New Friends...

[Autumn]

After being relieved from her post at the bridge, Autumn made her way to her quarters.

When she first received news that she would be posted to the Challenger, Autumn didn't quite know how to feel about it. The USS Red October had been her home, her parent's ship, the ship where she'd grown up before they died and she was shuffled from one family member to another during multiple stints of time in Vulcan or Andoria, being of those places and not of those places at the same time. When she finally took charge of her destiny and entered the Academy, she managed to be placed at the Red October for her practical training and a part of her expected to be posted there after graduation. It was after all, the only place that had ever truly felt like home. She didn't know what it would be like, to be in a different ship, and she could never have expected what happened on her first few days on board the challenger.

Now, walking along the corridors of the ship, still in her black tank top – what remained of her uniform's shirt was in rags somewhere in the narrowest section of the Jeffrey's tubes, near engineering – Autumn couldn't help but think that it was a pretty good start. Her arms were cut in several places, she had bruises, the adrenaline flooding through her veins was the only thing keeping her from crashing from exhaustion and her hair was inexplicable. But this was one of the things she loved the most about being in Starfleet: the unexpected. Facing a completely hopeless situation and coming out on top, having a team, working together with a group of people, each of whom were protecting each other's lives... For the first time in a long time, she felt alive!

And she was looking forward to seeing her little dog, Luka again. Luka, as it turned out was looking forward to seeing her again as well... The anesthezine must have run off because the minute she opened the door, the little dog jumped on her chest, causing her to loose her balance and fall back, Luka liking her face all over, as she couldn't help but laugh and play with the little guy.

[Calindra Hejaran]

[Calindra Hejaran - USS Challenger - Jr. Officer's Quarters - Deck 5]

Calindra adjusted her pace as she moved down Challenger's corridors, acutely aware of the slave robes still clinging to her. The robes felt heavy and foreign on her skin, like the last unwanted reminder of Bralok's compound. But with everything that had just happened, all she wanted was to sink into a tub full of hot water and disappear for a day.

As she hurriedly rounded the corner of her quarters, she stumbled upon the beautiful blue vulcan like Ensign that she had bumped into in Sickbay before the real part of the ordeal began. The ensign, however, looked like she'd been through worse than herself. Cali, truth be told, the worse she had suffered was a Klingon pain stick to the ribs for running her mouth, but the ensign seemed to have fared worse.

Forgetting her aches and pains, Cali changed course to greet her newest neighbour who was now laying on the ground in front of her quarters, laughing as a small, ecstatic dog — clearly overjoyed to see her —licked her face. Calindra leaned against the bulkhead near Autumn's doorway, a smile spreading across her face as she took in the scene. "Now that's a homecoming," she giggled, offering the girl a helping hand in case she needed help getting up. "Glad to see someone here's gettin' spoiled."

"No offense, you look like you just won a hand-to-hand with a Klingon, but I gotta say, you look happier than anyone who's been on duty for 48 hours straight should. I guess that Vulcan doctor's bedside wasn't all it was supposed to be..!"

[Alhanjhu]

[Ensign Alhanjhu Jei'Jendak | Jr. Officer's Quarters | Deck Five | USS Challenger]

Alhanjhu felt glad he had the rest of the day off. He never minded going without a shirt, but that was when he was at his casual moments or, ideally, when he was off-duty. As a former feral child, he was used to being without a shirt. He heard plenty of comparisons from his habit to his application of strength at the Academy. Mowgli, Tarzan, Enkiddu, the Roman founding "cub" of Lupa. He heard it enough times to be tiring, but still, his whole brief year at the Academy meant throngs of girls followed after him uncomfortably; he preferred finding the right girl, thank you very much by the Great Canopy.

He wasn't as tired, knowing his strength, a gene from his mother, having grown up in the far-flung Romulan world Cradolore. But it was easy to feel tired after what he went through. Plus, having a duty without a shirt felt wrong, but it was unique circumstances prompted by those Ferengi, and his uniform was destroyed to the point he had to reuse it as a rope or whip.

He had been so engrossed in his thoughts, especially on what to tell his Uncle Anju about his first real adventure, that he ran into a pair of girls conversing. He yelped at contact and jumped back.

"Great Canopy! I am so sorry...!" He stared and realized he recognized one of them. The blue Vulcan that he protected at one point as he wandered the ship. The other girl was a blond who...what kind of disguise was this, he wondered.

"Excuse me for the surprise...it had been a fvadt astounding day. I normally don't go without a shirt...on duty, anyway," he added, holding up the rope-formed remains of his uniform. He looked at the blue woman and sighed wearily. "Those Ferengi...fvadt."

[Autumn]

Forgetting her aches and pains, Cali changed course to greet her newest neighbour who was now laying on the ground in front of her quarters, laughing as a small, ecstatic dog — clearly overjoyed to see her —licked her face. Calindra leaned against the bulkhead near Autumn's doorway, a smile spreading across her face as she took in the scene. "Now that's a homecoming," she giggled, offering the girl a helping hand in case she needed help getting up. "Glad to see someone here's gettin' spoiled."
"No offense, you look like you just won a hand-to-hand with a Klingon, but I gotta say, you look happier than anyone who's been on duty for 48 hours straight should. I guess that Vulcan doctor's bedside wasn't all it was supposed to be..!"

