More Fixing the Fixer Part II
Posted on Fri Jun 9th, 2023 @ 1:49pm by Lieutenant Vura
Edited on on Tue Jun 20th, 2023 @ 7:42pm
0 words; about a 1 minute read
Mission:
Episode 14 - The Poseidon Adventure
Location: New York Delicatessen - Poseidon Station
Timeline: MD008 1200 hra
Paisley laughed. "Well, he will just have to use his imagination as to what I wear under my uniform. Jokes on him, though, it's definitely not what he thinks it is," she said. Her only hang up about her body was that she wasn't well endowed, and on the skinny side-she needed to fill out some, but her breasts were a hopeless cause, she was afraid. Even still, it was a minor hang-up, and certainly hadn't stopped her in the past from enjoying some sins of the flesh. Or any other kinds of sins, for that matter.
"Do you think that Romulans would even APPRECIATE lacy underwear, or are they too logical for that?!" She shrugged. "See you..." she sang again, as she headed down the hallway, off to find the same swimsuit/lingerie/women's accessories shop she'd visited earlier when she'd first met the Romulans. Vura was correct-plain underclothes and things could be had from the general replicators, but she wanted something CUTE. She wasn't particularly well-endowed, and she needed SOMETHING to distract from the scales and her under-developed body. The hells of being half-Lizard!!
Vura was not going to be caught dead in a Starfleet Uniform on the Promenade. So she took the time to change into a purple V-neck ruffled hemmed dress that flared outwards, which made Vura believe that it gave her more shape for her body. She rushed out to the "Olde New York," her heels making a click-clack on the floor as she debonairly hurried to the restaurant to meet her friend.
Paisley was already seated at a diner table, her pink sunglasses on again, sipping a glass of sparkling lemonade. The lady behind the counter said it was an "Italian soda," whatever that was, but Paisley didn't care. It was delicious. "Hey, Vura," she said, waving, as she set the glass down. As the woman approached, she smiled. "How do you always look so nice? Do you keep a cache of formal wear in your office?" Paisley considered a moment; that was actually a good idea. She was surrounded by shopping bags, having had a successful morning of finding not just underwear sets but also bathing suits, and couple new outfits. Yes, she could replicate all of this, but it was a nice excuse to wander around, looking cute, and people watch. The Carjoran was a social creature, and she wasn't about to be caught dead in a boring place like the mess hall or something off duty!
"This?" Vura asked pulling out her purple dress from the sides. "This is nothing. Just a casual outfit. But I'll keep you around, if for no other reason than the constant flattery." She sat down smiling warmly at Paisley. "You know, I was thinking. When we're done eating, we could go down to the Siren's Kiss on deck 70. We can find something nice for you for your Romulans, or Mr. Turner." She giggled lightly, knowing that she was picking at a sore spot with Paisley. "I saw it the other day on the way to Tasty Toppings."
Paisley smiled, but picked up a bag. "Already went there!! I got a cute bikini. If that's your CASUAL dress, I want to see what you look like VERY dressed up," she said. "Go order something! This isn't a place where they come and take your order, you order there and then they bring it out to you," she explained. "IF you're hungry." She didn't want to sound bossy. Just then, a younger man, maybe an older teenager, actually, appeared with Paisley's lunch-a Cobb salad and a Reuben sandwich, with a dill pickle slice. "Thanks," she said. "They have cheesecake, too. They ALSO do good bagels and schmear," she said, "Or so I have heard; haven't managed to have breakfast outside of the Mess Hall yet."
"Oh!" Vura exclaimed. "I'll be right back, but I'm definitely keeping you, Paisley. You always know how to make a gal feel good." With that, Vura headed over to the counter and after a great deal of hemming and hawing finally settled on a corned beef sandwich. After placing her order, she obediently left and went to sit back at the table with Paisley.
She waited for Vura to return and settle in before she went on. "I kissed one of the Romulans the other night," she said, picking up her sandwich, and biting into it.
"Did you now?" Vura asked curiously. "Tell me all about it."
As Vura went to the counter to place her order for lunch, Paisley thought about the best way to tell Vura what had happened. It was a blur, really. How much would she share in a public place? The people behind the desk APPEARED human, but for all she knew, they could be empaths and overhear her!
