Lakes and Recreation - Artemis Shore Leave

[Tyra Crawford]

== Shore Leave Subplot ==

[Aeryn Miller]

== Grasmere, Lake District - Earth ==

Grasmere, known as the poetic heart of the Lake District and once the home to Wordsworth and his wife, still stands as though time had forgotten about it. The village is also named after the lake adjacent to it and boasts stunning views in every direction. From its quaint little cottages, shops, guesthouses, restaurants and pubs, to the historical attractions,  there's plenty to do. Not to mention the numerous hiking trails that take you right up the fells from which Grasmere nestles at the foot of them, particularly Helvellyn or Helm Crag. It doesn't stop there, with numerous activities available on the lake itself, including boating, lake cruises, kayaking, swimming, and paddleboarding.

[Aeryn Miller]

Standing just beyond the shore of the lake, Aeryn took a moment to breathe it all in and appreciate her surroundings. This was something that the redhead used to do whenever she got the chance to visit the Lake District; however, Grasmere had to be her favourite, and not because it was the home to her two oldest friends, Mitchell and his now husband Gray. There was just something special about it that Aeryn couldn't quite explain, and even after several years since her last visit, nothing had changed. So when Artemis returned to Earth, and the crew was dismissed for shore leave, the CSO knew exactly where she wanted to spend it, while also thinking it would be the perfect place to hold a get-together for the rest of the crew.

After their last couple of missions, spending time in a place that time forgot, with all of its charm and activities, could only be a positive experience and allow them to relax and enjoy themselves while being surrounded by what Mother Nature herself had created. Having arrived a couple of days before to catch up with her friends and to go over the final plans, everything had come together nicely, as the waft of food cooking on the two BBQ's permeated her soul, and caused her stomach to grumble.

Alongside the BBQ's, there was a gazebo with two long tables, filled with sauces, condiments, salads, buns, wraps and every accompaniment you could think of, as well as four large coolers, two containing beer, the other two soft drinks, and other non-alcoholic beverages. Tables made out of blue, durable plastic and comfortable chairs had been set out, making the most of the stunning views. For those who wanted to be a little adventurous, hiking gear was available to explore the many hiking trails, along with wetsuits, towels, if people wanted to swim or avail themselves of the many watersports on offer. 

It didn't stop there with the village within walking distance, and several boats and kayaks bumping against the shore. All in all, Aeryn figured that the crew would be spoilt for choice, whatever they decided to do, even if it involved just sitting, talking and observing. Turning back, Aeryn dressed in pale blue denim shorts and a matching off-the-shoulder top, sandals and with her red hair pinned up with two loose curls left dangling on either side of her face, walked towards the gazebo, and grabbed herself a beer. Twisting the cap off, she took a sip and waited for her guests to arrive, having sent invites out to everyone she knew.

== Tag all ==

[Ardanna Svenson]

When Ardanna first received the invitation from Chief Miller, the younger officer was unsure whether to attend. However, once she had done some research into the area, having never been to that part of Earth before, she decided it would be worth going for the scenery alone. In a way, it reminded the brunette of her family's roots, where her ancestors thrived for generations until the stars beckoned them. Arriving a little earlier than intended, the security officer had spent some time exploring the village. Finding it quite adorable, and a million miles away from what she was used to, almost as if this was some elaborate holodeck programme.

She knew it wasn't, but she had to admit that she was impressed by it all, as she wandered the quaint little streets, earmarking where she wanted to return to later, to perhaps buy some trinkets and souvenirs. Then again, she didn't have to rush, having made the sensible decision to check into one of the guesthouses so that she could make the most of her time in this part of England. Ardanna was also dressed appropriately for the weather, favouring an olive-coloured linen halter jumpsuit, which was light and breathable, along with a pair of black flat sandals.

Comfort was key, and that's how Ardanna felt as she followed the path up to where Aeryn had told them to be.

[Mara Calleja]

The restlessness that had defined the trip back to Earth was still permeating Mara’s life now that she had time to kill between missions. She’d been to Copenhagen to check in on her apartment and 3 members of the wider Sydesh clan that were living there. She’d been to the Academy complex in San Francisco to see a couple of old friends. She’d made plans to go and see her favourite music teacher Fabi in Switzerland. And so far today she’d already walked most of the trails around Grasmere as well.

I have to figure out how to calm my arse down. That 3rd pip… Fuck, that was a thing that happened. Still feels like I’m wearin’ someone else’s tunic. I know I’m not. I know I earned it. But yeah. Lieutenant Commander Calleja is gonna take some gettin’ used to. I probably need some time with friends or family or a counsellor before I end up letting the insecurities burn me out again.

Physical exertion apparently wasn’t going to help any time soon. Despite a heavy lifting session first thing and then a whole lot of hiking, the Security Chief had barely broken a sweat. Her Amazonian physique had taken it all and was still going. All Mara had managed to do was make herself mightily hungry, but that was much easier to deal with.

Calleja was dressed down. Heavy knee-length black shorts and boots, and a loose long-sleeved cream top that was just cropped enough to show off the odd flash of chiselled abs under caramel skin. The skin on the right side of her head had been freshly shaved, and her hair was braided and hanging down to her left shoulder.

