The One About Jamaharon, Part Two
Posted on August 12th, 2015 by Alexis Wright and Kathryn Harper

by Alexis Wright and Kathryn Harper

That evening, Lexy and Kate had dinner alone at a cute little restaurant on the beach. Afterwards, the two suns had both dipped below the horizon and both of Risa’s moons hung high among a blanket of stars, casting their silvery light onto the world below. The pair walked on the wet sand left by the outgoing tide back toward their guest house, holding their sandals in one hand while their free hands were clasped together. A gentle sea breeze lightly brushed at their hair as waves rolled ashore, the water occasionally reaching their bare feet.

Sol was easily visible against the majestic backdrop of the Milky Way. Once she happened to notice the star, Kate pointed it out, much to Lexy’s delight. "Your home star as it was ninety years ago, seemingly so close to mine, but actually vastly far away. Our technology makes it seem so trivial, but that we could come together like this from such distant origins is truly amazing."

“It is,” Lexy murmured in agreement, “but I’m really glad it worked out this way.” She briefly leaned her head on Kate’s shoulder.

"So am I. This is all so nice," Kate said with a contented sigh. "It is wonderful to be home, but even better to be sharing it with you."

Lexy smiled up at Kate and gave her hand a quick squeeze. “I’m happy to be here, too. This is by far the best shore leave I’ve ever taken.”

"It is for me as well," was Kate’s wistful answer. She could not help but to contemplate the pending end of this peaceful vacation as their departure date for the S.T.A.R. mission loomed, and fell into silence for a few minutes.

During the lull in conversation, Lexy thought back over their time on Risa with a smile. Then she cocked her head to the side, remembering something. “Oh hey, there’s something I wanted to ask you. Do you remember on our first day here, you talked about ‘serving tourists’? You didn’t sound very happy about it. What was that all about?” She looked at Kate inquisitively.

Attempting to avoid going into her usual rant on that subject, Kate took a moment to figure out how to best make her point. "Before you met me… and perhaps even after, before you came to know me better, what was the first thing you thought of when someone mentioned Risa?"

Lexy frowned slightly, thinking. “That it’s a pleasure planet, known for beautiful weather and stunning beaches.”

She had been expecting a certain answer and was pleasantly surprised to not get it. "Is that all? This may not apply to you, and if it does not, then I thank you. But what would you think to be the most common thing most people think of when it comes to my homeworld?"

“I don’t know. First and foremost, I thought of it as a resort. Do most people not think of it primarily like that?” At the solemn shake of Kate’s head, Lexy furrowed her brow. “Then I guess I’m not sure… wait. Is it… do you mean the Risans casual attitudes toward… sex?” Lexy blushed, finding her own embarrassment all the more embarrassing.

"That is exactly it. And while that is one part of us, you have seen so much more in your time here already, yes?" Kate gestured in a wide arc with her sandals. "The museums, the food, the music and art, the natural wonders, we have so much more to offer. But do you have any idea how many people have thought I would want to have sex with them for no other reason than that I am Risan? Especially those Ferengi. Ugh!" She shuddered in revulsion.

“I can see how that kind of stereotype would be frustrating,” Lexy replied, nodding her head slowly. “And you’re right, there is so much more to Risa than just that. I’m truly glad I’ve gotten to see it through your eyes. Personally,” she confided, tossing her hair back over her shoulder, “I don’t understand why people make such a big deal about the whole… sex thing, anyway. Then again, I’ve really only done it once… you know, with an actual person outside the holodeck. But it certainly wasn’t anything special.”

Unable to contain the surprise in her widening eyes, Kate turned to look at Lexy, the very notion being alien to her. "Just once? But… why? I mean, if it was nothing special, then he or she must have been quite unskilled…" Even in the moonlight, Lexy’s intensifying blush was apparent, and unlike her mother, Kate noticed. She winced and offered, "Oh, I am sorry, I am embarrassing you."

“No, it’s okay.” Lexy took a deep breath and steeled herself, squaring her shoulders. “I believe he was quite unskilled, as you say. At the time, I thought he was my boyfriend, but I found out that night that he was cheating on me with multiple other women.” She cast a sidelong glance at Kate. “That’s why I asked if you were willing to be… exclusive.”

Kate stopped walking and pulled her close into a reassuring hug. "At the time, I thought you asked that because of our reputation as a species, but now I understand." Pulling back from the hug to look Lexy straight in the eye, she continued, "Do not worry. I will commit to you, and only you, as I said."

Lexy gave Kate a pensive look. “Even though I’m moving so slow? That was his complaint.” She sighed, the tension falling away from her. “No, I trust you. Thank you for understanding.” Leaning in, she brushed her lips against Kate’s.

"Mmmm, it is nothing," Kate purred as their lips separated. "Your ex-boyfriend was a pig, you know. I am comfortable with whatever pace you wish to take."

A giggle bubbled out of Lexy. “Have I told you lately that you’re amazing? Because you are.” She smiled brightly, her eyes shining. “Shall we keep heading back to the house? There’s something there I think I want to show you.”

"How could I say no?" With a grin, she once again entwined her fingers into Lexy’s and the couple resumed their walk.