Finally, Vura sat back down with her drink. "What'd you decide on? And that's funny. It's not flattery if it's TRUE!!" Paisley had always considered herself a mostly plain looking, every day kind of person. She wasn't exotic like the Andorians and Orions. She wasn't even kind of unusual, like a full Bajoran or something. She was a mixed-race child of a terrible man, and it weighed on her sometimes.
"Well....after a bunch of us from the ship went out, I had met them at the very end. So later, we went out, just the three of us, plus their friend, who is actually Andorian. We played pool-you know we don't have that on Cardassia Prime?-and then...we went to a spa and had some fun, and finally...welll....there was a hotel and a hot tub and....you know." She blushed a tiny bit. "But it was just the one Romulan...the other one I kissed the next day!" She didn't want Vura to get any ideas about what kind of woman she was! She paused to sip her drink. "And then I've had to work both days in between-we're not SUPPOSED to, but I don't trust the Station engineers with my tubes and panels, so I am-and so I haven't seen any of them again, but tonight, we're going to go out again in town!" She was excited. "Maybe you could come along? If you'd like, I don't think anyone will mind," she said. "Besides, Naxen-that's the Bajoran-is a bit older, like you, so she might appreciate not having to babysit," Paisley said.
"Older, am I?" Vura asked with a scrutinizing glare. "Am I showing wrinkles?" she asked concerned. She immediately pulled out a compact mirror and started looking into it. Convinced that she looked in tip top shape after poking and prodding at her face, Vura frowned at Paisley, "You were teasing me, weren't you? Older indeed," she said half disappointed and half relieved.
Her corned beef sandwich arrived and was placed in front of her. She rubbed her hands in anticipation. "So, you had yourself a bit of a good time, did you? Good for you! And another night of it coming. Maybe I will have to find that Deltan on the ship...."
Paisley laughed. "Yes, I was teasing you. But at any rate, you can come...AND bring the other Deltan," she winked, but took a bite of her sandwich. It was weird that they had both ordered nearly the same thing. After she finished, she spoke again. "But yes. Two days. Two Romulans. Maybe a third one, I'll pick up a random townsperson," she smiled wickedly. "I understand it's pretty tropical; warm, sandy beaches, and palm trees. Apparently, the townsfolk are at least tolerant of the Federation. I won't wear my uniform-maybe they're friendly to the Cardassians," she said.
"Just wear your earring and you will definitely get looks," Vura replied giggling hysterically. "I'm sorry. You know that I adore you, Paisley, but the looks on so many confused people would be worth it!" She took a bite into her sandwich and Paisley got to watch, by now familiar routine to her, Vura savoring every second of the first bite.
Paisley laughed heartily. "Yeah, and so will the Marines when I am hauled in for indecency," she said. "BUT it would, indeed, be worth it!" She said. "Even better! I'll make Turner be my bodyguard with the promise I will leave him alone for the rest of his miserable life if he does. Then when I prance out fully nude..." She nearly didn't cover her mouth before the snorting laughter came out. She really was kind of mean, sometimes. "I wouldn't give him the satisfaction, but I do like to think about it," she said. "I TOLD you the food was good. I actually only happened on it the first day we docked; I was STARVING from duty and they were the only thing open!"
"Still focused on Mr. Turner, are you?" Vura responded, raising her painted on right eyebrow. "I have to say, Paisely, I think you're obsessed with the boy. Why don't you just claim him already, or do you want to continue living in denial?"
Paisley nearly choked on her sandwich. After a sip of her drink, she recovered smoothly. "The only thing I am focused on is making his life miserable until such time I get bored with it," she said. "Besides, you can't date colleagues even if I WAS interested, which I am not. It's WAAYYY too messy. We talked about this," she said. "He IS on my mind, but only because Dr. O'Rourke thinks I should try to approach him again. She says she's sure it was all "misunderstandings." I don't think so, but if it'll keep you both off my back, I will do it," she said. She thought for a moment. Inviting him to the Counselor's office would be a gas, but only for HER, though she COULD use a neutral person around. She sighed. "I just have to figure out when. I see the girls tonight, so that won't work. Maybe tomorrow after duty," she said. "Which, YES, I KNOOWWWW I am supposed to let the station Engineers do, but I don't trust them to do my job correctly." Maybe she was a tiny bit of a control freak.
