Star Trek: Starbase 777 - ens-alexander﹢chet

Manolo sat his bag down on his bed. He didn’t have much outside of his clothes, just a brightly colored calavera with dried marigolds in the eyes, and a pair of Raramuri running sandals to go along with a holo of him with his parents on Deep Space 9. “Now…where to put you all” he murmured under his breath. He put the sandals and skull at the foot of the bed, and then the holo on the small nightstand at the top of his head. He was used to this sort of Spartan existence, not only from his 4 years at the Academy, but also from the massive amount of time he spent living in guest quarters on various Starfleet facilities and vessels.

Rummaging through his bag, he found one more memento he had almost forgotten about…his victory targ pelt. He gave it a half annoyed look as he laid it on his bed. He both hated and loved that thing. He hated the look, the feel, and the smell if he forgot to clean it regularly. Yet, it was a reminder of something he’d accomplished…something wild and unexpected. Something that (he hoped) he’s never do again. So there was a level of pride that went with keeping this matted piece of fur. He rolled it back up and placed it at the end of his bed as if it some sort of crude, decorative bolster pillow

5

With that he decided to head out and explore.

Agrippina had been so cordially invited by Niatha to share another dinner with her, something which she didn't mind at all considering how pleasant the sultry Cardassian could be. She had paced down the hall, not too far from her own quarters, making sure that she had the right identification and would not embarrass herself. It did not matter much in the long run, but she liked to keep position impressions. As the moment came, she chimed at the door and waited for a response from inside.

Niatha was waiting, patient little grey crocodile which she was, for Agrippina's arrival, seated neatly at the dining table in casual wear. As soon as the doorbell chimed she was on her feet and answering the door, smiling up at the much taller, more muscular woman in front of her. "Well, look at you, ma'am Roman goddess." She teased, admiring the redhead. "What was this called again? I can't quite remember - the white robes you're wearing?"

"You flatter me, Niatha. And it's a version of the stola, a long cloth folded and wrapped multiple times overtop of a tunica intima, which is a version of a slip." She explained to the friendly reptilian ensign while standing in the doorway. It was easy enough to see the scene that was laid out in the room, it seemed rather pleasant. But her vision focused back on Niatha soon after. "What are the plans for our meal?"

"Have you ever had bangers and mash? It's sausages with mashed potato, onion gravy and peas - and quite popular where my family moved to on Earth when my mother decided to accept a teaching job at Starfleet Academy." Niatha turned and walked deeper into her quarters, over to the replicator, ordering two piping hot plates of said well-known English dish, and turned around with both plates balanced expertly in either hand. "Whatever else happens afterward, I suppose we can figure out as we eat and talk, no?" The young Cardassian brought the dishes over to the dining table, setting them down with a clink. "You must be hungry, after such a long day..."

Agrippina entered into the quarters after Niatha had turned to the replicator, the door shutting behind her. "I cannot say that I have. I was not on Earth very long during my training and did not get to visit many places. I did have a trip to Italy, Greece, and Syria during some time off, but did not accomplish all of the things that I wished." She took a few more steps into the room, looking around at the decor while continuing to speak. "Visiting other parts would be nice, but seeing what were the monuments to the gods had become, decrepit but respected for history was most interesting. But that's something to plan for the future, back to the present. The work hasn't made me hungry, but exercise certainly has and I am ready to eat." She sat down at the table in front of the hot plate.

"Excellent..." Niatha set before her a fork and knife set, as well as a little rammekin of gravy. "Here. Eat... first pickings of the meal to the Roman goddess herself..." Niatha smirked before adding in a less playful tone, "You simply must tell me more about your travels sometime. I am most eager to listen - as I always am..." The young Cardassian sat with her own cutlery set, waiting for Agrippina to get the ball rolling, so to speak...

Agrippina looked down at the plate of food in front of her, she picked up her fork and prodded at the sausage on her plate as if it was alien to her. She didn't typically eat meat that was ground up and put into a casing like this. But her attention changed when Niatha resumed talking. "There really is not much, people were surprised that I made prayers to the gods at the different locations. Terran history has told me that they abandoned the gods I believe in long ago, two millennia at least. But it would be impolite of me to just talk about myself, what is your background? What is your family like?"

