Remember, Riker and Troi are canonically swingers or polyamorous or something in that vein. At the end of Lower Decks 1x10 "No Small Parts" they make plans to visit Little Risa on the planet they're stopping at, and Riker insists that they bring the normal horga'hn and not a little one.
Summary: Years ago, Lieutenant Christopher Pike and his team’s classified mission failed changing the course of two peoples – the Estess whose planet was strategically important to the Federation and the deeply spiritual Gileseians whose out of the way home was location and resource poor. The price for his involvment will be steep and the debt is about to be called in.
This story takes place after the Season 2 finale. Control was defeated and all the events of Season 2 occurred except for Discovery travelling into the future.
ooooo
Commander Reno was waiting as the materialization process finished. “Welcome to Enterprise. I’ve been assigned to get you oriented and settled.” Tilly had been recalled from vacation and temporarily assigned as an engineering assistant to provide extra support during the shake-down cruise.
Tilly bounced off the transporter pad, excited to be officially part of the Enterprise crew, at least for a few weeks. “Thanks.”
“Grab your gear. We’ll drop it off in your quarters and get some lunch. Then I will give you a tour of Engineering.”
As they walked through the corridors Tilly twirled around, trying to take in everything. “This ship is massive! And crowded.”
“After this retrofit, it has the largest crew ever assembled for a deep space mission, nearly five hundred.” Reno looked proud, as if she had completely redesigned the ship herself. She steered them to the nearest mess hall. “Food’s good here, but I still miss Kofi’s cinnamon buns. There are five mess halls on board, this one is closest to Engineering. Actually there’s six, but one is on the command deck.”
“Command deck?” Tilly asked as she got her tray and followed Reno to a table.
“Deck three which is home to the senior officers and VIPs. Also has its own gym. Though neither are restricted unless there is an uber-important visiting dignitary. And there is a direct turbolift from that deck to the bridge.” When Tilly’s eyes widened, Reno added, “You’re not in Kansas anymore Dorothy.”
“What?”
Reno rolled her eyes. “Youth today. You have never read The Wizard of Oz?” Tilly shook her head. Reno added, “Try it sometime, it’s good.”
Nhan and Scotty entered the room and Reno waved them over. “Join us. Scotty, this is Ensign Sylvia Tilly, who you are expecting. Tilly, this is Lieutenant Montgomery Scott. You are assigned as his assistant. Report to him in Engineering first shift in the morning.”
Scotty held out his hand. “Welcome lass. I’ve heard nothing but praise for ye.”
Tilly blushed slightly. His thick brogue was charming. Hopefully, she could keep him talking while they worked. “Thank you, sir.”
“Sorry I can’t join you, but I’m expected on the bridge. Jett, wee dram tonight with me and Nhan?”
“Message time and place. Do I supply the scotch?” Reno asked.
Scotty grinned. “Absolutely not, you dinnae own a decent scotch. Nhan’s bringing a new one from Denobula.”
As Scotty exited, Nhan sat down. “Good to see you again Tilly. How are you settling in?”
“I … think it’s going to be an adjustment. Any advice?”
Reno answered while Nhan considered. “It’s a bigger ship with a much larger crew and a different mission. Things are more formal than on Discovery, they have to be.”
“How so?” Tilly asked.
“It’s unlikely you will be on the bridge. That may feel like a big change to you.” Nhan answered. “Access to the bridge is restricted. And day-to-day you will interact with the First Officer and your department head, in your case, Louvier, rather than Captain Pike.”
“That’s disappointing.” Tilly responded before thinking. Then her attention was caught by a new entry into the room. She punched Reno’s arm, “Who’s that?”
Reno squinted. “Which one?”
“The really tall man who just entered. Looks like a Viking warrior from Valhalla. He’s towering over everyone else in the room. He’s … he’s gesturing towards us.”
