BEGIN SIM

BEGIN SIM

BEGIN SIM

:: sits in the lobby of the hot spring she’s rented out for the day, wondering if anyone will be interested or show up after she put out a general invitation ::

:: walks in to the onsen and takes off his sunglasses ::

:: is the only one to arrive to the onsen, having that day off while his wife was guest-lecturing :: Emily/Doc: Hey!

:: back-floating in the dream house's heated infinity pool, wearing only her aviator-frame sunglasses ::

:: smiles and rises from her seat, greeting Doc with a quick kiss :: Doc/Ethan: Hello! Welcome!

:: smiles warmly at Emily after the kiss, and nods at Ethan :: ¡Hola!

:: sees Emily, Doc and Ethan, approaching :: Hi guys!

All: Ryleigh sends her apologies; she volunteered for guest-lecturing today. ::

:: grins, greeting Kuari as well :: Kuari: Hi! Glad you could all make it~

:: comes out of the kitchen onto the deck :: Kate: Lunch is ready! :: after they'd spent the morning down at the farmer's market ::

Ethan: Oh, that’s okay. She’s busy, that’s understandable.

:: nods happily, looking around :: Emily: Thank you for inviting, it sounds interesting!

:: greets Kuari when she arrives ::

:: lifts her head out of the water when she hears Lexy speak :: What was that, love?

:: smiles :: Kuari: Oh, it is. Kimiko actually introduced me to the onsen, so it’s not native to me but something I really enjoy.

:: laughs :: Kate: I said, lunch is ready! :: wiping her hands on a kitchen towel ::

:: looks around :: All: Well, shall we?

:: swims over to the shallows to stand, then wrings out her hair ::

:: nods, having been there for Jester's onsen introduction ::

:: grouchily fixes more shit on the Atlantis, only somewhat ameliorated by the visit from Mom ::

:: walks up the stairs out of the water and grabs a towel to dry, her thoughts still jumbled from the back-floating reverie ::

Kate: Are you okay? You've seemed pensive all morning. :: starts untying her apron ::

:: leads the group into the back where there is a locker room with showers and towels, for them to wash off before entering the bath. Emily takes the lead and turns on a shower, pulling the curtain closed ::

:: continues to self-medicate on the Skylark, fearful of what new horrors the Light will show her ::

:: dries herself :: Lexy: Mm? Oh, yes, you know, the usual sorts of thoughts about everything we have been through. But lunch!

:: follows Emily, then finds herself a stall and rinses off ::

:: does her hair up in a towel turban and smiles ::

:: pulls off her apron and tosses it over her shoulder, then reaches down to pick up Kate's robe to hand to her, but feels something odd :: Self: Is there something in the pocket? :: moves as if to look in the pocket ::

:: kicks back in the onsen, tries some 'a this here june-my die-ginja or whatever the guy at the thing said it was ::

:: gets into a shower and cleans up before the onsen proper ::

:: then undoes it just as quickly, the towel being too wet to help, so she tosses it aside to let the suns do their work ::

:: emerges wearing a towel and heads into the onsen, not waiting and letting the others catch up. She sheds her towel as she’s getting into the water, smiling at Cannon :: Cannon: Hello! I’m Emily, I don’t believe we’ve met?

:: shivers, motorboats his lips :: Randy: Not exackly whut Ah was expectin, but, well, Ah kinda like it!

:: finds a box in the robe pocket :: Kate: What's this? Is it jewelry?? :: excitedly begins to fish it out ::

Emily: Why howdy! Cannon Everett, pleased ta meetcha.

:: her breath catches in her throat as she realizes what she left in the robe's pocket ::

:: pulls it out and cocks her head in confusion when she sees the box :: Kate: ... not jewelry?

:: smiles warmly :: Cannon: Emily Acacia, :: she responded, not having expected a last name :: I’m CMO. What department are you from?

Lexy: No, not exactly. :: sighs ::

:: hesitates, then holds it out to Kate, this box not being hers to open :: Kate: Wh-what is it?

:: drops his towel and gets in the onsen, nodding in greeting to Cannon ::

Emily: D'partment? :: runs this through his thinker for a too-long clump of seconds :: Oh-oh-oh, ri-ri-right. You mean Starfleet. No d'partments for me anymore; I retired about...oh, six...seven...?

:: turns to the empty space next to him :: Randy: Randy, how long's it been? :: pauses for response :: Emily: Eight 'n 'a half years ago.

:: tilts her head, but smiles nonetheless :: Cannon: Oh, I see! Well, welcome to the party anyway.

