted by Essen, and the love she felt for her.

Essen let out another giddy giggle when Kaylee hugged her and expressed her love for her. It never got old, in fact, it just kept getting better! "Baby girl, you're the sun in my entire daytime sky, you're the moon in my night. You're my everything too," Essen said, keeping their foreheads together. Then, when the song ended, Essen got an idea. "Hmm... Maybe we can add a little more energy into the music? I think you might like this one." Turning her head to the side, Essen said, "computer. Play Cirice by Ghost." The first acoustic guitar notes rung out, to which Essen slowly let Kaylee go, but stayed close. "We might need a little more space to dance to this one. It's a lot more of a headbanging song. If you don't know what that means, just watch me!" Then, the electric guitars teased that the song would intensify. The eerily dissonant chords welled up in volume as the synthesized orchestra backed it up, and the cymbals rolled into a heavy, metal-inspired iteration of the intro, with all guitars, bass and drums at full volume. Essen demonstrated the headbang, rocking her head back and forth, making sure to stay close enough to Kaylee to dance with her, but far enough so that they didn't bonk heads when they headbanged. "YEEEEAH!!!"

Kaylee heard the song come on, a little confused at first, what a turnaround from what they were just dancing to. But slowly she started to like it, it wasn't too bad. She softly head banged also. She'd seen people do it before, but had never done much more than a small head bob to a nice beat. "Yeah!" She cried out a short 'yeah' in response to Essen's. Gently vibing, if you will.

The song was powerful enough to elicit this response in Essen, who kept on headbanging as the heavy guitars and bass accompanied the pounding drum beat, filling the room with an energy that they could feel underneath them as the bass dropped. Essen began to sing along, stopping her headbanging but keeping up the same energy, taking Kaylee in her arms. "I feel your presence amongst us... You cannot hide in the darkness... Can you hear the rumble? Can you hear the rumble that's calling? I know your soul is not tainted Even though you've been told so Can you hear the rumble? Can you hear the rumble that's calling?" The song took a much more melodic turn. Essen put her hands on Kaylee's shoulders and stared lovingly into her eyes. "I can feel the thunder that's breaking in your heart... I can see through the scars inside you... I can feel the thunder that's breaking in your heart... I can see through the scars inside you..." Aaaand the music kicked back up to its heavy rock nature, and with that, Essen stepped away to give Kaylee space before she promptly began headbanging to the music again.

Kaylee could feel the beat of the drums and the guitars, as her heartbeat synced up with the drums. She'd never exactly head banged before, but she saw that Essen was enjoying it. And then Essen pulled her in closer and sung the lyrics to her. Is that how it felt for Essen when Kaylee sang? A soft but warm feeling inside that just fills you with happiness and joy. When Essen stepped away to continue head banging, Kaylee couldn't help but wonder how she didn't get a headache when she did. But, Kaylee gently bopped her head to the beat.

Essen's body just rocked along with the beat, of course keeping distance from Kaylee so both could headbang safely but still wanting her close. Who could have thought, such a short time ago, that Essen would be so lucky to be dancing with Kaylee, her girlfriend? Kaylee, someone who Essen thought she'd never encounter. Before meeting Kaylee, Essen thought her own existence as a person was just destined to be barren, fruitless, and lonely... ...and now, Kaylee gave her purpose. She gave her confidence. She reminded Essen why she got out of bed in the morning. Kaylee was the sun to Essen's moon. Essen was incomplete before Kaylee... And even that showed in the next lyrics. "A candle casting a faint glow... You and I see eye to eye... Can you hear the thunder? How can you hear the thunder that's breaking? Now there is nothing between us... From now our merge is eternal..." Then, the music toned down in pace again. Essen returned to Kaylee, placing her hands on her shoulders again. "This next bit is like you talking to me and guiding me in the right direction," Essen said hypothetically, preparing for the next lyrics: "Can't you see that you're lost?" What? Essen proposed that Kaylee told her she was lost? What was that supposed to-- "Can't you see that you're lost without me?" Oh. Well that made sense! Kaylee provided direction for Essen, and Essen surely was lost before Kaylee. This was a song that, for Essen, her own voice and Kaylee's voice sang... together. (edited)

Kaylee almost couldn't believe she got this lucky. Meeting someone so unique, but also someone who really gets her, and is able to be themselves around her was amazing. [D] The pair continued to dance, sing and have a great time for the rest of the night, eventually settling down for some movies. Now for Essen to find that Samoyed dog...