Nhan turned to look. “That’s my boss, Commander Isak Bengsston, Chief of Security. Special forces operator before that. And he’s motioning for me. We’ll catch-up soon Tilly.”
As Nhan left, Detmer joined the table, breathless. “I just flew the ship through the Orion asteroid belt. And only destroyed it twice. I’m improving!”
“Thank God for simulators. And that our regular helmsmen are over 30.” Reno muttered under her breath. “Tilly is a little distracted, she just came face to face with Commander Bengsston.”
Detmer grinned wickedly, “Oh really. Does Captain Pike have competition? The Commander has his own set of groupies you know. I’ve heard they, the Captain and Bengsston, not their groupies, have been friends for a long time and served together years ago, before Enterprise.”
Tilly harumphed. “I am now completely over my alleged infatuation with Captain Pike. And I have no time for any other. This is a serious posting and I intend to devote all of my attention to it.”
Nodding knowingly, Detmer turned to Reno, “Did I ever tell you why we ended up in the spa on the transport? Tilly shook her head vigorously, and mouthed, “No! Please!” Then she asked, hoping to change the subject, “What’s a groupie?”
Reno chuckled. “The CMO’s term for folks head-over-heels for Captain Pike. But don’t use it in the Captain’s presence. He would not be amused.”
A tall woman with long dark hair approached the table. Detmer sat up straighter. Reno introduced them. “Number One this is Ensign Sylvia Tilly.”
“Welcome aboard Ensign. I am sorry I could not greet you in the transporter room. Do you have everything you need?”
“Ah … yes … ma’am … I mean … sir.” Why are you so nervous? Tilly thought to herself.
“Page me tomorrow after your shift. We’ll have coffee and get to know one another.” Una smiled trying to calm Tilly’s nervous reaction.
“Yes … sir … thank … you ... sir.”
Deciding it was time to put the young girl out of her misery, Una moved on to her next task. The Captain asked her to keep an eye on Tilly, which was going to be a challenge if the girl couldn’t utter a complete sentence in her presence.
Tilly cradled her head in her hands. “That was mortifying.”
“Don’t worry. I’ve seen worse. Commander Una can unnerve almost anyone,” Reno sympathized. “So, who would have thought the two of you would save all those people single-handedly like Batman and Robin, complete with capes? Seriously, it was impressive. And I get to tell everyone I serve with you. Maybe I could join you and be Cat Woman.”
Detmer and Tilly stared at Reno blankly. “Seriously?” Reno asked, “do either of you children read?”
That Evening In Their Quarters
“How was Risa?” Keyla asked Tilly.
“Lonely. Until I met an interesting woman. She was … fun … and exhausting. You know about Rhys and Bonnie?”
Keyla nodded, “Number One said we can have leave to attend the wedding. And Owo sent holos of her twin nieces.” She pulled them up on a PADD to show Tilly.
“What do you know about Lieutenant Scott?”
“Reno says he’s one of the best engineers she has ever met. They have become quite the dynamic duo. But I think she misses ribbing Stamets.”
“This ship is huge.” Tilly observed. “I read they increased its size by 40% during the repairs and retrofit.”
Keyla nodded, “It also now has the fastest warp engine in the fleet. Discovery seemed crowded with just 90 crew members; it’s been interesting adjusting to being part of such a large crew.”
“Don’t you miss Discovery?” Tilly asked.
“Sure, but I am also happy to get a new certification. And spend time on the flagship. Discovery will still be there when we are done.”
“I am glad we are rooming together.” Tilly added.
“Me too. And it will give me a chance to fill you in on all the important gossip.” Keyla grinned. “By the way, I get your infatuation with the Captain now.”
“Excuse me?”
“We all know you have a thing for Captain Pike. There is no reason to deny it.”