"So you might not believe me." Niatha smiled mischievously. "But I have a Caitian for a mother... oh yes, and a Cardassian for a mother too. My Caitian mom is a captain, probably still busy out there. I talk to her sometimes. She loves chocolate." Like I do, she didn't add. Niatha adored chocolate in all forms - especially in pudding form. Mmm. "My other mom works at Starfleet Academy in Earth teaching tactical strategy. How about yours?"

"My mother chose to pursue her own passions while raising a large family, my father is a politician on Magna Roma. In the time of the Empire a mere 100 years ago we were an equestrian-class family descended from a slave who had gone through manumission. We served one of the leading houses on the planet, and followed them to political importance, even when the Empire fell and the Republic came to fruition. My family remains some of the few who believe in the old ways, of gods like Jupiter, Mars, and Venus." She explained, beginning to cut into one of the replicated sausages in front of her, dipping it in the rich onion gravy and then the mashed potatoes, eating it in one bite.

Nia listened attentively as Agrippina spoke. How interesting, she reckoned, to live like that - even if it did sound a bit old-fashioned. "And... you're a priest or something, you said?" She asked. "What was the term again?:

"A haruspex and augur." Agrippina explained to Niatha. "My role as a haruspex is to sacrifice animals, typically sheep, and read their livers to predict events and the wishes of the gods. It also allows me to make certain covenants with the gods, like marking an animal for sacrifice long before it may happen, and they are obligated to protect it. As an augur, I observe natural events to predict paths, originally it surrounded birds primarily, but when we expanded into the stars, it adapted for space events as well." The practices certainly were not the norm, as many species in the galaxy had chosen to disregard religion when they launched into space. "But do not worry, this position does not prevent me from engaging in relations, unlike the priests of my people's other faith."

"'Other faith'? So there are two distinct religions on Magna Roma? What's the other?" She could think of a few - an equivalent of the Greeks, she reckoned, or perhaps a rough equivalent to Christians perhaps? "And if you're here... I'm guessing there are many more people like you back home to do the sacrifices and reading and so on?"

"It's tough to call what I, and many others believe in, a religion like you would with the other faith. There are thousands of stories, and some believe in barbarian pantheons, parallels to the Germanic tribes. And there are faiths that parallel Terran Judaism and Zoroastrianism, but the most prominent one is the Children of the Son, who 70% of the population follow. They parallel Terran Christianity. Not all the people of the planet are Roman like I am, there are those who are Romans, those who are the full citizens, and then the barbarians, but those lines mean little now. Full citizens could be Latins, Etruscans, Gauls, Goths, Greeks, Phoenicians, Egyptians, those who are not descended from the first people of Rome, but assimilated. The barbarians were enemies until peace through treaty or subjugation, they are not considered different from the rest in rank or class, these would be Germans, Ethiopians, Persians, all those who did not assimilate. But everyone shares a united bond under an equal system, and do not see themselves divided by these lines. My fore-bearers before manumission were a mixture of Libyan, Ethiopian, and Phoenician, but before any of that, I am Magna Roman, like almost all of the population thinks of themselves as." With the brief background to religion, ethnicity, and long ago familial history, Agrippina took a breath and ate some more food. "But these are all topics that matter little, and don't much concern you. The topic is like this meal, very heavy." She gave a laugh and a smile at her own joke.

All the terms made her head spin. She was a botanist for god's sake, in charge of plants who were infinitely less complicated and, noticeably, did not also have a multifaceted belief system or label each other as barbarians. Agrippina was right; the topic didn't much matter or concern her. "But I see you like it!" She said with a laugh. "You haven't stopped since we started eating."

"The food is good, nothing I would eat every day, much too heavy compared to my regular palate. But I certainly see the appeal if it was a cold night, or the day had been rainy and one stayed inside, just wanting a warm meal." She took a bit of a break from eating, since it had been a focus for her and she shouldn't rush to eat such a heavy meal.

