RESUME VACATION

RESUME VACATION

RESUME VACATION

Suzuki> :: walking down a tatami hallway, wearing sandals and a kimono-style robe and carrying a bathing kit, leading her similarly-equipped companions :: Emily/Zorro: It has been a busy few days - hiking, climbing, shopping, experiencing the culture... I thought we could cap it off with a private evening in the onsen.

:: is also wearing the local style, having greatly enjoyed her visit. She nods lightly. :: Suzuki: Sure!

Suzuki> :: slides open the doors leading to the onsen and points to the gender-separated bathing areas :: Both: First, you must disrobe and wash yourself thoroughly. There are small towels provided here for modesty, but you cannot take anything else into the water. Once you are clean, you can enter the hot spring.

: :absently fiddles with his kimono as they walk, wanting to be sure it's right, then looks at the bathring rooms as they arrive :: Jester: Sounds good to me.

:: is briefly surprised at that, but only because of what she's learned of the culture thus far. She nods, already working on undoing the various knots keeping her fabriced ::

:: with Kate and her father, walking away from the theater where they'd just watched her mother's former orchestra perform, the night cooling off comfortably from the heat of the day :: Both: It's been a while since I've seen that particular symphony! It was marvelous!

:: carefully removes the make-up and washes herself, not wanting to disrespect their waters ::

Lexy/Bill: It was! Their performance of Schumann was particularly masterful!

Suzuki> :: moves toward the women's bathing area with Emily, stepping out of her robe and washing herself thoroughly ::

:: enters the designated changing area and loses his clothes, then starts to scrub ::

Bill> Both: Yes, I've always loved that one! You have good taste, Kitty. Not that I didn't know that already. :: conspiratorially nudges his daughter with an elbow ::

::is entering Sol System on final approach to Spacedock, ready to rendezvous with Atlantis::

:: gets herself clean and her hair untwisted. She wraps herself in a towel before turning around, politely gesturing for Suzuki to go first. ::

Bill: Dad! :: giggles ::

:: giggles along with Lexy ::

Suzuki> :: collects a towel and simply drapes it over her shoulder, sliding open another set of doors that separate the bathing area from the serenity of the hot spring ::

:: is glancing through her tablet, enjoying the evening sun while Ethan was out at the hospital, he'd been asked for his opinion on something earlier that day, with a sleeping puppy on her lap ::

::flips through the holoimages she took of the pterosaurs, who are full size now. Somehow they still recognized her even after all this time::

:: emerges from the changing area wearing a towel and takes in the hot spring ::

:: tilts her head before following along, clearly having misread the towel bit.. ::

Suzuki> :: dips in a toe :: Both: The water is very hot, take care.

:: also disturbs the water with his foot to test it ::

::Her shuttle drops out of warp into the vicinity of the space station, and she swoops towards the docking bay and slows, waiting for OPS to guide her in::

:: nods attentively, dipping in her toes as well to test it. She tosses her towel off to the side before stepping down into the spring up to her knees, giving herself time to adjust. ::

:: is at the visitor's center at Starfleet Headquarters, in one of its prime restaurants at a table with no chairs, staring down at a brightly-lit menu on the table ::

Bill> Lexy: It does remind me, though. I have a little gift for you. :: he pulls out a data rod :: While I was going through some old things, I found holo-recordings of dozens of your mother's performances with the symphony, and I made a copy for you. :: smiles ::

ACTION> Starbase Ops guides Tailor's shuttle into the traffic pattern in such a way that puts her on course to fly through the spacedoors and into Atlantis's shuttlebay.

:: her jaw drops as she watches Bill give his daughter such a gift ::

Bill: Oh, dad! This is amazing! :: takes it reverently ::

:: sheds the towel and enters the water, now that he sees how this is going to go ::

Self: Home sweet home... ::is, as always, amazed at how precisely the shuttle is guided into Atlantis' bay, with inches to spare.::

Both: Yes, that is quite warm. :: smirks :: Takes a bit of time to get used to it.