Tilly blushed and Keyla continued, “It’s not like you are alone in that. Anyway, I get it now. Number One is amazing and when she leans over to correct me in the flight simulator and her long dark hair brushes my shoulder and I smell her perfume, or when she raises on eyebrow as if commenting or asking a question, or when I see her working out in the gym … she’s very strong yet graceful; I imagine tearing off her clothes, throwing her to the floor and … well … you know.” Keyla fanned her face with her hand. “So, I get it now, wanting to hook up with your commander.”
Tilly stammered and Keyla looked triumphant. “See … that’s proof!”
“Did you know Captain Pike was married? I mean before when we were all on Discovery?”
“I don’t remember when I found out, but yes. It’s not like it’s a secret.” Keyla replied.
“He never mentioned her. There were no pictures of her or them together in his ready room. Don’t you find that odd?”
“Not really. She wasn’t on board the ship and it’s not like Captain Pike is going to walk up to one of his junior officers and start talking about his wife. He was open with us, but he never revealed much about his personal life.”
Tilly looked thoughtful. “And she never came on board? They were apart all those months without seeing one another?”
Keyla laughed. “I think what you are asking is why didn’t Enterprise or Discovery make a booty call run? Otherwise what is the point of being the captain?”
Tilly blushed again. Keyla continued, “I wish I had a picture of the look on your face right now. There was a rumor she was on board one night, a few days after New Eden when we stopped at the Starbase for supplies and most of the crew took shore leave. That she met Saru unexpectedly and … it was awkward … or memorable depending on the account. A towel and a bra were mentioned. Saru never commented on it.”
The mental picture of Saru awkwardly holding a stranger’s or, for that matter, anyone’s bra made Tilly giggle. “So, what’s the rumor of the moment here?” Tilly asked.
“Nothing in particular, nothing big that is. Just the everyday stuff, pairings, musings about the next mission. You know what people talk about.”
“Not the hijacking?”
“Not much, mostly relief that it was thwarted and that the resulting injuries were minor. A few are still speculating about the incredible coincidence, or some might say, random luck that the bandits happened to choose that ship. How and why they did is a mystery.”
Hmmm, Tilly thought, I love mysteries.
Two Days Later
Number One strode into Phil Boyce’s office. “You’ve got to help me.”
He looked up from the medical records he was reviewing. “Is something wrong?”
“Not wrong, but I need … a favor.”
This should be interesting. Phil thought. “Okay.”
“Ensign Tilly who is here as a temporary engineer. Chris asked me to keep an eye on her, to mentor her. He said she … requires more supervision than the average junior crewman.”
“So, what do you need from me?”
“I’m asking you to do it in my place.”
“Why? Isn’t she on a command track? That makes you the better fit,” Phil commented.
“I tend to … She starts rambling incoherently whenever I try to talk with her. She is uncomfortable around me.”
Phil chuckled, “You? Intimidate an ensign?”
Una frowned and shot him a ‘you’re going on my list’ look “She does this even when I try to have an everyday conversation with her, like ask how her day is going. This is important. Chris is fond of her. And believes she was thrown onto a starship and then into the command training program before she was ready. He wants her to succeed and has assumed personal responsibility for it.”
“Typical Chris.” Phil observed.
“Yes. I think you could be a better fit and I don’t want to bother him with this right now.”
“OK. You’ll introduce me?”
Una nodded, “Meet us in Mess 3 around 6:30 for dinner. She’s a bundle of energy, passion, intelligence, and talent. And she’s a whirlwind. Thank you and … good luck.”
ooooo
Tilly had been on board Enterprise nearly two weeks and while she missed Discovery and her friends there, she was rapidly adapting to life on this bigger, busier ship. The onboard routine was back to normal after the hijacking incident and Enterprise was continuing her shake-down cruise, now heading into an uninhabited region of space for weapons testing and certification.
Much of the ship was redesigned and rebuilt after the battle with Control. And even the best design, manufacturing, and assembly processes left glitches. Diagnosing and correcting these minor problems consumed the engineering staff. Tilly had just finished her shift and was scheduled for extra duty tomorrow.