She didn’t waste time. At her request a pair of freshly-cooked ribeyes were cut up and jammed into crusty bread with a lashing of hot sauce, and another plate was loaded up with pasta salad. Carrying both plates in one hand, Mara plucked a bottle of cola from one of the ice buckets and then headed into the gazebo where Aeryn looked out anxiously.

“Sup,” the Bandaran said in greeting. She climbed up onto the nearest bench, sitting on the table with her boots on the bench as she laid down her pasta plate and drink before ripping into one of her steak sandwiches.

“OK, that’s fuckin’ good. Whoever you got on the grill needs a pay rise,” she said with a grin. “How you doin’? I still remember gettin’ conned into that Artemismas thing. Bein’ responsible for people havin’ a good time was a new kinda pressure. You look like you’re copin’ better than I did.”

== Tags Aeryn! ==

[Robin Mayfair]

I needed this. I needed this so badly. 

Robin had finally dried off from her dip in the lake, more or less. Her dark blue denim shorts would take a while longer than the purple one piece swimsuit she was wearing (one that conspicuously matched her hair and eyes) but it was getting there. It was warm enough that having a wet butt didn't bother her. She could have peeled the shorts off, of course, and most people probably would have (or wouldn't have swam in them in the first place), but the tiny nurse was still ridiculously modest sometimes. Her pixie cut was completely unstyled and had been towel-dried and left to its own messy affair. She was barefoot, though she had a pair of sandals in her bag. There was just something about walking barefoot in grass that she loved. They didn't have it on Iota Tau and she'd spent most of the years since leaving the colony living on ships or at the Academy. 

She'd spent the early part of the day in Grasmere eating and shopping and eating. She'd tried a couple of the local restaurants and one of the bakeries, and each and every one had been a treat. All of her loot (including the good-sized bag of chocolates she's procured) had been beamed to her small home in West Virginia. But now the Augment was starving again, as usual, so of course her first stop were the tables of food. It smelled wonderful.

She considered for a moment, then went for a medium rare double cheeseburger stacked with the classic Jimmy Buffet loadout (lettuce, tomato, Munster, steak sauce, and an onion slice) along with a pickle spear and some potato chips... 

This is the UK. They're crisps.

And a cola got her started. She'd be back. 

Mara, Aeryn, and one of the Security team (Ardanna Svenson) were already at one of the gazebos, and more Artemis crew would be arriving shortly. Robin joined them. She needed to socialize. Her nightmares of the horrible cloning facility had been frequent and she'd returned to Sickbay in a funk, barely socializing with anyone during the trip to Earth. Even after the ship had reached the Federation capital she'd spent her time cooped up in her house doing some basic chores and wasting time watching the latest holodramas. That wasn't like her and she knew it. Ordinarily Earth was like a giant theme park, filled with endless things to see and do. So this was a good start, a sort of refocusing of self.

"OK, that’s fuckin’ good. Whoever you got on the grill needs a pay rise. How you doin’? I still remember gettin’ conned into that Artemismas thing. Bein’ responsible for people havin’ a good time was a new kinda pressure. You look like you’re copin’ better than I did.”

She's selling herself short. That party was a blast.

"Hey, how's everyone?" Robin said as a standard-issue conversation opener. In the few steps between the grill and the gazebo several large bites had mysteriously been taken out of her burger, and she wiped her mouth with a napkin and swallowed before continuing. The poor thing wouldn't last long. 

Oh man that's so good. 

"Aeryn, this place is amazing. It's so green. I love it!" Greenery like this wasn't something she was used to. The weather was perfect and she appreciated the warmth. The Artemis always felt cold to her. "And I'll second Mara's comment. That's some good grilling." The Security chief had a ribeye sandwich, something that sounded like a great second helping. 

== Tag everyone ==

[Aeryn Miller]

The beer was going down nicely, and yet Aeryn found some solace in simply looking out and remembering why she had instantly fallen in love with this area when she had first visited all those years ago. Sometimes it was hard to believe what she had made of her life since then, the ups, the downs, the victories and the losses, yet she had survived them all. That was quite the achievement, really, considering she had just turned thirty, not that she had told anyone. She didn't feel her age either, something a much younger Aeryn would have scoffed at once upon a time, but not now.

Turning back with the intent of availing herself of the BBQ and the tables filled with food, the redhead smiled when Mara approached, complete with two plates and a bottle of cola. "Hey, Mara," she replied when the Bandaran greeted her, and got herself comfortable on one of the tables. The steak sandwich she had looked good before her friend and fellow DH complimented the chef, and asked how she was doing, along with how she appeared to be coping better than she had when it came to organising an Artemis get-together.

" Mitchell and Gray will be pleased to hear that, and I'm doing okay, although you should have seen me yesterday panicking that I'd missed something, but I'm pleased with how it all turned out".

Robin soon joined the pair, having also taken advantage of the BBQ and food on offer, and she too was full of compliments, which did Aeryn some good to hear, considering the effort that had gone into organising everything.

" I'm glad you like it here. I found Grasmere when I first came to the Academy and thought it was the perfect place for everyone to enjoy, and I can't take all the credit, my friends do BBQ's and cook all the time with them having a pub in the village".

A pub that Aeryn hoped they would eventually end up in, at least for those who wanted to carry on and not necessarily head home or wherever they were staying during shore leave.