"English weather down on Earth can be quite cold. Fillling, hearty meals are kind of necessary..." Niatha laughed, polishing off the sausages she'd been nibbling on for the past few minutes. "But I'm glad you see their charm. Have you ever had sticky toffee pudding before?"

"There are areas like that on my planet." It took Agrippina a moment to realize what she said, that's obvious, there are areas like that on almost every planet that shares similarities to Earth. "But my planet is also a lot like Earth in climate, so it isn't surprising. And no, I can't say I have, or that I've even heard of the dish before. What is it like? English I assume, judging by the tendencies of this meal."

"It is. It's sweet, sticky of course and it's the best dessert created by humans in my opinion." Niatha smiled and walked away to the replicator, returning a few seconds later with one medium sized pudding for each of them, which she set on the dining table. "Try one! You'll like it, I promise."

Agrippina looked at the hot substance, topped with a thick caramel sauce and whipped cream. She flicked it, watching it jiggle slightly, not as much as a gelatinous desert would, but seemingly more than a normal cake. She got a bit of sauce on her finger and put it into her mouth to lick it off, it was sweet, extremely so , and very enjoyable, but also very rich. "I feel like I won't be able to get any work done if I had a diet like this. But it should be fine for just one day." Agrippina said, a bit apphrensive as she took a spoon and scooped some of the dessert into her mouth. It was very rich, and very heavy, but also very delicious. She looked at it while calculating her response.

"It's just one day." She said with a soft laugh. "Don't eat it too often and you'll be fine. Besides, we all like to indulge ourselves a little now and then don't we?" Niatha smiled warmly at her.

@Clytemnestra Valeria Agrippina

"I do suppose that it won't be the death of me." Agrippina said while still calculating the taste in her mouth, it was different when it came to texture, soft but not pillowy, decadent but not overly rich. "It is good. I enjoy it."

"Wonderful." Niatha remarked. "Got any other plans for the night? I'm free all night, we could do pretty much anything you want..."

@Clytemnestra Valeria Agrippina

"There is nothing else I had planned other than returning to my quarters to relax myself and then sleep. After a small prayer and simple sacrifice to the gods that is. Unless you have further plans that you'd like to engage in, my schedule is completely open." Agrippina explained while eating her pudding, taking another small bite, keeping a reasonable size to it.

"Maybe if you'd like to stay and talk?" She suggested with a playful cant to her head and a sly smile. "Talk about life... maybe flirt a bit..."

"I am fine with that, talking is always nice to do. What is it you want to talk about?" Agrippina seemed to almost ignore the statement regarding flirting, not that she wouldn't enjoy it, but it just felt a bit early for that to be what they would be doing, at least early in the night that is.

"How about... your perspective on life." Niatha remarked, laying her chin in her palm. "You're basically a priest and a diviner aren't you? Surely you must have a rather fascinating idea of life and its happenings..."

"I could talk for hours about philosophical discussion and the difference in thoughts. There are many differing views on Magna Roma that simulate things like Terran philosophies. There are Cyrenaics and Epicureans, who believe that pleasure is the supreme goal in life, Cyrenaics see that there should be nothing opposing the search for pleasure, they are affiliated with hedonists. Epicureans are much more interesting, they seek not only complete pleasure, but also an avoidance of pain so that they may completely find calmness. I don't agree with them on all topics, I believe that mortal life serve as suppliants of the Fates and gods, and the path to ultimate pleasure is appealing them, but those philosophies reject authority. Neoplatonism is one of the things that most strongly influence the Children of the Sun, they believe that mind exists before matter, but that the universe also has a singular cause and there is one higher being, a one God, which contradicts what I believe." Agrippina explained, philosophical discussion was one of the key tenets of her faith and culture, it served to increase civil discussion on different topics and encourage growth.

"Ahh. I see. Is this why you took up the job of a priest and diviner? To appease your gods by interpreting their messages and futures for your people?' She asked.

