ILLUMINARRPG: (7, 2230) FO Commander Sienna Williams-Verin & CTO Ensign T’Mur & SPC CPO 3 P’Rah & SPC CPO Steven Hammons & SPC Counselor Alaya Hammons

[Mel]

Mission:  Death in the Shadows

Day: 7

Stardate:2446.02.07

(USS Illuminar -- Prancing Pony Lounge  -- FO Commander Sienna
Williams-Verin & CTO Ensign T’Mur & SPC CPO 3 P’Rah & SPC CPO Steven
Hammons & SPC Counselor Alaya Hammons -- 2230)

Sienna came into the Lounge that night dressed in a very pretty red chiffon
sundress that looked almost on the wrong side of sheer.  The dress was
secured with pretty little bows at the top of her shoulders, and her dark
hair was down and in wavy curls this evening. She wore a thin red cord
choker that was tied right under her neck tattoo.  Thin slipper like shoes
that were embroidered and tied at her ankles with ribbons.  The shoes had
the look of something that was handmade, a rarity in the current
Federation. Next to her was her beloved T’Mur, and Sienna had her fingers
twined with hers.

T’Mur was wearing something a little more functional, but Sienna insisted
that she try to wear something pretty.  This was an area that the Vulcan
was not well versed with.  She had gone to the computer and pulled up a
listing of outfits that were both functional and pretty.  She found a brown
suede dress that went down to her mid thigh, but had slits that went to the
tops of her thighs.  Top was laced together loosely in the front revealing
a fair amount of flesh.  Then she wore sandals that laced up her calves.
Sienna seemed pleased with her decision, and that was really all that
mattered to her.

P’Rah walked into the Prancing Pony where he managed to get a mug of the
local brew.  It was better than some of the Rotgut he had been drinking. He
noticed the lady in red.  He wondered if she would be dancing with him
Cheek to Cheek tonight.  He purred at the sight and wondered who she was.
His attention turned to the Vulcan next to her.  He did not miss the
closeness between them.  He was down for all sorts of fun tonight.  He
moved towards them to introduce themselves, “Hello, Ladies, I am P’Rah.”

Sienna smiled, “I didn’t know we had a Caitian aboard! Welcome - did you
just join the crew? I know we took several crew aboard today.” She did not
say who she was just yet, “I’m Sy.”

“Nice to meet you Sy.”  P’Rah then turned to the Vulcan, “And you are?”

T’Mur looked up at the Caitian with her usual analytical gaze.  She felt a
pinch from Sy under the table.  ::Be nice.:: Sienna had been trying to help
T’Mur work on her “people skills” as she called it.  Every situation and
every person did not need to be analysed.  T’Mur wasn’t sure if she agreed
with that assessment, but she did realize that she… “puts people off” when
she first meets them.

Noting that Sienna did not introduce herself by title T’Mur followed suit.
“P’Rah, it is … agreeable to meet you on this occasion.  Would you like to
sit with us?”

“It will be an honor.” P’Rah took a seat with the ladies. “ I just came
onboard today.  I already met Luma.  What do you ladies do onboard?”

Sienna looked at her mate, “I help out here and there, mostly on the
bridge.” She hedged her answer.

“So you are a yeoman then,” P’Rah assumed.

T’Mur had the urge to explain who Sienna was, but the look she gave warned
her off.  “Something like that.  However, a yeoman probably does more work
than Sy.  She’s more… what is the phrase… eye candy.”

Sienna choked and began to laugh, “Thanks, T. Just..thanks. I’m a jack of
all trades.” She was quite well amused.

Trying to keep with the stealth of the situation T’Mur offered, “And I work
with the tactical station.”  She had already read the files on P’Rah, but
again, in an attempt to involve the Caitian in the conversation she asked,
“And what about you?  You look like you have an important job.”

“Nah, Not I.  I am just a lowly security officer.  Petty officer at that”
P’Rah then gulped down the last of the house brew.

“I am reminded of an old Earth axiom, that was meant for the entertainment
field, but I believe applies to all aspects of life.  There are no small
parts, only small actors.   Would you not agree with that axiom Petty Off…
P’Rah.”

“Oh you have me wrong.  I like where I am.  I have no delusions of being an
officer.”

One of the waitresses brought Sienna a glass of white wine, and a glass of
sparkling water for T’Mur. Sienna spoke softly, “Some beef and bean nachos
for me. T, what do you want to eat?”

“I am in the mood for a mixed fruit plate, if you please,” she said, still
trying out skills in interpersonal relationships.

