AQ/D99 - Other Locations

[Daniel Brooks]

==Used for any locations not already having their own thread==

[Carley Young]

==Holodeck ==
<<< Ten Forward<<<

Knowing what program she wanted to run, the scenery changed to a valley that was located on the side of a mountain. It was dark with the stars in full view, the moon was full on complete display. The only light they really had was from the stars and the moon, the small grassy area had a nice park bench that tilted back for a better view of the stars. The air was chilled but not cold, Carley enjoyed being more on the cold side than hot, with the cold it can bring people closer while hot drives people apart. The last thing people wanted while too hot was more heat, the very thing that brings people together while on the chilled side. It was chilled enough for people to get together, but not so much to inspire a chill.

Looking up at the stars Carley had a grin. "The last time I was here was just before I started at the Academy, I didn't know what was going to happen or even it I was going to make it. I like how simple it is the quiet calm as we look up at the stars, the calming effect it has." Carley was just looking up at the stars lost in thought, she had been there many times but never with anyone.

==Tag==

[Cologero Coppola]

==Holodeck==

As the scenery changed it wasn't what Cologero had in mind, it was better. The cold mountain air wasn't that cold at all, it was very refreshing. Positioning himself behind Carley with his hands on her hips, she looked even more beautiful here than before. He could tell there was an internal struggle, what to do next even when she seemed very sure of what Carley wanted. "I think we all have places like this, something that means something to us. I have one at home too, its not a mountain like this but equally as beautiful." He just enjoyed the silence that passed for the next few seconds.

Turning Carley around Cologero looked her square in the eyes. "I have always believed that for one reason or another we meet people exactly when we need to, they help bring out things inside. You could have brought me anywhere, you brought me here something that means a lot to you. It now means something to me, something I will cherish.." He leaned in giving her a kiss like in Ten Forward earlier. "The first one might be for you, that one was for me. Why don't we make ourselves a little more comfortable, I like the grass to sit on with a beautiful lady." Just after they got to the grassy area Cologero took off his tunic placing it on the grass for her, after she was situated Cologero sat behind her, he had no expectations of what was going to happen. He had Carley pressed against his chest like the back of a chair, he felt real good about what they were doing. Wrapping his arms around her, Cologero put his head on her shoulder. "You have to enjoy these simple times, just you and one other person never knowing what is going to happen." He was doing his best to be a gentlemen, even when he couldn't help himself.

==Tag==

[Carley Young]

==Holodeck==

It was a good feeling being in the Holodeck, the night air with the current company. Carley loved sitting on the ground but more when Cologero put his jacket down, the grass was a little on the damp side. As they were looking up at the stars Carley didn't have much on her mind, she was just enjoying her time. No expectations free of any pressures, in high pressure positions these times were treasured. 

Carley was comfortable as she could resting against him, and somewhere in the middle she drifted off to sleep. Waking up sometime later, Carley wasn't sure if it was a few minutes or going into hours. When she woke up she was face down in his chest, both mostly clothed but something felt different about the dress. She dismissed it as something that happened while she slept, the blanket that covered them both was a nice touch. It went half way up her back leaving her bare shoulders to the slight breeze, she kissed Cologero on the cheek to wake him up from his nap.

"Sorry for falling asleep like that, I forgot this place even simulated dose that to me." Sitting up while Cologero was laying down still, her knees were on each side of his hips she loved the view looking down on him. "I am just not sure what to do next, I never had much of a plan going into this." She looked up to the stars again there was a meteor shower that happened randomly in this program, it was always a little different but always breath taking.

==Tag==

[Cologero Coppola]

==Holodeck ==

There has  never been a better way for Cologero to wake up from a nap, looking up at Carley with the moon light radiating off her skin added an extra amount of pure beauty. Cologero put his hands on her thighs working his way to her hips. He had a feeling about what to do next. "I think that I know." Cologero sat up getting the computer make a back rest for him, while raising up his knees for her. "If you want this to stop all you have to say something." 

 First having the computer make a length of soft rope he tied her hands behind her back, next he used a satin blindfold on her for further stimulation. He could tell from her breathing he should continue by putting her back against his knees, caressing her skin for maximum stimulation. There are a few key components involved here one of them was anticipation, stimulate the senses o the brink and stop while changing direction.

Strawberries coated in still warm milk chocolate, the vapors coming from the chocolate came from the brandy inside. He brushed her upper lip with the chocolate giving her time to taste it for herself, followed by slowly feeding it to her. Slowly feeding her two more in the same way, Cologero changed tactics with a thornless red rose. From the tip of her nose down to the base of her neck, still using her breathing as a guide it went softly across her shoulder down her bicep down and up. Randomly kissing her skin on the path of the rose, he could tell there wasn't going to be the word given to stop. 

Making a second length of rope he stated to tie her arms at mid biceps, her breathing intensified as her arms were better secured behind her back. Cologero could anticipate her every desire, stimulating every one of them until she couldn't handle any more before stopping. Turning Carley on her back, Cologero kissed her watching her reaction with a smile on his face.

The final part allowed both of them explore each other, every sensation stimulated beyond anything she ever thought possible. Every motion of every step was all leading to this, short choppy breaths. The longer between the breaths the shallower it becomes, the longer she holds her breath the better. Finishing off with the final breath, both parties are spent in the cuddle position. "I think I might have gotten carried away, we are going to need water soon." Laying there enjoying her company was all he wanted to do, getting his office ready wasn't anywhere on his mind.

== Tag-tgis was done with full permission of the other player ==

[Carley Young]

Carley looked down at him in a loving way soon realizing he had a plan, it seemed to be real interesting. Even more exciting when her hands were tied behind her back, she felt helpless but had the knowledge she could stop this at any time. Words to him or the computer would stop everything, curiosity really got her intrigued. 

It seemed like Cologero was reading every sign of her body, every cue was read giving her more pleasure than she was accustom too. Every sensation seemed to be upgraded to a legendary status, all leading to when she held her breath longest feeling like she couldn't release it. No matter how much she tried it wouldn't come out, it wasn't until her eyes were rolled to the back of her head the final release happened feeling better than anything she ever felt before. 

Being the little spoon as they cuddled on the ground, Carley was catching her breath as her heart rate was going down. "I think we can salvage that dress enough so I can make it to my quarters to change." She had a smile. "I should think about getting dressed soon, I just don't feel like it right now." Carley knew that there was going to be some kind of conversation later, Cindy was going to ask about it. "If this is how you celebrate making Chief Tactical Officer, I am looking forward to seeing you make Captain." She wasn't sure what was going to happen, but it was going to be even more amazing. Her concern now was how K'Vada was going to react, she was either going to be happy or really mad.

==Tag==

[Kalli Thorn]

== Holodeck ==
== NRC Cindy Talion ==

From behind a tree, the figure of Cindy walked out very quietly. The program had not been interrupted, nor had they see an arch. She was carrying a small tray with drinks on it.

Approaching the couple, she said, "My scans indicate that you two were in need. This is orange juice and I have a couple of chocolate bars, both plain and with nuts." She glanced at them both winked to Cologero and smiled at Carley, "I'm really good with secrets. Now, I can fix the dress, but um...hmmm...no judging here, but hold out your hands for me."

As Carley held out her hands, Cindy moved her left hand over the red marks on her wrists and they began to vanish. Cindy commented, "You're inluck, I configured myself for Medical field work. I come complete with a tricorder and a dermal regenerator. Not quite as fun as a security loadout, but I prefer to have people think of me as a lover and not a fighter. Can I get you two anything else? I can grant you almost any wish in here, so long as it doesn't involve me getting naked as well." She shrugged and added, "I've tried it and I'm much more of a one on one kind of girl, sorry."

== Tag the happy couple in the holodeck ==

[Cologero Coppola]

==Holodeck==

Shortly after everything was done Cologero started to feel some pain and stiffness in his right shoulder, it was a result of intentionally position himself to prevent an accident that would have been worse. She couldn't see or protect herself from hazards, Cologero moved to minimize the injury giving him a small one that would need to be treated. 