"Mako! Sit. Good boy! Mako... fetch! Go get it! Good boy! Who's such a good boy?? You're such a good boy!" Bright white furred blurs across the floor, as Essen instructed Mako in the best way she could to ensure discipline and respect to both him and Kaylee. He, in truth, was getting very good at following commands, and he was quickly learning discipline from Essen. She didn't even know she had it in her, those dog trainer tendencies. But alas, here Mako was, being the best little boi, the gentlest giant ever. Just how she had wanted him to be for both her and Kaylee. Essen had since gotten Mako a few more dog toys to keep in her quarters, while Kaylee had others in hers from her Christmas stocking. It seemed Mako had a few favorite toys in both locations, specifically this one being an Enterprise-A dog toy. Heh. Who knew? Welp, time was getting near for Essen's tattoo appointment, and she really only had time to do it now, plus apparently the artist did housecalls! Maybe they liked dogs too? Essen would be excited to see.

And here Dani was! Ready for a housecall with all her equipment, along with her PADD. This was her first housecall so far since arriving on the station, and he was excited, as the client hadn’t said what they wanted when booking appointment, and she always loved surprises. She eagerly bounded towards the door and pressed the chime, ready to give her first tattoo on the station.

The familiar ring of the doorbell made Essen glance over toward the door of her quarters, as she knew who was going to be approaching and knocking on the door. Aha! Early - that made things easier for Essen in the end! For Mako, however, the ring of the doorbell startled him and his ears perked up along with the rest of his body in time. "No, Mako," Essen said. "It's just the--" Too late. Bark! Bark bark! Bark! Bark bark bark!* "Shhh! Quiet!" *Essen said, although that did not stop the barking. Ah yes, new friends were always something. "Come on in, please!" Essen called out. "Don't mind the dog, I've got him."

At the sound of a very eager and dutiful pupper in the quarters, she couldn't help but smile, thinking of her family's silver lab 'Hedy' back home, and how eager the old girl was whenever the doorbell rang. At the signal to enter, she walked through into the quarters, giving Essen a bright smile and a wave, along with bending down slightly and greeting the doggo too. "Yo! I'm Dani Baldwin from Skin Deep Tattoos! I'm here to make whatever sick design you have into a totally radical tat!" She said with an excited nod to the Vulcan.

Essen's excitement only grew as she watched the tattoo artist enter into the room. Goodness, this was a decision that she never thought she'd have the ability to make, given how busy she was with Academy and several commissions. Now? She'd be able to get her very own tattoo - and not only for artistic reasons. Given the hullaballoo about the most recent mission with the Undine, Essen wanted a tattoo for safety reasons as well. But she'd get into that when she discussed with Dani. In the meantime, Mako was about to make a jump for Dani. "Wait, Mako," Essen said. "Wait... wait... wait... aaaaaand... go get her!" With that, Mako trotted towards Dani to give Dani a thousand doggo kisses! "Sorry about him, I can keep him under control if you want. He loves new people, you're no exception. Dani, huh? Nice to meetcha! I'm Essen, tactical. And this is Mako, she's my and my girlfriend's new Samoyed puppy."

As soon as Essen let Mako free, Dani crouched down to pet the dog happily as Essen spoke, making sure to keep her focus primarily on the Vulcan, as she didn't want to miss any important information, as in her profession, one couldn't really make mistakes too often. "No, you're like totally fine! He's totally adorable!" She said, valley girl accent as present as ever. "And to to meet you too Mako! Whosagoodboy!" She said, patting his head, before returning her full attention back to her client. "So! Whats like, the plan? Or would you like to brainstorm something totally tubular with me in the moment?" She asked, mentally going down the checklist of things she'd need to do before starting the actual process of tattooing.

