EXETERRPG: (3 - 1605) CSO Lt(sg) Erin Cortez, aCTO Ensign sg Jori

[Renee Bishop]

 Mission: A New Day Dawns
Day: 3
Stardate: 2446.01.30

(USS Exeter - Holodeck - CSO Lt(sg) Erin Cortez & Ensign sg Jori - 1605)

Stepping onto the holodeck, Erin stretched and glanced around. Knowing that she had arranged to meet Ensign Jori and that she was early, she had decided to take the opportunity to get some much needed practice in for herself.

Wearing a fitted t-shirt and leggings, Erin sighed and said, "Computer, load programme Cortez Workout 3."

The computer beeped once and the scene around her changed. A long room with a console to one side and a bow and quiver stood by it. Picking up the quiver, Erin placed it around her back and picked up the bow. Tapping into the console, she held the bow in her left hand and placed her right over her shoulder, gripping an arrow.

Looking around, the first target materialised to her far right. Swinging, Erin fired and the target disappeared. Swinging to her left, Erin grabbed another arrow and fired. The second target disappeared. Looking up and to her left side, she saw the third, running along a balcony.

Fixing the arrow into the bow, she left the arrowhead follow the target and, taking a deep breath, she pulled back and fired. The third target disappeared. Turning around and dropping to a crouch, Erin saw the fourth leaping towards her and got a shot off just in time.

As the fifth and final target appeared a little down range, Erin smiled and drew back the final arrow and waited. 

Watching as the target ran closer, she took another deep breath and fired. The fifth target disappeared. Standing tall, Erin rolled her shoulders and closed her eyes for a brief moment, feeling for the first time in the last few hours, finally at peace.

Meeting Erin Cortez for an archery lesson, Jori stepped into the holodeck wearing a tank top, shorts, and tennis shoes. The program was running and Erin was going full throttle. Jori watched, awestruck at Erin’s skill, speed, and accuracy. Being in tactical, she also admired the form and artistry. Erin looked nice as well.

“That was amazing!” Jori said, clapping.

Turning, Erin blushed a little "That was nothing. Mind you, takes time to get to that level. Don't worry, I'm not going to throw you in at the deep end. Something a little more sedate for lesson 1."

“Like, this is a bow and this is an arrow?” Jori chuckled.

"Not quite that simple." Erin laughed. "Computer, two targets. Down range. Stationary and another bow, please."

Beeping, he Computer obliged and two stationary targets appeared a few feet away from them. Picking up the bow, Erin looked at Jori. "First thing, left or right handed?"

“Right,” said Jori.

"I'm more right handed so the stronger hand pulls back the arrow on the bow. Let me show you."

Erin put the bow in her left, took an arrow from her quiver and rested it on the bow. Pulling the arrow back with her right hand. "The dominant hand is always the strongest."

Jori took the second bow and copying Erin’s grip and stance, pulled back the string. It was tight, but she was able to do it. Now taking an arrow, she placed it in the bow the same way Erin did.

“I’m ready. Now what?”

"Now you take a breath in and let go of the arrow on the exhale. Like this." Erin took a breath in, focused her eyes on the bullseye and exhaled, letting the arrow go and watching as it flew and hit the centre of the bullseye.

“Got it.” Jori held her breath, carefully aimed, and released the string. The arrow jumped straight up and fell harmlessly to the ground.

Jori looked at the arrow and back at Erin.

“I missed.”

Erin smiled softly. "Don’t worry. I was the same my first time." Erin put down her bow and quiver and walked over to Jori. "Okay, let's do this again. Get ready to shoot. Just get the arrow in the bow." She stated, moving behind Jori.

Jori grabbed another arrow and set it in the bow. Looking expectantly at Erin, she waited for her next instruction.

Erin stood behind Jori directly and placed one hand on the hand holding the bow and the other on the hand holding the arrow. "Take a breath in and hold the arrow end to your cheek and take aim."

Jori did breathe as Erin lightly pressed against her, but it was more a soft, sultry gasp. The touching of hands and bare arms tingled, sending rippling waves through every part of her. Erin's warm breath brushed her cheek.

"Mmm?" said Jori, lost in the throbbing sensations.

"Okay, now exhale and let go of the arrow." Erin said, watching the arrow and the aim.

“M’kay,” said Jori. She let go and the arrow arced, plunging into the ground ten feet ahead. “Better?”

"Better. Definitely better." Erin replied, stepping back from her. "Okay, watch what I do again."

Erin picked up her bow and arrow. Turning her body slightly so she was side on to the target, she placed the arrow in the bow and inhaled. Focusing on the target, she drew back and fired the arrow. Landing just to the right of the first one she fired. Erin smiled and turned to Jori. "Want to take another shot?"

“Mm hm,” said Jori, working to purge the sensuous fog from her mind. Placing another arrow in her bow, she drew the string, but the targets had disappeared. Realising she was facing the wrong direction, she quickly spun around, her cheeks warm with embarrassment.

“Sorry.”

Taking a deep breath, Jori concentrated with all her might. Letting the arrow fly, it sailed down range, missing the target by five feet.

Erin watched her for a moment. "Okay. Getting better. Tell me something, do you get frustrated by not being able to do something easily?"

Frustrated. If only Erin knew....

"No, why?" Jori said casually.

"You just… seem elsewhere. With archery, you need focus. Think of this as target practice with a phaser rifle. Just ignore all external stimulus."

~Stimulus. Why did she say stimulus?~ thought Jori.

Holding the bow down at her side, Jori sighed again, giving Erin a forlorn look.

"I'll be honest with you, Erin. When you offered to teach me archery, I was excited, eager to learn a new skill. I still am, but there have been.... distractions."

"Oh?" Erin replied. "Anything you want to talk about? I mean I know we haven't really gotten to know one another, but I am a good listener."

"I'm sure you know about Deltans, that we're very passionate and hyper-sensitive to physical and emotional stimuli," said Jori. "Because of this, to serve in Starfleet, we take an oath of celibacy. We can't harm or take advantage of a sexually immature species. When you were standing close, touching me, well, it's been over four years since I last...." Jori's voice trailed off, hoping Erin understood.

"Oh… oh.." Erin responded, a little confused at first and then the realisation of what Jori had said hit her. Taking a breath, Erin looked at her, "I didn't realise that Deltans… well liked both sexes. " 

Realising what she had said, Erin knew she was flushed a little as she continued, "I.. don't know what to say."

"I'm sorry I embarrassed you. I should go," said Jori.

"You don't have to. I just… I'm sorry but I'm not into women." Erin paused for a moment, "I still want to be friends though, if you do?"

“I’m not into women either,” said Jori, chuckling, “but it has been four years.” She smiled. “I’d like to be friends. You would be my first on the Exeter.”

Erin smiled softly. "Friends it is. Now, shall we see if we can improve your aim?" She winked.

(reply none)
(posted by Jackie & Renee)  
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