Sienna smiled as the waitress wandered off and she leaned forward a bit, on
one hand, “What was your last posting, P’Rah?”

“I was in some recess of Regulus.  That is a place that even the gutter
cats would not dwell.”

Sy idly twined her free hand’s fingers through T’s again, waiting for the
food to come. Her stomach growled, protesting the time frame since it had
last been fed.

T’Mur caught the reference through their connection and found it amusing
how Sienna considered parts of her body as singular living entities, with
independent needs.  She even had names for certain parts of her body.  She
leaned over and whispered in Sienna’s ear.

“I have a gift for you my love.”

Sienna blushed, catching excitement through the bond, “A gift? What sort of
gift? You didn’t have to…” She was excited and had a bit of joy to her
voice. Usually she gave gifts, but not many presented her with any.

“Hold out your arm,” she said.

Sy made a soft sound as she held out her arm and T took it, holding it in
place.

T’Mur took hold of Sienna’s arm so that she could not move it.  This was
important because of what was about to happen.  ::Luma, do it now.:: A
shimmering surrounded Sienna’s wrist and a small silver colored bracelet
appeared.  It was a simple ring but it was too small for her to be able to
remove.

P’Rah took this as a cue to slip away.  That was something he would not
interrupt.  He found himself at the bar with another mug of the house brew.

Sienna made a soft sound as she glanced down at her wrist and the heavy
bracelet that now adorned it. In gratitude she threw her arms around her
T’Mur’s neck and hugged her.  “Thank you!” She laughed happily as others
cheered around the room.

“It is a special gift to remind you of our time together. It cannot be
removed, by any means, other than by me. Or if you remove your own hand.
Please don’t do that.”

“I wish he hadn’t left. He seemed pretty interesting.”  She kissed her
T’Mur deeply.

“Would you like me to bring him back?” T’Mur asked blandly.

“What are you going to do, throw him over your shoulder and retrieve him?”
Sienna was amused by the thought.

“If that is what is required,” she replied. “But perhaps I could just ask
him first?”

“You are the tactical genius. You know best.” Sienna teased happily,
playing with her bracelet in delight. She loved that it could never be
removed. A delighted laugh burbled out of her. “And maybe get me some more
of that vulcan wine?”

T’Mur nodded and headed over to the bar.  “Ah Ensign T’Mur, how can I be of
service.”

T’Mur put her finger to her lips to hush the bartender.  “Sienna and I are
… incognito tonight.  We are not telling people who we really are, so I
would appreciate it if you warn your staff not to address us by our rank,
just for tonight.”

Sam looked intrigued, “Indeed, your wish is my command.”

T’Mur looked confused, “I do not believe that a wish and a command are
absolutely synonymous.  After all a wish is defined as...:”

Sam nodded, “I understand what you want...T’Mur?”  She nodded.  “Now what
can I get you. “

“Sy would like another glass of your most excellent Vulcan wine.  Could I
have… a Rigellian Iced Tea?”

“Of course, it will be up,” he paused to use the correct phrase before he
was corrected, as he’d been in that situation to many times already, “in
just a few moments.”

While she waited T’Mur made her way over to the Caitian that had introduced
himself to her earlier.  “Excuse me P’Rah, may I speak with you?”

P’Rah took a sip of his drink, “What can I do for ya?”

“I wanted to apologize if you felt it necessary to leave the table,” T’Mur
said.  “It was not my intention to make you uncomfortable.  I was anxious
to give my gift to my mate, and in my haste I feel that I somehow alienated
you.  I am still working on my “people skills”.  I would very much like it
if you were to join us for the evening.”

Sy nodded from the table, linked as she was to T’Mur it was easy for her to
sense what her mate was saying.

“I am not one to come between you and your mate.  Seemed like a you and her
moment.”  P’Rah said, “but if it is ok, I am willing to return.”  P’Rah
grabbed his mug.

T’Mur nodded, “Excellent.  Sie...Sy thinks that the three of us can have a
lot of fun together this evening.”

“Here you go, T’mur” Sam said, putting the drinks on the bar.

“I am grateful Sam,” T’Mur replied, picking the cups up, and heading back
to the table.

Sam caught the attention of the Caitian before he stepped away, “Those two
are a wild pair, I’ll tell you that.  Sy really knows how to rock this
joint.  If you know what I mean.”

Sienna beamed a huge smile as her mate came back to the table. “She who is
my wife?”  Sienna tried out the traditional vulcan title and decided that
she really liked it and would be keeping it. “Thank you for the drink.”

P’Rah was wondering if he should reveal that he figured out who they were.
His ears did not miss much at all.  “I am sorry I left.  I felt that was a
moment reserved for the two of you.”