@Clytemnestra Valeria Agrippina

"I did it because it felt like my calling to help people. The relationship with the gods is one as suppliants, but as such they are expected to return stuff to us. It's very complex depending on the god, as while everyone believes in all the gods, some have a preference towards one. Militarists have a preference towards Mars or Bellona, Senators have a preference towards Jupiter or Apollo, artists have a preference to Minerva or Bacchus. There is lots of difference, sometimes my prayers go to Mars, but as a priest I also appease certain gods during festivals. Saturn during Saturnalia, Bacchus during Liberalia and Bacchanalia, Vulcan during Vulcanalia. I took my job for the people of Magna Roma, not to appease the gods." She explained to Niatha, she had a small feeling that it was going over the head of the Cardassian, but didn't mind it as it was still fun to explain.

"You accepted the responsibility for your people. I think it's noble, to want to do something for the collective better of your people." She reckoned. "Say. Got a friend whose birthday is pretty soon; wanna come with me? Treat it as a date."

"That would sound quite nice, yes I think I would like to go with you. Is there a certain way that I should dress, or will this be okay?" Agrippina inquired towards Niatha regarding her current outfit, for her it was casual, but didn't know if it would reflect very well to others.

"For a start, try something a little more... extravagant." Niatha suggested with a light smile. "Got a few ideas you might like - it helps if you have a favorite color. Helps to look sexy and refined at such events." She said.

"Purple, Tyrian Purple specifically. It shows off elegance and I just like it a lot." She explained to Niatha, Agrippina was unsure if she really wanted to change her style for a party with someone she had yet to meet, first impressions were important though. But it didn't matter, she trusted Niatha in the end and would let her do what's needed.

"Wonderful. Why don't we get you changed, try things out..." Niatha pulled out her pad to show her a list of styles she had saved. "Use my replicator if you'd like..."

"This one is nice." She pointed to a short dress, it was purple and also seemed like a cross between a robe and a dress. The arms were full length and slightly puffy, hopefully it would fit around her muscles well, and it would go well with traditional sandals and a laurel wreath to top her head. "Do you think it would look good?"

"Nice choice." She said with a smirk. "Why don't you order it from the replicator and see how it fits you?"

She stood from the chair and walked over to the replicator. Making sure she had the right dimensions for the outfit before ordering it. "Where should I change?" She asked while watching the clothes materialize.

"Use my bedroom if you like." She offered.

She went to Niatha's bedroom with the dress and took a moment to change, she folded her previous outfit before stepping out of the bedroom. Her muscles were loosely defined through the arms and her legs were very visible. "Does it look good?"

"Does it look alright?" Nia smirked and sauntered up to her while crossing her arms, admiring the Roman's new look. "You look amazing, girl. You'll turn heds as soon as you step through the door to that events hall, I'm sure of it."

There was a slight blush on her face from the comment by the sultry little lizard. Agrippina didn't seem to really notice it, or get extremely flustered, but the blush definitely told Niatha that she appreciated the compliment. "Thank you Niatha. I do think it needs one more thing though." She walked over to the replicator, and ordered a laurel wreath for her to wear, placing it atop her head to complete the outfit.

"From a princess to a queen." Nia whistled appreciatively. "Now you'll really turn heads... because you'll definitely turn mine any day in that, not that you don't already." She smirked and wrapped her arms round her, lightly.

"You are being too kind about it, Nia. I'm certain that it's not amazing or extremely fancy, I don't want to steal the gaze of people from the individuals who are celebrating their birthday, that would be rude of me." Truth be told, Agrippina didn't mind being told she was sexy, or complimented by others, but then there was a light embrace which felt a bit odd, Agrippina was unsure about what she wanted for a relationship, if she wanted one at this point at all. But a station was much safer than a ship, and she should try to get back into dating, slowly that is.