Autumn patted little Luka, who had finally calmed down enough for her to greet the young woman who approached them.

"Hi," she said, straightening herself up and running her fingers through her hair... She glanced down at the cuts in her arms. "It's those Jeffrey's tubes... Given how often we rely on them to get about the ship, having them so narrow seems like an obvious design flaw."

Than she glanced at the woman's strange robes.

"Were you down in the planet? That couldn't have been easy... I'm Autumn by the way. Challenger is my first post. And this is Luka," she added, noticing that the little dog was looking at the other woman, shaking his little tail.

He had been so engrossed in his thoughts, especially on what to tell his Uncle Anju about his first real adventure, that he ran into a pair of girls conversing. He yelped at contact and jumped back.

"Great Canopy! I am so sorry...!" He stared and realized he recognized one of them. The blue Vulcan that he protected at one point as he wandered the ship. The other girl was a blond who...what kind of disguise was this, he wondered.
"Excuse me for the surprise...it had been a fvadt astounding day. I normally don't go without a shirt...on duty, anyway," he added, holding up the rope-formed remains of his uniform. He looked at the blue woman and sighed wearily. "Those Ferengi...fvadt."

"Hi," she greeted the feral ensign, "It's Jei'Jendak, right?" she turned back to the other one "Jei and I were part of the team that retook the bridge. I was actually just getting Luka and then heading to the holodeck. I have a programme that simulates the hot springs of Andoria... The programme has Andorian hot chocolate... Would either of you like to join me? " 

[Alhanjhu]

Autumn patted little Luka, who had finally calmed down enough for her to greet the young woman who approached them.

"Hi," she said, straightening herself up and running her fingers through her hair... She glanced down at the cuts in her arms. "It's those Jeffrey's tubes... Given how often we rely on them to get about the ship, having them so narrow seems like an obvious design flaw."

Than she glanced at the woman's strange robes.

"Were you down in the planet? That couldn't have been easy... I'm Autumn by the way. Challenger is my first post. And this is Luka," she added, noticing that the little dog was looking at the other woman, shaking his little tail.

"Hi," she greeted the feral ensign, "It's Jei'Jendak, right?" she turned back to the other one "Jei and I were part of the team that retook the bridge. I was actually just getting Luka and then heading to the holodeck. I have a programme that simulates the hot springs of Andoria... The programme has Andorian hot chocolate... Would either of you like to join me? " 

[Ensign Alhanjhu Jei'Jendak | Jr. Officer's Quarters | Deck Five | USS Challenger]

Alhanjhu nodded. "That's right. Although, off-duty, if you'd like to, you can call me Alhanjhu," he added after the blue woman introduced him to her blond human friend. He smiled at the invitation. "Actually, I'd be glad to. Hot springs will suit nicely."

He felt gladdened by the invitation. It was a good chance to make friends. "If you need to collect this Luka of yours, I'll get on some swimwear to go with the hot springs," he added, "and I could meet you at the holodeck."

[Calindra Hejaran]

Autumn patted little Luka, who had finally calmed down enough for her to greet the young woman who approached them.

"Hi," she said, straightening herself up and running her fingers through her hair... She glanced down at the cuts in her arms. "It's those Jeffrey's tubes... Given how often we rely on them to get about the ship, having them so narrow seems like an obvious design flaw."

Than she glanced at the woman's strange robes.

"Were you down in the planet? That couldn't have been easy... I'm Autumn by the way. Challenger is my first post. And this is Luka," she added, noticing that the little dog was looking at the other woman, shaking his little tail.

"Hi," she greeted the feral ensign, "It's Jei'Jendak, right?" she turned back to the other one "Jei and I were part of the team that retook the bridge. I was actually just getting Luka and then heading to the holodeck. I have a programme that simulates the hot springs of Andoria... The programme has Andorian hot chocolate... Would either of you like to join me? " 

"Retook the bridge! Sounds like you two have stories to share," Cali said, Autumn's warm energy and the sight of little Luka finally put Cali at ease after the planet's harshness. The ensign's mention of the narrow Jeffrey's tubes brought a knowing grin to Cali's face. "You're right; they could use an upgrade, especially on older ships like the Challenger. I swear they were made for contortionists." She chuckled, brushing some stray hair back as she observed the newcomer's tattered appearance. "That shirt a casualty of your last crawl too?"she asked raising an eyebrow at the torn shirt he was holding in his hands.

In her time at the academy she had seen a lot, especially around the dorms, so she wasn't particularly shocked at seeing the half-clad ensign roaming the corridors of the Junior Officer's quarters. She was, after all, also not quite dressed properly.