“It’s a recent pairing.” She spoke softly, “Do you have anyone special
P’Rah?”

“I could have sworn you had been together for a while.”  He answered and
then answered, “Gutter cats don’t have mates.”

“Query,” T’Mur said with a look of interest and confusion.  “Gutter cat?  I
am not familiar with that term.”

Luma’s voice cried out over the speakers, =^= Luma’s P’Rah is NO A Gutter
CAT! =^= Everyone in the room turned to look at their table.

“Oh fudge. Luma! It’s all right!” Sienna spoke out loud, devoutly wishing
Vex to be back sooner rather than later.

“Thank you for the confirmation that P’Rah is not a “Gutter Cat”, but that
does not clarify the matter.  What, exactly, is a gutter cat?” T’mur
repeated her question.

“It is a legitimate term.  I am considered the lowest of the low in my
society.  I was thrown out by my family.”

T’Mur looked at P’Rah with even more interest.  “Intriguing.  So being cast
out by your family and society makes you a “Gutter Cat”?  Does that mean I
was a … “Gutter Vulcan”?”  She looked at Sienna.

P’Rah looked confused.  “I have no idea what you are talking about.”

“Well,” T’Mur explained, “I also was cast out by my family and shunned by
my people due to… an unfortunate turn of events that were not my fault.  If
that was what made you a Gutter Cat, then I must be a Gutter Vulcan.  The
logic is inescapable.”

Sienna growled at that, taking insult from the words, not realizing that
Luma was echoing that emotion, “No. Neither of you are gutter anythings and
if you don’t stop using that term Mr. P’Rah I will have you thrown into the
brig until you learn some self-esteem. Now that would upset Luma so let’s
not upset Luma. Life can get pretty unhappy for everyone when the ship is
unhappy.”

=^= Luma does NOT approve of that term!=^= She stated, quite unhappy.

“So being a Gutter anything is a bad thing?” T’Mur said still trying to get
clarification of the term.

“Pretty Luma, it is a term of my society.  It is what it is.”  P’Rah said.
He turned back to T’Mur.  “If I was not abandoned at birth, I would not be
here.  I will be among the noble cats.  Booarded in a suite.”

T’Mur looked over at Sienna and noted that she was upset.  She moved her
chair over and took her hands in her own, and kissed them.  “I apologize
for my curiosity.”

R63333r4r3r33“No apologies.  It is a part of us.  It is our past and it is
what it is.”  P’2rRah did not let the past bother him.

Sienna tried to visibly calm down, “So uhm. Luma believes that you are
hers?”  This should amuse her. Luma’s antics often did.

“Well, Miss Pretty Luma is quite persuasive.”  P’Rah wiggled his tail a bit.

“Indeed,” T’Mur said.

“And you get nothing out of it, of course. Just a good friendship.” This
was an unsubtle warning. P’Rah had best not hurt Luma’s feelings.

T’Mur was curious, knowing full well that Luma and Bohb had had a”date”.
“How does the Bohb fit into this arrangement?”

Sienna giggled, “Luma, you didn’t tell me that you and Bohb!”

Luma seemed flustered, =^= The Bohb does not desire a relationship. =^= She
announced this, again to the entire room. Poor Bohb.

“Perhaps he just needs some convincing that a relationship is a good
idea?”  T suggested.

“Now wait Ladies.  I am not her33e to start trouble.  I don’t even know
what a Bohb is.”

As if on cue Bohb burst into the room carrying a burlap sack. “Good evening
everyone,” he announced. “I heard that there was going to be some
entertainment tonight so I thought I’d join in,” the 7 foot tall chimpanzee
said jovially.   He saw T’Mur and Sienna sitting at a table and made his
way over to them.

“Evening ladies,” he said smiling. “Commander, I understand you might be
regaling us with a song tonight. “

=^= The Bohb! =^= Luma replied cheerfully. =^= With Our Sienna and her
T’Mur is Luma’s P’Rah. He just came aboard! Our Sekal said that you were
not involved in granting Luma’s wish! =^=

Sienna’s chin just worked but no sound came out. It took a moment. “Ah,
yes, I was intending to sing. Mr. P’Rah, I apologize. I wanted to get to
know you without the rank between us.” She smiled in apology.

T’Mur punched Bohb in the hip, “Our ranks were supposed to be clandestine
tonight.”

Bohb gave out a small Imphal from the blow. “I apologize. I did not get the
memo.”

P’Rah felt angry but could do nothing about that, “That is ok, Commander.
I am used to being deceived by others.  Why should you be any different.”