Essen was already super into Dani's mannerisms - she had never met someone with a valley girl accent before! Essen thought she herself was cool, turns out she didn't know anything about being cool before meeting Dani. Essen wished she had that charisma, that confidence that she... never really had before. Even with her former femme fatale front. But she quickly let that thought pass - she needed to get on with the tattoo. "Well, I was hoping I'd be able to brainstorm with ya if that's okay!" Essen quickly whistled and snapped her fingers. "Mako!" She called to Mako, which prompted the Samoyed to immediately perk its head up towards Essen before trotting to her side. "Sit," Essen said, pointing her finger at the floor, to which Mako obediently sat down beside her. "Good boy." Essen turned back to Dani. "Sooooo long story short, I have a girlfriend, I want a tattoo commemorating us and our relationship. But... I'm not really sure what to get. There are so many options, like big sleeve-like things I've seen or heard about, I'm not really interested in something that big, I am wanting to keep things simple." Essen's tone turned a bit serious. "Plus, I am kind of wanting this tattoo to serve as a-- I don't want to say 'safety precaution'? I don't think you were here for this. A huge away mission just happened where our crew encountered shapeshifters called the Undine. They even had a training drill on being able to defend oneself from nonhuman entities, I'm guessing as a response to the mission. So I kind of want this tattoo to be a way to prove I'm the real me. Something small, easily concealed so that shapeshifters can't see it when trying to impersonate me, but something I can easily uncover in order to prove my identity. That way anyone -- my girlfriend included -- will know it's actually me."

“Thats like, totally fine! I always love to work on something with clients!” She said, activating her PADD and pulling a stylus from her pocket so she could sketch out what Essen wanted. With a grin, she watched as Mako happily did as he was told, and listened as Essen explained what she was thinking. “Well like, first off thats so totally adorable! OMG!” She said, throwing the Vulcan a bright grin. “I will say, like, a relationship tattoo is great! But I’d suggest a tattooing method thats a little less…permanent than the traditional type? I’ve had to cover a lot of tattoos in the past!” She said with a chuckle, thinking of how many names she’d had to cover up with cats or flowers. “Thats just a suggestion of course, customer is always right you know!” She ran a hand along the bottom of her chin in thought as Essen explained further what she was looking for. “Well, if you want something small, I’d say something totally rad and simple like a particular date or location thats special to you or your girlfriend? But something small….you could always get it placed on your collarbone, or maybe the small of your back?” She said, hoping that one of those suggestions would work.

Essen couldn't help but giggle giddily for a second at the 'OMG', jeez, Dani did really get her! "Thank youuuu! You've gotta meet her sometime, she's super sweet, you'd like her!" While Essen would have loved a permanent tattoo to forever commemorate her love for Kaylee, Dani was right. "Oh goodness, yes, a removable one, please," Essen said. "I might need to take the tattoo off for safety reasons too! Who knows if I'm ever put on a mission where the tattoo could be a giveaway? There have been missions in the past where disguises were necessary so I should be able to take it off if need be. Good thinking!" Essen didn't have any inclination about covering up the name or number. She now had safety in mind first. Then, Essen watched closely as Dani thought up ideas. As soon as the date was brought up... Essen's eyes popped open. "Yes! Yesss!" Essen exclaimed. "The day she and I met! September 20th, 2413. I still remember it to the day... But anyway! That's small enough that it could fittttt..." She said as she considered her options. Small of her back? Eh, maybe, although it would be difficult to uncover in case she needed to prove her identity. "Just above the collarbone could work! That way I can just..." With that, she pulled the collar of her uniform away slightly. "Uncover it like this, and then..." She let go. "Cover it back up!"

