Flight of the O'hau - Part 2

Posted on 18 Oct 2017 @ 11:37am by Commander Allyndra illm Warraquim & Lieutenant JG Tris Shizn

3,389 words; about a 17 minute read

Mission: Episode 15 - Emanation
Location: Akkadia
Timeline: MD45 - 1000

Continued from Part 1:

"Ah there...." Alekelia pointed. "There is the island. She turned her chair slightly to watch the approach. The ship was already starting to descend. The island was small even by Akkadian standards. One could tell that it had formed as a single volcano at one time as a large mountain with a flattened top dominated the more or less center. The main and single town was built on a large flat plain that had been one of the major flows long ago. Like many of the towns around Akkadia, the buildings and area where neat and straight, but just beyond the greenery then grew rampant.

Shouts of the crew and the sails furled and the ship dropped faster toward the ever present sea. Alekelia commented, "Good timing, just past mid day. The land heats faster then the ocean and causes an updraft, so the breeze is from the ocean to the land. We will drop low and then drift into the town. See those docks there? That is where we will tie up. The island has so little room that a sky ship dock inland is out of the question."

Tris listened intently to the description and explanation. At the end he simply nodded in agreement and added, "That makes perfect sense."

The skyship almost was touching the water, not more than a meter or so above and gently glided in toward the docks. As soon as they got to the end of one long dock, ropes were tossed and caught, pulled and tied. Doors opened and ramps lowered.

"Well, here we are. Come sir, let me show you the sights." Alekelia got up and waited for the blue man.

Ens. Shizn followed with interest, glancing back at the air-ship as he went.

---

It was only a short stroll from the docks to the center of town and there various stalls had been set up. Fruit, drink, trinkets of all sorts were on display, but one area caught the attention. It seemed as if multicolour rainbows shimmered and danced there. Alekelia headed that direction and when she got to a stall she said something to the woman there and then picked up a scarf. She held it out to Tris. As she did so, every little movement of the cloth scintillated with cascading rainbows of colour.

Tris had followed his guide, looking at the many small shops with fascinating wares. Some things he had no clue what they might be used for. He noticed Alekelia speaking to a merchant and watched attentively, his antennas angling at times to get a better sense.

"As I said, easier to show than to explain. That is Trellium silk."

Tris beheld the fabric in his hands, as his face went blank with expression or lack there of. He simply said, "This is amazing." He watched as the color changed as he moved the fabric before him. "There are so many variations and angles to the refracting and reflecting surface." A smile slowly came to his face as he began to see certain repeating variations and graphic lines, which seemed to change, yet stay the same.

"So sir, take a look and pick something out." Alekelia picked out a long scarf that one could wrap several times and said, "your voucher would cover something like this but again, your choice." She put the scarf down and said something in Akkadian to the lady weaver there.

Tris looked across the colors that lay before him on the display table. But then one scarf rather jumped up at him and he stepped forward, gently lifted it for examination. It's coloring was a striking contrast of blues; several shades from dark to a streak of white. There was also just a hint of purple mixed in, but could only be seen at certain times. The Andorian turned to his guide and asked, "Would the voucher pay for this one?" And he held it before her, allowing the light to shimmer over it.

"Yes," Alekelia said and nodded. "A good choice." She then turned to the weaver and said a bit and then pulled out her own purse and gave her something and picked up a smaller piece, like a handkerchief in size and then turned. "And this is from me and my crew for you to remember us by."

Tris was astonished by this gesture and hesitated, not sure what to say. He had only thought to get something for his mother. He had not expected this kindness at all. He smiled and extended his hand accepting the token from Alekelia saying, "Thank you. This is a wonderful gift that you bestow onto me." He looked down and examined the small cloth in his hand, watching how the light shimmered through its many facets. He looked back again and smiled.

"You are welcome and as I said, you who get to navigate the stars might spare a thought to those that only get to see them and wonder." She nodded her chin toward the item. "It is said that such a thing will draw you back again and I hope it does. Now then!" Alekelia waved an arm. "We best be headed back, cargo should be loaded and there is a schedule to keep."

"Yes, of course," Tris replied confidently. Extending a hand toward what he thought was the exit, "Please lead the way."

Alekelia nodded and lead the way back. The ship was ready and just waiting for the two of them. The Twins would be setting soon enough and then the off shore breeze would kick in as the land cooled faster than the ocean. It would be a night voyage back to House Warraquim.

The ship left and turned to catch the breeze with its sails and started back just as the first of the stars peaked out. Alekelia had left Tris on the deck while she got her ship underway and then came back to join him.

"Good evening sir," she said. "I hope you enjoyed the day."

Tris had been leaning back against the railing looking up at the sails above him, full of breaze. He had watched intently since they had taken off. He had watched the different sails come out at different times, no doubt maximizing control and most efficient use of the breeze.

At Alekelia's comment, Tris looked down at her, coming to his feet and asked, "How long do you expect it to take us to return to her port of origin?" He referred to the ship.