:: takes the robe and puts it on, since although the suns do help, she does notice being out of the heated pool while not in her usual tropical climate, and this wasn't really the sort of conversation one wanted to be naked for ::

Emily: Party? There's a party? Oh crud, did y'all privately reserve this hot spring?

:: she then takes the box and hesitates a moment before opening it, then places it on the table and turns it toward her wife :: Lexy: I have not said yes.

:: chuckles :: Cannon: Sure did. But what’s a party without a crasher, eh?

:: frowns :: Kate: Yes? ... Is it a promotion??

:: emerges from the locker area into the onsen, taking in the environment and its inhabitants. Water has mostly shed from her fur, but it drips some from her wings to either side. The water looks inviting, and she manages to find an open enough space to enter ::

:: nods :: Lexy: Ian offered it to me, along with formal command of Third Fleet, before we left for Risa.

Emily: Well ain't that jus classic me? Just bargin in where Ah don't b'long, and none the wiser for it. Randy: I tol ya that gate back there weren't the entrance. Emily: I tol him that gate back there was probably just for staff, or what-have-ya.

:: says nothing for a long moment, then pats her thighs and turns to go inside :: Kate: Lunch isn't going to eat itself.

:: chuckles at the situation, and nods to Kuari as the Rucara enters the onsen ::

:: laughs, shrugging :: Cannon: Really, it’s okay! These things happen. :: she gratefully accepts a cup of sake from a waiter that passes by, leaving it by the side of the spring :: Cannon: So where are you from?

:: picks the box back up and follows her :: Lexy: I... you know I meant what I said, about our life here, yes? This changes nothing for me.

Emily: Freeport, Texas! How bout yerself?

:: also takes some sake from the waiter ::

:: he heard Texas, turning his attention to the stranger :: Cannon: Same, though San Antonio for me!

:: smiles :: Cannon: Kentucky! Although the fam now lives in Iowa. My dad’s a Betazoid, though, from a small island.

Kate: Sure, of course. I spent an hour working on this lunch, and I'm not going to let it sit around any longer. :: crosses to the cupboard and hands Kate plates and utensils to put on the table ::

:: looks from Jasper to Cannon, smiling ::

:: wordlessly sets the table ::

:: places the box on the table as well ::

:: leans back and sips at the sake while taking in the conversation ::

Jasper: Got two uncles from up round those parts! Emily: Kentucky, huh? Wouldn't a guessed; you don't got a trace a Kentucky accent on ya.

:: approaches the table with a large bowl filled with salad and another filled with a primavera sort of pasta, both fresh Risian produce and based on recipes learned from Jhnal ::

:: listens to the conversation idly, having missed the start of it, but is focused on how warm the water is as she absorbs it, her eyes closed, up to her shoulders ::

:: nods in agreement :: Cannon: My mom’s accent is from California, between her and my dad and Kentucky I guess I ended up with no accent.

Lexy: This looks delicious!

:: sinks in the water, closing her eyes and taking a moment to enjoy it ::

Emily/anyone else nearby: So what ship y'all from?

:: brings over some dressing, bread, and a carafe of chilled water as well before taking her seat and beginning to dish salad onto her plate ::

:: cracks an eyelid, wondering if she has to answer or if someone else will ::

Cannon: Atlantis.

:: also goes for the salad, but with one eye on Lexy ::

Cannon: Atlantis. You're looking at the XO, Navigator, and CMO and researcher. :: gestures at each person as he speaks. ::

:: opens her eyes and looks at Cannon as Doc answers, wearing a polite smile ::

:: pours her homemade vinaigrette dressing over her salad before handing the bottle wordlessly to Kate ::

:: takes the bottle and pours some on her salad, then pours them both water from the carafe ::

:: juts a lip, nods :: Well I'll be damned! I've ackshually heard 'a that one! Oh, whut's er cap'n's name? Blackstone? Black... Black-sum'm, right?

:: stabs at her salad with her fork and takes a bit, looking thoughtfully at the ceiling as she chews ::

:: nervously sips at her water and finally says :: ...Rosie?

:: shakes her head :: Cannon: Used to be, I think. Current Captain is Harper, though.

Cannon: Admiral Blackthorne was promoted to a big desk in San Francisco.

:: swallows her salad :: Self: Good. A little spicy. But good. :: then looks up at Kate and gestures at the box with her fork :: Kate: This changes everything, obviously.

Emily: Ah, gotcher. Ah used to know a guy—well, kinda used to know a guy—who was on the Atlantis eons ago. Ah'm pretty sure he ain't on Atlantis anymore.