Bill> Lexy: I thought you would like it. :: they enter a park filled with fragrant, blooming flowers :: Both: I want to tell you, I really appreciated the tour of your ship earlier today. It's quite a beauty!

:: slowly wades the rest of the way in, then sinks until only her closed eyes are above water, wild curly hair forming a lily pad around her as she takes in the heat. ::

::Looks around, and down at the menu.:: Kuari: Does this magic food?

Suzuki> :: slips into the water, setting her towel on dry land nearby :: Self: Ahhhh.

::unclicks her seatbelt as the shuttle comes to a complete stop, and stands to collect her things::

:: looks up across the table :: AmberSun> We decide what we want from this menu, and someone brings the food to us.

Suzuki> :: feels her muscles begin to unknot in the heat ::

:: smiles, blinking a few times to clear her eyes :: Bill: I was happy to show her off to you!

:: settles down into the water, taking deep, long breaths ::

:: bobs back up and releases a satisfied sigh before setting herself down on one of the seat-height rocks at the perimeter :: Suzuki: This is really nice. Thank you, again, for everything. I'd never had a good reason to visit Japan before, but I'm glad I did.

::steps out of the shuttle, stretching her legs, it's been a long couple of weeks::

Bill> Kate: Marvelous piece of engineering! And the most important part of it, of course, was meeting my grandcat.

Jester: Same here, I must say. It is quite different from Spain, but I really enjoyed myself.

:: smiles and laughs ::

Kuari: Ok! ::Smiles.::

::hoists her duffel on her shoulder and starts the long walk back to her quarters::

Suzuki> Both: I am very happy to have the opportunity to share it with both of you. :: inclines her head graciously :: Many of the things we saw and did are the kind of things you only do with guests from afar, if you know what I mean.

:: curiously explores the "Classics" section of the menu :: AmberSun> This "Cheeseburger" option looks interesting. It comes in a vegetable version.

:: chuckles :: Suzuki: Oh, I know.

:: chuckles ::Suzuki: Like you never do the touristy things you live near?

Suzuki> :: nods :: Zorro: Exactly.

Bill> Both: But... if you're willing to talk about it... I'm very interested to hear more about the, ah, incident that led to this leave for you...? :: he looks at them, carefully attempting to gauge their emotional responses ::

:: quiets and looks at Kate ::

Bill: That is something that we still cannot explain. :: nods :: But yes, I can talk about it. :: looks over to Lexy ::

:: waves a hand :: Both: I didn't even show you Betazese's tourist trap.

:: nods at Kate in a "go ahead" kind of way ::

:: settles back into the water a bit further somehow ::

Suzuki> Emily: Oh? What is it? :: feels more comfortable around Emily, having spent several days with her at this point ::

::Shakes head.:: Kuari: Will try cheeezzzeburgler! No veggy tables.

Bill: We were stranded in an alien wilderness with nothing more than we had on us in bed, so what can I say other than it was very difficult at first.

Bill: We were separated, as well.

Bill: Yes, seemingly randomly paired off, but some were even alone.

::finally gets to her quarters and taps in the entry code, stepping with a happy sigh through her door::

Bill> Both: The two of you were still together, though.

:: smiles, also much more at ease now, :: Suzuki: Glasfori village has this open-air marketplace thing, it's only even open some seasons, but they'll open it for visitors. :: she shares a picture with the two of them psychically of the village's aesthetic, houses built in and around the branches of trees, scaling stories up with little bridges between them. ::

Both: They have some wicked seasonal challenges, but I respect their ideas.

Bill: After... :: looks to Lexy :: what was it, four days? :: the memory, while there, is still a memory from a year ago ::

Suzuki> :: still not used to psychic pictures ::

Emily: It looks like a fun place, even if it's a tourist trap.

SFHQVC Waiter> :: walks over cautiously towards Kuari and AmberSun, appearing to have lost paper/rock/scissors :: Kuari and AmberSun: W-welcome to Gold Coast Restaurant and Starfleet Headquarters. C-can I take your order?