Autumn's question about the planet reminded Cali of the recent, bitter encounter she'd had there. She instinctively glanced down at her own ragged robes, evidence of her unexpected capture. "Yes, I was planetside," she replied, her voice carrying a trace of anger, softened by a smirk. "Got a little more than I bargained for with the so-called 'head pirate'. He thought I'd make a lovely addition to his harem — didn't take well to realizing I'm not one to play along." A spark of fierceness flickered in her eyes, fading as she reached down to scratch Luka behind the ears, smiling at the little dog's eager tail wag.

[Ensign Alhanjhu Jei'Jendak | Jr. Officer's Quarters | Deck Five | USS Challenger]

Alhanjhu nodded. "That's right. Although, off-duty, if you'd like to, you can call me Alhanjhu," he added after the blue woman introduced him to her blond human friend. He smiled at the invitation. "Actually, I'd be glad to. Hot springs will suit nicely."

He felt gladdened by the invitation. It was a good chance to make friends. "If you need to collect this Luka of yours, I'll get on some swimwear to go with the hot springs," he added, "and I could meet you at the holodeck."

Turning back to Autumn and Alhanjhu, Cali's expression softened, and she nodded at the holodeck invitation. "An Andorian hot springs program sounds like the perfect way to unwind. Andorian hot chocolate, too? Count me in! My friends call me Cali," she added, her eyes lighting up at the thought of some well-earned relaxation. "I'll admit, Andorian hot chocolate alone is worth the trip." She winked, adjusting her robes, still somewhat disheveled from her recent brush with the pirates. "And... Alhanjhu it is, off-duty," she added with a nod, appreciating his friendly gesture.

"Do I need to bring anything?"

[Tora Zalos]

Honestly, Tora was so ready to go back to her quarters and have a good sleep. Talk about the roller coaster (literally) that they'd been on on their past mission. At least now the mood had calmed down overall - she was happy to see people regaining some semblance of normalcy around her, talking with somewhat less tension than they'd been for the past many hours. As she trudged her way through the corridors, she couldn't help but notice the small group gathered ahead of her in the hallway, and overhear a little of their conversation.

"Did someone say hot springs?" She quipped as she walked up to them. As much as she was tired and would've loved to lay down and sleep in peace, a nice hot soak certainly wasn't out of place in her opinion, especially with company. "If there's room for another, of course. The name's Tora."

[Autumn]

Autumn's question about the planet reminded Cali of the recent, bitter encounter she'd had there. She instinctively glanced down at her own ragged robes, evidence of her unexpected capture. "Yes, I was planetside," she replied, her voice carrying a trace of anger, softened by a smirk. "Got a little more than I bargained for with the so-called 'head pirate'. He thought I'd make a lovely addition to his harem — didn't take well to realizing I'm not one to play along." A spark of fierceness flickered in her eyes, fading as she reached down to scratch Luka behind the ears, smiling at the little dog's eager tail wag.

Autumn could read some of the anger in Cali's voice when she mentioned being down on the planet. It could not have been easy, Autumn had come across alien slave markets. She couldn't tell, from Cali's words just how far did the "head pirate" go, but she appreciated the boldness and the tone with which the other woman pointed out she had more than stood up by herself.

When she scratched Luka behind the ears, the little puppy put his tongue out and jumped on Cali, scratching her leg with his little paws.

"He clearly likes, you," Autumn, said, allowing herself a very subtle smile.

Alhanjhu nodded. "That's right. Although, off-duty, if you'd like to, you can call me Alhanjhu," he added after the blue woman introduced him to her blond human friend. He smiled at the invitation. "Actually, I'd be glad to. Hot springs will suit nicely."
He felt gladdened by the invitation. It was a good chance to make friends. "If you need to collect this Luka of yours, I'll get on some swimwear to go with the hot springs," he added, "and I could meet you at the holodeck."

Turning back to Autumn and Alhanjhu, Cali's expression softened, and she nodded at the holodeck invitation. "An Andorian hot springs program sounds like the perfect way to unwind. Andorian hot chocolate, too? Count me in! My friends call me Cali," she added, her eyes lighting up at the thought of some well-earned relaxation. "I'll admit, Andorian hot chocolate alone is worth the trip." She winked, adjusting her robes, still somewhat disheveled from her recent brush with the pirates. "And... Alhanjhu it is, off-duty," she added with a nod, appreciating his friendly gesture.
"Do I need to bring anything?"

"Did someone say hot springs?" She quipped as she walked up to them. As much as she was tired and would've loved to lay down and sleep in peace, a nice hot soak certainly wasn't out of place in her opinion, especially with company. "If there's room for another, of course. The name's Tora."

A lot of things happened in quick succession then. She nodded, acknowledging the Romulan's first name and before she knew it, both Cali and Alhanju were talking about getting changed to join the hot springs programme, Luka was chasing his own tail excitedly, and a third junior officer, a Cardassian woman who introduced herself as Tora came to join them.

"Actually, Alhanjhu," she started, picking up Luka in her lap once more. "I don't need to collect Luka, he's right here," she gave the little dog a kiss on the top of his head.