"My scans indicate that you two were in need. This is orange juice and I have a couple of chocolate bars, both plain and with nuts." She glanced at them both winked to Cologero and smiled at Carley, "I'm really good with secrets. Now, I can fix the dress, but um...hmmm...no judging here, but hold out your hands for me." Cologero was a little shocked that she was there, he usually would hear people as they approach with Cindy there was no warning. 

"You're in luck, I configured myself for Medical field work. I come complete with a tricorder and a dermal regenerator. Not quite as fun as a security loadout, but I prefer to have people think of me as a lover and not a fighter. Can I get you two anything else? I can grant you almost any wish in here, so long as it doesn't involve me getting naked as well." She shrugged and added, "I've tried it and I'm much more of a one on one kind of girl, sorry." As she was treating Carley for the visible burns, Cologero couldn't help himself but to visualize what it would be like.

He had a grin thinking about it the two girls with one man, it had the potential to be something. Shaking his head no for a second he knew the one way it would end, to say the least horribly. "I am glad to see you again Cindy." He said while sitting up favoring his right side. "I can imagine a great four day weekend doing that." He had a sigh. "I would have to repent twice for that one, once because its a sin the second for lying about feeling regret or remorse about it." At this point he was already there he wasn't married to Carley making it a sin, not like it was the first time he was in this position. 

Enjoying some orange juice he used his left arm while minimizing the motion of the right. "You are right about being one on one, I was raised that way with traditional family values. Besides I would have three big worries, Commander Talion is the biggest because he is closer. Nonna if you ever seen an angry Italian women... Well that would be all that is needed. There is one thing I do need." The redness in his shoulder would indicate swelling that would result in bruising, without treatment it would be outright stiff. "Can you help me with this shoulder, it would be a little awkward to explain this injury to the Doctor." Out of all the injuries he could get, Cologero didn't want the first to be related to this. People had a way of talking about these things, often adding details that never happened. One version could include Cindy being a part of this, even when her part in this was purely innocent. 

He knew that this was going to need some level of discretion, in the short time he had been with the crew Cologero learned a lot about the crew. Some of it was bound to be wrong such as Cindy was like Talions daughter, naturally that would make him more protective over her. Carley here was close personal friends with Commander Velaul, that would make her very protective over Carley. "Thank you for your descension in this matter roomers like this can get out of hand, we wouldn't want people to get the wrong idea." He knew that as an Officer Carley was well respected in her field, a respect that she earned for hard work not because of her relationship. 

She was the kind of person who would work with anyone to help them improve, all while keeping them out at a personal distance. Some people did try to get closer to her personally, none succeeded. Now here he was with her Cologero thought perhaps she was waiting for someone like him, if not him. 

==Tag==

[Carley Young]

The news of her not wanting to join in was more disappointing to Carley than Cologero, it was something she enjoyed in the past. She enjoyed being with women just as much as men, sometimes even more. Cindy was repairing the slight damage done to her skin, that one Carley really didn't want to explain to anyone. In some cases the Doctors didn't believe, and security got involved.  

Carley was enjoying her orange juice it really helped her get rehydrated. "I think we can salvage most of the dress, turn it into some kind of wrap." It was going to be a different look for her, a little more open than normal. In her mind Carley wanted this to happen between Cologero and her, it just wasn't clear about how she made it happen.

"Wait you have done this before?" Carley had a curiouse look. "How many people were there?" She was wondering but didn't expect an answer. Her skin was feeling better after the treatments, the one worry she did have was where were they going to go from there. She was a little on the hungry side but didn't want to go back to ten forward.

==Tag==

[Kalli Thorn]

== Holodeck ==
== NRC Cindy Talion ==

Cologero commented about an imaginary 4-day weekend and Cindy chuckled, "First of all, remember that I don't get tired. Secondly, you wouldn't have to repent, since most religions don't consider me a person, though it might fall into the same category of any kind of offense that involves you doing it while you're alone, if that makes sense. Add to it that I'm a medical professional who is capable of seeing your neural pathways in detail, so I can find a person's exact spots that, um...well, you get the idea."

When he mentioned his shoulder, Cindy replied, "Yes, I see you're favoring it a bit. Hold still for me." She looked intently at his shoulder and moved a hand close to it, but not touching it. Then, a deep tissue regenerator appeared in her hand instantly and she worked on his shoulder for about 30 seconds before letting him go and saying, "Try it now. You had a strained tendon and an inflamed muscle. It should be fine now, but if it flares up again, I can suggest some physical therapy to help build up that muscle for the future."

Hearing Carley talk about her dress, Cindy smiled, "Hello? We're in the holodeck, I'm a goddess in here. I can turn that dress into anything you want it to look like, or something entirely different. I have replicator rights in this kind of place. In fact, if you need something more than my default snacks, I can produce those in any amount you want, just name it."

Cologero mentioned discretion and Cindy nodded, "Have no fear. The sanctity of the holodeck is legendary. The system, by default will have classified all data as personal, meaning that it takes serious security clearance to know what happened, even then, it typically has to fall into investigation of a criminal act. People can't even ask me questions about it unless they have clearance, and you don't even get to ask me what kind of secrets I know until you at least make the rank of Commander and even then I might refuse."

Carley finally connected the dots and said, "Wait, you've done this before? How many people were there?"

This time Cindy laughed, "For starters, I remind you that Alex may be a well mannered gentleman now, but he was once a rich-kid playboy for a while and that's all I'll say about that part. As for my previous experiences and how many people were involved, that's a trick question because you're presuming that it was a single event and it is also none of your business." HSe sat down on the grass and looked around before speaking again, "All joking aside, I advise people against any sort of polyamorous entanglements of any kind. The reason is that reality is often far more complicated than the fantasy. It is almost invariable that someone feels left out or in some way feelings get hurt. Sometimes it is about ego, or emotional baggage from a deep past, but unless you are a group of psychologists or hope to be disappointed, the majority of people are unable to deal with that kind of thing for long and it is very likely to end badly. With two people, you only tend to have each other and your own faults and baggage to blame. On top of all that, I don't have the emotional need for such a relationship, thus it would take quite a bit for me to justify walking into that particular minefield, if you get my meaning."

Cindy looked at them both, "Please don't get me wrong here, you're both attractive and wonderful people, so don't take it personally. It is simply my experience that 99% of people don't know what they're talking about when they start having THAT conversation."

Cindy looked up at the sky and snapped her fingers. The sky shifted and they began to be bathed in waves of colored light as an aurora began to give a vibrant display above them."Ah, that's better."

== Tag the happy couple in the holodeck ==

[Cologero Coppola]

Feeling better Cologero knew that one day he was going to have to go to physical therapy, it was part of an old injurie. The question he asked earlier was one that for curiosity, Cologero wasn't really expecting an answer. The one he did get was good enough, with no real need to push further for any kind of clarification.

He was equally as intrigued by Carley's answer as Cindy, not that he was going to be anyone's judge. He wasn't exactly saint material himself, he was practicing his religion but didn't make him a saint. "Did you ever read the book Animal farm?" Cologero knew it seemed off topic, but when he gets into it they would realize it was.

"They had a list of laws starting with all animals are created equal, the amendments were made after. The bible does not state have an amendment for organic life, or and I can see you bringing this up not human. Besides I didn't say why exactly I would have to repent twice, that would be the fifth commandment." 

He heard about how Alex lived his life as a youth, it really wasn't that much different then him. For one reason or another it leads to the same thing, wealth and looks combination. "That's where we are not all that dissimilar, in a nation where Football is only second to Church being good at it.. well." He was thinking about how to put it.

"When you are a good Football player women flock to you, put a C on your chest it gets worse." Cologero pulled up a small screen programing it for a small clip, it was a Football game when Cologero was a little younger. The clip lead to him doing a high flying bicycle kick, it was set up by another player that gave him the extra height. "That play earned me the nickname the Eagle, not going to lie I let it get to me for a while. I promised my parents before I left that I wouldn't open that can of worms again." 