"I'm not on your back, Paisley," Vura responded with a light shrug. "You keep bringing him up. One has to wonder why. I don't even have the Romulan women's names, but Mr. Turner, you mention him by name all the time." Again, she shrugged apologetically. "Your subconscious is clearly telling you something that your mind is not listening to."
She then changed subjects to something that Paisley would be more comfortable. "Now, you let ops do their job and you have fun. You're entitled to off time, young lady." Vura waggled a finger in Paisley's direction as she playfully scolded Paisley. "No excuses."
"Kiruna, and Lalia." Paisley said. "I didn't tell you on purpose. I didn't ask them if I can tell people. Turner doesn't get the same courtesy because he is staff," she said. "Kiruna was yesterday, Lalia is today. Turns out they're not actually twins, they just look a lot alike," she said. "Naxen is the Bajoran," she said. "You know what? On second thought, maybe it WAS a good thing I didn't have any sisters." She said, wryly. "I never work TOO much, just clean up what they did. How this station is still standing is beyond me," she said. Nothing was ever up to her exacting standards-the only part of her Cardassian half she DID relate to. "The two Romulans are security, and the Bajoran is a scientist...I think?" Truthfully, Paisley paid her less attention. "I get the feeling that the Bajoran is more or less the keeper of the others-they look up to her like an older sister." It was difficult to explain, but that's the vibe she'd gotten. "At least. I THINK. I should probably ask. At any rate, we're leaving soon, so I can't get too involved." She shrugged.
"Not every relationship has to be long term, Paisley. Nothing wrong with having fun."
She nodded, through another bite of Reuben. "I know. I AM having fun while I am here. Just...you know. It's hard. I'd expect YOU of all people to know that. You can't quite get what you need to scratch that itch, even if that itch is just cuddling with someone long enough to fall asleep." She said. "But it's not outside the realm of possibility that something permanent happens." She said. "I am not opposed to it. Just don't want the pain of goodbyes if I can help it." She sighed, but forked up some salad. It would be easier if StarFleet just issued her a long-term partner with her sea pack.
Paisley did not know she hit a nerve and Vura did not bother to show it. Not being with anyone was problematic for a Deltan, but being without her true love, that caring touch was much more painful. And her advice that she was about to give was not something she herself could accept. "Change is part of life, Paisley. Goodbyes are normal. We just hope that most of them are farewells, rather than permanent goodbyes."
She sighed. "I guess. I don't know. Maybe I need to practice them. Maybe I need to learn to relax. I don't know." She said. "Believe it or not, I didn't have many friends growing up-they were polite to the mixed-race child, but ONLY because my father's military achievements gave him graces others would not get," she said. "But not many kids were allowed to play with me, and the ones that were, kind of fell away as we got older. I never felt like I fit in anywhere until I joined StarFleet, and even still...I don't always understand other races' norms." She said. She took another bite of her food, and then swallowed the bite before continuing. "So all of the good-byes I HAVE had have been...not good." She shrugged again.
"Well," Vura responded with a small chuckle. "You would have to study liftetimes in order to determine what the norms of other races are, Pasiley. Either that or go into my line of work, which is constantly evolving, so, still at least my lifetime, right?"
Reflexively, she reached her hand out towards Paisley and then rapidly stopped it short, grabbing her own sandwich instead. "Look, Paisley, you have to learn to enjoy the moments and not worry about the future. There's an old Deltan saying, 'Yesterday's the past. Tomorrow's the future. But today is a gift, and that is why it is called the present. Enjoy the gift you have been given."
Paisley made a face. "I don't think the Deltans have a monopoly on that quote," she said. "But maybe you're right. I guess I don't need to know every race's customs, and I don't need to worry about goodbyes. We will be back. Someday." She said. "I can always take leave if I need to, I guess," she said. She sighed, but sipped her drink. "What about you? Do you worry about saying goodbye to the folks you've met here? Surely, you've connected with SOMEONE, even cerebrally," she said, as she deconstructed the egg from her salad.