"It will take us most of evening to return back, now that the Twins are down. Tell me have you ever seen Ring Rise?"

The Andorian scowled in thought, The Ring Rise? Tris questioned himself, then realized that she was referring the Rings about this planet and when they became visible above the horizon due to the rotation of this planet. His face changed to a smile and Tris replied, "No, I have not. Will that be happening soon?"

"A few hours yet. Would you like to rest before that or enjoy the view?" Alekelia asked.

Tris looked off to the side for a moment considering his physical state. Looking back to Alekelia he said, "I don't feel tired at all, just a bit thirsty after being out in the wind most of the day. How about some refreshments as we enjoy the launch?"

"Of course," Alekelia replied and then turned and shouted something to a couple of the tall males. They hurried off and in a few moments brought a table and chairs while others brought refreshments of various sorts.

They set everything up and then went back to their normal work, but the ship was already headed into the rapidly darkening sky. Stars were starting to appear and one could see the bright 'stars' of the two large gas giants.

Alekelia poured some of the liquid and then took a seat. "Try that, it is a sort of beer and we keep it cool with ice from the mountains."

Tris accepted the drink and took a sip. It was cold, full of body and just a touch of a bite at the end. All in all, he thought a very pleasant beverage. He turned to her when she began to motion.

She then pointed to the two bright 'stars' and said, "We call those two planets...." she paused as she sought the Federation words. "Lock and key. It will be awhile before they align, but when they do, their gravity is such that the Twins, the two suns, are drawn close enough that they have an exchange. That is something to see, I was quite a bit younger the last time. There is a whole mythology about the Twins kissing." She then looked at Tris, "I am sure your people have all sorts of stories about things as well. If you do not mind, tell me a bit about your home."

Tris had followed her line of explanation about their planetary bodies. Planetary conjunctions was one of his favorite things to observe. He was ready to talk about those before she asked him about his homeworld. So, he had to pause a moment then responded, "Yes. We have many stories about the stars above our world. You see," he began to explain, "My world is one that is mostly frozen for most humanoid species. Most of the planetary oceans are of frozen water. There is some 'dry land' of course, but no more hospitable than its oceans."

Alekelia listened. "Frozen ocean? I have only seen that a few times. Far to the north trying out new routes. Even so from what I have been told it is not common here. While we do not do well with cold, it looked very beautiful in its way. You must miss it especially with our boring warm weather." She laughed a little.

A smile crossed Tris' face as well at her comment. Then he noticed how pleasant her smile was; a light laugh, like a snowflake on the wind, he considered. Refocusing his attention, he cleared his throat and replied, "Yes. Yes I do. But at least I have a way to compensate for your much warmer weather."

"Oh really?" Alekelia asked. "I tell you when we looked at those polar routes we were all hugging anything warm."

Tris then explained, "You see, underneath my uniform I am wearing a very thin cooling-suit,". He pulled up his sleeve to expose the end of the cool-suit, "which allows me to function better when I am in warmer conditions than my Andorian physic is accustomed."

"Interesting," Alekelia leaned in close to look. "I wonder if something like that in reverse could be made for us?" She sighed. "Well there was nothing to be gained by those routes, so I doubt much reason. Almost all the islands are close to the equator. Oh!...." She stopped and pointed upwards.

"There, there is the beginning of Ring Rise, we sometimes call it the Queen of Night's Promise." She pointed to a spot at the zenith of a bit of silver that was starting to grow. It seemed to go quite fast as the silver began to spread down from the spot until in minutes it was like a great silver rainbow stretching from horizon to horizon and cast a pale silver glow over the ship and the ocean.

Tris followed her direction and was awestruck by the beauty of the thin silver ring that stretched from extreme to extreme. He watched intently as it rose and grew in depth and manifested colors. He spoke in a soft monotone, still in awe, "The colors challenge that of the Listeeian Sea in the Southern Hemisphere of my world." He closed his moth, moving his head side to side as his antennae seemed to sag to the outside. He said, "It is very beautiful. Alekelia, thank you for sharing it with me."

Tris looked to Alekelia again, but this time something seemed to tug as his heart, but wasn't sure why.

"You are welcome," Alekelia said looking at the arc and then out over the ocean. "It is a wonder, but when one has seen it so many times, it looses some of its charm. You mentioned a sea on your world, how many wonders have you seen. I feel like there is so much more that I shall never see or experience. Did you know that it is said at one time we did travel out there, but something happened here, some terrible war with technology that nearly killed all of us and destroyed this world. The survivors it is said got rid of it all," she paused and then recited, 'We put away the past in order to preserve the future.' She looked at Tris. "We all learn that phrase and that sometimes technology can be used in such evil ways. Still one wonders if the Houses and the Council went a bit too far." She laughed then, deep and full. "I would bet you did not think you would get a philosophical lecture on this trip did you?"

A smile crept to the side of Tris' mouth because of her statement. "That is true indeed. I did not expect anything on this level." He took a step closer to her and added, "You have shown me so many wonders that I have never seen before. They will be some of the many exciting memories of my life."