Cologero knew where this was going to go. "Plus your dad being here a Science Commander, I am sure he could arrange a few accidents if I attempted it." He knew that he would have ben her creator, a fact she would no doubt point out. In this case the terms father and creator would be a distinction without a difference, one way or another both end up creating life. 

==Tag==

[Kalli Thorn]

== Holodeck ==
== NRC Cindy Talion ==

Cindy looked at the clip and nodded, "That was quite a kick! I can see why it got you some attention. I can appreciate what you're saying. There was a time when I was trying to be too many things to too many people. I wanted people to know what I was capable of and I guess you could call it pride. Technically, I'm capable of almost anything, but I discovered that takes some of the fun out of it. I stopped teaching many of those things and focused on certain other things. I suppose that Alex is sort of like my dad in one sense, but I also helped create myself, which is perhaps a bit of a contradiction to some. I help him with his research, even when that research was me. When I realized that I could be anything, I had to think about what it was I really wanted to be, then I tried to do the best I could in creating that specific kind of art."

Cindy grinned at him, "To answer your question, I have read that book. I've also read your religious book, along with a few others. Sadly, there are about as many differing opinions on such things as there are people. I will never speak against what someone believes unless it is going to involve harming someone because of it. I think it is foolish for anyone to step into that personal conversation with another person. the reason behind that is that I compare it to a relationship between two people who love each other. For example, if someone steps into a conversation between a husband and a wife, that outside person can't possibly know everything about that relationship. They can spout psychology and so on, but they're not in that relationship. Likewise, the relationship between a person and their deity is a very personal one. The purpose of a religion should be about self control, not the judgement of others. Far too often it becomes a tool of control and that is very unfortunate, but if people can find wisdom and guidance from it, then it can be a very good thing."

Cindy chuckled and got up, "Speaking of stepping in the middle of things, I should go, in the event you two find your second wind. Anything else I can do for you both before I take off?"

== Tag the happy couple in the holodeck ==

[Carley Young]

There was a part of Carley that was reluctant to say anything about what happened, but for some reason it came out all the same. "There was only the three of us most of the time, a couple without but we never snuck around." They had a very close relationship, they told each other everything. "There was the pregnancy once, it didn't make it passed the first trimester." All three of them have slipped into temptations like this before, and it looked like none wanted to do it again. 

Carley was pretty tired but had enough to continue, Cologero told part of his history that gave Carley some ideas. It would help him feel a lot better, all while giving her a chance to practice something at the same time. "Cindy I think you might want to make that exit." Carley used a holographic control panel to make some adjustments, the first thing that changed was Carley's outfit. Tight black leather and lace, a few feet away a messuage table that was a little bigger than normal. "Cologero I need you on the table, no clothing face down I need the same trust I gave you." Waiting for the motions to happen, Carley got ready.

"You are going to feel some heat, its normal for what I am about to do." Checking out his muscular body she started to think of how to start, starting with his right shoulder she was being careful with him. Her fingers were getting into some of the muscles for a deep tissue massage, she dragged a small cloth across it with fire that started on his skin in that area. The fire massage was an ancient technique that Carley learned, but never had a chance to practice. The material that Carley used was designed to allow people to feel the heat without being burned, there will be a little skin irritation but that would pass. 

Working every craves of his body Carley used the fire and cups to give him the most relaxation she could, he had a few sections where the muscles were very tight due to stress. His legs were not as tight, but still needed work too. The massage lasted more than thirty minutes, but felt like it was two for the both of them. 

Shortly after Carley got him to turn over, now he could see the small fires that she light on him. How she target some of his muscles with both finger and fire, it hurt a little but felt a lot better after the pain went down. His chest was equally as impressive as his back, his legs told her he never skipped a leg day. 

She started with his legs working upwards, just as she got to his upper thighs, she paid special attention to his groin. There was no fire there being too close to sensitive areas that wouldn't work well, Carley had to get up on top for the appropriate amount of pressure. The groin goes from the upper inner thigh to the bottom of the abdomen, getting in close and strong made all the difference. She gave him a couple of kisses on the thighs and how differently they were currently feeling, the sensations were going through the roof especially with a well placed kiss. 

The rest of the massage was a blur for them both, she knew how excited Cologero was by reverting to his natural language. Every part of the massage made Cologero loosen up more, and it started to feel better by the second. The rest was a blur to her as she was exploring every instinct that she had, from one part to another all of his tight muscles were now loose as she could make them. 

Another forty minutes later that felt like two, both were exhausted again and Carley had her head on his chest. "I don't think I can do this again for a while." Carley knew he was feeling the same way, anything more than this would be over doing it. Thankfully they still had what they needed to rehydrate and energize, there were probably going to be some conversations later between friends. They were going to be tasteful, but right now she needed some rest before standing up again. 

==Tag==

[Kalli Thorn]

== Holodeck ==
== NRC Cindy Talion ==

Cindy stood and gave a bow to them both. While backing away,  she said, "As you wish...you two be good, but if you can't be good, then be careful. If you can't be careful, name it after me."

Cindy finally turned around and faded into nothingness.

[Cologero Coppola]

After all was said and done Carley was right, his muscles did loosen up. He had muscles loosen up that he wasn't aware were that tight. There they were again enjoying each others company under the stars, then it hit him like a ton of bricks. What was this night about? what really happened? This really was a gift, Carley became vulnerable in his arms. The strong can only stay that way for so long before they need this, they only do it with people they really feel safe with. This was a level of trust that is never given lightly, nor it be treated as such. 

From what Cologero could tell she had deep seeded trust issues, given to her by someone she valued. That was the reason when she walked beside someone, it was always slightly behind. It was like her shield, when it was time to allow someone in that shield dropped. For this little while Cologero knew that it was a long time since she had done this, she even stepped out of her comfort zone to do this. 

How she was in Ten Forward to how she was returning from the Bathroom, Cindy was there too not acting as the shield but as support. It looked like it took the combined efforts of a few to build her up to this point, and he didn't want to be the person who tears it all down. Cologero felt her ear just over his heart, it gave him a big smile looking down at her. There was even more of a glow to her that he loved seeing, she was also right about not being able to do that again for a while. It didn't matter to him, there were more important issues to handle. First question they should work on was where were they going from here? His place or hers?

==Tag==

[Carley Young]

There was something about laying there with Cologero, she felt completely safe with him. He followed every sign she gave him, never straying into anything she didn’t want. There was something that started to come up, a memory fragment that got a little better as time went on. It was like he was familiar from a distant past, a few years ago, she did spend a lot of time in Italy. It could have been their level of hospitality or something completely different. 

Back then she was exploring everything she could muster the courage for, it did leave a few holes in what she could remember. There were a few memories that started to merge together, but none made sense at the time. As she sat up again her view changed, her knees were by his hips as she looked down again. “How odd.” Other than earlier that day this felt familiar, she was on leave for a few days with a few of her Girlfriends whom were just having a good time, Carley did abandon them at one point. 

Carley smiled shaking her head. “Nahh I wasn’t off base much, they had a few parties where I lived.” She laughed a little. “I don’t think you are the goth scene person.” She dismissed the idea. “We should get dressed and go somewhere else.” Carley had no idea where to go from there. 

==Tag==

[Cologero Coppola]

She was right about Cologero not being a gothic person, for the most part. There was a short lived time when he was, something that most people go through. Searching for that elusive sense of identity, finding what feels right for them. He had a slight rolling of the eye with a slight sigh. "I am not too ashamed to admit I went through the goth phase, the margin is extremely close on that one."

He chuckled a little with Carley. "I had a bad breakup a while ago that made me question everything." He shifted Carley a little higher up. "Safer here." He gave her a grin. "My time as a goth was extended with meeting..." He looked at her for a second. "There were several attractive goth women, one that stood out. She knew how attractive she was but always looking at the exits, like she was looking for a quick exit. She was the one women I had a hard time talking too, no matter how much I wanted to I just couldn't." He had a deeper sigh. "The one time we talked she made it difficult not to, sitting much like this in an arm chair. A little light kissing until she fell asleep, when I woke up she had shipped out. I  never did find out her name, just the name Raven."