:: has gotten used to the psychic pictures by now ::

Bill: Kate was with our friend Kuari. I was with a man called Colonel Wolfe. :: she is obviously uncomfortable with the memory ::

:: laughs, shaking her head :: Doc: That's the thing, they built the market somewhere flat. The rest of the village is a death-trap.

Waiter: Hello! ::Jumps up, pressing his snout to their nose, and staring deeply into their eyes.:: Can has Cheeezeburgler?!

Bill: After those miserable first few days, we found a house, and then eventually a city.

Suzuki> :: tilts her head to the side, not understanding ::

SFHQVC Waiter> :: almost falls over :: Umm! :: collects himself :: AmberSun: I...cheeseburger you say? Yes! Um...just one? :: looks the bear alien up and down ::

:: taps her chin, trying again :: Suzuki: The trees grow at different speeds, so the houses are usually straight but the bridges get.. :: she gestures :: ..twisted.

Bill: We set up our base in a hotel there, where we lived for a year.

Waiter: Can have more!!!!???

::plops her duffel down on the floor, and goes to make herself a cup of tea, then settles in with a PADD to send off the data from the pterosaurs to the Daystrom institute::

Bill: Our needs of survival were met, so it was not the worst experience, but we still were stranded somewhere we did not want to be. And apparently that year did not happen, but we remember it. :: shrugs :: Somehow.

Bill: And I have physical artifacts from that place in my quarters.

Bill: It was really scary because.... I thought I would never see you again. :: has tears in her eyes ::

:: can easily see the waiter's distress :: AmberSun: Sit down, Amber Sun... you're scaring him.

Bill: We were apparently twenty thousand years in the past. People longed for their families and friends, for any way to just let them know...

Suzuki> :: nods slowly, understanding ::

:: kinda wants to try that ::

SFHQVC Waiter> :: sticks his order PADD under an arm and indicates the size of a cheeseburger with his hands in front of him, touching his fingertips together :: AmberSun: They're...about this big, each one.

Bill> :: frowns, the gravity of their situation becoming clear to him :: Both: Yes, I can see how that would be distressing.

:: her lighthearted mood now gone, she just nods, looking suddenly rather hollow ::

:: pauses, feeling like she should say something but not having anything to say. Having been in Suzuki's aura for a few days, though, she just falls silent and sinks into the water. ::

Bill: We apparently figured out how to disable whatever brought us there, so we never ended up stranded there at all. But, the memories remain.

::Sniffs the waiter, smelling the fear sweat on him.:: Kuari: Ok! ::Plonks back down on the floor. Nods as he's given an example of the size of this burger.:: Waiter: Could eat many that size! But me no greedy. Try one first. ::Smiles with his canines showing.::

Bill> :: slides an arm over each of their shoulders :: Both: I'm glad my girls both came home safely. I'm so very proud of both of you, you know.

Suzuki> :: enjoys the companionable silence for a while, then speaks up again :: Both: What did you enjoy about the trip? Maybe... next time we can do more of that.

:: immediately, without even thinking :: Suzuki: The food!

:: snuggles up against her father-in-law, the arm and the sentiment bringing her back a bit :: Bill: Thank you. We would have missed such a lovely concert.

SFHQVC Waiter> :: quickly grabs for his PADD, almost dropping it on their table, then taps on it, frowning having tapped the wrong item, then hurriedly fixes it :: AmberSun: Would you like fries with that? :: smiles, thinking he sounds upscale with the classic phrase ::

:: nods in agreement with Emily: ¡Sí! The food was incredible, yes!

::Looks to Kuari.:: Waiter: Baby fish are not filling.

Bill> Kate: Can't have that now, can we? Oh, how are Rolik and Jhnal? It's been a few months since I last talked to them.

:: frowns also, not knowing what fries are, and looks to the waiter ::

:: then pauses to give it a bit more thought, adding, :: Suzuki: That show we saw was amazing. The actors have such a unique discipline. Definitely would like to see more of that. :: she nods :: Suzuki: And the people watching, not gonna lie.