"The point of a fancy party is to look your best and show off a little. Look, ensign K'Tann and his boyfriend will draw most of the attention in the room with how good they'll look, the former especially. He finds ways to turn heads and draw attention for a living." Whether Niatha was kidding or not was unclear. The Cardassian smirked and pulled away from her and trotted off, ordering something from the replicator. "If you'll give me a few minutes." With that she flounced away into the bedroom and reemerged in a simple figure-hugging red dress. "Like it?" She did a little twirl on the spot.

"It looks really nice with you, it matches your make up really well." She gave a smile while approaching the diminutive Cardassian. From Nia's description, the hosts of this party sounded like quite a bit of fun, and she was eager to meet them at this point. Taking the Cardassians hand lightly in her own, she smiled and set off to go to the event hall.

Hey Nia. Sure thing. I’ll be sure to dress comfy. -Hal

The buzzer at the door sounded.

Niatha lifted off the sofa, upon which she'd been lazing with her legs hanging over the edge, temperature turned up just nice and warm for her as expected for a reptilian. "Computer, return temperature controls to regular levels please - and come in!" She called out. Hopefully her guest (or possibly her roommate's) wouldn't mind the residual warmth.

Hal opened the door. She was wearing a mens tank top and shorts, with a sports bra underneath. She had a PADD and a stylus with her and a big smile on her face. Putting the PADD on the table, she went to hug Niatha. “Hi! How are you, Niatha?”

The hug and smile were both returned in kind, with the Cardassian burrowing her scaly face into the base of Halcyon's neck and arms wrapped round her waist. "I've been wonderful." She murmured with a kiss pressed to her collarbone. "And you?" Well, she assumed. Halcyon certainly looked the part.

“I’m even better now that I’m here.” She kissed her back, happy to see her girlfriend. She hadn’t had a girlfriend for so long. Since Lorin, actually… but everything about their relationship was.. fuzzy.

The Cardassian made a low, soft purr as she pressed herself against her partner. Kind of like a cat, really - but mostly to steal warmth. Reptilians need a lot of it. "So what brings you to my humble abode?" She asked.

“I thought we could hang out. I brought my PADD and stylus, I could draw you if you like.” She replied. She was a good artist, with a realistic style. And Niatha would be the perfect subject.

"Me? A subject of your art? Oh, Hal sweetie, I would be absolutely honored!" The Cardassian grinned. She'd never had anyone offer to draw her before (despite the many other types of gifts she'd gotten in her dating life) - call this time a welcome surprise. "Where would you like me to sit, and do you have a pose in mind?"

“Just get comfy. You don’t need a pose, you’re already beautiful enough. Truly, a work of art, and I haven’t even put the stylus to the PADD yet!” She grinned, and sat down. She unlocked her PADD and went onto her drawing app. Oh, what color to use for Niatha’s clothes? Or her radiant face. So many options.

Niatha opted for the easiest option: settled on her sofa comfortably and smiling her usual dazzling pearly smile.

She started sketching the Cardassian, focusing on the overall form and pose of her body. She’d work on details later, but now she had to get the basics done. “So, you doing anything for Halloween? It’s coming up soon.” She asked.

"Not at the moment - though I like to think of myself as a rather snappy planner." She quipped, staying as still as possible for Hal's sake. She knew art like this required great patience (on both the artist and subject's parts) - which she had in abundance. They did have all day. "Perhaps... a costume party. Or a candy binge. And yourself?"

“I’m going to dress up as Apollo, and Lorin’s going to dress up as Artemis. You know, from Greek mythology? We do group costumes a lot. You could dress up as another Greek god if you wanted? With how beautiful you are, you’d make a great Aphrodite.” With the rough sketch done, Halcyon started to focus on the clothes. How the folds looked, how they hung and draped. The face and hair would come later.

"Aphrodite? The Greek goddess of love? Oh, Hal honey you flatter me." Niatha remarked. "Thank you, though."

Halcyon looked proud of herself. Such high praise from her girlfriend. “I speak nothing but the truth! Plus, I’m sure Lorin could use the company. She’s been a hell of a lot more distant. It’s like she’s not even my friend anymore.” She worked on the face next, trying to capture that radiant smile she had seen before. How the lines were etched into her face, how everything about her seemed to glow.