Carley didn't have to say anything her eyes said everything. "The missing piece I was looking for, now everything makes sense. I could have served with you for years and not known, your nervous energy was just slightly higher than my own. The women I worked with on the bridge was polar opposite, the confidence level was very high. Then there is... Well your secret is safe with me." He knew that soon they were going to need to get cleaned up and get dressed, he wanted to take her back to Ten Forward for a quick bite with drink.

They took a holographic shower before getting in shorts and a t shirt, both wanted to get out of there to something more public. The simple clothing was just what they needed at the time, Cologero needed to let air hit his skin. 

>>Ten Forward>>
==Permission was given by other player==

[Carley Young]

The time between when she graduated from the Academy to the time she stepped foot on the first ship assignment, there were a couple of things she didn't talk about. She was part of a small group that were misunderstood by a large part of the population, nothing illegal was going on in there. It was equally as structured to Star Fleet with a lot of rules, none that would get you arrested just tossed out unless it was against the law.

Hearing the name Raven again it was the first time in years she heard it, this gave her a bit of a shock. Carley grinned remembering now, he was so cute in that suit. Black leather rabbit ears he wore like a few other men in the room, just like the red leather rabbit ears she wore. She remembered him awkwardly going through the rooms, when she did talk to him Carley was almost half asleep. "You seemed worse for wear that night, sorry for falling asleep like that I am surprised I didn't do it sooner." Carley kept the key that was issued, it was old and outdated but its been tradition. 

Carley enjoyed the shower together, it was always better than a sonic shower. Company in it was even better yet, the water felt great as did his touch. She took the dermal regenerator to his skin before getting dressed, the red marks on his skin. The shorts and T shirt were different, Carley made hers more like a crop top. "For what its worth I wouldn't have recognized you either, it was tradition to not use real names in those rooms." Carley was confident that Cologero knew what she was talking about.

>>>Ten Forward.>>>

[Jez Mala]

Jez stood outside the Holodeck, her Gi Shitabaki , a heavy canvas material with strong knee seams, a creation of her own, as she always seemed to tear her Gi at the knees. Her Uwagi is crisp white, her Dojo’s crest embroidered on the back, a yin-yang symbol representing balance, harmony, and the interconnectedness of opposing forces.  Jez’s strategy was clear as Sin Tzu said, "If your opponent is of choleric temperament, seek to irritate them," and Jez knew how to press Mike’s buttons.


“ Computer, recreate the Kyoto Butokuden” Ordered Jez.

The Kyoto Butokuden was erected in 1895, this is widely recognized as Japan’s oldest surviving martial arts center. Built near Heian Jingu Shrine, it was designed to preserve traditional budo (martial arts) during Japan's rapid modernization. It features a vast, unbroken tatami area and historic spectator zones where emperors have watched demonstrations.Jez knew Mike would recognize it and respect her decision.

The holodeck created a perfect replication; it was flawless. Jez had been there dozens of times. She was even in a tournament there in her Sophomore year at the Academy.

The Holodeck doors swished open, and in stepped Mike. “Good morning, “ said Jez.

“Good morning,” said Mike.

Mike looked around, “ Kyoto Butokuden, nice.” Said Mike.

“I thought you would like it, I created it for its easy access,” Said Jez, her tone implying that at Mike’s age, he couldn’t handle a steep walkway.

“Cute.” Replied Mike.

Jez motioned with her hand as if to say, “Let's go.”

The two entered the Dojo. Mike grabbed a Ghi. Had he inspected it, he would have noticed that Jez had programmed it with a Teddy Bear holding a Viking axe on the back of the Ghi.

The two artists entered the Dojo. Mike and Jez bowed, then began circling one another across the polished dojo floor. At six-foot-seven and nearly three hundred and eighty pounds, Mike cast an imposing shadow despite the gray beginning to creep into his hair. Ordinarily, he would have been fully focused on the match, but today his thoughts kept drifting toward Andrea. He caught himself wondering what she would think if she could see him now, then immediately cursed himself for the distraction. Jez noticed it at once. She always noticed. "You know," she said as she slipped outside a probing Oi-zuki and drove a sharp Gyaku-zuki into his ribs, "if you spent as much time thinking about footwork as you do lunch, you'd be impossible to beat." The punch landed harder than he expected. Mike refused to react. That actually hurt. "Funny," he grunted. "You hit like a starving rabbit." Jez grinned. "A starving rabbit that just moved three hundred and eighty pounds."

Jez continued circling, never staying where he expected. Mike launched a Mawashi-geri toward her thigh, but she danced away and immediately returned with a combination of Kizami-zuki, Gyaku-zuki, and a snapping Uraken Uchi that cracked against his jaw. His head turned slightly before he could stop it.

Did she just hit me in the face?

For an instant, he saw not the young woman before him but the gangly teenager who had first walked into his dojo years ago. That memory vanished when another jab snapped toward his nose. "Careful, Mike," Jez said. "At your age, recovery time is measured in fiscal quarters." Mike scowled and surged forward with a flurry of strikes designed to remind her who taught her everything she knew. Jez blocked, slipped, and retreated, laughing the entire time. "There it is," she said. "The face." Said Jez.

"What face?" Mike demanded. "The one that says your blood pressure just went up." Said Jez.

The laughter vanished when Mike pressed harder. His size and experience forced Jez backward for several exchanges, but she remained frustratingly elusive. Then, just as he began to settle into a rhythm, she sprang into a Ushiro-geri. Her heel slammed into his abdomen with enough force to drive him back two full steps. Air rushed from his lungs.

Holy hell.

Mike hated that thought the moment it appeared. The kick had been clean. Worse, it had been earned. Jez saw everything. "Oh, that one definitely landed," she said.

"No!" Said Mike. "You moved." Said Jez, with a smirk on her face, "I chose to move." Retorted Mike, clearly annoyed.  "Pretty sure the laws of physics chose for you." She tilted her head and smiled sweetly. "Maybe Andrea would be impressed." Stated Jez.  Mike's eyes narrowed. "Leave Andrea out of this." Jez's smile widened. "Ah. Found the weak spot."

That was when Mike finally stopped trying to overpower her and started fighting like the instructor who had spent decades mastering his craft. The next exchange lasted only moments. Jez committed to a Gyaku-zuki, expecting him to retreat. Instead, he flowed around the strike with a Nagashi-uke, stepped inside her guard, and executed a perfectly timed O-soto-gari. Jez hit the mat with a startled laugh, and Mike's fist stopped an inch above her chest before she could recover. Both of them were breathing hard. For several seconds, neither spoke. Then Jez looked up and smiled. "You know I was getting close." Mike wanted to deny it. He really did. Instead, he rubbed his aching ribs and sighed. "Keep dreaming." Said Mike.

“I did, and you know it.” Said Jez, Mike’s silence spoke volumes. Her smile became positively radiant. "The old man admits it." Mike shook his head and offered her his hand. "One day you're going to be insufferable." Jez accepted the hand and rose smoothly to her feet. "One day?" she asked. Mike couldn't help laughing. "Fair point."

She hits like Thor’s hammer. Don’t show that she hurt you.

“You want to go again?” Said Mike, in an attempt to save face, as he didn’t want Jez to think she actually hurt him.

Lucky punches. Thought Mike.

Smiling, as she knew. “No, I can't. I have a lot of work to do as the new Acting Security Chief and the Custody battle.

Mike is still smiling to hide his physical discomfort. Thank Odin, she’s busy. I need to go to Medical.
.


>> Next stop for Mike Medical.>>

[Beno Velaul]

==Holodeck one==
==NPC Jason ==

The trip to the Holodeck was pretty short he had a couple of issues, it was to be expected and Jason started to really get it. When they arrived at the Holodeck the image changed to a dance hall, mirrors on the wall with three bars going across the full length of the mirror. Jason went to one of the mirror after removing the shoes placing a foot on the bottom bar, the stretching process took time. Stretching out one leg after the other, Jason did it all the way to the top bar thirty seconds each. 