"Worry about saying goodbye to anyone here? No," she said honestly. "As to connecting with people, certainly I have. I mean, I think I have spent more of my free time with you, Paisley, than anyone else so far. "
Paisley blushed a little. "If I am monopolizing your time, or annoying you, tell me," she said. "I don't always pick up on social cues AND I tend to attach quickly to people," she said. "Especially ones who are nice to me." She giggled. "And you are." She said. "I am trying to make other friends besides the ladies in Engineering, and you, now," she explained. "It's just kind of hard when you're an adult and stuck in old habits," she sighed. She bit into the egg, the yolk first, then the white.
Vura just watched Paisely. It was interesting to her to watch Paisley be more uncertain and humble. She even watched how Paisley started to hide and sulk by biting into her meal. Vura just gave Paisley a motherly smile and said, "Paisley my dear, I am a counselor. I'm perfectly adept at telling someone to bugger off if I wanted to."
Paisley brightened a little. "I know! I just..." she trailed off. She didn't want to seem clingy or weird. "I expect you'd tell me if I were suffocating you, and l would, in turn," she said. She ate more of the salad. "How's your lunch?" She asked...more subject changing. She couldn't physically leave this time-she had too many bags to make a quick exit, but she COULD change the subject.
"It is sensation evoking," Vura replied gleefully, her smile widening and her teeth showing as she picked up her sandwich. "And what more could a Deltan hope for?" she asked before taking another bite. She chewed this bite thoroughly before swallowing. "The problem with eating the same thing, though, is that it is hard to generate new sensations after the first bite."
Paisley nodded. "You can finish mine, if you want. It's essentially the same but with the addition of Sauerkraut and Thousand Island dressing, instead of mayonnaise," she said. "But I won't finish it, it's HUGE." The sandwich was roughly the size of her face. "If not, I'll take it with me. Someone in the office will eat it," she said. They weren't particularly picky types-the activity level of their jobs required them to calorie load and that lead to often sharing food.
"This Cobb is good, though. If I didn't know better, I'd think these are REAL eggs," she said, as opposed to whatever native bird lived here. Maybe they were. "Also, I don't want you to be late returning," she said.
"The nice thing about being a counselor is that I do not always have to be in uniform," Vura confided. "I think Starfleet allows that so that people can feel more comfortable with us in our sessions. Honestly, though, I like to be dressed like this. It is more comfortable. But, since I don't know what the Commodore prefers, I'm not pushing him too hard yet."
She then looked at Paisley's food and said, "Well, if you're not going to eat it all, I certainly would love to try yours. Do you want to cut off a slice for me? Like I said earlier, after the first bite or two, the wonder and sensations are not as enjoyable. But that first bite...." She leaned back in her chair and sighed, as if recovering from orgasmic bliss.
Paisley nodded, and cut Vura a large piece. "There you go," she said, passing it to the woman with her fork. "Enjoy," she said. "I think that the Commodore tends to let us do as we please so long as our work is getting done," she said. "Or at least, that's the impression I get." She said. She finished her drink, and leaned back. "What are your plans for the evening?" Small talk now.
"What I meant, Paisley, is that I don't necessarily have to be in a uniform ON duty. That's where I don't want to push yet on the Commodore." She took the sandwich piece that was offered to her, picked it up, and took a large bite. A muffled, "OHhhhh," came out of Vura's mouth before she continued, "Mmmm" and closed her eyes.
By now, Paisley knew that Vura was going to have to enjoy this for quite some time before she would come back to answer the question about her evening plans. When Vura finally did smile, Paisley answered, "I don't know. I'll go where the winds blow me."
Paisley nodded. "Good idea. I need to learn to do that," she said. "There's a seafood restaurant on the same deck as Tasty Toppings," she said. "I don't know if you like or CAN eat seafood, but it might be delicious for you," she said. "My offer to come with me still stands," she said, "As well. I got a new dress. It's blue," she said. "I'll show you someday." She smiled as Vura involved herself with the rest of her sandwich. "Yeah, that Kraut is especially pungent," she laughed.