Though not all the work was fixes. Chief Louvier was steadily adding his own modifications, leveraging his wide-ranging deep space experience. Tilly had learned more in the past week about warp engines than in her last semester at the Academy. Her supervisor, Scotty, was a marvel. She listened raptly to him and wrote down everything he said. His brogue, which sounded like music to her, was an added bonus. Scotty had praised her modifications to the personal communicator which transmitted the low-band distress call during the hijacking and had suggested a few tweaks, discussing his ideas with her like a peer rather than a junior engineer. It the best compliment she ever received.
Each day during the first week Tilly was on board, Keyla relayed a new tale staring Commander Una. She was truly smitten with Enterprise’s first officer. Number One still rendered Tilly speechless in every encounter. Dr. Boyce urged her to hang in there, it would get easier, explaining Una was like a marshmallow covered in steel, it took a bit to get the soft squishy part. Evidently Keyla was already there and fantasizing about squeezing her favorite marshmallow in all the right places.
But this past week had felt different. Keyla was rarely in their quarters and quiet when she was there, no longer trading anecdotes about her day or relaying the latest ship’s gossip. When Tilly asked if her friend was OK, Keyla brushed it off explaining she was granted extra time in the simulator which required additional study. That it was a rare opportunity she couldn’t pass up despite the unrelenting pace.
Tilly had accepted the explanation but as the week progressed it felt … off.
And it was odd, and disappointing, not to have spoken with Captain Pike since her assignment to Enterprise. She accepted the reality that this was a different environment where she wasn’t in his orbit nor was she likely to be. And he had a lot to contend with at the moment. Still … the Captain Pike she remembered would have sought her out for a few minutes to welcome her on board. It was … for lack of a better word … odd.
She noticed other unusual things as well. The senior officers seemed … preoccupied. There was a rumor Spock was cutting short his leave with his sister and parents to rejoin the ship a month ahead of schedule. Why? The Science department was aptly handled by his deputies.
Starship crews thrive on gossip, well that was too strong a word as gossip has negative connotations, crews thrive on sharing information, lots of it. Yet few on Enterprise were openly talking about the hijacking. That was, again, odd. In fact the non-commissioned officers had put out the word they would look unfavorably on anyone speculating about the event. Why? Gossip was a safety valve for crews and that experience had shaken them.
Still she managed to unearth a few shards of information. There had been several bombs on the transport, one hidden in the main passenger cabin. It was to have been detonated when the hijackers left the ship. Fortunately, it was easily disarmed. The restraints placed on the hostage were booby trapped with explosives. Once armed, which occurred when an active scan was detected, they would detonate immediately if the hostage were separated from her captors. That possibility sent chills down Tilly’s spine.
All agreed it was an unusual stroke of luck. Two high-value targets happened to be on board a randomly selected ship. Coincidence? How … odd.
Aalin sent handwritten notes to Tilly and Detmer lauding their ingenuity and thanking them for saving the innocent passengers who were inadvertently put in danger. Handwritten! Tilly thought. Unheard of and … classy. She wanted to learn more about her seatmate from the transport. Had tried asking Nhan, but the Commander deftly changed the subject. So did others when she queried about this particular crewmate. It was … odd.
Nothing added up. Something was going on.
Once in her quarters she stripped off her red uniform jacket and noticed the message indicator blinking on her PADD. “Display messages. No audio.”
The text began: Giovanna …
Over the past week, Tilly had been exchanging messages with her new friend from Risa. Those messages were a godsend as Keyla became busier. Tilly craved a friend to discuss all the ideas that popped into her head and Emily’s first message happen to coincide with that need. Emily never judged, never considered anything too outlandish, and always encouraged her to be freer. To take the initiative.
The message continued: Yes, I have settled on that as your new name, it suits you much better than Sylvia. How did things turn out with the dishy ensign? A one or two nighter or a don’t bother?