"I almost have it." Soon the country song Boot scootin boogie was playing in the background. "It isn't my favorite dance but it's basic enough, simple moments." Thankfully it only took the one song to get more comfortable with everything. Every motion was smooth while Jason moved around, he had done this dance a thousand times this one felt different. "I seen a couple of people I met when I first got here, one did a double look when we walked by. I have a feeling that we might get company." Jason would really like that.

"So tell me about your dad, I am curious about what it was that finally got mom to let someone close. Lots have tried over the years but got nowhere.  There is also something different that I have a feeling is there, I just can't identify what." It could be one of thies things that happen over a period of time, changes always happen to people as they go. It is also why when someone lost weight over a period of a year, a person who hasn't seen them in that time frame would notice first. People who were around the whole time wouldn't  because of how gradually it was burnt off, while the other person would see the sharp change.

==Tag==

[Alexander Talion]

== Holodeck One ==
== NRC Reyna Talion ==

Reyna watched him stretch, but didn't participate. "I don't dance. I don't mind shaking my butt in private, but I'm quite aware of how goofy I look while doing it."

When he spoke about his friends, Jason felt as if the temperature of the room had changed. After a second, he realized it had been a shift in Reyna's attitude. It wasn't exactly fear, but perhaps anxiety. He saw her take a deep breath and let it out slowly and silently.  The sensation faded gradually as well, but it gave him a tiny glimpse into what she had said about learning and it reminded him that she said she was only six. It was hard to reconcile all those contradictions in one person.

"Making friends is often a challenge for me,  as we discussed. Let me know if  I'm holding you back at some point. I don't want my difficulties to ruin your experience."

Jason switched to the topic of her dad and Beno getting together. She smiled and blushed as she struggled with how to put it into words. Some of it she knew not to share. Part was because he might not understand and part of it was not hers to tell.
Y
She tried though, "Um...well, if it helps, it can of snuck up on them too. They have worked together for a while now, but this last mission was a little different for them both. It helps that they're both the same rank. My dad has also been a First Officer on a large ship, so they can relate. This mission had her out of uniform and they were pretending to be a couple. I think that really broke the ice. She might not have understood my dad's protective side and how he handles combat until a sniper tried to take out an Ambassador who was next to them. They actually argued...sort of...about him protecting the partner and child of that Ambassador."

Reyna shrugged, "Then, after they got back, she gave him a kiss on the cheek. Just a peck, but it made my dad actually pay attention and reflect. Then, as with the mission, she had him escort her to the ship party. THAT sealed it. She was feeling sassy and you might say she danced with him as a test of sorts. Some people its how they kiss, or whatever, but in this case, she wanted to Tango. The whole place turned to watch them dance like nobody had seen before. At the end of it, when they finished, he did a dip with her and kissed her." 

Reyna shuddered for a moment, "Sorry, that memory is going to stay fixed in my mind for a very long time. That wasn't just a kiss. The best way to describe it is that it was a proposal.  Her kissing him back was her acceptance.  It was that kiss that sealed the bond." Reyna blushed a deep red as she added in a quieter voice, "It probably didn't hurt with what followed later. I don't know what you're aware of about Betazoids. There's a term called Imzadi. The bond is...unique. Imagine being with someone and not only feeling everything you feel, but what they feel as well...all at once." She puffed out her cheeks as she blew out a big sigh, "It's...well...I'm going to have to let you Imagine it, but it's pretty mind blowing,  even for a Betazoid."

She finally had stopped blushing and scrunched her face up in a silly way that was quite playful,  "So, does that help shed a little more light on it for you...brother?"

== Tag Jason ==

[Cologero Coppola]

==Holodeck one==
==NPC Dean ==

Dean was enjoying a pleasant stroll wandering aimlessly in areas he could go, as a teen he knew there were a lot of restrictions. As long as he obeyed every rule he should be fine, he wasn't really paying attention to much around him until he spotted two women he never noticed before. He took interest right away noticing they were going to the Holodeck, he started to wonder what program they were running.

It took him a few minutes to work up the nerve to go in without knowing what he was walking into, the Dance studio wasn't what he was expecting. "Ladies." Dean was smiling walking towards them. "I thought I knew of everyone on the ship, but you two must be new. A new Trill woman and." He looked at the other women's eyes. "Jason has a older sister?" His tone wax very questioning. "The eyes must be a family thing." 

Jason revealed who he was to Dean that didn't phase him one bit. "I knew there was something different about you, it's a good thing don't worry." Dean got closer to them. "I admire the courage you are displaying, I am going through my questioning period too. I just wouldn't pull it off myself, there are not a lot of people to experiment with." He looked at Reyna for a second.

"You must be related to our First Officer some how, or possibly someone who is going through the training to be joined." Dean was pretty tall himself standing at five foot ten, he looked like someone who spends hours in the gym. "How about a dance Jason? I will let you pick the dance and if you want to put thoes shoes back on." This would be a first for him dancing with another boy, looking like a woman like that would make it a double first. With all the dance selections out there Dean was rooting for a slow dance, out of all the talents Dean had dance wasn't one of them. 

==Tag==

[Beno Velaul]

==Holodeck One==
==NPC Jason ==

Hearing about recent events made their relationship make sense, he was there just after the dance everyone was talking about. The experience for the both of them must have been equally as special, or it could be something different. "Now that makes sense, two people who knows exactly what the other is or wax going through get a little closer than thoes who don't. Put them together long enough and both will receive comfort that neither experienced in a long time." He could feel something a little more from her.

"Truthfully making friends isn't actually easy for anyone, some have a way of making it look that way. All you have to do is relax a little, it's not as easy as it sounds but in time you can get it. You just need a little coaching to achieve this, I will help you." He knew that she was very young still, and that gave her a lot of time to learn. "Don't worry about ruining anything, this is a learning process for the both of us." The doors opened again, and Jason didn't know who it was at first.

Dean came in making it a trio. "Dean it is good to see you." After revealing who he was Jason was relieved to see he didn't just turn to leave. Even more shocked he was going through the same thing, just a little different. Jason didn't introduce Reyna to allow her the opportunity to do it, Jason wasn't aware if she was going to go along with what Dean was guessing about.

"I would love to dance with you, a nice slow dance. I am not sure if you know how to waltz, it's a nice dance that is slow." Jason didn't want anything too fast the clothes would reveal too much if they did, like this Jason would follow his lead. "Come to think of it while I am dressed like this I like the name Emma." While he was looking like a girl that name seemed appropriate, while he was his regular self the name goes back to normal.

Before they started to dance Emma turned to Reyna. "Everyone has something to be nervous about, it's all part of life. The uncertainty of everything really connects us all, again it isn't easy for anyone it just looks that way." Emma waited for the dance to start and Reyna could feel the nervous energy coming from both him and Dean.

==Tag==

[Alexander Talion]

== Holodeck One ==
== NRC Reyna Talion ==

Reyna smile in a slightly nervous way, "Yes, everyone is broken and everyone has baggage. Don't worry, I'll be fine."

With no real hint of her nervousness, she offered a friendly grin, "Hi Dean, I'm Reyna. Nice to meet you?"

She was trying to recall if she had seen him on the ship before or not. She actually helped tutor some of the other kids on the ship and may have helped him in the past. Her plan was to just roll with it.

== Tag Jasom/Emma ==

[Cologero Coppola]

==Holodeck One ==
==NPC Dean ==

At first it was confusing the only time he heard that name was for a little girl, word was she is eight. Looking both at Jason or Emma as it was stated while looking like a woman, then to her someone who only looks like a grown up. "Pleased to meet you as well I do know of you through people, none of us are sure how you are this smart but a few are glad. Some felt strange about being taught by someone it could look like they were babysitting, but on the same token was never made to feel stupid." 

