Pleasant Contemplations

[STSF_Scooter 0]

Hyatt Regency

New Topeka

Day 3 of Shore Leave

 

((AN: Set during our Shore leave sim on New Topeka))

 

Audraya reclined on the chaise lounge, her half-closed violet eyes bouncing around, watching the other guests. Subtly was required for who she was actually watching, swimming in the pool. Whether it was simple infatuation through shared experiences under fire, or something deeper, the Orion wasn't sure. But when she looked around, her eyes always lingered. There were two other issues that prevented her from going straight out and asking...first and foremost, her being the executive officer. While Starfleet had matured over the past 100 or so years in regards to off duty fraternization, being the XO tended towards some isolation from the crew.

 

Of course, there was another problem facing Audraya was where her preferences lay. Growing up in Orion slave society meant being taught how to pleasure both genders, although there was a strong emphasis on the male of many species. She spent more time with women, enjoying their company, specializing in their pleasure, and reinforcing her preferences while refusing to spend any or as little time with the males. And since refusal meant punishment, Audraya's back met the lash more often than not.

 

At least until her purchase, release and adoption into his family by CDR Wesley. It was there that she was allowed to explore and experience who she really was. Add a couple of liaisons with the captain of the cheerleaders, her lifestyle choice was pretty well cemented. And her family accepted it, which was more than could be said by her brother, Morohtar. Aside from a well documented incident with a certain Captain, she behaved during her tenure at the Academy as well as with the Marines.

 

When she was transferred to the Ark Royal, she'd found her first real love in her wingman, Lt Xiao Chun Li. Of course, because of the Black Kris, it ended tragically before the couple reached their first anniversary together. While on patrol, they were jumped by Orion fighters covering a contraband transfer. Audraya's Goshawk was peppered, and forced down on to the forest moon of the gas giant. But Xiao's fighter was opened up from nose to tail, penetrating both the cockpit and fuel cell, killing Lt Xiao instantly.

 

Audraya spent the next few weeks in mourning, and remained celibate, sometimes earning her the monicker “The Flying Nun”, from some of her younger squadron mates. Those behind the back comments ended when she transferred to the Federation, and, thankfully for her sanity, didn't follow Audraya to her new ship.

 

And, yet, something was filling up what had been a hole in her heart. Engaging her “family” in direct combat to rescue Vulcan hostages and several of her sisters, normally Audraya would have covered Tifa anyway. But something about the communications officer's gentle demeanor made her want to protect her; and that became even more evident after the parties had linked up on Cold Station 13, and then became separated in the rabbit's warren of offices and corridors in the belly of the station, hiding from the undead. And it was because of Tifa, that she'd done something she hadn't in close to 20 years—pray to the Gods for protection. And Xiao didn't know about her first combat mission as a gropo with the Marines. But, again that gentle nature allowed the Commander to open up; to reveal the night terrors that plagued her sleep.

 

“I need to do something about this before I drive myself insane,” she muttered, watching Tifa climb out of the pool.