Tilly laughed at that. Definitely a two nighter. She continued reading: Again I must scold you! You were a naughty girl not to tell me about your heroics saving all those people on the transport. It’s in the news again, not that it ever really left. And I agree, things don’t quite add up based on the information you have shared. By the way I love hearing about your life on board the ship, so do please keep sending all the details. It almost makes me want to sign-up. Especially considering the Captain you are serving under. Shame on me for telling you about my experiences with him in San Francisco, I should think longer and ask more questions before I blurt out the intimate details of my life.
Tilly could hear Emily’s musical laugh in her head as she read: But then I am unlikely to change. All is busy here. I did buy that fashion house. And yes, to your question about your plan, I think you should. Must run, kisses from Paris.
So, HEY GUYS! I have three new listings up on my etsy!! Two of which are of the NERDY variety! The last two were the commission I worked on a couple months ago, and the Star trek: Horga’hns and Jamaharon was a book mark pattern I worked on since last fall, but when life got busy, I set it aside.
But, a few weeks ago, when my mom came to visit, PERFECT time to sit and work!
So, think to yourself. “Self, do I need something new to work on” and the answer is YES! Cross stitch a quote to hang on your wall, or cross stitch Captain Picard’s sentiments about reading...or rather, reading when distracted by pretty risian hostesses who try to incite you with Jamaharon because your first officer told you to buy a horga’hn.
So, share this around or go shopping!
Summary: Years ago, Lieutenant Christopher Pike and his team’s classified mission failed changing the course of two peoples – the Estess whose planet was strategically important to the Federation and the deeply spiritual Gileseians whose out of the way home was location and resource poor. The price for his involvment will be steep and the debt is about to be called in.
This story takes place after the Season 2 finale. Control was defeated and all the events of Season 2 occurred except for Discovery travelling into the future.
ooooo
Four Days Later
Estess IV
Minister Drey strode angrily towards their guests’ quarters as quaking aides scurried out of his way. “Fools and incompetents,” he hissed. “How difficult is it to secure and eliminate one defenseless woman? This is what happens when you delegate a vital task to mercenaries for hire and a third-rate mystic with a messianic complex.”
He called out to one aide who had not vanished quickly enough. “Find my surgeon general. Tell her to be in my office in 15 minutes.”
It is time to eliminate the middlemen, he thought as he rang the door chime. I will deal with Christopher Pike directly myself.
A man in a red uniform answered the door. After the thwarted kidnapping of one of its officers and the murder of Ambassador Shran, Starfleet Command and the diplomatic service stepped up security around anyone ranked captain and above as well as all the ambassadors.
Minster Drey glared at the security officer who returned the stare without a hint of being cowed. Frustrated at being delayed by this insignificant subordinate Drey said pleasantly, “May I see Ambassador April? I realize our talks for entry into the Federation have halted due to the … unfortunate incident. Yet I would like to extend my personal as well as my government’s sympathies and offer any small assistance.”
After consideration, the guard stepped aside. “Follow me.” Ushering the Estess Prime Minister into the Ambassador’s office, he and a colleague remained on each side of the door.
Drey smiled and extended his hand to Robert April. “I would like to offer my deepest sympathizes, personal as well as official on behalf of my government for the loss of the legendary Ambassador Shran as well as for the injured passengers and crew of the transport.”
Bob April accepted the handshake thinking, you always would like to, but you never do, do you?
Drey continued, “It is truly regrettable that such violence still exists in this day and time. I realize we are a small and insignificant planetary system. And that any service we can offer is but a token. Yet I hope this offer is a symbol of our earnestness and good faith in this matter.”
April’s wife Sarah, who was standing behind Drey, rolled her eyes. She had taken an instant dislike to the minister. Bob’s own dislike was not far behind. Simply put he did not trust the man and Bob listened to his instincts.