SFHQVC Waiter> AmberSun: They're potatoes.

Bill: They are quite well! They were so worried for us as we told the story, so they spoiled us while we visited.

Suzuki> :: laughed at the food, then nodded at the mention of the show :: Both: It really was fascinating. I had forgotten how much I enjoy the theater.

Waiter: Pohtaytoes?! ::Tilts his head.::

Bill: Sooooooo much food. Jhnal is an amazing chef.

:: nods in agreement :: Suzuki: And I don't think you could have done the style justice. It's different from anything else I've seen on Earth, anyway.

SFHQVC Waiter> AmberSun: Vegetables...never mind. :: takes another look over Amber Sun, frowning, then turns to Kuari ::

Both: Yes, it was definitely unique. I have to add the outdoor things we did as well. This place is beautiful.

:: smiles lightly :: Both: Yeah, I loved the cherry trees.

:: grins at the mention of her mother's cooking ::

:: smiles politely up at the waiter :: SFHQVC Waiter: I'll have the vegetable cheeseburger. I was going to order four, but...I think I'll try one, like Amber Sun's doing. And yes, I would like fries with that. And just water, please, for both of us.

Suzuki> Both: The place where we climbed this morning, I have been climbing there since I was just a girl.

::Continues to smile.::

Bill> Both: I've been thinking, maybe I'll take a trip out to Risa to visit them.

Jester: It's a great spot. I'd certainly like to climb it again.

SFHQVC Waiter> :: taps in the order hurriedly then looks back at both rows of teeth, smiles weakly and hurries off, mumbling something about being right back ::

:: smiles at that :: Suzuki: And I'm sure you know many more great climbing spots.

Suzuki> Emily: You are a good climber. I have some holodeck programs I can share if you would like.

Bill: You should! You could see the real Risa!

:: looks around the restaurant, as one does when waiting for food ::

Bill> Kate: They keep inviting me, but I'm not sure if they're just being polite.

Kuari: Why are waitman be scared? Silly Hooman. ::Chuckles.::

:: nods at that :: Suzuki: I'll send you mine as well, but you may not be impressed.

AmberSun: They're not accustomed to a very large carnivore in their personal space without warning.

: vigorously shakes her head :: Bill: No, they mean it! Mamá always means what she says!

Suzuki> :: laughs again, a subdued but obviously mirthful sound :: Emily: I'm not judging you.

Both: I see that I need to get better at climbing to keep up with you two.

Bill> Both: Well, then! Perhaps I will go!

Kuari: Hoomans still silly. ::Waits cheerfully for the food to arrive.::

Bill: With the new slipstream-equipped passenger transports, it is not even a long trip.

SFHQVC Waiter> :: brings two plates, a single cheeseburger set on the edge of the table near Amber Sun, the closest the waiter is willing to go towards the bear, and a cheeseburger-looking item with fries on the side in front of Kuari, and two waters in large metal bowls which aren't breakable ::

:: laughs in response, shrugging :: Both: I usually climb out of necessity, or for a view. So my programs are more aesthetic than exercising. But I do like a challenge. :: she smirks at Doc ::

:: smiles politely and thanks the waiter, knowing her manners, then sniffs at her burger and fries ::

Suzuki> Zorro: I'll make sure to find ways to incentivize you.

:: grins, teasing :: Suzuki: Put a bottle of booze at the peak. :: she makes a dangling gesture with her fingers ::

Both: I had never really done it much before meeting you two, but it is great fun and exercise, so I might as well. :: smirks at Jester ::

Waiter: Thaaahhhhnk you! ::Sniffs the burger.:: Kuari: Heated meat! ::Devours the burger in a single gigantic bite, without even chewing.::

:: smiles at Amber Sun, refreshed to have someone else that eats typically small portions presented to her quickly, and gently lifts the burger with her thin pointy tongue into her mouth ::

Kuari: Taste goood! Not crunchy like bushytail.