A stricken look on Sienna’s features, “I was going to tell you at the end
of the night.  I wanted you to become friends with Sy, not be intimidated
by the all mighty First Officer. I don’t have a lot of friends.” She
placated, feeling stricken.

“Our intention was not to deceive you P’Rah,” T’Mur went to the aid of her
mate. “I am Vulcan and not particularly good at deception. It was merely an
omission by choice, in order to be amongst the crew as ourselves, rather
than officers.”

“Well then I guess I am wrong then.  Not the first and not the last.”
P’Rah sat back with his brew.  He was more of an observationalist than
anything.  To him, the word friend was not in his vocabulary.  He does know
how to play the role of a friend, those that claimed they were his friend
just deceived him in the end.

Steven Hammons sauntered into the lounge with his lady on his arm, there
had been too much work and too little relaxation for the last three months
and the rumor mill had ground out that things would be hopping here
tonight. From the sound of things Luma had gotten involved and what was the
seven foot Engineering officer doing here? He decided to find out since the
attention of everyone in the room was focused on the table he was now
standing before and chatting up the new couple. The Caitian P'Rah was
seated with the ladies. ::He's certainly adaptable, my love.:: Was sent
through his bond with Alaya. ::It's good to see him settling in.:: Luma had
been exceedingly excited about having a "kitty" aboard and he could only
assume that it was his presence here that had made her hyper.

P’Rah was in a position where he could see everyone walk in the door.
Noticing the closeness of the couple, He wondered if he was on a Starfleet
Vessel or ‘The Love Boat.’  He took a close look at those at the table.
“And who just walked in?”

Sienna glanced over and smiled, waving at Alaya and Hammons. “That is one
of our Counselors, Alaya and her husband, Steven Hammons.  Steven is a
petty officer in security as well. Alaya is a betazoid and he’s human.
She’s pretty good with knives and two of the ancient betazoid physical
arts, sticks and some sort of staff.  She enjoys fighting, unlike me.”
Sienna shrugged, “I have to have my mate as a bodyguard, which is not a
terrible prospect but hopefully over time Sekal and T’Mur can help me
acquire some skill in those arts.”  A soft smile.

T’Mur shrugged and looked back at Sienna, “Only time will tell.  A great
deal of time.”

The blue haired Alaya waved back at Sienna and dragged her husband with her
to sit at their table. There were two seats remaining after the pair took
their place. Alaya dropped Steven’s hand and gave Sienna a hug,
“Congratulations!” Alaya pulled back and smiled, then nodded to T’Mur and
dropped into the seat beside her husband. T’Mur nodded back, appreciating
the consideration to not hug her.

“Alaya, Steven,  this is PO3 P’Rah. He just joined us from the planet and
is based in security. I’m sure that you’ve both noted Luma’s approval of
the new crewmate.” Sienna made the introductions quietly.

“Did I ever.” Alaya laughed, “Welcome aboard, P’Rah.”

Steven smiled "P'Rah and I are acquainted. Galk and I accompanied the CO to
Regulus to break him out of the pokey." He extended his hand to the Caitian
for a shake. "Glad to have you aboard. The Chief is having some back
problems so you will most likely be reporting in tomorrow to his assistant
Carol Lannis. She's good folks and will get you set up and running out of
the gate."

“I see.  I shall be prepared then.  I do not anticipate problems.  So far I
find this place a little plushy.”  P’Rah said.

T’Mur looked at the ever growing crowd, “I just want to be sure, we have
ceased the subterfuge of the ranks, correct?”

“Oh yes,” Sienna spoke serenely, “That cat is indeed out of the bag.” She
supplied the reference telepathically to her mate.

“Query,” she began again. “Break him out of the … pokey?  Could you explain
the reference?”

P’Rah looked at the Vulcan, “I was falsely put in the Brig.”

“And that is called the Pokey because…” she wanted more information.  All
she could picture was that P’Rah had been put in a box with small holes in
it and people would come by periodically and poke him through the holes.

Sienna found herself giggling at her mate’s envisioning, “I didn’t know
what a pokey is either and the ranch hands use a lot of old timer earth
terms.  I grew up on Earth, split between San Francisco and my family’s
horse and cattle ranch in Texas.” She put that information out for P’Rah’s
benefit.

T’Mur looked at Sienna and took hold of her hand, “I am interested in
seeing a horse and cattle ranch in Texas.  Sienna has told me much about
it.  But the idea intrigues me.  We are to be wed on the ranch, is that not
correct?”