"I can eat seafood. I don't have any allergies that I know of, so I will definitely have to try it." When Paisley mentioned the dress, Vura tilted her head. "A blue dress? For a pretty Romulan, I suspect? I cannot wait to see it!"
Paisley smirked. "Yes," she said. "It's the only color that doesn't look weird with the grey tone I have," she sighed. "Damn reptilian ancestors!" She laughed. "At least we've bred with enough humanoids to not be like....the Gorn or Breen." She shrugged. "Not that there's anything wrong with them, besides the whole Dominion thing, but I just can't imagine trying to find clothes or uniforms to fit a full lizard body!" She exclaimed. "Some of our more, uh...underdeveloped countrymen still are very reptilian and it's a bit tough." Now she was full on chattering about nonsense, trying to fill the gap between lulls in conversation and time to leave. But also, her brain tended to tie two unrelated things to one instance-in this case, mention of a dress equaled body types/builds of unrelated species.
"You'll have to tell me how it is! I love Earth type lobster and shrimp," she said. "But I don't eat it often; something in my genetic makeup doesn't sit well with too much of it. It's not an allergy, per se, just...uncomfortable." She shrugged.
Vura sat amused while Paisley rambled on about her heritage. She seemed to fall back on this a great deal whenever she was uncomfortable or just filling silence. When Paisley switched back to food, Vura simply responded, "If you're interested in eating those things, you might want to make an appointment with the doctor and see if something can be done to make it not bother you."
Paisley nodded. "I have. They hyposprays are generally temporary. It's because something in the mix of the reptilian and humanoid backgrounds cancels out an enzyme. I think?" She shrugged. "A doctor explained it once but I didn't totally understand. I understand that it's just because I am mixed race with a reptilian and humanoid mix. I'm leaning towards the Cardassian being the problem," she said. She was now mostly finished with her meal, but was lingering around because she didn't want to leave yet. "I'll be right back, that cheesecake has my name on it!" She stood up to go order her dessert.
Musically laughing, Vura answered, "I'll be right here and maybe I'll steal a bite of that, too." With that, she sunk her teeth back into her sandwich.
Paisley returned a moment later with the dessert, and another lemonade-soda concoction. "You're welcome to some," she said, digging into the treat. This one was a traditional style one, but with Maraschino cherry topping. It was a bit cloyingly sweet than she liked but she'd need the sugar hit and the carbs for her afternoon of primping. It took a LOT to look this good when you're half-Lizard! "I hope you don't have too many patients today. You need the time to explore the Station, too. Definitely check out the Siren's Kiss," she smirked. "If for no other reason than I need the laugh when you describe the faces of the people in there when a gorgeous Deltan comes sailing in." She paused to eat again. "Have you seen the art store? You mentioned you like pottery. I don't really do art, but if you'd like someone to accompany you, I'd be happy to," she said.
"I've been to the art store," Vura confessed, trying hard not to think about having been there with Merrick. "It is quite extensive. I may choose to go back and get some more pencils and other supplies." She thought for a moment and asked, "Did I ever tell you that I sketched for a hobby? I'm not sure that I did."
Paisley raised an eyebrow. "You have? Are you cheating on me?" She laughed. "Well, good for you! You didn't tell me, but it makes sense, really. Quite the artiste," she said, pronouncing it as "art-EEST". "Too bad it's so expensive. I do like to draw sometimes; I am not very good at it but I do try. Maybe someday you can come over and see my drawings," she waggled an eyebrow. It sounded like a cheesy pick-up line. "I do mostly animals. Cats, really." Faces, at that. She'd doodled all the time in school.
"I had no idea that you were into bestiality," Vura teased. "Must be the lizard in you?" she continued. She ignored the pickup line comment. If only Paisley knew that she had done just that with Merrick, though not quite that way. "I'm alright with art. I do enjoy it but you should see what it's like back on Delta IV.' She sighed. "Some of the street graffiti would make you weep. I'm lucky to put a few lines together."
Paisley laughed. "That's not what I meant!" She calmed down a little from the giggles. "If anything came from the Lizard half, it would more likely be EATING cats, really." The thought turned her stomach. " I would love to see that someday. But maybe from the safety of the holodeck," she said. Were outsiders even allowed, all things considered? It seemed unwise. "Well. We'll scrap the art store. Have you seen anything else interesting on your explorations?" She asked.