:: shakes her head :: Amber Sun: Nope, they remove the bones.

Suzuki> Emily: Booze, hmmm, there's an idea.

:: perks up ::

:: redirects on that thought, eyebrows raising :: Suzuki: Heh, always.

:: shifts in the water ::

:: frowns to herself, wondering how she can talk about eating animal bones so easily as she doesn't eat animal, but for a year she...sort of did? Confused but moving past it, she sniffs at the "fries" and recognizes them as oiled cooked potato. She turns her head sideways and picks up the pile with her canines on one side, chewing them a bit before swallowing ::

Suzuki> :: rises out of the water and walks, dripping, over to a neatly concealed communicator and calls to the kitchen for sake to be delivered ::

:: smiles :: AmberSun: Shall we order seconds?

:: folds her arms on the surface, resting her chin on her arms. She looks up at the stars, smiling. ::

::Nods emphatically.:: Kuari: Yes! ::Looks to the waiter.:: Plllleeeeeeeeaaaaasssssseeeee. ::His canine practically twinkles.::

SFHQVC Waiter> :: nods, rushing away to bring however many more burgers he deems desired ::

:: watches Jester, having missed the communicator's presence, then watches Emily smile up at the stars ::

Kuari: I like Earth. It nice here.

Suzuki> :: slips back into the water, and a few short minutes later, a uniformed waitress arrives and very politely interrupts them to bring in a large bottle of sake and three cups, bowing herself out ::

::finishes up what she was doing and finds herself thinking about the 'year' on the gencodian planet, almost missing the simple life there::

:: whiles away the evening wandering through the park and chatting with Kate and her father ::

:: thanks the waitress and takes her drink, musing :: Suzuki: Now that's a nice trick.

:: nods in full agreement :: AmberSun: It is. They're at peace here, and food is plentiful. It's the...center of the people that send ships into space.

:: finding the walk and talk through park to be good for her overall well-being ::

Suzuki> :: clinks her cup with Emily and Zorro ::

:: politely thanks the waitress and takes a drink, then clinks cups :: ...kanpai?

:: is boarding the shuttle, their dog at her heels with Ethan following close behind, all ready to head back up to the ship after this long, and very-much needed shore leave. ::

Suzuki> Zorro: Kanpai.

:: joins in the cheers, then swigs the sake with a grin :: Yujo e! Kanpai.

:: smiles, glad he can add another Japanese word to his list ::

:: then drinks up ::

SFHQVC Waiter> :: brings back two plates, each with four burgers and sets them down :: Kuari and AmberSun: Let me know if you want more!

Suzuki> :: gives Emily a small smile for her use of Japanese ::

::Nods head at the waiter.:: Waiter: Thahnk you waitman! Cheezeburgler are good!

:: scarfs her burgers up ::

::Smiles as he watches Kuari inhale her burgers. Lowers his head as he stares at his own, stalking them as he circles the table, before pouncing on them; tossing them into the air one by one and catching them in the roof of his mouth.::

:: drinks the night away with not just one, but now two of her favorite people, enjoying the hot spring and the sake and their last day on Earth ::

:: watches Amber Sun, giggling and shaking her head side to side ::

:: ends the night contently snuggled into bed in her old room, but in a bigger bed and next to her wife ::

Suzuki> :: gets a bit tipsy as the night progresses ::

:: drinks up, feeling incredibly lucky to have ended up in the company of two incredible women ::

:: wakes up from her hotel room the next morning, enjoying the comforts presented, even the tiny chocolate mints on her pillow, then makes her way to the transporters in the same building to return to Atlantis ::

:: after having a long goodbye breakfast with her father, is sitting on the shuttle with Kate feeling stuffed with bacon and pancakes and bacon pancakes ::

:: having thorougly baconed, she's powering up the Seraphim for a flight out of PDX - they could have just beamed down, but taking the shuttle was more fun! ::

:: running through the pre-flight ::

Lexy: Are we clear? And are you ready to go home? :: smiles ::

::wakes in her own bed to an alarm that she hasn't heard in at least a month... sighs and rolls out of bed; back to routine::

:: wakes up the next morning in an odd mood and finds herself going through the motions. She gets dressed, gets packed, and gets ready to go before breakfast. ::

Kate: Yes. And yes.