== Tags ==

[Ardanna Svenson]

Once Ardanna had arrived at the meeting place, the brunette couldn't decide what she wanted to do first, before noticing who was already there. Chief Calleja, Commander Mayfair and Aeryn herself were all gathered in the gazebo, and as much as she got on with Mara and Aeryn, she decided not to go over straightaway. It was also reassuring that she hadn't been too early or too late, as she looked around and figured she might as well explore the lake, maybe take out one of the kayaks or go for a swim, glad that she had put on a strapless swimsuit underneath her jumpsuit just in case.

Then she could come back and reward herself with some food and perhaps an alcoholic beverage as she walked towards the lake edge, offering a wave to the other three women in greeting as she passed the gazebo.

Upon reaching the lake edge, Ardanna smiled when she saw the towels, wetsuits and everything else one might need after taking a plunge or using the paddleboards or kayaks. While she wasn't exactly shy or got embarrassed easily, Ardanna made use of a privacy screen to change into a wetsuit, putting her jumpsuit neatly into an available storage crate to keep it safe along with her sandals. Satisfied that she was ready, the Ensign guided a blue kayak into the water and got inside it. Then she was off, unsure how far she was going to go, but at the same time, it didn't really matter.

== Tags ==

[Hallowette Maxas-Darl]

Light years and the time in between had done little to settle the feelings that had been roiling in Hallowette's pagh since the end of the mission.

There had been ups and downs, victories and set backs, but in the end - the way things had ultimately concluded - she felt hollow. Not in the performance of her peers, or the decisions of the command staff, or even in how she had conducted herself on her first honest to Prophets mission... Just in how ultimately they hadn't saved anyone. Hadn't provided anyone any succor or shelter. Just an impossible decision that was always going to end the way it did, no matter if they had been there or not.

Hally had spent some time in the United Kingdom during her five years at the Academy, and she had always enjoyed it. England, Scotland, Wales and Ireland all. They were all much alike, but also distinctly different, and her linguistic ear had very much enjoyed listening to the different languages here. Most didn't use the UT on Earth (why would they) and in the last century or so, there was a resurgence movement to bring back languages that had almost been lost, so from the widely spoken English, to Cymraeg, Cornish, Gaelic and Gaeilge - all natives among the isles here, to even languages that originated outside the isles such as Punjabi, Romanian and even Vulcan and Bolian - this confederation of countries was a wellspring for someone who loved spoken words like she did.

She had decided not to attend the get together here once leave was granted, and had intended to visit Cardassia to see her Father and his family, but at the last minute all travel into the system was suspended due to some internal issue, and she had nowhere to go. She had a friend on Bajor that had invited her to visit, but Aeryn had been adamant that she needed to spend time with the crew - that they all had experienced the same trauma, and while Aeryn hadn't said it exactly like this, Hally realized as part of Artemis - a bridge officer now -  she had a duty to them - and herself to try giving healing together a try.

So it was that she had spent the last couple of days here among the tranquil peace of the Lake district. She had been impressed by how much it reminded her of her youth on Trill. She'd wandered the countryside, camped the night before last by herself, stargazed and wrote to her Dad. The time alone in this place had been cathartic, and this morning she had woken feeling more herself - more complete than she had in weeks. She had gone into the local village, gotten a shower and even a bit of a makeover. Red curls cut short, her nails done and even a massage. She had even treated herself to a new sundress, a fashion choice she had very rarely made, almost always wearing something more functional - but for whatever reason it spoke to her.

The new her. The one that had survived her first Star Fleet mission, the one who had flown a vast Starship into battle, that had put her training to the test and lived to tell the tale - but more importantly - hadn't failed the people she had come to care about and call friends.

The light blue of the sundress swayed about her as she strolled up the hill towards the gazebo plaza, and she smoothed the linen fabric absently as she went. Her lanky form barely filled the thing, her long legs ending in barefeet, though she carried light off-white sandals in her off hand. The wind blew warmly here, her new shorn hair tussling in gentle currents of the air, and as she crested the top she saw the gathering of people in the distance. For a moment, a spike of anxiety pooled under her pouch, but it quickly faded as she realized EVERYONE HERE IS A FRIEND. Even Pearson, the security officer with the mouth and high opinion of himself was off milling about, playing futbol with some local children and stealing glances at Ardanna. 

She suddenly felt a wave of something she hadn't expected. Joy.

She had missed these people. Missed them more than she realized she both would and could. She began to make her way over, the smile on her face uncontained, and the faint awkwardness fading as she grew closer. 

"Hi guys." she said happily as she was within ear shot, her UT turned off in the style of the locals, her own light accent having a slightly lyrical quality where each syllable seemed to flow seamlessly into the next, all delivered with an airy, raspy finish. "It's good to see you." The smile turned to a grin as she gave a wave, and then noticed a familiar grumble in her stomach. "Something smells amazing!"

==tags== (I know it's long, I just started and the muse took over. It's good to be back)

[Mara Calleja]

"Mitchell and Gray will be pleased to hear that, and I'm doing okay, although you should have seen me yesterday panicking that I'd missed something, but I'm pleased with how it all turned out."