The Estess system was at a crossroads bordering the territories claimed by the Klingons and Tholians as well as numerous burgeoning shipping routes. Bob’s bosses were adamant Estess be admitted to the Federation. Having now met the Estess people, Bob was unconvinced the alliance was wise or in the Federation’s long-term interests. Ambassador Shran’s death provided a sad but useful excuse to slow down its entry negotiations.
“I, and my government, accept your condolences and appreciate your offer. Currently no additional assistance is needed but should that change we will welcome your help,” Bob replied graciously.
“Is there any further information on the identities or motives of those thugs?” Drey asked schooling his expression into a practiced meld of shock and concern. “Our news services are so out of the way we only receive second-hand reports.”
“I know nothing more than what you read in the wires,” Bob answered. He waited patiently for Drey to make the next move.
Drey concluded April either did not know more than he or would not share it. No matter, these rooms were well bugged. “Then I will not keep you from your duties any longer and I must return to mine. You continue to be our honored guests and my staff is as your disposal.”
After Drey was escorted out, Bob looked at his aide who replied, “You can speak freely sir. We performed a routine sweep for listening devices this morning.”
“Thank you. Just for giggles please ensure the staff is ready to leave at a moment’s notice. And give us the room.”
When Bob and Sarah were alone she said in her usual blunt manner, “Drey is an odious little man. Have you heard from Chris yet?”
His expression turned to worry, “No. Enterprise has gone silent for system and weapon drills. I haven’t sent a hail for two days.”
“Why? We don’t even know if Aalin is OK.”
“Drills my ass. Chris was my first officer for five years. I trained him. I know him. If he’s locked down Enterprise, there is a reason and I’m not going to tip his hand.”
ooooo
Risa
Tilly sat slumped at the bar in her hotel on Risa looking dejected and nursing her colorful drink. Not even an authentic Risian mai tai cheered her. They had planned the perfect vacation and then everything went wrong. No wrong wasn’t the right word, everything went different. It felt like things were changing and she pushed that feeling down, as deep as she could, because it not only made her sad, but it also frightened her a little. After everything the Discovery crew endured and bonded over – the war, the mirror universe, the battles to eliminate Control, she assumed they would always serve together. Now her friends were being tugged in new directions.
Hugh and Paul had settled on Vulcan. Paul teaching at the Vulcan Science Academy where he continued researching the mycelial network and building a non-human navigation interface for the spore drive. Until then the spore drive was decommissioned and mothballed. Hugh split his time between a teaching hospital and studying with the Vulcan mystics who were guiding his journey to make peace with his death, unique rebirth, and renewed life.
Dr. Tracy Pollard and Commander Reno transferred to Enterprise where preparations were underway for the ship’s next deep space mission. Commander Nhan also resumed her regular assignment as Deputy Security Chief on Enterprise.
Keyla Detmer elected to skip their Risian vacation when offered the opportunity to study and test for her constitution class pilot certification. She would be staying on Enterprise another eight weeks.
Joann Owo left for Earth yesterday after her sister gave birth to twins three weeks early.
Tilly was pleased that Saru was promoted to Captain and given command of Discovery with Michael as his First Officer. Discovery would, finally, assume her mission as a science vessel. She had had a secret hope Captain Pike would remain on Discovery permanently though admitted to herself that was never a possibility. His life was on the Enterprise. And as happy as she was for Michael getting the chance to again serve as a first officer, she was anxious about it. Would their friendship change? At the very least they would no longer be roommates and Tilly would miss that a lot.
Then there was the happy reason she was sitting alone and feeling miserable. Their first night on Risa Gen Rhys proposed to Bonnie O’Malley and she accepted. They continued to include Tilly in activities and invite her to meals, but she hated being a third wheel. Finding private time was a challenge when serving on a starship and they deserved to enjoy it while they could.
“I’ve been to Risa many times and I have never seen anyone here look so wretched. Certainly not when such an attractive man is trying to flirt with her. My god, you could grate chocolate on his abs. And you should do it … and him.”