Dani threw Essen a happy/pleased smile hearing that she liked the idea, and nodded along as she spoke, taking down furious notes and half-baked sketches. “Ok! I can totally work with that!” She said, thinking about all the other factors. “So, now I just need to like, know what kind of style, size and colors you were thinking? We could do the traditional black ink, or maybe something wild like a pride flag? Or an important color to you?”

Essen excitedly perked up when Dani indicated she could work with everything she was saying - and holy crap, she was taking notes fast! She decided to slow down just a little bit. "Hey, awesome!" She said. "Style? Uhhh... Something that takes a minute to look at to understand. Almost subliminal. Maybe... Roman numerals? In like a fancy gothic font? Aaaand... I think basic jet black can work! Want to keep this simple so if we need to take it off and put it back on, you won't have to break your back having to do it! The simpler the better, I'd say." Essen jokingly turned to Mako. "Right, Mako?" With that, the dog eagerly approached Essen and started giving her a thousand doggo kisses! "He-hehehehey! Down, boy," Essen said. With that Mako obediently sat back down beside Essen.

Dani quickly scribbled down a sketch matching Essen’s description, focusing intently on the screen, until after a few minutes she finally looked back up and gave the Vulcan an eager, excited smile. “Ready? This is gonna look totally sick!” She said, before turning the PADD around in a near perfect visualization to what Essen had described. “Let me know if theres any specific changes you’d like to make, this is just like, a first draft.”

Essen was a bit too occupied with Mako to really process that Dani was done already, but when she did, she did her best to calm Mako down. "Mako," Essen said, prompting Mako to stop in his tracks. "Lay down." With that, Mako hopped off the bed and made his way over to the small doggie bed that was right next to the door. It seemed like he had worked up a bit of energy, but was tired out as soon as he began. So, he sat down on the bed before curling up into what looked like a position in where he'd fall asleep. Awwwww! Such a good boy! Essen took a look at the sketch - what the?! It was nearly PERFECT! Who was this Dani? Some sort of psychic? It was JUST as Essen had imagined it! "Whoa..." Essen could barely form words for a moment. "It's... nearly perfect. All it needs is just a bullet in between each of the different numbers so you can tell which is the day, month and year, but that's super picky. You literally nailed it! Of course thank you but seriously, great job!"

Dani practically beamed at the praise, glad that she could get so close on her first try, especially given how important of a tattoo this would be. She took a moment to think about the edits, before turning to look back up at Essen with a look of curiosity. “A bullet? Like from an old-style firearm? I think that could be like, totally sick looking!” She said, before quickly scribbling that idea in a sketch right next to the previous one, also making two others with a traditional bullet point and slashes between the numbers, wanting to give her client multiple options. With a light, but determined expression, she turned the PADD back around to show Essen the options, hoping that atleast one of them got close to what she was looking for.

It was as if Essen and Dani were literally handing each other a big ball of energy to exchange between each other back and forth, they got so excited with this whole operation. Essen especially was happy with this, Dani got what she was looking for literally almost immediately! This was going to be great. A sick tattoo, designed as a safety measure, and easily removable for any emergency reason, or if needed for a disguise for work. It was perfect! "Yeah, try that out, let's see how it looks!" Essen was so fascinated by Dani's speed and creative mind, especially at said speed, for making something so in-depth and comprehensive. Even though it was small! Essen had mad respect for Dani, especially when she turned the PADD back around to show Essen the designs she made. "Oh Em Gee! The bullets between the dates are legit precise!! It's ready. Thank you so much, Dani!! I'm hyped for this!!"

“Yooo! Ok! Let’s do this!” She said, eyes wide with excitement, before setting the PADD down and walking over to the replicator. With the push of a few buttons, she had all the equipment needed for the tattoo, and gestured for Essen to sit on one of the chairs. “So, like, we’ll be using the print method for this, so it totally shouldn’t take very long, or hurt! It’s chill for real!” She said, before taking a separate PADD loaded with the release form and handed it to the Vulcan. “Ok, I just need you to sign these, saying that we’re good to do the tattoo house-call and get started!”