“Good. You should be happy with it, you’ve done a hell of a job,” Mara said with a nod for emphasis, before going back to her sandwich.

"Aeryn, this place is amazing,” Robin said as she joined the group. “It's so green. I love it! And I'll second Mara's comment. That's some good grilling."

"I'm glad you like it here. I found Grasmere when I first came to the Academy and thought it was the perfect place for everyone to enjoy, and I can't take all the credit, my friends do BBQ's and cook all the time with them having a pub in the village."

The Security Chief was too busy with her food to join in the conversation too much, but she nodded in greeting as the CMO arrived, and then again as Hally did.

"Hi guys," the pilot said happily. "It's good to see you." The smile turned to a grin as she gave a wave. "Something smells amazing!"

“Paws off. Mine,” Mara joked with a wicked grin, having demolished the entire first sandwich. Her body’s constant need for calories was rarely a pleasure, but surrounded by friends and a fully stocked barbecue, she was just fine with it right now.

“Good to see both of you. Robin, the only appetite on the ship that makes mine look like the odd snack. And Hally. You survived your first mission without fuellin’ the rumour mill by whistlin’ at the head of Support or watchin’ the FO in the shower. Congrats on that.”

Having teased both the newcomers, Calleja grinned and took a long swig from her cola bottle. Truth be told she was surprised how much better she felt being around people. Especially those that seemed at least passably happy to see her.

Been a long while since that happened! I’ll take it.

== Welcome back! ==

[Ardanna Svenson]

Away from the others, Ardanna didn't feel lonely, not even for a second, as she continued to glide the kayak through the water. There was a serenity about it that she didn't expect, even with the occasional passing cruise boat or the sound of nature in full volume. Obtaining an inner kind of peace, one that the brunette hadn't known she needed, considering how the last mission had gone, and how she had dealt with it from the moment she set foot back on Artemis. Maybe it wasn't one particular thing, having several coping mechanisms she employed when necessary, the type that had stemmed from the moment she had lost her parents.

She hadn't thought about that day in a long time, so it shocked her a little to have it soar back into her mind amongst the tranquillity of Grasmere Lake. Ardanna knew it wasn't wise to let the bad thoughts in, but it didn't feel like that, as she stopped for a moment and took a deep breath.

Exhaling, it wasn't just the memory she was focusing on, but also how she had always managed to survive, letting go of the negativity as her mind turned back to Ollie. She had seen him on her way down to the lake, and yet at the same time, hadn't defined how she felt about him, although perhaps that would change away from the ship and their normal duties. Looping back around, Ardanna wondered if she could tempt him to join her, deciding it wouldn't hurt to ask.

" Hey Ollie", she called as she got nearer, " Care to join me?".


== Tag Pearson ==

[Aeryn Miller]

" Thanks", Aeryn replied appreciatively, realising that really she had nothing to worry about, and that it was okay for her to start relaxing properly now that her friends had begun to arrive and enjoy themselves. Even Pearson looked like he was having fun, although it hadn't gone unnoticed how he had cast glances at Ardanna from the moment the brunette had greeted them with a wave until she reached the lake. He hadn't stopped either as she took out one of the kayaks. Perhaps something to tease him about later, as her attention turned to Hally's arrival. The very person she had wanted to see as much as the others, and while Aeryn had understood her friend's reluctance to attend, she was genuinely happy to see her.

Mara couldn't help but tease Hally and Robin, reminding Aeryn of the Artemis rumour mill, and a certain officer named Nathan Ramius, the extra passenger they had picked up on the last mission, and who she knew to have once dated Beka briefly. Despite them no longer being together, Aeryn hoped that her ex wouldn't shy away from the gathering, after all, she did want them to remain friends.

There was no point in dwelling on that, as she chose to greet Hally warmly. " It's good to see you too, and please help yourself to the food and drinks, in fact, I think I'll be grabbing some soon".

She might be the host, but she also had to eat, especially since she hadn't been able to face much at breakfast, but now it was a different story.

== Tags ==

[Robin Mayfair]

"I'm glad you like it here," Aeryn told her. "I found Grasmere when I first came to the Academy and thought it was the perfect place for everyone to enjoy, and I can't take all the credit, my friends do BBQ's and cook all the time with them having a pub in the village."

Robin stifled a burp. The poor defenseless burger was already gone but she felt marginally less hungry. Marginally. She still had a pickle and some crisps, so those would get finished off momentarily.

"Well, my compliments to you for the location, and I'll give my compliments to the chefs in a bit when I go back for seconds."

"Hi guys. It's good to see you." Hallowette had appeared, sporting a new shorter haircut. She seemed more relaxed and at ease than she had when they'd met in the Officer's Lounge, and the nurse was impressed. Socializing with officers had taken her a lot longer. "Something smells amazing!" 

"Yeah, grab yourself something. It's terrific." Robin had grown up on a ranch and could easily tell the difference between real and replicated food. This meat was the real deal, probably locally raised. "How's your wrist?" The question was more of a friendly formality than a serious medial one. Robin had treated the young Midshipman on the way back to the Artemis and her bones had been knitted. She'd seen the report of a follow up exam. But occasional aches weren't uncommon after a serious fracture... and Starfleet officers had a tendency to not report problems to Sickbay. 