Dean got into position to dance the waltz with Emma. "My mom wanted me to learn this." As Dean placed his hand under the hair feeling bare back, both of their hearts raced a bit, the nerves were racing not sure what to do. The dance moves he knew growing up were all forgotten, by the time both of their hands touched before holding nothing came to mind.

Knowing that he had to do something Dean started to improvise dance moves, none were too fast allowing her to keep up. Dean was impressed by how it felt, physically if he wasn't aware Dean would have never guessed. "I am assuming this is your dad's technology Reyna a peek into a world one of you is going to be one day, while the other could be in their future." Dean gave Emma a bit of a spin so her back was against his chest  with his arm wrapped around him, Dean was finally calming down. 

Giving her another spin Dean was a little more comfortable forgetting for a moment he was dancing with a boy, his hand went lower behind Emma's back for a brief second below the belt before going higher again. The dance wasn't quite the waltz people would recognize,  they were kids still so it really didn't matter. At the end of the dance Dean had his hands on Emma's ribs. "If this is how you see yourself let it out as much as possible, people that know you the least will adapt faster than those whom know you longer. Just give us time, also make it closer to who you are without this disguise on."

Reyna was looking cute as an adult. "One day you will make a beautiful young lady, hopefully you will find someone who will appreciate you for who you are. You are incredibly book smart in time I am sure everything can balance out, we just need to give it time." Dean took Emma's right hand giving it a kiss on the palm. "A kiss for you to keep." 

Dean was smiling while he again had his hands on her ribs. "We should spend more time together coma as you wish, boy or girl it makes no difference to me. Just unless we are doing something special, something a little less extreme. From our dance I understand why you are doing it now, if I had the courage I  would do the same just to get a better understanding." Dean had no real intentions of being a woman, this on the other hand would be a walk in her shoes.

==tag==

[Beno Velaul]

==Holodeck One ==
==NPC Jason/ Emma ==

No matter how nervous Emma felt during the dance he wanted to press on, the first time you do anything is always going to be hardest. There were only a couple of places that Dean placed his hands that felt any different, the rest basically felt the same. The dance itself felt like everything about it was wrong, but no one cared it wasn't really about the dance.

After the dance Emma knew there wax something there, not exactly between the two boys. For them both this could provide to be a one of, whempn the dance was over Emma got a kiss on the palm reminiscing old poetry. The best part about being young is having time to figure things out. The fact Dean was still there after learning the truth was a little surprising, most would have left.

"Sure we will figure something out." There was still what he was going to tell people, this was why people when young have so much time. They were the wonder years, you really wonder when you are going to figure something out even if it is just breakfast. 

==Tag==

[Alexander Talion]

== Holodeck One ==
== NRC Reyna Talion ==

Reyna blushed as Dean did remember her and she spoke as she watched them dance, "Yes, not everyone wants to get help from a kid and I understand that. I know that I'm different, but thanks for trying to understand. The technology is based on some of my dad's work, but I wrote these programs. Mine is actually based on real projections of what I will be like when my body catches up." She gave a sigh and looked down, "I have no idea about the timeline, but my body has decided to hit a major growth spurt. It's one thing to know what is going on technically, but nobody prepared me for the growing pains. You guys are tall, so that had to hurt doing that much growing. Right now, everything hurts and feels stiff. I understand the medical processes, but it doesn't change the reality." As an afterthought, she chuckled, "Oh, but the Trill spots aren't me, I just really like them. That's the part of this that's pretend for me. Thanks for letting me tag along."

She watched them dance and mentally recorded some of the moves for her to try later. Her attention was drawn to the tiny struggles of where to put their hands at times, especially as their minds wandered. It actually made her feel more normal, knowing that she wasn't the only one who was trying to figure things out. She grinned to herself as she realized that this was part of the value of truely socialising with other people. They were social creatures, her included.

== Tag to both ==

[Beno Velaul]

==Holodeck One ==
==NPC Jason Gideon ==

The dance between the two boys was nice Emma could feel where Dean placed his hands, they were curious sensations that felt different. When Dean placed a hand just under the cleavage, and when it went down passed the small of his back to bum Emma's heart raced a little more. He has had people feel him the same way before, this time was extremely different. The way how to enhance the experience was going to be too much for him, in this case Jason was going to wait a few more years. 

Reyna had a point about people. "To be honest none of us understand how you understand how you understand the things you do, or how you can teach it to others. People don't like being taught anything by younger people, especially when the person is younger than them. It's been a thing since long before I was born, and it will continue long after I die." That will be in a long time. "Your growing pains are going to be horrible, there are things that we can do. Heat therapy on the joints that are going to feel hyperextended, we are also going to need ice cream that will help." She was also going to need someone good with their hands, a lot of massages to help the process.

"Let's do something fun and age appropriate." The scene changed to a bar that looked like it was going to open soon. "This bar serves nonalcoholic beverages, I am too young for it and in these shoes it's too dangerous." It was a way for them all to practice some social graces, all centralized around how to talk to people. "Reyna I am happy we are all going through this together, each of us are learning something new. Let's sit at the bar on the stools. Unless we should go to a booth." This was going to be fun, or a way to calm the nerves.

==Tag==

[Alexander Talion]

== Holodeck One ==
== NRC Reyna Talion ==

Reyna wrinkled her nose in a way that made her look every bit the age that she actually was, "I know. It's alright. There's nothing any of us can do about that sort of thing. It's just something I'm going to have to continue to live with. It's been like that ever since I was around people. Thanks for understanding. Sometimes it's just nice knowing that someone else understands what you're going through, that's all." She smiled at him with a playfully crooked sort of smile, "I suppose you know what that's like too."

When Emma suggested doing something else, she agreed, "I prefer a booth. The cushions tend to be softer and I can lean back if I want." She raised one eyebrow in a devilish expression, "Hmmm...ice cream. Now you're talking my language. I have an addiction to chocolate ice cream with crushed roasted almonds in it. Pecans are a good second choice though. I always say that anything can be considered a health food, if you add enough fruit or nuts to it. I used to hate salads when I was little, but then I was introduced to things like adding dried cranberries, nuts, fruit or sunflower seeds to it. The same goes for a sandwich. Having thinly sliced pieces of apple in a sandwich can change your entire life. If you don't believe me, just try a chicken salad sandwich with diced up grapes, apples and bits of pecans on a whole grain bread that has nuts and cranberries in it."

While walking to the booth, Reyna asked, "Be honest with me, are you really okay with me looking like this? I don't want to make you uncomfortable. Every once in a while, I get a feeling like...well, almost like you are afraid to step too close to a hot stove or something. It isn't all the time, just once in a while. If it makes you feel any better, I have to keep mentally reminding me that you and I are technically family now. I mean, you're pretty, you're nice to me and you're the closest thing to a real friend that I have. On top of that, kind of like you, I'm attracted to both boys and girls. At least you can dance with your friend and get to struggle with...you know...THOSE feelings. I have to pretend with holo-programs, which is frankly like saying your date has batteries, if you know what I mean. My point is that if you want me to, I can wear a sweatshirt or something. I like wearing this dress, but you would definitely feel awkward if I was really relaxing like I do at home, so please, just be honest with me, because I seriously don't want you to not be comfortable. If we're family, then you need to know that family are real with each other. We might not share blood, but we're family by choice and that can mean even more. You have no say about who you share blood with, but you do have a say about who you're willing to shed your blood and tears with."

She slid into the booth and asked again, "So, are you good, with me like this, or should I wear something different. Maybe something less revealing, because I think you're most likely still hung up on me being your very much younger, little sister. I could psychoanalyse you on the matter, but I think that would likely bother you more than if I got naked."

She laughed at her own joke, but waited to see how Emma responded.

== Tag Jason/Emma ==

[Beno Velaul]

==Holodeck One ==
==NPC Jason/Emma Gideon ==

Moving to a booth was a good idea he enjoyed the softer seats, just not the fixed table. When he sat down Dean sat to his left while Reyna was to his right. The long hair felt different on his back, he never had the opportunity to have hair this long before. This whole thing was something he would never been able to try, it was a great experience.