Autumn then turned to the newcomer, Tora.

"I'm Autumn. Of course, you'd be very welcome to join us. And Cali, there's no need to bring anything, just change into some swimwear." She spoke to the whole group. "Meet in holodeck 2 in three minutes?"

[Autumn]

[USS Challenger | Holodeck 2]

The programme was everything Autumn had expected it to be.

She was the first to arrive on the holodeck, wearing a standard Starfleet robe over her swimming clothes and carrying Luka on her left arm. As soon as the doors opened, she felt the cold wind blowing on her skin, and it immediately reminded her of long evenings in the snowy landscapes of Andoria. This programme was actually based on the hotsprings of Procyon V (Also known as Beta-Andoria, the second planet to be colonized by Andorians in their system), and as such, it feature Procyon's two moons, large and low in the sky. Procyon dandelions filled the evening air with perfume, and the pools of crystalline blue water emanated a soft hot vapor in the air.

Autumn put Luka in the floor and he immediately started running around the hot springs, splashing snow everywhere. Alone in the holodeck before any of the other joined us, she allowed herself a big smile watching the little dog have fun like that.

Then Autumn walked to the edge of one of the circular pools, let her robe fall and felt the fullness of the winter air, wearing nothing but a bikini stepping barefooted into the snowy ground. Then she went into the water, lowering herself slowly, feeling the warmth of the hot water immediately relax every muscle in her body, a well earned rest from all the crawling through Jeffrey's tubes from earlier in the day. She was close to the margins and Luka came by and surprised her, liking her ears before running off to a snowy hill to run up and down, playing around.

[Alhanjhu]

"Retook the bridge! Sounds like you two have stories to share," Cali said, Autumn's warm energy and the sight of little Luka finally put Cali at ease after the planet's harshness. The ensign's mention of the narrow Jeffrey's tubes brought a knowing grin to Cali's face. "You're right; they could use an upgrade, especially on older ships like the Challenger. I swear they were made for contortionists." She chuckled, brushing some stray hair back as she observed the newcomer's tattered appearance. "That shirt a casualty of your last crawl too?"she asked raising an eyebrow at the torn shirt he was holding in his hands.

In her time at the academy she had seen a lot, especially around the dorms, so she wasn't particularly shocked at seeing the half-clad ensign roaming the corridors of the Junior Officer's quarters. She was, after all, also not quite dressed properly.

Autumn's question about the planet reminded Cali of the recent, bitter encounter she'd had there. She instinctively glanced down at her own ragged robes, evidence of her unexpected capture. "Yes, I was planetside," she replied, her voice carrying a trace of anger, softened by a smirk. "Got a little more than I bargained for with the so-called 'head pirate'. He thought I'd make a lovely addition to his harem — didn't take well to realizing I'm not one to play along." A spark of fierceness flickered in her eyes, fading as she reached down to scratch Luka behind the ears, smiling at the little dog's eager tail wag.

Turning back to Autumn and Alhanjhu, Cali's expression softened, and she nodded at the holodeck invitation. "An Andorian hot springs program sounds like the perfect way to unwind. Andorian hot chocolate, too? Count me in! My friends call me Cali," she added, her eyes lighting up at the thought of some well-earned relaxation. "I'll admit, Andorian hot chocolate alone is worth the trip." She winked, adjusting her robes, still somewhat disheveled from her recent brush with the pirates. "And... Alhanjhu it is, off-duty," she added with a nod, appreciating his friendly gesture.

"Do I need to bring anything?"

Honestly, Tora was so ready to go back to her quarters and have a good sleep. Talk about the roller coaster (literally) that they'd been on on their past mission. At least now the mood had calmed down overall - she was happy to see people regaining some semblance of normalcy around her, talking with somewhat less tension than they'd been for the past many hours. As she trudged her way through the corridors, she couldn't help but notice the small group gathered ahead of her in the hallway, and overhear a little of their conversation.

"Did someone say hot springs?" She quipped as she walked up to them. As much as she was tired and would've loved to lay down and sleep in peace, a nice hot soak certainly wasn't out of place in her opinion, especially with company. "If there's room for another, of course. The name's Tora."

Autumn could read some of the anger in Cali's voice when she mentioned being down on the planet. It could not have been easy, Autumn had come across alien slave markets. She couldn't tell, from Cali's words just how far did the "head pirate" go, but she appreciated the boldness and the tone with which the other woman pointed out she had more than stood up by herself.

When she scratched Luka behind the ears, the little puppy put his tongue out and jumped on Cali, scratching her leg with his little paws.

"He clearly likes, you," Autumn, said, allowing herself a very subtle smile.

A lot of things happened in quick succession then. She nodded, acknowledging the Romulan's first name and before she knew it, both Cali and Alhanju were talking about getting changed to join the hot springs programme, Luka was chasing his own tail excitedly, and a third junior officer, a Cardassian woman who introduced herself as Tora came to join them.