Lexy: Me, too. It will be good to get back. :: talks to the control tower and lifts off ::

Suzuki> :: having shoved Zorro out of bed, she finishes getting ready and heads down to breakfast ::

:: appears at breakfast a few minutes after Jester, all cleaned up and ready to go ::

:: arcs the Seraphim high into the sky after a nice sweep around Portland, making for space ::

:: waves at her city ::

:: sits quietly through breakfast, a bit uncharacteristic but she seems tired. She finishes her first cup of tea and offers the other two a small smile. :: Both: Hey. 'bout ready to go?

Suzuki> Emily: Did you sleep poorly?

:: is already up and moving by the time her husband's alarm goes off, getting ready for a run in the holodeck with the hyper puppy bouncing at her heels, planning on running some combat sims after her run. Back to routine... and early-morning wakeups ::

:: looks at Emily with a hint of concern ::

:: is transported, arriving in turn on the Atlantis transporter pad, stepping off quickly to make room for the next transport. She takes in a deep breath, recognizing which TR she beamed into, greets other crewmen crowding the area, then trots down the corridor towards her quarters ::

:: offers a slow nod :: Suzuki: Bad dream.

:: the sky turns black as they leave Earth's atmosphere behind, and the giant form of Starbase One comes into view ::

Emily: Need to talk about it?

Suzuki> :: frowns:: Emily: I'm sorry to hear that. But yes, if you need to talk, we are here.

Lexy: Mind getting us an Atlantis approach?

:: gives Doc a look, a look that says, 'you know', then takes another bite. She shakes her head lightly then looks back to Suzuki and offers a small, tired, but genuine smile, :: Both: I appreciate it. I think I just need time. Perhaps a bit of routine will help, hm?

:: calls in to the starbase, getting quick clearance to approach and land in the shuttle bay ::

:: gets the approach data from Starbase Ops and settles the Seraphim onto the prescribed path ::

Suzuki> :: frowns, considering, but respects Emily's obvious wish not to pursue it and says nothing ::

:: gets the look and nods :: Emily: It just might. :: at least, he hopes it will ::

:: they fly through the spacedoors and Atlantis comes into view, evoking a smile from her ::

:: enters her quarters and looks around, sniffing each room and can tell no one had been there recently. Her trade from Betazed sits proudly in the center of her sitting room's table, a crafted replica of the island, and she sits on the floor to gaze at it for a few moments, reliving that part of her shore leave ::

:: she can't not smile when she look at her ship, majestic and proud ::

:: finishes her breakfast and takes a deep breath. :: Both: Well, no time like the present. Shall we?

:: smiles just like she did yesterday, excited to finally be home ::

Suzuki> :: nods ::

:: also finishes up :: Both: It's about that time. Thank you both for such wonderful trips together.

Suzuki> Both: I hope they were the first of many.

::gets ready for her day, heads out to the nearest turbolift behind a pile of other alpha shifters; waits through at least three decks with that friggin' smooth jazz music playing in the background, finally steps off onto the bridge behind a random unnamed science officer::

:: arcs toward the aft shuttlebay and flies through the doors, settling the Seraphim gently onto the deck in her usual parking spot ::

:: turns to look at Lexy :: Now, we are home. Come on! :: powers the Seraphim down ::

:: grabs her bag ::

:: smiles and nods his agreement ::

:: smiles warmly. She has the instinct to hug them both, but resists it. :: Both: Me too. :: she gathers up her things and heads for the transporter room ::

:: also makes her own way to the bridge after her nice workout, hair tied back into a marine-usual bun as she took her position at the tactical station, tapping into the station and waiting, glancing around the bridge ::

:: once the power-down is complete, she fondly pats the console and also grabs her bag ::

:: goes to her replicator and orders a uniform. She hasn't worn anything her entire shore leave, so at first it feels strange having it on ::

:: then heads to their quarters with Lexy for a quick change, greeting several of the crew as they pass ::

:: inhales through her nose :: Kate: Ahhhh, smells like home.