:: nods at Doc's explanation, interest piqued :: Cannon: Who was it you knew on Atlantis?

Lexy: How? I am still in love with the idea of a life here, with you.

:: sips her sake ::

Navarro: -thorne, that's right. Well, good for him!

Kate: If it were that simple, you would've already said no. :: takes another bite of salad ::

:: she starts to talk, but pauses, realizing that she's right ::

:: takes a bite to buy time to think ::

:: swallows :: Kate: And I would've been furious.

Kuari: Feller name 'a Jack Leirone. Ring a bell?

:: looks confused :: Lexy: Why? Captain, Commodore, what is the difference if we retire?

:: shrugs, having never heard of a Leirone ::

:: frowns at Kate :: Kate: Captain Kathryn Harper has already inspired a generation of Risian children, at the very least. You would be a fool to not even entertain a promotion to become the first Risian fucking flag officer, Kate.

:: shrugs as well ::

:: gauging the [lack of] reaction :: All: Yeah, he weren't around fer long.

:: winces ::

:: frowns, her eyes turning down towards the water in thought :: Cannon: The name is vaguely familiar. I don't remember meeting them, however.

:: quietly :: Lexy: I entertained it, believe me. When Ian and T'Kirr offered it, I was excited, at first... but after we talked in Fiji, I, well...

Lexy: I had already made plans to surprise you with this place.

Kuari: Ol Jack can fade into the background like one 'a them chameleons. Part 'a his prior vocation, from what Ah reckon.

Lexy: And after I saw your excitement over the idea, it was infectious. I am excited by what we are dreaming up for our future together, here.

:: finishes what's left of her salad in silence ::

Cannon: You mean he was quiet, not very outgoing?

:: finishes her salad as well, then diverts, slightly :: Lexy: I had a dream about it last night, even.

:: takes another sake from the waiter and returns his empty cup ::

:: cleaning the salad leavings off her plate with a slice of bread that she'd bought at the bakery down in the town that morning -- doesn't look up :: Kate: Oh?

:: also exchanges her empty sake for a full cup, smiling at the waiter :: Waiter: Thanks!

:: smiles at the memory, as fuzzy and dreamlike as it is, as she begins to narrate :: Lexy: I saw our children, a boy and girl. They were about eight. The girl had my hair and your eyes, and the boy the other way around.

:: takes a glass of water from the waiter and drinks it instantly, setting the container on the side of the tub ::

:: pauses, appearing to consider that, then eats her bread ::

:: continues when Lexy doesn't speak :: Lexy: His name was Billy, after your dad. The girl was Diana, but I do not know why that name. Does it mean anything to you?

Kuari: Well, all Ah can say's that he's the type 'a feller who ain't seen unless he wants ta be seen. :: is distracted by the nothing to his left :: Randy: Oh whut, it's not like they actually know the guy, Randy.

Kate: It's easier to spell than Artemis.

:: tilts her head :: Lexy: From your mythology, yes?

Kate: Earth mythology, yes. Diana is the goddess of the hunt.

:: does find it odd to be in such a Japanese place without Jester, but he enjoys himself, regardless ::

:: begins to dish pasta and veggies onto her plate ::

Hm. :: wonders if that has any psychological meaning ::

Kate: We haven't even decided if children is what we want.

Lexy: I know, but dreams are weird.

:: nods idly, sipping her sake :: Cannon: I don’t really know anyone from Blackthorne’s time. I’m new.. ish. In the scheme of things.

Cannon: Same here, really.

Cannon: I came aboard when la capitana took command, actually. She was the previous helm officer, and I her replacement.

Emily/Navarro: Yep, spose that's the way 'a things. Everyone on their ter-ject'ries, bouncin in 'n out like particles on their infinite journey. Outright hard to parse, the older ya get. I doubt there's anyone on my ol ship who even knows someone who knew me. We're such ephem'ral creatures.

:: is somewhat intrigued by Cannon's description of Jack, but continues to listen and not pay it much attention, since the crew member likely isn't aboard anymore ::

:: begins eating her pasta ::

:: nods, sipping her sake with a pensive look :: Cannon: It is crazy, how people bounce around.

:: dishes herself up some of the pasta ::

:: nods to Cannon :: That's deep.

Kate: All of this is me attempting your mother's recipes, so you'll have to let me know how I did.

:: had not even been really tasting the food, given the weight of their conversation ::

Emily: Oh, you've no idear. :: sips and winces at his sake :: Hoo boy, this socky stuff's got a real kick to it.

:: but she tries the pasta and nods eagerly :: Lexy: That is close!

