Two Girls, One Beach
Posted on December 4th, 2007 by T'Kirr and Persephone Busard

T’Kirr and Percy Busard

T’Kirr reached down and picked up her pina colada out of the sand, where it had been wedged securely against the shady corner of her beach chair. Percy insisted she try one, as they were very popular on Earth, and she had consented. After all, it was nothing like that Andorian concoction Jack had served her, whether he meant to or not. She still wasn’t sure what that night was about.

Sipping tentatively, she gazed out over the blue ocean at the wispy tufts of clouds drifting over the horizon. It looked to once be a peaceful place, if it wasn’t bustling with vacationers like themselves. Humans and and other species were mingling about, wearing very little, enjoying the sun. Children were running around with hover kites along the water’s edge, laughing and screaming in delight. T’Kirr peered over at the empty chair next to hers. At least they had managed to get a couple together away from most of the noise.

Returning from the bar, Percy first and foremost noticed the screaming children with a little bit of a frown. Ah kids. If she ever had any, she thought, she’d have to find some way to genetically engineer them to be mute. Still, the beach itself was still gorgeous, children and other vacationers notwithstanding, and the drinks were good. Sticking her own pina colada in the sand, she plopped herself down on the empty beach chair next to her Vulcan associate. Looking down at her bathing suit, she chuckled.

“Sure feels nice to be able to wear one of these without having to worry about the whole “about to be sold into slavery” thing, I have to say. How’s the drink? Not drugged this time, I hope?”

“It is good, “T’Kirr told her, nodding approvingly. “We never got a chance to discuss your experiences after the casino.”

Busard chuckled, shaking her head. “Well, it isn’t all that exciting really. Shelev sold me into slavery, as he is wont to do, and then I found Elizabeth. And then got into a brawl with the guards, just in time to show up on the Horizon with my makeup ruined. So very tragic.”

T’Kirr raised her brows, trying to imagine Percy in such a situation. “A brawl?”

Percy sighed. “Yeah, a brawl. After I got into the holding area and found Elizabeth, some goons showed up and tried to take her away. I tried to keep that from happening, and shortly before getting transported out of that godforsaken place, got the crap beaten out of me. That’s kind of why my face was all broken when you guys picked us up.” She picked up her drink, sipping at it. “Remind me next time I have to go undercover as a slave girl to get better at not getting beat up first.”

Only one of the T’Kirr’s brows perked up this time in response. “Vulcans are trained to a point in martial arts. Perhaps I could help you achieve that goal.”

A smile spread across the engineer’s face. “I think my face would most appreciate that. Still, it wasn’t all bad.” She then leaned in, in a mock-covert fashion. “Don’t tell the boys, but I actually liked the outfit a little.”

T’Kirr returned the expression, if in a somewhat less smiling way. “I will not tell.”

Percy leaned back, stretching in her lounge chair and soaking up the sun. She stayed that way for a few moments, relaxing before speaking again.

“So, about the boys…sorry if this is a tense subject, but you and the Admiral. There seems to be something there beyond officer to officer relationship. Am I wrong?”

T’Kirr looked over sharply, having sudden doubts in certain confidences. “Who told you about such a relationship?”

It was Percy’s turn to quirk an eyebrow. “No one did. I guessed it for myself. You DO act differently around each other, anyhow.”

The engineer’s admission came as a surprise to T’Kirr. She stared out at the water in thought. “He has… feelings for me, yes.”

Busard frowned a little. “I…see. You don’t return them, I take it.”

There was no hesitation. “No.”

Percy just looked at T’Kirr skeptically for several moments. “Really.”

Feeling eyes on her, T’Kirr was unable to keep focus on the water and turned to look at Percy. With as much innocence as she could muster, she replied, “Yes, really.”

There was clear doubt expressed in Percy’s eyes before she turned away to grab a tube of sunblock. “Oh well.” She held out the tube. “Want some?”

With a glance, T’Kirr shook her head. “No, thank you. I don’t need it.”