Looking Reyna in the eyes the best he could. "We are fine with the way you look you are beautiful the way you are, the issue isn't with you. It's with the fact we are teenagers driven by hormones, while governed by the brain not associated with rational thought." Emma thought about what Reyna said about family. It was a good one, he just enjoyed his better.

"I like that statement, but I also enjoy this. Circumstances made us friends, the bond we share make us family." Reyna could feel some of the tension go down. "We are figuring out who and what we are, professionally I know my rout even have a backup plan or two incase the first fails." Emma took Dean by the hand placing it on his thigh while Deans right arm wax around his shoulder. "Discovering who and what we are never easy for anyone, it gets worse when you have someone telling you what they want you to be." A lot of the times parents want their children to follow their footsteps, even when it was the last thing in the world they wanted to do.

The small amount of time that he shared with Reyna he was enjoying more than the same amount with his sisters at home, they were always mad at him because their friends gravitated towards him. When they had sleepovers Jason would often have company at night, they never did much of anything but it never stopped people from assuming it did. Jason would never deny he wanted to, but never did because he wasn't ready for it. 

"Sometimes you just have to figure out what makes you comfortable and go with it, making people around us comfortable is the mark off a true Lady or Gentlemen. It's just we can't always do that, we have to do things for ourselves too." Seeing peoples exposed skin didn't bother him, there would have to be some kind of attraction there first.

"If you really think about it even if you did get rid of all your clothes, we would see the image you created naked. Under this image we created is the real us. I have grown up around women who who weren't always properly dressed, not that you were serious about doing that. I also think you are too young to know about Bob." Emma had a chuckle because B.O.B. stood for Battery Opperated Boyfriend, usually kept in the night stand drawer. While waiting for Reyna to respond Emma was feeling everything that a date had to offer, Emma allowed Dean to get a good feel of his body minus one area. This was technically a first date, there had to be some restrictions.

Ordering the ice cream like Reyna described Emma wanted a new experience, the thought of it never crossed his mind. He did enjoy nuts in ice cream, and a few other things too he just never had it like that. The nuts would never maintain the heat, but would keep the flavor.

There was one truth that Jason thought about that he never would have said before. "When I first started this journey months ago, I had no idea why I wanted to do this so badly. Now I have no doubt, I was meant to meet both of you." He thought the reasons were clear before, but now the real reasons came to the surface.

== Tag==

[Alexander Talion]

== Holodeck One ==
== NRC Reyna Talion ==

Reyna smiled and nodded at Emma's words, "Well, for the record, this image of me is deliberately designed with great care as part of my efforts to prepare myself for my own future. In fact, the initial version you got a glimpse of, that's me at full growth in my early twenties The margin places me at somewhere in the 5'8"-5'10" range. There's a bit of Darwin's grab-bag in there, so it's always hard to be sure."

Her eyes moved between the two people there with her and she decided to give a little more honesty, "I've seen the medical data Cindy is monitoring on me. Betazoids are often born male and then when puberty hits, or about that same time, things become final one way or another. My genetics are a bit mixed up, but there's little doubt that my brain has decided to trigger, a bit like that sort of process, but full blown puberty. The catch is that my body wasn't really ready for that, not in human terms anyway. By my estimates somewhere from a year to possibly three years, this will be me for real."

As if to punctuate her statement, she made a fist in front of herself and all of her knuckled cracked like a series of tiny fire crackers. She opened her hand slowly, and said with a tone of resignation "Everything hurts, and I do mean everything." Her expression softened, "You're right about the people part of it all though. I'm definitely my father's daughter. My brain works in ways that even I don't understand entirely, but even at my age, I have no trouble writing these programs. The people part, that takes learning things that aren't in the books. I've learned and experienced things that I don't really know how to put into words, but I guess it might be a good thing. It has taught me things I probably wasn't ready for, but because of all of this, maybe it is best I have that kind of head start, because one way or another, I'm catching up to you guys pretty fast. Ironically, I'm not afraid of the growing up part. There is a small chance it could kill me by the time I'm 30, but those odds are very slim. I'm impressed that you already know your own limits and have boundaries set up as a kind of ground rules as you try to traverse this rocky terrain. I envy your ability to try and test yourself through these friendships, learning to swim in relatively controlled conditions. You're helping me think about how I need to find ways to do the same."

Reyna tapped the table, drew a circle to indicate the spot, then tapped it again. Her ice cream she had described materialized in front of her. She sat forward and began slowly taking tiny bites from around the edges and licking them off the spoon. She liked the softer stuff that was melting. it was almost like having a chocolate milkshake, but with a spoon. She savored it, thinking as she nibbled at it.

"For now, I do my best with all of my book learning and try to translate it to real life. I watch people LOTS. I learn some things from them by watching, but it is humans that teach me the most. They don't know how to guard their thoughts, so if I pay attention, I learn about how they think and why they think that way. I can learn more about a person from watching them for an hour than most therapists can learn in a year and when I sit in Ten Forward, it is like a giant form of group therapy for me. Thankfully, I can't hear them all at once, but I can hear each one if I think about it hard enough. I thin that between me taking the time to do that as much as I can, and maybe having a few friends that I can talk to from time to time, this might not be so bad. To paraphrase what a wise man once said, I will get by with a little help from my friends. I suppose we all do that the best we can, right?"

== Tag ==

[Beno Velaul]

==Holodeck One ==
==NPC Emma Gideon ==

A question for the ages asked if you knew when you when you were going to die, would it be liberating? Or would you rather keep it a surprise? If you asked a million people the number of answers goes into the billions, the answer also depends on what kind of day that they were having at the time. To understand at such a young age what your lifespan can be? Talk about being born under a bad sign, with a blue moon in her eyes. 

"The question is what would you do if I sang out of tune, would you get up and walk out on me?" What she said reminded Emma of a song that he enjoyed listening to, it was a classic. Ema had a bit of a laugh. "Everyone needs a little help from their friends from time to time, more so after burnout." Everyone out there burns to shine like a star in space, the brighter the burn the shorter the lifespan.

"You can learn a lot from learning from observation, what people are like in public or the naked truth while they are at home. Stick with me sister life is about to get a lot more interesting, I was born to burn bright." Jason wasn't sure what his future was going to be like dead at ninety or gone tomorrow, what happens between here and there makes all the difference. "If you think about it what we are is a combination of the influence we get from, and give to others. Today the three of us are forever changed, in a slight way but the change is there." 

"The downside to only observation is we are watching other people live, or." Some ice-cream slipped off his spoon onto his skin. This made him gasp a little it felt colder than normal, it felt like his heart went into afib for a second. "I should be a little more careful dressed like this." Emma was cleaning the mess from her skin not exactly being subtle about it, soon enough it was gone. "Life is full of little times like this, unplanned and equally unpredictable that makes us smile for years to come. When we get older we will cherish these times, I plan on having a lot to remember." Jason knew he wasn't going to live forever, but his legacy will.

==Tag==

[Alexander Talion]

== Holodeck One ==
== NRC Reyna Talion ==

Reyna smiled and looked lost in thought as she stared at her ice cream for a long moment. "I never got to meet my mom, but my dad is pretty special. Like him, I'm pretty shy and socially awkward, but once I make friends, I'm able to connect pretty well. My dad would sing to me sometimes, especially when I would feel sad or lonely. I think that everyone should have someone who will sing to them once in a while."

Looking around, "This seems a good place to share that song with you. I'm not going to sing it to you, but I think that you might like it. I really love music and it is even better when you can share it with friends."

She once more made a PADD appear and with a couple of taps, part of the room changed and from the dark, a spotlight shone on a few guys who began to sing a song called World To Me, by Four Shadow.

When it was done, the spotlight went away and the room returned to normal.

Talking around another small bite of her ice cream, she asked, "Have your parents ever sang to you?"

== Tag ==

[Beno Velaul]

==Holodeck One ==
==NPC Emma Gideon  ==

The thought of never meeting your own mother never crossed his mind, there were several ways it could happen. None of them it felt like she wanted to talk about, in her place Emma could understand. "When I was young yes she did, she would sing me to sleep after she read to me a bedtime story. Usually about a knight and dragons, first starting with Green eggs and ham." He used to love thoes times.