Essen eagerly scurried over to the chair nearest Dani that she gestured to, and sat down without any hesitation. She expected the tattoo to come first right away, but Dani was certainly a good tattoo artist by providing release forms. How considerate! Dani certainly had done this for a while, it seemed, and she was incredible at her job! Essen respected the hell out of Dani for being not only so talented already but being so considerate. With that, Essen eagerly took the PADD and signed her name on each part of the form where required. Fancy print blah blah filler filler mumbo jumbo, sign sign sign. It's not like Dani was now allowed to sell Essen's soul to the devil or anything. So, within a few seconds, Essen was done. "There! I hope that's all filled out correctly," she said.

Dani took a quick look at the paperwork, before nodding and throwing Essen a thumbs up. “Tubular! We can like, totally get started now!” She said, before pressing a few controls to file the paperwork, then put the PADD with the rest of the equipment and gloved up. She powered up the tattoo printer and double checked that the file was loaded in, before throwing Essen a look to make sure she was ready. “You all good to go my dude?” She said, as the device whined slightly, noting that the preheat sequence had finished and was ready to operate.

It took a veritable amount of effort to contain herself - this was perfect. In every single way. Had someone given Dani a raise lately? If not, they better! In all seriousness, Essen was impressed by Dani's professionalism and promptness in all this. Within what felt like seconds she was ready! That truly impressed Essen. It was like Dani held a PhD in tattoo design! She wouldn't be surprised if that was the case! However she sliced it, Essen prepared herself, stretching her neck by doing some gentle head rolls so she could go through this safely, just in case. Upon Dani's confirmation that all of the equipment was ready, Essen gave her an eager nod. "Let's do this!"

She was grateful to have such an eager client, something that she hadn’t always encountered, especially with those getting their first tattoo. Though, she supposed with modern tattooing technology it was a lot less stressful for both the artist and client now than it was say, in the 20th or 21st century. She could imagine that those not adequately prepared, the ink-and-needle style permanent tattoos could be nerve wracking. She gave Essen one last wide smile before activating the device. Essen would feel a tingly sensation for several seconds, and then one bone-chilling gust of air, and just as quickly as it had started, the device was whining back to idle and it was done. Dani pulled back and deactivated the printer, pulling out a mirror from her pocket and handing it to Essen so she could see the results. “Not so bad! Like, let me know what you think!”

Essen literally FELT the adrenaline course through her veins as Dani prepared to put the tattoo onto her neck - this was it. It was happening!! The commitment not only to Kaylee, but to everyone else around her, to safety, and to overall peace of mind - but don't forget about Kaylee - was now going to be printed onto her neck. Essen never had a tattoo before, so this was something that would change her life. Well, maybe not too much, but still enough to make an impact. Essen loosened herself up and held still until... Oop! It tingled! Whoa... Essen thought, this was very different than the needles she'd seen others use to get tattoos. She figured Dani had those at the actual shop, so maybe it would-- OOH! And there was the gust of air! Essen flinched at that, not expecting the gust of air, but it was quick, just like the gust was. "Huh! That's it? That wasn't too bad," Essen said, before she knew it, the mirror which she took from Dani showcased her new tattoo. "It's... it's perfect... oh my GAWD! Dani you're legit amazing! Thank you a hundred times over, this is so fun! Let's see..." Essen released her uniform collar to hide the tattoo. "Alright, hidden, some shapeshifters wouldn't be able to see this. And then, you or my girlfriend want me to prove my identity, just say, 'show me your neck,' aaaaand..." And she pulled at her collar, showcasing the fresh tattoo. "Boom! Everyone's safe, and I showcase my love for my girlfriend in the process!"

Dani practically beamed at seeing Essen like the finished product, having always appreciated the process of seeing a tattoo through from start to finish, especially when the client loved it. "Radical! I'm so glad you like it dude!" She said with a bright grin and a nod, before taking all the equipment back to the replicator and recycling it, and then just cleaning up. "If there's anything more I can do for you down the road, just hit my line!" She said, throwing up a peace sign and taking her leave.