:: allows herself a small smile of pride ::

:: laughs, nodding :: Cannon: It’s heavy on the alcohol. Very efficient!

:: knows all too well how people come and go, having been alive more than most, but keeps it to herself, chuckling a little to herself as she finds Cannon's antics entertaining ::

Cannon: If you can be one thing, be efficient. :: raises his glass ::

Lexy: I will be sure to tell her. I think she would be proud.

:: cheerses the group, then downs her cup ::

:: directs her smile at Kate briefly, then returns to her pasta in silence for a few bites before remarking, :: Kate: So the way I see it, you have two options.

:: listens to her wife ::

:: gets a new cup from the waiter, with an increasingly emphatic thanks ::

:: also gets another cup! ::

Kate: You could have this life, here, with me... but I think you would be bored to tears, Kitty. Especially when your other option is commanding the Third Fleet as a history-making first ever Risian Flag Officer.

:: her chin trembles ::

Emily/Navarro: Efficiency's nice when it's a drink or yer job, as Ah'm sure all y'all know. Sometimes—present time included—it's nice to be an inefficient particle. :: adds his cheers to the air ::

:: quietly :: I am willing to do it, you know.

:: nods sagely at Cannon’s wisdom, smirking with amusement ::

Kuari: Ever try sake, Commander?

:: finishes her pasta and sets down her fork, folding her hands in her lap and looking down at them for a moment before meeting Kate's eyes :: Kate: I know. You would do it for me.

:: blinks at the drink Doc is referencing :: Doc: No, but I've sniffed it before. I wouldn't like it.

:: chuckles :: Kuari: Not a fan of alcohol?

:: meets Lexy's eyes in return :: In a heartbeat, without looking back. :: blinks at ever-increasing moisture in her eyes ::

Kuari: Oh well, there's plenty of other good things to drink here!

:: smiles at Emily :: Only in small amounts, a part of something else.

:: nods, calling the waiter over and asking for a Japanese soda, which the waiter brings out for Kuari to try ::

:: closes her eyes and nods, responding softly :: Kate: I know, Kitty. I know if I asked this of you right now, you would do it.

Kuari: Well, forch-nately, C'mmander, socky seems to only come in small amounts. :: sips his again, quivers ::

:: blinks quickly several times to clear her eyes, then deflects into her meal, taking a bite as she waits for what her wife will say next ::

Kate: You have no idea how much I want to ask for this. :: her eyes are still closed, and a tear slides down her cheek :: And if I did, I would never be able to forgive myself.

:: glances over at Cannon at his comment, then notices Emily ordering her something, curious ::

:: quietly, her voice wavering :: What are you saying, Rosie?

:: waves a finger :: Kuari: Try it! It’s melon flavored, a local melon. Kinda fruity, kinda bubbly. Good stuff.

:: watches the Rucara for her reaction to the soda ::

:: as he tips back another sake ::

:: looks up, more tears sliding down her cheeks, which she quickly wipes away in frustration :: Kate: First, we are buying this house. Today.

:: takes in a sharp breath and wipes at her eyes before nodding eagerly :: Yes, yes!

:: throws back her sake, and the waiter obliges with yet another round for everyone ::

Kate: Second, if a large part of you wants that promotion, you should accept it. Today.

:: finishes the sake and smiles stupidly as he takes another ::

:: finishes the last bit of work she could possibly do on Atlantis ::

:: takes the offered drink carefully, sniffing at the top, then tipping the glass into her mouth. She smiles at the flavor, and nods to her companions :: Good!

:: looks around Main Engineering, has only the ambient hum for company ::

:: cheers! ::

Kate: I will, of course, return to Atlantis with you and keep my commission.

:: cheers as well :: Kuari: I’m glad! See? Something for everyone!

:: nods, somewhat less eagerly ::

:: and pauses before finally saying, softly, and perhaps more to herself than Lexy :: I do want it.

:: nods :: Kate: Then take it and make history, baby.

:: cheerses :: Kuari: There ya go! :: finishes off his junmai daiginjo :: All: Now, ya said there's a melon-flavored one? Ah gotta get me summa that.

Kate: The inspiration you bring to your home planet is bigger than you and me.

Emily: Yeah! :: takes another sip, attempting to savor the flavor by drinking it slowly ::

:: looks back at her wife and melts, her eyes full of adoration for this incredible woman that inspires her to do what she does ::

:: summons the waiter to bring Cannon a melon soda to try :: Cannon/Kuari: It’s a local melon called yubari. Good stuff. Nice and sweet~

:: still wiping away tears, but otherwise all business :: Kate: We can ask your folks to help us rent this place out for however long we decide... a year, two years... but before too many years pass, we will retire and spend the rest of our lives together in peace with this as our home.