“We are.” She smiled happily. “Preferably in the spring or late fall so we
won’t turn into puddles of goo.” She snuggled into T’Mur’s body. “We need
to work on your ability to ride a horse on the holodeck before we put you
on a real one.  I can see you riding an ebony black mare, tail and mane
flying in the wind.” Her smile grows larger.

“Indeed,” T’Mur raised an eyebrow, “the horse’s main or mine.  I fear the
only thing flying in the air that day might be me.”  Although that wasn’t
completely true, as she had ridden on the back of her Sehlat before.  But a
domestic animal such as a horse would provide an intriguing challenge.
“Perhaps we could have a group ride on the holodeck.”

“Let’s start with personal lessons first before we bring in our friends to
watch. Giving you an audience your first time  is no fun. They will tease
you and I don’t want that.” She leaned in and touched T’Mur nose to nose.

“Count me out on that one.”  P’Rah announced.  “The idea of riding an
animal eludes me.  Why burden the beast?”

"Horses were domesticated on Earth thousands of years ago." Steven began.
"They are beautiful animals, strong and normally very gentle and can form a
very strong bond with their rider. I've ridden a few times myself and the
trick is not to fight the animals movement but flow with it. I've heard
some talk about horses as though they were their closest companions. The
relationship between a horse and someone who cares about them is wonderful
to behold."

“Indeed,” T’Mur said.  “It sounds more like a partnership than rider/ridden
relationship.  Without being a telepath how would one communicate with a
horse?”

Steven's brow wrinkled in amusement. "They respond to kindness and a gentle
touch, soft words and grooming. They require quite a lot of grooming to
keep a healthy coat and mane. They pick up commands very quickly and can be
trained to do a number of things. T'Mur is right about the partnership
aspect. A loving horse owner would stomp a mudhole through anyone who
mistreats their animal."

T’Mur raised an eyebrow and looked at Sienna, “Much like you my love.”
::Especially the training to do anything.::  “A mudhole?” she asked Hammons.

"Another one of those old timer sayings, I'm full of them. It essentially
means literally through them into the ground. A very violent image
certainly but apropos."

T’Mur thought about Hammons’ definition of the term and made an odd face.
“Perhaps it would be in my best interest to speak with more old timers.
These terms are fascinating and present many intriguing visuals.”

Bohb laughed loudly, “Well Miss T’Mur you aren’t going to find many more
timers older than me on this ship.  But these phrases are new to me as
well.  I could teach you some colorful Magillan terms if you like, but
they’ll only get you into a fight if you’re on my home world.”

“As for me personally,” he said looking at Sienna and Hammons, “I would
need a rather large horse.  But I have ridden one before.  Poor thing will
never be the same.”

"You need a Clydesdale or Percheron then." Steven ordered a beer for
himself and wine for Alaya when the barkeep walked by. "They are
significantly larger and stronger animals that often were used for farming
or bearing burdens. I doubt you would cause one much discomfort. A normal
saddle horse would be a bit small for you like me trying to ride a Shetland
pony."

“A pony from the land of Shets?  Who are the Shets?  I’m learning so much
at this table.  It’s all so fascinating,” Bohb was enjoying the
conversation with exuberance.

Steven laughed. "You've got me Bohb, I have no idea about any Shets. Never
met one or even heard anyone who knew one. I think it was someplace in
Europe, probably like a county which is just a local geographical
designation."

Bohb shrugged his shoulders, “Something for me to research.  But clearly
they have miniature horses.  That will be interesting.  Anyway, I thought
we were here for the music. Too much talk, not enough music.  How does this
work?  Do we sign up or just go on the stage?”

“Ahh, now that is a human custom I have enjoyed.”  P’Rah did love to sing.
There was one song he did love to sing the most.

Sienna had been sipping her drink, enjoying the banter as one of the crew
and not the almighty FO. “You want me to sing now? Or do you want me to
rock out?   Or what about my flute? Up to you guys what you want to hear?”

Alaya leaned forward on one elbow, admiring Sienna’s new bracelet with a
knowing smile, “Whatever the others want. I love your music and will enjoy
any of it. Steven?” She looked at her mate.

T’Mur looked at Sienna and tilted her head. “You promised me a gift, my
love. A gift in music.” Sienna nodded and grinned, “I hope you like this.
It’s just for you.”  She slid out of her chair and headed up onto the
stage.

(reply any)

(Posted by Mel [Alaya & Sienna ] Al [T’Mur] Charles G. [Steven Hammons] and
Kris [P’Rah] )


Nrpg: Anyone is welcome to come and hang out. Please, please come have fun.
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