“Excuse me?” Tilly asked only now noticing the woman who sat down beside her a few minutes ago.
“Oh, sorry. My friends constantly scold me for blurting out whatever I am thinking at any moment. But I think it’s refreshing. And interesting. What a boring galaxy this would be if we censor everythingwe say.”
The woman held out her hand. “I’m Emily, well no one can ever pronounce my last name so just call me Emily or Emily R.” The tall, dark-headed woman continued, “You have the most beautiful alabaster skin, but you are using the wrong makeup colors.” She laughed. “My friends also chide me for my bluntness. But I know what I am talking about, I own a cosmetics company.”
It wasn’t often Tilly couldn’t get a word in edgewise, yet Emily went on without drawing breath, “But we can talk more about that and the need to add some highlights to your hair another day. You really are a strikingly attractive woman.”
“Are you hitting on me?” Tilly asked tentatively.
Emily laughed again, an alto-pitched vivacious, joyful laugh. “No, but if I ever decide to go in another direction I would be tempted to. But that tall, blonde Adonis across the room is. The one with the rock-solid abs. I am also assuming/hoping he has a sexy accent. Maybe Australian? I love those.”
“I thought he was flirting with the blonde at the table to the left.”
“Nope, with you. At least give the guy a smile.”
Tilly tried to deflect by changing the subject. Emily had to be wrong, guys like that were never interested in her. “Are you here on vacation?”
“Yes. Sampling the pleasures of Risa. I needed to destress before our fall product launch. And decide whether to buy a fashion design company I have my eye on. The scenery and entertainment are conducive for making good decisions. But I needed a night off. I mean, just how much Jamaharon can a girl take in a week?”
Tilly, looking unsure, raised her shoulders slightly as if saying ‘I don’t know’.
“Exactly.” Emily finished.
“I’m Sylvia Tilly. Though everyone calls me Tilly because I hate my first name.”
“Very well Tilly. Nice to meet you. If you hate your first name, why not give yourself another one? You shouldn’t be stuck with something you don’t care for and had no say about.”
Tilly’s brow creased. “I never thought about it, and everyone always called me Tilly anyway or even worse, Silly Tilly.”
“Ugh. That’s horrid and doesn’t suit you at all. With all those gorgeous curves you look like you stepped out of an Italian renaissance painting. Voluptuous in the best connotations of the word. So, you should have a name like Antonia or Giovanna, something sultry and romantic.” Emily gestured dramatically as she spoke and then she sighed. “I’ve always dreamed of having sexy curves.”
Tilly looked astonished. “But you are tall and model-thin!”
“Another description would be awkward giraffe. And I am all angles. Men like soft curves and well, they want to bury themselves in your chest.” She shook her head and laughed again as she waved at Tilly’s breasts, “I am happy with my physical appearance, but I truly am envious of that.”
“That hasn’t been my experience.”
“Then it is time to change it. I am having a delightful time getting to know you, but you need a different type of company tonight. Be bold, go say hello to Adonis over there. No pressure because this is vacation, you never have to see him again and what happens on Risa stays on Risa.” Emily grinned, “Oh, how I love a cliché! Go play. Hey that rhymes! I’ll treat you to brunch tomorrow and we can gossip about your date. And I will tell you of the time I experienced Jamaharon in San Francisco. Deal?”
Tilly looked thoughtful. “My former Captain used to tell me to be bold. And brave.”
“Then he or she is smart. Deal?”
“Deal” Tilly replied with a big smile.
The Next Morning
Emily waved as Tilly entered the restaurant and headed for the table. “I ordered champagne to get us started. Or would you prefer something else?”
“Champagne is great, thanks.”
“What would you like to eat?” Emily asked as she perused the menu. “I hear the omelets are outstanding. And the pastries.”
“I usually have an egg white burrito with black beans.”