:: mimicks the word perfectly :: yubari yum.

:: has actually tried it before, along with having tasted plenty of other Japanese delicacies, from spending time with Jester ::

Emily: That's what Ah need! Ah like the stuff Ah got, but Ah ordered it by sayin, 'Gimme the best socky y'all got.' Shoulda said, 'Gimme the best socky for dumb ol Texans what ain't had socky afore.'

:: nods again, eager once more, and wipes at her eyes as she laughs :: Lexy: And I can tell my parents to stop asking about grandchildren for a while longer!

Kate: Yes. We'll have to talk about that.

:: laughs at that :: Cannon: This place has good sake, at least. It does vary, I think.

Lexy: Well, mamá, mostly, you know how she is.

:: smiles and leans forward to take both of Lexy's hands, giving them a good squeeze :: Thank you, Rosie. I love you, so, so much.

Kate: I want to warn you, though.

:: takes a second to decipher what Cannon said ::

Kate: If there is another war, I might be done.

Lexy: That makes two of us. It turns out that I am not a perfect diplomat, but I will try to keep us out of any more wars.

Lexy: I do not think I did too badly at commanding the fleet, though. I never imagined myself doing it until I had to.

:: returns to her quarters, takes a sonic shower ::

:: quietly asks the waiter for some mochi for everyone ::

:: can't take anymore, gets up, stomps to her sleeping cubby, fishes in her dirty laundry for her little metal box ::

:: shakes her head :: Kate: I wasn't surprised in the least that you were good at it. You are tremendously skilled.

:: gasps and grins, taking a mochi appreciatively :: All: Who ordered mochi?

:: sets her drink down on the rim of the pool and carefully crawls out, lying down along the edge ::

Emily: I did!

:: in a huff, sets her Light on the floor of the forward cabin, goes to her terminal ::

:: grins, mock-clapping for him as one hand was holding the sweet treat ::

Lexy: You are biased. :: grins :: But thank you. :: finishes her pasta, glad for this after the mostly-sleepless previous night ::

:: configures the Skylark's transporter to transport the Light out into space ::

:: offers a mochi ball to Kuari :: XO: Now this, I think you'll like.

:: turns around and looks at the little box once more, thinking of all the gains it brought her, thinking of all it could bring her in the future ::

:: watches Kuari expectantly as she finishes her own mochi ball ::

:: shifts her weight onto an elbow and reaches for the offered mochi ball :: Doc: Probably!

:: can't unsee the many faces of Jane as she dies violent deaths, can't unfeel the blade going through her own abdomen ::

:: internally mourns the loss of this life for the time being, but says nothing about it to Kate :: Kate: Are you almost ready for dessert?

:: nods :: Yes!

:: sneers at the box, transports the fucker into Whomever-knows-where ::

:: grabs her PADD while Lexy fetches dessert, and sends two quick messages ::

:: stands up and moves to the counter to cut up fresh fruit and replicate ice cream to put underneath it ::

:: tries to hold back tears, can't; tries to hide them from even herself by repping up some more self-medication ::

:: pops the mochi ball into her mouth, tasting it for a moment before nodding at Doc and Emily at the rich flavor ::

:: cheers, probably a bit too loudly ::

:: grins, nodding approvingly and clapping with her now empty hands ::

:: gets Kate's message and smiles before forwarding it to T'Kirr ::

:: wonders if he should order a bit more mochi, since that little treat looked tiny disappearing into Kuari's maw ::

:: giggles a bit at Doc's enthusiasm ::

:: returns to the table with fruit and ice cream treats ::

:: orders another round of mochi, strawberry this time ::

:: brightens at the dessert :: Lexy: Oh! This looks wonderful!

:: smiles to hide the fact that she's slightly dead inside :: Kate: I've never had this fruit before! Is it good?

:: nods eagerly :: Lexy: Yes, it is more native to this region of Risa. Kind of like... a peach, but not as sweet and a bit more tangy?

:: watches Kuari when the mochi arrives as he finishes his sake ::

:: takes her strawberry mochi and savors it as much as she can, loving the Japanese treat ::

:: sits and digs into her dessert with a spoon, finding it delicious ::

Lexy: It is done, by the way. :: pokes at the PADD ::

:: also kind of watches for Kuari’s reaction, hoping she’ll like it ::

Lexy: I sent messages to Admiral Blackthorne and to my agent here.

PAUSE SIM

PAUSE SIM

PAUSE SIM