"Oh, my, have I? Have you been to the White Stag?" She gave Paisley a knowing wink and grin. "If you go there, tell Mickey that I sent ye. Say it just like that. He'll appreciate it."
She shook her head. "Dare I ask?" She asked. "I will do that." Her interest was piqued. "What kind of shop is it?" She put down her fork to give Vura her full attention. It was only polite, after all.
"Not a shop. It is a bar," Vura told Paisley simply. "Mickey's the bartender. He is quite a charmer. Or maybe I charmed him. I don't know. It is always very difficult to tell."
She smiled. "Ah, I see. I will check it out," she said. "It's been a bit since I've had a proper drink that wasn't the Synthol," she said. "Are you charming vulnerable young men, and then dropping them like yesterday's laundry?" She smiled. "Good! It's good practice." She giggled. "I like to do it myself. Maybe I'll go there straight from here." She said. "A vodka cranberry would calm my nerves." Actually, it wouldn't-probably nothing would.
"He's not young," Vura informed Paisley. "But if you want to go, perhaps I'll come with you. It was a good time. I do need to warn you, though, there's a bit of a hazing ritual."
Paisley raised an eyebrow. "You're welcome to come if you don't need to get back. Tell me about the ritual. Or what you CAN." She was interested. It couldn't be worse than the others she'd gone through.
"I'm not sure if I should," Vura admitted. "It was not exactly a secret, though, as I recall it." She audible considered, "Hmmmm."
Paisley made a face. "You know, it IS your job as Chief Counselor to ensure that the crew is emotionally safe," she said. She had no idea what Vura's job duties actually were, of course, but it sounded good. She crossed her arms over her chest. "Fine, don't tell me. I want to be surprised, anyway. I am a Cardassian, damn it!" She shook her head. "Do you want to finish my cheesecake?" She asked Vura, handing her the plate. "I'm full!"
"Oh, there's nothing unsafe about the ritual, I assure you." Vura smiled, actually enjoying Paisley squirming. She knew it was wrong to enjoy it but Paisley doing it was so amusing that she could not resist. There was a fine line, she knew, and she did not want to lose her friend, but the pouts.... They were something.
"You're not Cardassian. You're Cajoran," Vura reminded Paisely. "And a darn cute one from where I sit. Now, if you're offering cheesecake, who am I to refuse?" She took the plate and a fork and cut into the cheesecake purposefully. Taking a bite, she let the textures sit in her mouth as her tongue slowly felt ever millimeter of the cake. "MmmmMmmMMMMM," Vura intoned.
"Yes, but in this case, today, I am Cardassian," she laughed. She watched Vura eat the dessert. "Good, isn't it?" She laughed again. "It was very good. We will definitely need more soon." She sipped the last sip of her drink. "Alright. Show me this bar and then...GO TO WORK!" She said, standing up.
"It is very good," Vura admitted and she took another bite, enjoying it just as much as the first bite. Paisely had likely grown accustomed to Vura's eating and enjoyment of food. She then ate another bite. In between bites she asked, "So, you're really anxious to get there, aren't you?" She grinned devilishly.
She laughed. "I am anxious about what will happen if you're late and someone says they saw you here with me!" She said. "Besides, a nip of Kanar or something will calm my nerves for tonight," she said. "I'm oddly quite nervous, though I don't know why, it went fine yesterday! Maybe someday I'll tell you more about it, if you want to know, but not here where people can HEAR!" She laughed. Once upon a time, she'd have PURPOSELY said things to shock people, but perhaps she was maturing.
"Don't worry about me," Vura responded with a melodious laugh. "I'm a big girl. I can handle myself and any patients quite well. And, I do want to know, Paisley. I want to know everything...." She finished the last bite and said, "Alright you, let's get you to the White Stag."
Paisley smiled. "Only if you're finished! I don't want to rush you," she said, already gathering her bags together. "I should use the transporter to get this stuff back to my quarters," she said, thoughtfully.
A Joint Post By
Ensign Paisley F'rar
Damage Control Specialist, USS Pioneer
Lieutenant Vura
Chief Counselor, USS Pioneer
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