Mara was clearly in a good mood, relaxed. That mission hadn't been easy on her, and though she never complained it had to have taken a toll. The Security Chief needed this get together too. "Good to see both of you. Robin, the only appetite on the ship that makes mine look like the odd snack. And Hally. You survived your first mission without fuellin’ the rumour mill by whistlin’ at the head of Support or watchin’ the FO in the shower. Congrats on that."

Robin chuckled at that but resisted the urge to ask about the FO reference, though she felt a spike of curiosity. And she didn't go sampling any random bowls of bat soup. Maybe the Academy is getting its act together. 

"Guilty. Little person, big appetite. And Mara's right, great job on your first away mission." Somehow her plate had emptied itself. "If you want to go grab some food I'll go with you."

== Tags ==
== Welcome back! ==

[Omdor Jaein]

It really is beautiful up here, Jaein thought as he looked out at the park. He had arrived early so he could utilize one of the hiking trails before the party proper kicked off. He stood on a little rise, looking down across the lake, and was glad he had done so. He needed the time to decompress and try to come to terms with what was going on. His one regret was that Mary Ellen hadn't come with him; she had grown up here on Earth, and it would have been nice to have her with him.

Face it, he thought, you also just would rather have the company than be alone with your thoughts. He'd spent hours talking with her after they got back, as well as a counselor and even a ranjen. His face darkened as he remembered the camp, the dead and dying clones, and who they were supposed to have been. He felt his gorge rise again, and fell back on what they had been able to help him realize: his anger may have been old, but it was no less real. Entwined with that was still his disgust at what the Klingons had done to them, and his own horror that he had felt the urge to finish them off himself.

He took a deep breath, closing his eyes and feeling the sun on his face, the wind as it shook the chain of his earring. Birds he couldn't identify sang in nearby trees, and he remembered that the Prophets had set him on this path. They hadn't promised that it would be an easy one, or free of roadblocks and obstacles. His anger and hatred for the two tyrants of his past was natural, but misdirected at the clones who had done nothing other than suffer at the Klingon's hands. He was... still coming to terms with that, but he had at least moved on.

Instead, his current dilemma as he walked down the mountain, was coming to terms with what he actually had decided on, namely joining the crew of the Artemis full time. Several more long hours had been spent with Mary Ellen discussing that, but she had agreed with him that it would be good to do, despite the problems this first mission had given him. She had decided to stay with their son Polda at the family farm back in Rakantha, at least for now as he was still getting set up, but encouraged him to get back to starship duty. "You love the shipyard," she had told him, "but you've always wanted to be out there."

She wasn't wrong. He ducked under a tree branch, remembering his time in the militia doing patrols. While the shipyard had been rewarding in its own way, the problems he had faced had been rather the same all the time, and usually administrative - Are we getting the parts we need? Do we have the people we need? Why isn't this process working like it's supposed to? And he had gotten good at solving those issues as they arose.

But that couldn't hold a candle to the variety you experienced on a starship. Sure, some of the problems to be faced were of the 'why are these people shooting at us?' variety, but there were also many engineering problems that you just didn't encounter in the yard - a fact that starship engineers were never shy about telling shipyard engineers. He had taken a short trip to Vulcan and closed out his time there as best he could, formally passing his position to his second and congratulating him on his promotion, as well as getting their home packed and shipped off. He'd been back at Earth for a couple of days, getting settled in on Artemis as well, and was glad for a moment on the surface.

He smiled as he came down to the shoreline, seeing some crewmates already gathering. He picked up a plate and gathered a salad before taking a seat at one of the tables. Famished, he started eating as he listened to the conversation.

==Tags all! Thanks for having me==

[Hallowette Maxas-Darl]

The lake carried sound differently up close. Laughter stretched and softened across the water, broken occasionally by the rhythmic dip of a paddle or the distant call of earth based avianss she couldn’t name. The breeze coming off the surface was cool against her calves, gently lifting the hem of her sundress as she drifted nearer to the gazebo, sandals dangling loosely from her fingers.

Hally took them in one by one in the way she had learned to do years ago. Details first before words. The way Mara occupied all the space around her like gravity itself, Robin’s small frame animated and smooth, much akin to the easy flow of speech that flowed from her. Aeryn’s careful, practiced nurturing ease, still scanning around her to make sure everyone had what they needed.

My people, she realized, with a quiet certainty that surprised her.

For weeks, her thoughts had circled the same hollow truth: they hadn’t saved anyone. No miracle. No late-breaking reversal. Just loss measured in the reports too simply. Numbers and cold logic for some, emotion and feeling for others. The truth of the tragedy they'd stumbled upon somehow worse than war or environmental catastrophe. But standing here, the ache loosened. Not gone, mind but no longer as sharp. As isolating.

Hallowette stepped closer, bare feet sinking slightly into the grass as she approached her friends. The smell of grilled meat and smoke cut through the last of her tension, softly smokey, warm and comforting in a way replicated meals never quite managed. Her stomach gave a small, traitorous growl, and this time she didn’t ignore it. She smiled soft and unguarded as Aeryn caught her eye.