"I am glad and the Mother of House Warraquim will be happy as well. I think we are too stand offish from strangers, for all are strangers until we get to know them."

The Andorian looked deep into Alekelia's eyes and said, "Yes. There have been many wonders I have seen across this part of the Galaxy, but none more intriguing than those I have experienced this day."

Alekelia eyed Tris and then said, "If you are not careful I will haul you off to my cabin for the rest of the trip. Please do not tempt me."

Tris then gratefully realized that what he had been feeling toward Alekelia was 'mutual', and she had responded rather openly. A soft smile came to Tris' face while his antennae went slightly limp. If they had not been sitting, he might have needed something to steady his impotent legs. He could truly see himself 'with' her for a time of exploration and passion, but at the same time he didn't want to be the reason for an intergalactic incident. His eyes met hers and as he spoke in a soft tone, "It would be terribly inappropriate of me to take you away from your important duties . . " he had to swallow and clear his nervous throat before adding, " . . for an 'extended' time." The Andorian then blushed as his lips came to a thin line of a smile and he looked down just slightly embarrassed and wondering if he had gone too far.

Alekelia nodded and then said, "Stay there a moment and I will be back." She sauntered away and it was several minutes before she returned.

Tris watched her go. He worried that he had something wrong or had gone to far, or she was displeased in what he had said. He looked out, away from the ship in the growing darkness. The Rings had risen even higher now, like shimmering plates in the sky above. He turned abruptly toward her when she stepped back to the table.

She held out a hand size square. "I had this done a few years back and it has done nothing but grace my drawer. It is yours to remember me by." She then was bold and gave him a quick kiss on the cheek and then hurried off shouting at the crew as the lights of town where House Warraquim now appeared.

Tris was stunned, pleased, confused, and grateful all at the same time. His eyes trailed after her, then looked back at the relatively flat box that lay on the table before him. He really wasn't sure what to do. He turned to look for Alekelia to ask her a question, but she was no where in site, no doubt preparing her ship for its final leg of the journey. The Andorian looked down at the box with a questioning look on his face. He slowly reached forward and lifted the lid to find a small picture inside. Tris gently lifted the frame from the box.

This was no photograph, but artwork of . . Alekelia herself. He was sure of it. Yet, . . it was an artist rendition in what some call water colour. He held the picture before him, quite pleased with it. He felt it was a very good likeness of her, through the artist's perception in his medium. He couldn't help but smile warmly, gratefully, affectionately.

Alekelia kept busy as the winds were tricky, but she had gotten feelings for the blue man and he would soon be gone again off to his stars. It was best to not get overly involved.

The ship finally got settled and soon enough three attendees in the livery of Warraquim where at the front waiting. Alekelia sought out Tris at that point and said, "Looks like you are expected. Farewell sir, I hope you enjoyed your time with us and may breezes blow gently and fair winds guide you, may the Twins bless and guide you and return you safely to shore."

Tris found the stiff yet kind 'farewell' to be more official in nature than he expected. He felt that he and Alekelia had brushed with the tenderness of a personal relationship that could have become physical. But by her response, he could see that she had chosen to back away from the precipice to an official state. He, of course, understood the reasoning, but that didn't mean that she had not cared for him during their brief encounter.

Ens. Shizn bowed slightly toward her and replied in a similar formal tone, "Thank you so much for your graciousness during this most educational and informative Trek. I will not soon forget your 'kindness'." The last word spoken, he had changed his tone to one of loving and nurturing. He smiled gently and tried to not show any further emotion. He extended a hand toward her.

Alekelia looked at the hand. This was something she was not familiar with. Still it might mean something to the off worlder, something important and so she took his hand in hers. As the clasp occurred she felt something and looked puzzled, but he sort of folded her hand around the object. She made a nod of her head, but would not reveal it until later.

Alekelia made a deep curtsy and then straightened. She glanced quickly and then leaned forward and gave him a kiss on the lips. "Ah! Keel haul me on my own ship if I do not do that." She laughed after she had done that.

Tris was very surprised by the kiss, but did not hesitate to accept it with half closed eyes, as he felt the very warm lips press on his. Not only were they warm and inviting to the touch, but he could feel his body react nervously to her presence. It was a feeling of desire that was welling up in him, which was a rarity for him.

After her comment he chuckled with her then replied, "We certainly would not want that." He smiled again continuing the jest.

"Until hopefully next time space man, fair travels!" She said and then added, "hope that will allow you to remember me."

Tris smiled and simply replied , "Yes. Yes it will." After a second he added,. Alekelia illm A'lani, all your gifts will bring remeberance to this time." He closed his eyes and respectfully bowed slightly to her.

Alekelia moved off as the representatives from House Warraquim came forward. She peered at the object. It was a small metallic button of some sort. She was not sure exactly what it meant, but it meant something to him. She decided she would pin it on her breast as a reminder.

OFF:


Alekelia illm A'lani
Captain O'hau
NPC Allyndra illm Warraquim

Ensign Tris Shizn
Pilot - Runner

 

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