"When my dad was around he would always give me a kiss on the forehead at night, he lived with simple mottos. One of them was always kiss your kids goodnight, even when they are already asleep. I remember some of them as I was partly awake, always gave me comfort and better dreams." He could imagine Alex being a good parent.

"Before then when mom was pregnant with me they would take turns reading to me, naturally I don't remember any of this." No one really could. "Other than being read to and sung too they also talked to me, at a level I could understand. They never made thoes strange noises parents usually do to children, it has devastating long term effects.

"I have an idea, all of us pick a song and sing it here." He wasn't sure what song to sing, but had an idea.

==Tag==

[Alexander Talion]

== Holodeck One ==
== NRC Reyna Talion ==

Reyna nodded in agreement, "I'm glad most people didn't use that kind of talk with me either. Some still do, but I resist punching them most of the time. I love stories and always have. Life was a little confusing until I met my dad, but I suppose most kids don't remember when they were that young anyway. It was wonderful when Beno genuinely wanted to be my mom. It wasn't just something she said, I could feel it. It made me cry. Part of me wants to try not to grow up too fast because I've already missed so many things with a mom. I want this time to last, for both of us."

When Emma suggested them each singing a song, Reyna was nervous at first and even a little scared, "I've sang by myself mostly, especially in the shower or places like this, but almost never with someone else around. This is a little scary, but maybe facing scary things can be a good thing. I'm going to have butterflies, but I'll do my best to get them to fly in formation."

When it was her turn, Reyna got up and after giving a couple of verbal commands, a small area lit up by their table that had two screens for lyrics to show up on, one for the singer and another for the audience, in case they weren't sure what the words should be. A band appeared as well, but were more in the shadows. She stepped up to a mic on a stand and adjusted it to her height and joked to herself and her private audience, "I don't think either of us are ready for me to do Great Gig In The Sky yet, but maybe a simple song that's always felt like it should be my theme song."

A catchy tune started from the band and she began singing What I am by Edie Brickell & New Bohemians. Her movements were a little stiff at first, but she soon loosened up and got more into it, dancing a little as she sang. By the end, her sassy nature was coming through and she was smiling and having fun with it. At the end, she took a bow and put the mic back on the stand, then pranced back to her seat, blushing a little. She gave a tiny laugh and admitted that it was actually fun and thanked Emma for the suggestion.

== tag ==

[Cologero Coppola]

==Holodeck One ==
==NPC Emma Gideon ==

Jason could understand what she meant by her statement, it was also true that he was thinking about a holpoprogram he seen a long time ago, it was from a movie Hook. The little girl said to the Pirate, you need a mommy really really badly. That scene always made him chuckle. It was a nice capping thought to make the time last, Jason loved times where they can create memories.

Emma was really happy that Reyna was enjoying her time the singing came across stiff, that was until she loosened up. Then it seemed like there wasn't much stopping her, these were the times you really look back on. You work hard to achieve something, academic or physical both requires a lot of commitment. They also require down time to blow off steam, that is how people really succeed. 

When it was Emma's turn to go up to sing she gave Reyna a wink. "This is going to be fun, i have to do these." After getting on stage there were two notable changes that happened, one was Emma had a black leather tophat with a black belt wrapped around it, and an electric guitar. A closer look at the guitar would show that it was strung upside down, the original design was for a right handed person but strung for a left handed person. The first thing that Emma started playing was the opening part to Voodoo Child before playing Pipeline by Stevie Ray Vaughn. 

The last song played was Smooth with Carlos Santana, a close look at her fingers would tell them that Emma was really playing the song. Emma really enjoyed playing that song in an environment that was captured in the video, Emma really got caught up in the moment playing the guitar, not in the style most people would and that's the way how Emma enjoyed it most. 

Rejoining the small group Emma sat down again. "It's been a while since I could do that, I thought I would take longer to be able to play again." The hard part now was to resist the urge to do another, he had two songs in mind both equally as powerful.

==Tag==

[Beno Velaul]

==Holodeck One ==
==NPC Emma Gideon ==

Jason could understand what she meant by her statement, it was also true that he was thinking about a holpoprogram he seen a long time ago, it was from a movie Hook. The little girl said to the Pirate, you need a mommy really really badly. That scene always made him chuckle. It was a nice capping thought to make the time last, Jason loved times where they can create memories.

Emma was really happy that Reyna was enjoying her time the singing came across stiff, that was until she loosened up. Then it seemed like there wasn't much stopping her, these were the times you really look back on. You work hard to achieve something, academic or physical both requires a lot of commitment. They also require down time to blow off steam, that is how people really succeed. 

When it was Emma's turn to go up to sing she gave Reyna a wink. "This is going to be fun, i have to do these." After getting on stage there were two notable changes that happened, one was Emma had a black leather tophat with a black belt wrapped around it, and an electric guitar. A closer look at the guitar would show that it was strung upside down, the original design was for a right handed person but strung for a left handed person. The first thing that Emma started playing was the opening part to Voodoo Child before playing Pipeline by Stevie Ray Vaughn. 

The last song played was Smooth with Carlos Santana, a close look at her fingers would tell them that Emma was really playing the song. Emma really enjoyed playing that song in an environment that was captured in the video, Emma really got caught up in the moment playing the guitar, not in the style most people would and that's the way how Emma enjoyed it most. 

Rejoining the small group Emma sat down again. "It's been a while since I could do that, I thought I would take longer to be able to play again." The hard part now was to resist the urge to do another, he had two songs in mind both equally as powerful.

==Tag==
==Please delete past post I used hubby's account oops ==

[Cologero Coppola]

==Holodeck One ==
==NPC Dean ==

Dean was enjoying the show the songs were amazing, both of them had talent. The most enjoyable part for h8m was the fact there were no expectations, they were just youth having fun. Dean had a song in mind he wanted to do, now he had a little extra bravery.

Grabbing Emma by the hand. "I need you for this." Taking her to the stage his song started, it was a number by the Black eyed peas, don't phunk with my heart. It was a fun song to sing with the right partner, a fact that stood to be true when Emma played her part perfectly. It had more than a little flirting in it with close manuvers, at some point Dean had his hands on her hips.

Dean got caught up in the spirit of the song enjoying his time with her, by the end of the song both found themselves kissing. Reyna could feel most of their tension go down, almost to a relaxed state. They soon returned to the table hand in hand, both had a big smile fr9m the fun. "What should we do next?" There were a lot of things that they could do, just selecting one was going to be difficult.

==tags==

[Alexander Talion]

== Holodeck One ==
== NRC Reyna Talion ==

Reyna watched the two of them with interest. The idea of gender roles was a bit of a curiosity to her and the relationships that formed between people seemed to not care much for gender, though there were unique patterns to most couplings. The interesting aspect to this was that they were both male, but one had the luxury of temporary augmentation to explore a bit more of the other physical traits. It made for a very interesting dynamic and Reyna watched and listened to learn more.

She was tempted to offer to her brother a more immersive experience, but she was afraid that it might cause him more harm than good. She really shouldn't consider it without giving him a full psychological profile workup first. Not every mind was created equal and she wouldn't want to be responsible for breaking his brain. Perhaps, if he still expressed a deep interest in the idea of understanding the other gender, then she might discuss it with him, but that would take some time and consideration.

When they returned to the booth and asked what to do next, Reyna was at a loss. "You'll have to forgive me, but I'm not very well versed on socializing yet. I'm always the outsider looking in, so this is all quite new to me. In the future, perhaps we could try this with a few more people. Invite a couple of friends that you would feel comfortable around."

Looking at Emma, she commented, "You seem to be able to function quite comfortably and I haven't had to make any further adjustments, so that's a very good sign. I think you could even fly solo next time. If Dean can keep a secret, then I might be able to see how your friends react to me if they actually think I am who I appear to be. What do you two think of my idea?"

== Tags ==