"Actually, Alhanjhu," she started, picking up Luka in her lap once more. "I don't need to collect Luka, he's right here," she gave the little dog a kiss on the top of his head.

Autumn then turned to the newcomer, Tora.

"I'm Autumn. Of course, you'd be very welcome to join us. And Cali, there's no need to bring anything, just change into some swimwear." She spoke to the whole group. "Meet in holodeck 2 in three minutes?"

[USS Challenger | Holodeck 2]

The programme was everything Autumn had expected it to be.

She was the first to arrive on the holodeck, wearing a standard Starfleet robe over her swimming clothes and carrying Luka on her left arm. As soon as the doors opened, she felt the cold wind blowing on her skin, and it immediately reminded her of long evenings in the snowy landscapes of Andoria. This programme was actually based on the hotsprings of Procyon V (Also known as Beta-Andoria, the second planet to be colonized by Andorians in their system), and as such, it feature Procyon's two moons, large and low in the sky. Procyon dandelions filled the evening air with perfume, and the pools of crystalline blue water emanated a soft hot vapor in the air.

Autumn put Luka in the floor and he immediately started running around the hot springs, splashing snow everywhere. Alone in the holodeck before any of the other joined us, she allowed herself a big smile watching the little dog have fun like that.

Then Autumn walked to the edge of one of the circular pools, let her robe fall and felt the fullness of the winter air, wearing nothing but a bikini stepping barefooted into the snowy ground. Then she went into the water, lowering herself slowly, feeling the warmth of the hot water immediately relax every muscle in her body, a well earned rest from all the crawling through Jeffrey's tubes from earlier in the day. She was close to the margins and Luka came by and surprised her, liking her ears before running off to a snowy hill to run up and down, playing around.

[Ensign Alhanjhu Jei'Jendak | Jr. Officer's Quarters | Deck Five | USS Challenger NCC-40117-A]

Alhanjhu then noticed the dog and smiled at his mistake. Ah. Of course the dog had a name. He was then surprised by a third girl appearing, a Cardassian who introduced herself as Tora...and he was amazed at how beautiful she looked for a Cardassian.

"Good to know about the swimwear," he said. "I'll be along shortly." And he instantly headed toward his quarters, further down the deck.

[Ensign Alhanjhu Jei'Jendak | Holodeck Two | Deck Six | USS Challenger NCC-40117-A]

It didn't take long for Alhanjhu to change, given he wasn't wearing a shirt. All he did was freshen up and he was out of his quarters again, and once again without a shirt. This time he had a towel draped around him like robes, or a skirt. He even took the Jefferies Tubes, given the junior officer quarters were a deck above. Then he was at Holodeck Two.

The Andorian hot springs were impressive, although the initial cold surprised him when he entered. The blue girl Autumn was already there with Luka, and he smiled. He unwrapped his towel and set it aside; he showed himself to be wearing briefs for swimming, the variation nicknamed a "speedo." It didn't bother Alhanjhu, he wore something a lot similar when living in the wilds of Andgarr. His friends, when they got to know his past, nicknamed them "Mowgli Wear" when he had them on, which was a lot more logical than calling it "Tarzan Wear," given Tarzan wore a loincloth and Mowgli wore briefs...of sorts. Still, he tended to attract crowds of girls when he went out for a swim or went anywhere in his briefs.

Oh, he did like to flirt on occassion, but back at the Academy, there were just too many girls, and if too many crowded just to get a look at him, he felt awkward. Alhanjhu was thus glad to be at the Academy for only a year, and he was glad to be on a starship. Not a lot of crowds. Oh, the occasional girl would look up and notice Alhanjhu in passing and be impressed with how "hot," as they said on Earth, he was.

At the shoreline of the springs, he sighed at feeling the fumes from the springs. He instantly sat in the springs close to Autumn, feeling relaxed, before turning his head toward Autumn with a grin. "Jolan Tru, Autumn," he said, given his customary Romulan greeting. "Impressive with the program."

He looked at the dog frolicking about and smiled all the more widely. "Cute little animal. I used to have a similar canid companion. And there are canid-like animals I knew at my home planet, Andgarr...I think I'll explain further about Andgarr when Cali and Tora get here, save to tell twice."

[Calindra Hejaran]

When she scratched Luka behind the ears, the little puppy put his tongue out and jumped on Cali, scratching her leg with his little paws.
"He clearly likes, you," Autumn, said, allowing herself a very subtle smile.

(...)

"I'm Autumn. Of course, you'd be very welcome to join us. And Cali, there's no need to bring anything, just change into some swimwear." She spoke to the whole group. "Meet in holodeck 2 in three minutes?"

[Calindra Hejaran - USS Challenger - Personal Quarters]
Calindra eagerly sifted through her closet, looking for anything that might work for an Andorian hot springs simulation. "How does one even prepare for an Andorian bath?" she muttered to herself, eyeing the contents of her personal belongings with a mixture of amusement and uncertainty. Her options were more suited to tropical beaches or fitness routines, not freezing Andorian landscapes and steaming hot springs.