“Thank you for doing this,” she said lightly, voice warm but unforced. “I didn't know how much I needed to see you all.” She looked towards Robin, lifted her arm, and her smile became a sheepish thing, "Better than ever Doctor." Those among her Midshipman colleagues had looked at her post surgery wrist with awe, a real life injury sustained in the line of duty, but Hally had just been glad to have it repaired and back to functionality. It was a reminder that she wasn't quite as invincible as she had told herself she was - and that the reality of her service in Starfleet could cost her everything at a seconds notice.

"I'll always have a good reminder to strap in when I sit at a console, deckplate isn't as forgiving as the movies like to suggest." The injury may have been exacerbated on the planet, but Grants after action assessment had been unabashed about her initial injury being her own fault. "Yeah, I'd love to get a plate, after you!"

She drifted toward the tables, fingers brushing the edge of a cooler as she passed, feeling the cold bite of condensation against her skin. For a moment, she watched Ardanna out on the water, the kayak a thin blue line cutting across the lake’s surface, steady and purposeful. Something about it felt reassuring. Seeing Pearson moving near the edge, openly flirting with her caused something in her to joyfully ache. Luckily Mara's ribbing distracted her from the feeling, though she had little context for what she was referring to, "Survive was the goal, and I did thanks to you." Her freckled face swept across everyone, "To everyone here." Her face scrunched, the light bajoran crest above her nose seeming to be the only part that didn't move, "I'm just glad I didn't embarrass myself too badly, but it was a good lesson that I still have a lot to learn." She left off the part that circled in her mind - that these people were so much more advanced and capable than her. She was a good pilot, yet, but her particular shade of green was bright and far from faded. 

Hallowette exhaled, slow and deliberate after the group moved on. She wasn’t fixed, and certainly wasn’t finished processing what she’d seen in the nebula or the lives that had slipped through their fingers. But she was here, among friends, under an open sky, feet on real ground instead of a deckplate, and that mattered more than she’d been willing to admit.For now, it was enough.

[Hallowette Maxas-Darl]

==Ollie Pearson - Security NRC==

Pearson clocked the kayak the second Ardanna pushed off. Didn’t pretend otherwise, but then Oliver Pearson rarely ever did.

He was halfway through a vicious argument with a local kid about whether football was actually better played barefoot when he spotted the blue hull sliding out across the lake, Ardanna’s easy rhythm unmistakable even at a distance. No rush. No fuss. Just calm, steady movement. Something about it got under his skin in that quiet, inconvenient way he usually refused to overthink.

So when Ardanna had invited him to join her, he locked into it like a quantum torpedo speeding towards a wounded Bird of Prey.

Bloody decision made, mate.

Pearson didn’t announce it. Didn’t make a show of it. He just yanked his shirt over his head as he walked, boots already abandoned in the grass. His trousers followed, kicked aside without the slightest inkling of ceremony, revealing a dark, aggressively minimal speedo underneath. No hesitation. No modesty. No checking who might be watching. The bloke looked like he’d wandered out of some ancient Earth saga, broad shoulders, sun-bronzed skin, muscle built by work rather than vanity, though vanity and the occasional mirror had probably contributed. If people stared, that was their problem. If they didn’t, also their problem.

He broke into a jog at the shoreline, bare feet slapping wet earth. Then he dove. Clean, fast, all confidence and momentum, slicing into the lake with barely a splash for a man his size. The water swallowed the former surf champ for a heartbeat, the two obviously well acquainted, before he surfaced a few meters out, blonde hair slicked back a darker shade, water streaming down his face as he grinned like this was exactly where he belonged.

He swam easily, long, powerful strokes closing the distance to Ardanna’s kayak without hurry. When he got close enough, he rolled onto his back, treading water with infuriating ease, arms drifting wide like the lake itself was doing him a favour.

“Yeah, nah,” he called out cheerfully, voice carrying over the water. “Saw you lookin’ all peaceful and figured that couldn’t stand.” He kicked gently to keep pace beside the kayak, eyes flicking up to her with open amusement, no pressure or expectation there.  “Hope you don’t mind the company,” Pearson added, grin widening as sunlight caught the water on his shoulders. “Left my dignity on shore, but I swim like a champ - dignity never's done me a dingo much anyway.” He jerked a thumb vaguely back toward the distant barbecue chaos. “And honestly? This beats awkward chit-chat and burnt snags any day.”

He grinned, the ever present mischievousness about him as it ever was, his blue eyes falling on his friend admiringly, "Besides, views a lot nicer from where I'm at now, eh Arddy?"

[Ardanna Svenson]

Ardanna didn't think that Ollie would turn down her invitation, considering how well they got on, and how neither of them could really pass up the opportunity to spend time together. Even without the flirting, the subtle hints, the pair of security officers had started as friends, their different personalities unexpectedly complementing one another, the more they talked. Ollie may have been all bravado, but deep down there was a side to him that no one got to see except her. So when he wordlessly agreed, stripping his shirt and trousers off without a care as to where they fell or any shame, Ardanna grinned, liking that carefree, 'don't give a damn' attitude, unable to tear her gaze away from what he wasn't wearing.

He worked hard, that was for certain, and while his choice of swimwear left little to the imagination, he was being Ollie, as he proceeded to break into a jog until he reached the shoreline and dove in with the same carefree abandon. Okay, Ardanna had expected him to take out another kayak, but none of that mattered now as Ollie emerged from the water, with a grin on his face as if he did this all the time. The distance between the pair soon closed, with Ollie showing off some before he finally spoke. 