"Oh? Do you know how she's been of late?" Worry creased her features for a brief moment before dissipating, forced back beneath the surface for Halcyon's sake. Couldn't interrupt the process too much, right? "I know she's been distant - but perhaps simply asking to meet and talk to her might bring the answers you seek?"

“I don’t know. Ever since that scavenger hunt in the holodeck, she’s avoided me like I’ve got the plague. I tried asking why, but she didn’t say anything.” She tried to focus on the drawing. With the face done, she went on to the hands, to get the exact details right.

"Ah. What happened during the scavenger hunt? Anything you might call unusual?" She enquired.

“No. I mean, I made some puns, but nothing that should’ve upset her. My puns aren’t that bad. But she had this kind of blank stare for a minute and came out of it and looked at me kind of weirdly. I mean, she is my ex, but we broke up on good terms and went back to being friends a long time ago.” At least, that’s what Lorin told her. She didn’t actually remember that night after being caught in an explosion caused by a faulty piece of lab equipment. That’s how she got her scar.

"Oh." Niatha canted her head a little. Hopefully Hal was done with her head by then. "Maybe she remembered something else from her past. Something not to do with you, and maybe she doesn't want to hurt you. Hmm?"

“Yeah.. If there’s one woman who keeps secrets even when she shouldn’t, it’s Lorin. We were best friends, and now it’s like she doesn’t even like me. Anyway, what color do you want your clothes to be in this drawing?” She could do any color, really. Though, Niatha did look good in red.

"Put me in something flattering. Red or yellow." She requested. "Why don't I seek out Lorin and find out what's going on? I'm sure she won't mind talking to me."

“Sounds good to me. For both things.” Halcyon picked the colors for her clothes. Yellow pants, and a bright red shirt- shaded to match the folds and dark spots of the real shirt. Now, just the skin, hair and background to go.

"Want something to eat or drink when you're done?" The Cardassian asked. "Drawing me in all my glory must be hungry work..."

“Sure thing! Just gotta finish the background, and it’ll all be done. You’re turning out to be a very good subject to draw.” With the final touches to her drawing, Hal turned it around to show Nia. The drawing was realistic, with Nia, almost goddess-like, in the foreground.

Niatha took a few moments to marvel at Halcyon's work. "Wow." She breathed, slinking over to wrap her arms round her from behind and gently nuzzle her hair. "Do I really look that ethereal to you?" She smiled then, with a faint darker grey playing across her cheeks.

“Absolutely. You’re one of the prettiest girls I’ve ever met; and definitely the prettiest I’ve dated.” She leaned into the hug, putting the PADD and stylus down on the table. Her stomach growled slightly, she hadn’t eaten all day. She’d even settle for that fish pie thing of Niatha’s at this point.

The Cardassian made a little 'oop' against her scalp, and grinned poking her in the shoulder. "You flatter me, Halcyon sweetness - why don't I repay you with dinner. What would you like?"

“I can’t decide. You pick something, maybe? I’ll eat just about anything at this point.” She turned around to hug the Cardassian once more, and got up. She sat down on a nearby chair.

Niatha stood and made her way to the replicator. When she next returned she held a dish containing what looked, and definitely smelled like a good English shepherd's pie. The scent wafted throughout the room, instantly lending a sense of homeliness. "I had this when I met my first boyfriend's parents." She said, sitting down at the dining table with cutlery and plates for them both. "In England. His parents liked me, but his grandmother nearly had a heart attack seeing me, poor old lady..."

“Is that shepherd’s pie? I love that! I’ve had it before.” She sniffed the air, the smell of the dish comforting. Her parents made it sometimes. “Oh, I feel bad for the poor grandma. Unless she was spacist, I don’t like spacists.”

"She was this short old Bajoran lady. Lived through the Occupation and all." She replied with a wan smile while spooning out pieces of shepherd's pie. "She went on about how no member of her family would ever bring a Cardassian home with them, blah blah blah. It hurt to hear."