::finds her usual station, freshly cleaned by the night shift cleaning crew, and installs her coffee cup in the cupholder::

Lexy: That recycled starship air smell! I never thought I would miss it! :: steps through the doors into their quarters ::

Anna! Here kitty kitty kitty!

Anna> :: pokes her head around a corner :: Mrr?

:: walks along with them, carrying at least one other person's bag ::

:: takes a deep breath as the trio beams aboard. She looks around for a moment before stepping off the pad, smiling back at the other two one last time before heading to her quarters to drop off her things. ::

:: grins at the cat :: Anna: We are home!

Anna> :: comes over and winds herself through their legs ::

:: pets the kitty, scritching her ears ::

:: reaches down to pat Anna ::

:: finally ends up back at his quarters and relucantly changes his vacation-wear for a uniform ::

:: then makes his way to the bridge ::

:: drops her bags off and pats Apollo on the head. He's more cuddly than usual, letting her rub him with both hands. :: Apollo: Attaboy.

Suzuki> :: is pretty sure Emily is upset that Zorro spent the night with her as she puts away her things ::

::An Andorian Cruiser drops out of warp near Earth, and makes it's way to spacedock, checking the station logs, before ahiling Atlantis::

:: trots out of her quarters towards the turbolift to take her to the bridge ::

:: drops off her things and changes into her uniform :: Self: Ahhh.

::glances over and sees the 'hail' button bleeping on the console and looks around the bridge to see if anyone is gonna get that::

:: once the catte has been properly worshipped, she makes her way into their bedroom and changes into a uniform, for the first time in over a month ::

:: changes into her uniform, looks at herself in the mirror, and tries to center herself. She gives herself a short pep talk, rambling to herself in the mirror. It ends with a Picard-maneuver, and she turns and marches up to the bridge. ::

:: arrives on the bridge and settles into the helm ::

:: then puts her hair up in the captainly updo for the first time since before being stranded, it finally feeling right again ::

Suzuki> :: changes into her climbing gear and heads for the holodeck ::

:: checks herself out in the mirror and nods in satisfaction, feeling and looking like herself again ::

:: arrives on the bridge, looking over at all present and smiling, then goes to her station to get caught up on the state of the ship. She lies down on her familiar backless seat, then taps at the console ::

Kate: Ready?

:: steels herself before the turbolift doors open, but she's weirdly relieved to find that she beat a few people there. She looks over the ones who have arrived, especially Tailor, offering customary nods before finding her seat. ::

:: smiles :: Lexy: Yes. Yes, I am ready.

Kate: Shall we? :: pats Anna one more time and then heads for the turbolift, tightening her characteristic high pony ::

:: heads to the turbolift with Lexy, in a much better state to command than she was the morning after their shared year ::

::smiles a greeting to Acacia:: MED: How was your leave?

:: offers a tired smile, answering honestly :: CMO: Refreshing. Yours?

:: arrives on the bridge with Lexy :: Bridge: Good morning, everyone!

:: grins toothily at Harper's entrance from her position ::

:: smiles at everyone and slides into her console, grinning across at Zorro ::

:: tenses almost imperceptibly, curling her toes. ::

CO: Oh, Captain, we are being hailed.

MED: It was fun, I got to see the pterosaurs, and do their yearly checkup.

:: smiles in greeting to Alexis :: CSO: Commander.

CSO: On screen.

:: puts it on screen ::

::looks to the screen::

CMO: Lovely-- :: she blinks, then looks up ::

-CO-: This is Captain Uruk'en of the AGS May'thrall. We're delivering a passenger to you.