She imagined the setting—the chill of Andorian air mixed with the warmth of mineral-rich waters, snow-covered cliffs, and frosty skies. "A bit like a polar bear dip?" she thought with a shiver. Calindra didn't particularly love the cold shock that would entail, but she was drawn to the idea of fresh air, open spaces, and the feeling of snow underfoot.

As she continued searching, she grabbed a thick, silk kimono and a two-piece swimsuit, figuring they'd do the trick. But the sudden thought of sledding into the hot springs crossed her mind, sparking a grin. If the holodeck had a slope nearby, she could practically see her crewmates joining in, racing down a snowy hill and plunging into the warm waters. Now that would be a sight.

She chuckled, giving her reflection a wry smile. "Alright, let's do this."

[Calindra Hejaran - Holodeck Two, Deck Six - USS Challenger]

Calindra stepped into the holodeck, and instantly, the chill of the Andorian night brushed against her skin, biting just enough to remind her she was far from the familiar warmth of the ship. She tugged her robe a little tighter, her legs feeling every inch of the exposed cold, but the sight that greeted her was worth every shiver.

The holographic Andorian landscape sprawled out before her, bathed in the silvery-blue glow of two distant moons. Snow blanketed the ground in soft drifts, sparkling under the alien starlight, while the distant sounds of bubbling thermal springs punctuated the quiet with a welcoming warmth. Snow-capped peaks rose against the indigo sky, and the crisp air carried a faint, mineral scent from the springs nearby.

She let out a small breath, her eyes wide as she took in the stark beauty of it. "Now, this is something else," she whispered, marvelling at the blend of cold and warmth. She quickly noticed Alhanjhu and others nearby, so she waved merrily before she went off to reach them.

Her clogs clacked softly against the icy ground as she made her way toward the springs, leaving small tracks in the untouched snow. She could already feel the heat emanating from the water, promising a soothing escape from the chill. Maybe she'd even convince a few of them to join her in an impromptu sledding adventure down one of the gentle slopes.

Grinning, she let the warmth of the springs lure her forward, knowing tonight would be as memorable as it was strange—and fully ready to embrace it all, one chilly step at a time.

[Alhanjhu]

(...)

"I'm Autumn. Of course, you'd be very welcome to join us. And Cali, there's no need to bring anything, just change into some swimwear." She spoke to the whole group. "Meet in holodeck 2 in three minutes?"

[Calindra Hejaran - USS Challenger - Personal Quarters]

[Calindra Hejaran - Holodeck Two, Deck Six - USS Challenger]

Calindra stepped into the holodeck, and instantly, the chill of the Andorian night brushed against her skin, biting just enough to remind her she was far from the familiar warmth of the ship. She tugged her robe a little tighter, her legs feeling every inch of the exposed cold, but the sight that greeted her was worth every shiver.

The holographic Andorian landscape sprawled out before her, bathed in the silvery-blue glow of two distant moons. Snow blanketed the ground in soft drifts, sparkling under the alien starlight, while the distant sounds of bubbling thermal springs punctuated the quiet with a welcoming warmth. Snow-capped peaks rose against the indigo sky, and the crisp air carried a faint, mineral scent from the springs nearby.

She let out a small breath, her eyes wide as she took in the stark beauty of it. "Now, this is something else," she whispered, marvelling at the blend of cold and warmth. She quickly noticed Alhanjhu and others nearby, so she waved merrily before she went off to reach them.

Her clogs clacked softly against the icy ground as she made her way toward the springs, leaving small tracks in the untouched snow. She could already feel the heat emanating from the water, promising a soothing escape from the chill. Maybe she'd even convince a few of them to join her in an impromptu sledding adventure down one of the gentle slopes.

Grinning, she let the warmth of the springs lure her forward, knowing tonight would be as memorable as it was strange—and fully ready to embrace it all, one chilly step at a time.

[Ensign Alhanjhu Jei'Jendak | Holodeck Two | Deck Six | USS Challenger NCC-40117-A]

Alhanjhu heard the shoes and looked up to see Cali coming. His breath was instantly taken away. He was astounded by how breathtakingly beautiful this girl was. She was absolutely amazing, with her robes on especially.

"Jolan Tru, Cali," he said in greeting. "As they say on Earth, 'come on in, the water's fine.' And the water is definitely fine here." He stood before her and made room for Cali to sit before he sat back down.

[Calindra Hejaran]

[Ensign Alhanjhu Jei'Jendak | Holodeck Two | Deck Six | USS Challenger NCC-40117-A]

Alhanjhu heard the shoes and looked up to see Cali coming. His breath was instantly taken away. He was astounded by how breathtakingly beautiful this girl was. She was absolutely amazing, with her robes on especially.

"Jolan Tru, Cali," he said in greeting. "As they say on Earth, 'come on in, the water's fine.' And the water is definitely fine here." He stood before her and made room for Cali to sit before he sat back down.