“That must’ve been horrible for you. I’m sorry.” Niatha was kind, and sweet, and incredibly cute. How could anyone not like her? She took a piece of shepherd’s pie. She took a bite of it, and decided it was good.

"I guess some Bajorans still feel the Occupation. Most of all his grandmother." Niatha slinked back into her seat looking a smidgeon less deflated than before and began to eat, tucking strands of long, dark brown hair behind her ear.

“Yeah.. But, on a less depressing note, the replicator doesn’t mess up shepherd’s pie. I’ll give it that much. I still prefer cooking my own stuff when I can.” She was good at cooking, she knew a lot of good recipes to use.

"I'm not much good. Mind teaching me sometime?" The Cardassian smiled through a spoonful of mashed potatoes. She'd always wanted to learn, but all she'd ever end up with was burned or scalded scales for it.

“Sure thing. You a fan of cupcakes? I was planning on making them soon, if you wanted to learn.” She said. Damn, Niatha was beautiful. Today she felt even more connected to her identity as a lesbian. Whether that was because she was with her beautiful girlfriend was yet to be determined.

A mischievous gleam twinkled in the corner of her eye. Niatha leaned forward, locking eyes with Halcyon. "Teach me." She breathed, pecking her on the nose before pulling back and resuming dinner as if nothing had happened.

“As soon as I can find an oven. So, Niatha, anything interesting you’ve done lately?” She asked, smiling. She had finished her pie, no longer hangry. She closed her eyes in contentment.

"I'd be pleased to tell you all about this new discovery we've made in the labs..." Niatha stood and cleared their empty plates and pie dish before settling on the couch cross-legged. She patted the seat next to her. "Coming, Hal sweetie?"

Hal curled up next to her, leaning on the Cardassian. Hal was a furnace most of the time. Today was no exception. “Oh? Tell me.”

Niatha made a little half whine half purr as she burrowed a little into her girlfriend, wrapping both arms round her body and pressing herself right up to her, soaking in all that wonderful warmth. Perfect. "Well. There's a new plant we're researching. It looks like a Terran sugar snap, it tastes like one too - but it contains absolutely no seeds, and it grows in the middle of the desert on Klaestron IV." She looked up at her with wide, curious green eyes. "Isn't that weird?"

“Whoa.. are they edible? Because they sound delicious.” If they weren’t.. she felt bad for the poor sap who ate one. But if they were, she wanted to eat one.

"They are. And three times more nutritious than normal sugar snaps." She replied while rubbing circles into her arm and nuzzling her neck. "Only thing is we can't figure out how it grows in such hot and dry conditions."

“You tried growing one by recreating the conditions it grows in? That way you could document the process. That’s how I deal with bacteria. Give it a Petri dish to itself and let it go wild.” Hal leaned into Niatha’s touch, sighing. Mmm big strong girlfriend. Lovely.

"Already did. They're growing in a little dome in the botany lab." She said. "We'll see how well they do in a week."

“Best of luck to you and your plants. Considering your botany prowess, perhaps you should dress as Demeter for Halloween!” She joked. She looked at her hands, realizing her black nail polish was coming off. Cheap-ass nail polish, she needed better stuff.

Niatha smiled cheekily. "Maybe." She shifted so that her nose was pressed into the soft, warm flesh of her neck. Mmm. Perfect. "I like the idea of Aphrodite better, though. Think you can get me something suitable?"

“An outfit suitable for the goddess of love herself. I’ll try and get something like that. I have to get myself a toga and a gold laurel crown for my Apollo costume. And a fake bow, if I’m allowed.“ A bow with some foam arrows to gently shoot at people. She had good aim despite her horrible eyesight. Her glasses worked wonders.

The Cardassian laughed. "We'll see. You'll look glorious either way, Hal lovely. Want some hot chocolate? I'm in the mood for some."

“I’d love some hot chocolate. With crushed peppermint, marshmallows, whipped cream. Best drink in the galaxy besides coffee.” She was a big coffee drinker. She wasn’t a big fan of tea. She drank it sometimes, but Lorin was the big tea drinker.