+Uruk`en+ Would that passenger be Lieutenant Commander Ilaihr? :: hopes she didn't just assume that because Andorians ::

:: watches the main viewer ::

+CO+: We also have Doctor Kessel Moran, going back to SFM... Please get the Captain off my ship... And remind him that he needs to ask council permission before setting foot on Andoria!

::chuckles::

+Uruk`en+ You may beam Commander Ilaihr aboard, and Doctor Moran directly to Starfleet Medical, at your leisure. Thank you for delivering them, Captain.

+CO+: No, thank you. We've had nothing but trouble from the prodigal son, since he arrived!

:: smiles and nods :: +Uruk'en+ That sounds like the Commander. Thank you again, and safe journeys to you.

::Closes the channel.::

::Immedietly materializes on the bridge.::

CO: The channel is closed.

:: exhales sharply, mouth twitching in a small smirk ::

CSO: And the Chief Engineer is... here.

:: smiles as her friend is beamed aboard ::

CEO: Welcome back, Commander!

:: turns her head to where Ilaihr materializes, and nods curtly when he looks ::

::smiles:: CEO: Welcome back, Ilaihr.

::Doesn't look his usual genial self, which a deep scowl etched into his ancient features.:: All: Good day, children.

:: narrows her eyes a bit, mostly out of concern ::

:: gives a single nod at that, looking back to her console. ::

CEO: Are you alright, Commander?

:: looks at Ilaihr before turning back to her console, not paying much attention ::

:: frowns at Ilaihr, concerned ::

CO: I am fine captain. ::Nods.::

::looks to the old man with some concern, but doesn't press it, for the time being::

:: does not quite believe him, but simply answers with a gesture to the engineering console :: CEO: Take your station; we are departing.

:: frowns ::

:: turns to Kuari, greeting her friend and XO with a smile :: XO: Commander, are we ready to depart? Is everyone aboard?

:: looks to Harper, then a quick glance at her console :: CO: All aboard, Captain. Atlantis is ready for departure.

XO: Thank you, Commander. :: is about to take her seat, but then gives a slightly mischievous glance toward the helm ::

NAV: Mr. Navarro, would you mind letting me take us out?

::Takes his station, sitting down quietly.::

:: gives Navarro an apologetic look ::

:: looks back at the captain, a little surprised, but then smiles and stands, offering her the seat :: CO: Be my guest, capitana.

:: grins, knowing how Harper is, watching ::

:: shrugs at Alexis, not minding at all ::

:: eagerly slides into the helm ::

:: it having been a while, to her, since she's flown Atlantis ::

:: glances over to Lexy :: CSO: Departure clearance please, Commander.

:: keeps her eyes down, a bit uncomfortable but glad no one's looking at her. She taps occasionally at her console, brushing up on her case files. ::

:: hovers nearby, leaning against the bulkhead, arms crossed as he watches the viewer ::

:: calls it in and after a few moments :: CO: We are cleared for departure.

CSO: Transfer to internal power.

Suzuki> :: climbing on the holodeck because it's not her shift ::

:: taps :: CO: Transfer to internal power complete.

:: turns her attention to her console, making sure everything moves as it should for departure ::

CSO: Thank you. :: takes a deep, contented breath, and presses the button to release the mooring clamps ::

::checks in with sickbay, doing the usual pre-departure protocols, making sure all of the medical supplies got restocked, etc::

:: using the thrusters, she slowly backs Atlantis out of her berth and turns toward the spacedoors ::

:: then gently guides the big ship through the spacedoors, the trappings of the interior the of the Starbase falling away, revealing a majestic view of Earth ::

XO: Commander, make the ship ready for slipstream flight.

:: enters a course into the computer, engaging the warp drive while she waits for the slipstream solution ::

:: communicates with Tactical to raise shields, configured for slipstream :: CO: Ready, Captain.

:: gets the completed solution from the computer and engages the slipstream drive ::

ACTION: A minute later, Atlantis is smoothly pulled into slipstream.

PAUSE SIM

PAUSE SIM

PAUSE SIM