[Calindra Hejaran - Holodeck Two - USS Challenger]

Cali smiled at those already assembled in the pool, she nodded politely at Alhanjhu's formal greeting. "Jolan Tru, my new friends," she repeated before giving them both a slight bow, turning just in time to feel the weight of their gazes upon her. It was unusual for her to feel self-conscious, but the weariness of the day left her more vulnerable than usual.

Even Autumn's eager puppy had stopped frolicking in the snow and seemed locked on her every movement.

Trying to hide her reddening cheeks (though who would notice in this weather?), Calindra focused on a nearby wooden hut serving as a sort of clothing station. There, she slipped off her clogs with practised grace, shivering slightly at the cool touch of the stones beneath her feet. With a fluid motion, she untied her kimono, allowing the delicate fabric to cascade from her shoulders. She draped it carefully over a wooden post, its silken folds catching the soft, ambient light.

She turned around and made her way through the crisp night air, finally reaching the edges of the pool where Alhanjhu was waiting for her, offering a hand. His offer seemed courteous, almost gallant, and she found herself smiling at the unexpected chivalry.

"Thank you, kind sir," she murmured, reaching out and letting her hand settle in his. She felt the strength of his grip, firm yet gentle, as he guided her down into the warm embrace of the water. The transition from the crisp night air to the heated pool was refreshing, and she sighed contentedly, relaxing as she settled into the pool opposite the two.

"You know, I was almost born on Cor Caroli V," she said suddenly as she adjusted to the water. "My mother was on a trade delegation that wanted to profit from the goodwill everyone displayed at the end of the Dominion war, and was heavily pregnant with me. I was born a 12 hours after the trade negotiations were concluded."

[Alhanjhu]

[Calindra Hejaran - Holodeck Two - USS Challenger]

Cali smiled at those already assembled in the pool, she nodded politely at Alhanjhu's formal greeting. "Jolan Tru, my new friends," she repeated before giving them both a slight bow, turning just in time to feel the weight of their gazes upon her. It was unusual for her to feel self-conscious, but the weariness of the day left her more vulnerable than usual.

Even Autumn's eager puppy had stopped frolicking in the snow and seemed locked on her every movement.

Trying to hide her reddening cheeks (though who would notice in this weather?), Calindra focused on a nearby wooden hut serving as a sort of clothing station. There, she slipped off her clogs with practised grace, shivering slightly at the cool touch of the stones beneath her feet. With a fluid motion, she untied her kimono, allowing the delicate fabric to cascade from her shoulders. She draped it carefully over a wooden post, its silken folds catching the soft, ambient light.

She turned around and made her way through the crisp night air, finally reaching the edges of the pool where Alhanjhu was waiting for her, offering a hand. His offer seemed courteous, almost gallant, and she found herself smiling at the unexpected chivalry.

"Thank you, kind sir," she murmured, reaching out and letting her hand settle in his. She felt the strength of his grip, firm yet gentle, as he guided her down into the warm embrace of the water. The transition from the crisp night air to the heated pool was refreshing, and she sighed contentedly, relaxing as she settled into the pool opposite the two.

"You know, I was almost born on Cor Caroli V," she said suddenly as she adjusted to the water. "My mother was on a trade delegation that wanted to profit from the goodwill everyone displayed at the end of the Dominion war, and was heavily pregnant with me. I was born a 12 hours after the trade negotiations were concluded."

[Ensign Alhanjhu Jei'Jendak | Holodeck Two | Deck Six | USS Challenger NCC-40117-A]

Alhanjhu smiled, glad to see that the etiquette lessons he got from Uncle Anju paid off. He offered Cali his hand and gave space for her, guiding her to the water.

"You're most welcome, Cali," he said, and he sat next to her. He listened to her with interest.

"Very interesting circumstances," he said. "I was born in interesting circumstances as well. I lived some of my childhood on Romulus, but I was born on the planet Andgarr. Then, after the destruction of Romulus, I was on a ship heading to Andgarr, but we crashed there. I've lived in the wilds ever since. Then the Subanax, my adoptive uncle Anju Jindak, hence my name somewhat, took me in and civilized me, in a way. Yes, I used to be a feral child," he added with a grin.

"Still, I heard plenty about this ship. I knew it was at Andgarr a year ago, and while there, it saved Andgarr from a planet-killer."

[Autumn]

At the shoreline of the springs, he sighed at feeling the fumes from the springs. He instantly sat in the springs close to Autumn, feeling relaxed, before turning his head toward Autumn with a grin. "Jolan Tru, Autumn," he said, given his customary Romulan greeting. "Impressive with the program."

He looked at the dog frolicking about and smiled all the more widely. "Cute little animal. I used to have a similar canid companion. And there are canid-like animals I knew at my home planet, Andgarr...I think I'll explain further about Andgarr when Cali and Tora get here, save to tell twice."

"Jolan Tru," Autumn replied, thanking his compliment on her program with a simple nod of her head. She was submerged all the way to her neck now, and the warm vapors emanating from the surface of the water created a pleasant sensation on the skin of her face.