" I figured as much", she teased back, " I don't mind at all, as I saw the way you kept looking over at me".

It was fun to tease him like this, before Ollie continued, and while it would be good to eventually join the others, Ardanna was quite content with it being just the two of them for now, as Ollie then flirted with her some more.

" That's one of the reasons why we get on so well, and true, we'll have to go up there eventually", she began, " Is that so? I could say the same about you, but I think I should make things even, once I take this kayak back".

== Tag Pearson ==

[Mara Calleja]

"Guilty. Little person, big appetite. And Mara's right, great job on your first away mission. If you want to go grab some food I'll go with you."

That drew a smirk from Mara as she tore into her second sandwich. She was still feeling a mighty need for food after everything she’d put herself through this morning.

Just for a moment, there was a flicker across the Security Chief’s face as she remembered why she’d been trying to lose herself in workouts, socialising and whatever else she could find to do. She frowned and shook her head to try and clear it. But what she saw in the cloning facility was going to stick with her for a good long while yet.

"Survive was the goal, and I did thanks to you. To everyone here." Hally’s words pulled Mara back to the present. "I'm just glad I didn't embarrass myself too badly, but it was a good lesson that I still have a lot to learn."

On the spur of the moment, Calleja found a napkin to clean her hands with and then stepped down from the bench. There was a smile on her lips as she took the couple of steps to where Maxas-Darl stood and then held her arms out.

“I don’t do this… Well, ever. But you look like you need a hug, and right now, I kinda do too,” the Amazonian officer admitted, as she wrapped her arms around the redhead.

Her mind was absolutely racing at the simple gesture that pretty much everyone else present would have done without batting an eyelid. But for Mara it was a huge step into the unknown. Hugs weren’t a thing in her family growing up. They absolutely weren’t amongst her schoolmates either, and by the time she’d wound up on Earth, she’d never felt the need to offer and her stand-offish manner had put anyone else off offering.

I hope this is how I’m supposed to hug someone… I have no idea. Always thought I should be good at it though?

Between that and the surprisingly public admission of vulnerability, Calleja was getting perilously close to something that vaguely resembled a healthy emotional response to a traumatic experience. Because she wasn’t OK. But being here, surrounded by people that she would actually call friends, she felt safe enough to make that confession.

== Tags! ==

[Aeryn Miller]

== Glad you could join us, Omdor :-) ==

Everyone so far was very complimentary, and it certainly gave Aeryn a confidence boost; no doubt Gray and Mitchell would react the same way when she told them, and when Robin went back for seconds. The redhead also had to agree with what was being said to Hally before Robin added to Aeryn's offer of accompanying the pilot to go get some food. It made sense in Aeryn's opinion that way they could quickly return to the small group that had gathered, while Pearson and Svenson seemed to be quite content to not join in for the moment.

Commander Omdor appeared not long after and sat down just within earshot of them. Aeryn would, of course, invite the CE to join them properly, because, except for his sending Ju to assist with the probes on the last mission, she didn't know him that well, and in some ways, he reminded her of Merle. Even to this day, she still held a soft spot for Bajoran culture, and if they should return to DS9 at some point, then a visit would be in order. Hally assured Robin that she was healed and better than ever, which was reassuring to hear, as the pilot also mentioned how happy she was to see them all, before the other redhead continued.

" Yeah, I made that mistake once, but I'm glad you're in one piece, and trust me, we're always learning".

With at least three of them wanting to get food, Aeryn was about to ask Mara if she wanted to tag along when the security chief said and did something Aeryn had never witnessed before. This was quite the turning point for the Bandaran, and if she was being honest, Aeryn found it to be such a nice thing to do, liking how this place was already doing wonders for people, making them feel like they could open up and be honest away from the ship and everything that had transpired.

" I love this", Aeryn remarked softly, not wanting to interrupt this moment too much, and food could wait for the time being.


== Tags ==

[Lucy Devereaux]

Lucy wandered a little before checking Aeryn’s directions. This was definitely the land of Wordsworth and Turner. Exceptionally pastoral. It was perfect for the crew after what they’d encountered. Very little chance for some raucous karaoke, but there was always time for that much later on.

Lucy wore her favorite leather jacket, a hard wearing pair of ripstop cargo pants, a decent thermal long sleeved t-shirt, and a pair of walking boots. She had packed a raincoat along with her favorite hiking boots. This was England after all. The weather might hold, but she wasn’t taking chances.

She found the barbecue initially by smell then sight. Couldn’t miss Aeryn, Robin, Hally and Mara. There was also Jaein and someone she didn’t recognise. Lucy hadn’t been inclined towards water activities, then she saw the lake. She thawed towards the idea of paddle boarding. She had a volume from a guidebook series by some fella called Wainwright. It was an interesting read. Some things might have changed from his time, but nothing geologically significant.

This was definitely a shore leave for relaxing. Definitely a refresher for the soul. Literal or metaphorical she couldn’t figure which it was. She saw a hug exchanged between Hally and Mara. Her mom was a firm believer in hugs. There were ways to hug. It was nuanced and it had to mean something to the recipient. Honest expression of emotion. Lucy loved that with all her heart.