Niatha grinned. "Coming right up." She stalked off to the replicators and returned with two identical mugs of hot chocolate. Mmm. Delicious. "It smells heavenly." She said as she handed one over. "I've never had mint with my hot chocolate before."

“It’s delicious, trust me.” She took a sip, burning her tongue. It was good, but now she couldn’t taste much of anything. She put her cup down and facepalmed. “Wow, that was stupid of me.”

Nia's scaly eyebrows lifted in a mix of concern and amusement as she watched Halcyon scald her own tongue. "Give it a few minutes and see?" She offered, barely able to keep a little smirk off her lips at this point.

“Oh! I have succumbed to the flames of hell! I shall never taste again!” She joked, collapsing on Nia. She was careful to not spill either of their hot chocolates.

"God, Hal. If you want cuddles just ask for cuddles." She let Hal rest her head against her chest, arms round her waist as she pulled her close with a soft purr. "A few minutes and we can try your lovely sugary concoction again. Okay?"

Hal started laughing, and gave Nia a kiss. She reached for her PADD and stylus, managing to grab them without getting up. She opened her drawing app, making sure to save the drawing of Nia. She got to work on something new, concept art for an animated series she wanted to make. It was of a bunch of Academy students, none of them resembling anyone she knew. There was a Bajoran, a Romulan, an Orion, two humans, and an Andorian. She had been thinking about this animation for a while, it would be her biggest project. She likely wouldn’t be able to finish it without help, and definitely not without people to lend their voices. She could voice a few, but not all. “Mhm. I like cuddles. Everyone expects me to just give them, but I’m the biggest softie ever.”

"You don't mind that the one giving you cuddles is covered in scales and has no warmth of her own whatsoever." Nia laughed and pressed a kiss to her forehead.

“Nope, not in the slightest. I don’t mind being a human furnace. It’s one of my best features.” Pathology and body heat, those were her contributions to the galaxy. She decided that two of her characters would have a relationship like her and Niatha. Hmm… who to put together? The two humans? No, then it’d be straight. Ah! She had it! She thought, mentally putting hearts around the Andorian woman and the human woman.

"Awww." Nia yawned and closed her eyes as she nestled her head in her hair. "Stay the night?" She murmured, muffled by Halcyon's purple strands of hair. "Because I don't think I want to let go..."

“I mean, I’m ace, so nothing like that, but yeah we can cuddle. Glad I wore something comfy, I definitely do not recommend sleeping in your Starfleet uniform. Gets uncomfy after a while.” All of Nyx’s OCs were ace for convenience. Hal was no exception. Hal still smelled like 3-in-1 shampoo, body wash, and conditioner. It smelled like Arctic Breeze or whatever the bottle said. It said it was color-safe, and that’s all she cared about.

"That's exactly what I meant, Hal sweetie." Zhs laughed softly. "Wanna move over to the bedroom or something?"

“Sounds good to me. Also, do you want me to send you the picture I drew of you?” She stood up, wondering where the bedroom was. She was in lower-lower-decker quarters here.

Niatha took her by the arm and led her into her somewhat smaller bedroom. "Please." She smiled. "I would love to have it. I might even print it out and frame it, who knows..."

She opened her PADD again, sending the drawing to Nia as she walked. She smiled at the Cardassian. “You were about the best subject I’ve ever drawn.”

"Really? Aww, shucks. If you'll give me a little while to change?" She smiled up at her.

“Fine by me!” Hal looked down at her PADD, watching a compilation of some Captain falling down on the Bridge of some starship on SpaceTube.

The Cardassian slinked off to change and returned in a woolly red sweater and shorts, then lay down on her mattress with a yawn.

Hal climbed in next to her. She also yawned- they were contagious after all, and snuggled close to Nia. “Goodnight, babe.”

"Night, sweet. See you for breakfast." She burrowed into the warmth of Hal's chest and closed her eyes with a content sigh.

Hal closed her eyes, falling asleep to the sound of Nia breathing.