She opened her mouth to ask Alhanju about his planet, but closed it again when he said he would explain more in front of the others, exercising control over her curiosity. She had noticed the ensign's feral appearance earlier, and had been curious about his background.

[Calindra Hejaran - Holodeck Two - USS Challenger]

Cali smiled at those already assembled in the pool, she nodded politely at Alhanjhu's formal greeting. "Jolan Tru, my new friends," she repeated before giving them both a slight bow, turning just in time to feel the weight of their gazes upon her. It was unusual for her to feel self-conscious, but the weariness of the day left her more vulnerable than usual.

Even Autumn's eager puppy had stopped frolicking in the snow and seemed locked on her every movement.

Trying to hide her reddening cheeks (though who would notice in this weather?), Calindra focused on a nearby wooden hut serving as a sort of clothing station. There, she slipped off her clogs with practised grace, shivering slightly at the cool touch of the stones beneath her feet. With a fluid motion, she untied her kimono, allowing the delicate fabric to cascade from her shoulders. She draped it carefully over a wooden post, its silken folds catching the soft, ambient light.

She turned around and made her way through the crisp night air, finally reaching the edges of the pool where Alhanjhu was waiting for her, offering a hand. His offer seemed courteous, almost gallant, and she found herself smiling at the unexpected chivalry.

"Thank you, kind sir," she murmured, reaching out and letting her hand settle in his. She felt the strength of his grip, firm yet gentle, as he guided her down into the warm embrace of the water. The transition from the crisp night air to the heated pool was refreshing, and she sighed contentedly, relaxing as she settled into the pool opposite the two.

Shortly after he said that, Cali entered the holodeck. It was impossible not to notice how beautiful the other young woman was, draped in a silk kimono that seemed to match the texture of her skin. Autumn smiled to Cali as she arrived, noticing the way she pulled her robe around herself, greeted by the cold Andorian air, and the way in which she moved across the snow, barely leaving her footprints. There was a confidence in her, in the way she moved, the way she carried herself... A confidence that Autumn lacked in herself. She was drawn to it, as perhaps everyone was, and in the span of a few seconds, she imagined years of friendship and trust alongside this woman, whom she had only just met.

When Cali came to the wooden hut, however, Autumn averted her eyes. She had taken care to arrive in the holodeck before each of the others, for she knew how self-conscious she would feel of being observed while she disrobed, and because she wouldn't wish to intrude, to witness something she hadn't been invited to watch or to cause such discomfort in another, no matter how hypnotic their presence seemed to be.

She slid herself to the side, putting a few more inches between herself and the others, so as not to touch them by accident, and not to expose them to that uncomfortable experience... When Cali was in the water, however, she spoke again.

"These springs are about the contrast. The cold of the winter air and the warmth of the water, heated by the hot burning lava traveling under a thin crust at the bottom of the lake," she explained. Like a Vulcan and an Andorian, sharing the same body, she thought, not expressing those thoughts aloud. Instead, she spoke about the medicinal properties of the water, explaining that those springs had properties that restored muscle tone and strength after strenuous exercise. The vapors were beneficial to the skin. She spoke in a low voice, almost a whisper. The snowy landscape around them seem to extend for many miles, but the silence was so beautifully profound that they would be able to hear each other, even if none of them did anything more than whisper.

And then she added, almost without realizing it:

"But my favourite part are the twin moons..."

[Calindra Hejaran - Holodeck Two - USS Challenger]

"You know, I was almost born on Cor Caroli V," she said suddenly as she adjusted to the water. "My mother was on a trade delegation that wanted to profit from the goodwill everyone displayed at the end of the Dominion war, and was heavily pregnant with me. I was born a 12 hours after the trade negotiations were concluded."

"Sounds like a dynamic woman," Autumn said softly, with an unmissable note of respect in her voice. She admired strong women, and aspired to become one. "Alhanju was just saying he wasn't born on Romulus"

[Ensign Alhanjhu Jei'Jendak | Holodeck Two | Deck Six | USS Challenger NCC-40117-A]
Alhanjhu smiled, glad to see that the etiquette lessons he got from Uncle Anju paid off. He offered Cali his hand and gave space for her, guiding her to the water.
"You're most welcome, Cali," he said, and he sat next to her. He listened to her with interest.
"Very interesting circumstances," he said. "I was born in interesting circumstances as well. I lived some of my childhood on Romulus, but I was born on the planet Andgarr. Then, after the destruction of Romulus, I was on a ship heading to Andgarr, but we crashed there. I've lived in the wilds ever since. Then the Subanax, my adoptive uncle Anju Jindak, hence my name somewhat, took me in and civilized me, in a way. Yes, I used to be a feral child," he added with a grin.
"Still, I heard plenty about this ship. I knew it was at Andgarr a year ago, and while there, it saved Andgarr from a planet-killer."

They both had such interesting lives... She couldn't help but ask questions.

"How old were you, Alhanju? It couldn't have been easy for a child, to fend for yourself in the wild..."