[Hallowette Maxas-Darl]

== Ollie Pearson ==

Pearson laughed, a low, easy sound, kicking water lazily as he rolled back onto his side to keep pace with the kayak. “Oi, I wasn’t lookin’,” he said, utterly unconvincing. “I was conductin’ a professional situational awareness assessment.”

His grin gave the lie to it immediately. “Just happened the situation was you,” he added, tone light but blue eyes honest as they flicked up to meet hers. He obviously was enjoying the moment for what it was. He reached out, fingers brushing the side of the kayak just enough to stay connected as they drifted together.

“And yeah,” Ollie went on, floating easily beside her, “that’s kinda our thing, yeah? Easy, right? No drama. You paddle off into the sunset, I jump in after wearing me banana hammock. Works out for both of us.”

At her last comment, he snorted, rolling onto his back again, “Oh, is that the plan?” he said, mock-thoughtful. “You’re gonna even the score, are ya?” He turned himself upright and began to slowly tread water, Ardanna's jest only serving to encourage him, “Careful, Svenson. I grew up surfin’ rips and losin’ bets. You start makin’ things ‘even’ and who knows what might happen." A beat. Then, softer, still playful, but more genuine. “But hey,” he added, beginning to swim alongside again, “I’m in no rush. Lake’s nice. Company’s better. Barbecue’ll still be there when we’re done pretendin’ you're not enjoyin’ this.”

He flashed her that familiar, wicked grin.

“Lead the way, Kayak Queen. But I gotta say, you're missing out being all the way up there while I'm all down here.” He flashed that same flirty grin, "Though, I understand if you don't want to - or is it can't swim?" His tone was as much challenge as invitation, though the statement was obviously meant to try to get her alongside him.

[Hallowette Maxas-Darl]

Hallowette hadn’t expected the hug - not from Mara. Not here, and not like this.

For a heartbeat, her body stiffened on instinct, not in rejection, just surprise. Years of Starfleet training and her trill grandmother's personal reserve reacting before thought could catch up. Then the moment passed, and she let herself lean in, arms coming up almost automatically, careful at first and then more certain, as if her body understood something her mind was still catching up to.

Mara was warm. Solid. Grounded in a way that felt unmistakably real. The kind of presence that didn’t ask questions or demand explanations—just held.

Hallowette exhaled, a breath she hadn’t realized she’d been carrying since the nebula.

“Hey,” she murmured softly, "Hey Mara..." voice close, unguarded in a way she only allowed herself to be around those she felt close to. “Yeah… I think you’re right.” She didn’t say thank you right away. Somehow that felt too small for what the gesture actually meant. Instead, she stayed there a moment longer than was strictly necessary, letting Mara's massive embrace settle - letting the ache in her pagh loosen just a fraction.

When they separated, Hallowette’s eyes were a little brighter.  “I’m really glad you’re here,” she said simply, meeting Mara’s gaze without flinching. No hierarchy or ranks. Just friends.

She glanced briefly toward Aeryn when she heard her quiet comment, a small smile touching her lips at the edges. This place really was doing something to them, softening corners and removing walls they didn’t always realize they were behind. “I don’t think any of us came out of that mission totally ok,” Hallowette added, voice steady but thoughtful. “But… I don’t think that means we came out worse, either.”

Her gaze drifted briefly toward the lake, catching sight of Ardanna’s kayak and Pearson’s unmistakable form in the water nearby. The corners of her mouth twitched, something warm and almost amused flickering across her face before she looked back to the group. “So, yes, food sounds like a great next step,” she said lightly, grounding herself again. “Before someone passes out or I start hugging everyone here.”

A beat. Then, more quietly:

“And… thank you. All of you. For letting me part of your crew.”

[Ardanna Svenson]

"Is that what you call it?" Ardanna teased, amused by Ollie's attempt to lie and pretend that looking at her wasn't his intention. A lie that quickly dissolved the minute he grinned and admitted what the brunette knew to be true. Then again, how could she possibly resist those blue eyes looking up at her, searching her while his fingers brushed against the kayak to keep the same pace. " I knew it".

That's all Ardanna needed to say, because she knew how she felt about the slightly older Ensign, how they were letting things simmer and not declaring anything other than maintaining their usual flirty banter, and wanting to be around one another just like they had when they first became friends. " Exactly, it does", she agreed when Ollie continued, although the sight of him in just a pair of Speedos would forever be etched on her memory in a good way.

His mock thoughtfulness, as if he knew exactly what she was thinking, only made Ardanna want to tease him more. However, it seemed as though Ollie had already accepted her teasing as encouragement, with the way he spoke so playfully yet seriously. " Well, you know that I enjoy a challenge, and it will, as I'm not pretending".

It was true, she was enjoying this very much and being around Ollie was like a moth to a flame, unable to help herself from being both honest and playful.

His flirting didn't stop either, and Ardanna was no fool to understand what he wanted; she just was going to let him sweat a little more before she gave in and joined him in the water.

" Who said that I didn't want to join you?" she began playfully. " You're just going to have to wait until I get out of this wetsuit and kayak".

To encourage him further and to level against him, Ardanna sped up a bit, intent on heading to the shoreline to fulfil her promise.

== Tag Pearson ==