Emily refilled her champagne glass and frowned. “That sounds horrid.”
“My roommate, well former roommate, suggested it, well really she ordered it. She’s kind of bossy. And she was trying to help.”
“But it’s not done – eating an egg white anything on vacation. Especially on Risa. It’s a pleasure planet. Take pleasure in everything. This morning it will be food and drink.” Emily signaled the waiter, “Bring us one of everything. And for goodness’s sake, the salads should be served between the entrees and pastries. I cannot imagine why you have adopted the barbaric custom of eating a salad first in a meal. Chill two more bottles of champagne. And I need an expresso.”
“Me too,” Tilly chimed in feeling overwhelmed.
“So, were you bold and brave?” Emily asked as they continued their feast.
Tilly nodded, her head swimming a bit after her fourth glass of champagne. “It was a great 15 minutes, but his … repertoire was limited. As were his conversation skills. And he didn’t have an accent.”
Emily waved her hand, “Que sera sera, or as my mother says, ‘you have to go through a lot of mediocrity before experiencing genius’. The important thing is you took a chance. I have a feeling you spend most of your time studying and working. I bet no one ever beats you at homework.”
“You bet your ass.” Tilly replied, filters down. “Oh sorry.”
“For what?”
“Crude language?” Tilly said, unsure.
“Oh, I didn’t notice, but then I can swear like a sailor in 5 languages. It’s a handy thing to whip out during financial negotiations.”
“Last night you promised to tell me a tale of Jamaharon in San Francisco.”
“Indeed, I did.” She opened the third bottle of champagne. “A tale such as this requires bubbly. And speaking of asses, a fine one will be featured.”
Tilly eagerly held out her glass and started on a second chocolate croissant. “Where I work we have to wear uniforms and they are really well tailored especially in the rear and I love working in the back of the room which is the best viewing angle I love a man in uniform” Tilly managed to say without stopping for punctuation or drawing breath.
Emily edged the champagne bottle just out of Tilly’s reach. And the pastries, unsure if Tilly was experiencing an alcohol or sugar rush. “A few years ago, when I was starting my company, I spent a summer in San Francisco. Have you been to San Francisco?”
“Went to school there.” Tilly answered.
“Do you know the bakery The Rose Café? I promise this is relevant.”
“Yes.”
“Tried the brownies? The chocolate ones made from a secret recipe?” Emily asked.
“Oh my god, yes. Better than … definitely better than last night.”
Emily laughed. “Yes, often those brownies are. You should know I tend to go for the ‘rough around the edge’s types. Known as bad boys when I was younger, though now I no longer require them, nor want them, to have an arrest on their record. My mother is very pleased with my newfound maturity. Anyway, I met a handsome guy there, on medical leave. Poster boy type. Well built, athletic. And he wore a uniform. I thought, what the hell, I should try something new.”
“I have a thing for soldiers and musicians and soldiers.” Tilly said loudly.
Emily signaled the waiter to bring two coffees. “He had, well I guess still has, a fine ass. And the most heart-melting and heat-inducing dimples. Good thing too because he was terrible at flirting. Guess you don’t need to know how to flirt if you can flash those dimples.”
A thought beckoned at Tilly through her haze. Surely it couldn’t be? Should I tell her I am in Starfleet just in case? But I want to hear more!
Emily sighed. “It was a great summer. Pure fun. Neither of us wanted a long-term relationship; in the fall he’d go back to his ship, and I would go home to London. I called my mother after the first night we were together to tell her she was right, which she seldom is but loves to hear; I had experienced genius. Who knew starship captains have such a wide variety of skills? And that much endurance. Christopher Pike is that good. He is Rose Café brownie good. Jamaharon can happen anywhere.”
I knew it! I knew it, I knew it! Tilly thought triumphantly. Thank you, Universe for sharing that story with me! I promise I will be good and never, ever repeat it!
