A Glimpse of Home

Posted on Wed Aug 11th, 2021 @ 9:36pm by Lieutenant JG Shaille Levine & Warrant Officer Koh Ottasu

Mission: Pathstone to History
Location: Holodeck III

Shaille stood in front of the holodeck, watching Koh move along the corridor toward her. A smile played on her lips as she watched his ears move with each step, a warm feeling of love washing over her. They were from two very different races, and their relationship often got raised eyebrows or questioning remarks from people, yet there was absolutely no one else she would rather be with. "I was beginning to think you'd forgotten about me," she commented cheekily as he got close enough to hear her. "Found someone else shinier and more interesting?" she teased as she walked toward him, her hand rising up to rest on his cheek before pulling him toward her, his forehead pressing softly against hers momentarily before she pulled away. "I didn't know what program you had in mind, so I hope this is okay," she stepped back, motioning toward her oversized sweater, jeans and boots. "Or do I need to go change?"

Koh smiled softly as he approached, enjoying the moment leading up to their embrace almost as much as holding her. "More shiny than you? No such thing. I'd chew my own ears off before I forget about you... whoever you are." he teased, a smile on his features. Certainly his relationship called a bit of extra attention to him from his wing mates, and yes he had heard all the jokes about rabbits and their gift of fortune, though truth be told it was a lot more enjoyable a joke when shared between himself and Shaille. She wasn't a conquest, or an acquisition. She was a treasure.

He hadn't introduced her to his parents yet. That... was a conversation he was on the proverbial fence about.

"I think you should be just fine. It looks good on you. Mysterious, almost. A touch of wonder. I like it."

Shaille grinned, unable to help herself when she was in his company. "So, what are we doing?" she asked, almost bouncing on her toes with anticipation. "I'll be honest, I tried to peek at the holodeck listings, but it told me I couldn't. Something about restricted access and only your codes could unlock the holodeck?" She deliberately left out the part about her trying to use her security override, to no avail. Some things were better left unsaid. Besides, she knew he knew her well enough that he'd already have guessed that she would have tried that trick.

"We, are relaxing." he said softly, moving from her side to the wall controls for the holodeck. He gave the system his clearance to activate, and the computer obliged. "Enter when ready" were its words, and the doors slid open.

On the other side, was a region of space no human eyes had ever seen.

Soft grass, a gentle misting of the threat of rain. A stone walkway, rustic and almost ancient in its appearance illuminated on the sides by hanging lanterns. Did places like this even still exist in a universe of warp travel and transporters? Of replicators and instant communication? If this was just the walkway...

The path lead to a very simple structure, just one story but the roof pointed upwards to give a vaulted ceiling. Simple walls of thin material separated the interior from the rest of the world. Blue points of light flared up for a brief moment before dying out. Fireflies... or something like them. Hundreds of them across the field of grass that housed this lone hut. A sanctuary for weary travelers. The scent of food was inviting from within the structure, and the sound of soft music filled the air. A radio, as there was no live band to be seen. Just on the other side of the holodeck door, there was a stone landing with two pairs of simple sandals. One obviously meant for the broad paws of a Ts'usugi, while the other for the more 'dainty' feet of a human. Though, given her choice of footwear, Shaille could probably just keep her boots on.

The view of the simple building was unobstructed by anything else even remotely nearby. This was just a spot for them. On the horizon, a world-moon rose up. Spots of light illuminated the darker side, while the daytime half had the illusion of being untouched. Koh took a step in, also ignoring the simple sandals due to wearing regulation footwear. Once he took that step in, he just pointed up.

As they entered, Shaille's eyes moved from side to side, trying to take in everything. The fireflies, the music, the very unfamiliar environment surrounding them. After the doors hissed closed behind them it took mere moments to be immersed in the moment. One could easily forget that they were within the confines of a starship. As he pointed upward, Shaille's gaze moved to follow his direction.

Looking up, it was suddenly so clear why it took Koh so long to get this file just right. Looking up, the sky of the world they were on was dominated by a single, powerful sight.

This was no world. It was a world moon. Above them, far in space but vast enough to still draw the inspiration of an entire race... was a world. A planet! Drifting in a starless sky. This entire hill, the structure, those flashy blue fireflies, everything was on a moon. But if this was a moon... and that over there was a moon, then that above could only be...

"This, is Ts'usu."

Her gasp was audible as she took in the planet above them. Her hand reached for him. The lack of stars was still obvious, something she knew would likely not change. She was an outsider to his people. Still, this was Ts'usu. "How?" She tore her gaze away from the view above to look at him, eyes wide and questioning.

"It took every buoy ration I had, two favors, a bit of purchases from some of the off world markets, and a little diplomacy. I was told to be discreet with this program, to only share it with loved ones and family." and at that, he lowered his glance to meet hers. "And if I call you both before mom meets you, I'm as good as dead." he offered with a smile. "This is our space. Our private space, not to share, not to divulge. Our place to vanish from the world, and now that you've seen the surprise, I'll share this with you so you can stop by whenever."

"It's a Ts'usugi bathhouse, with a cot for taking a snooze." he motioned with his head. "I added a replicator, cause you don't have fabricators yet, and added in the radio and a never-ending supply of warm towels. The weather is always that feeling of just-about-to-rain, but it never rains until you want it to." he explained, slowly leading her to the lone building. "It can be a gentle drizzle, or a full on storm. The rain will never reach inside."

"I... tested that a few times." he admitted, with that 'And I Got Soaked' look.

Shaille laughed, wrapping her arms around him, moving closer, her head resting against his. "This is amazing," she said softly. "Thank you, for sharing your home with me." The smile lingered on her lips as she remained close to him, content, her gaze shifting so she could look up again. "I don't think I've ever seen a planet look so beautiful."

"It's beauty comes from its isolation. There hasn't been a Ts'usugi on Ts'usu that wasn't part of an archeological dig in, well, practically forever. Sure, sure the first emperor banished us to the moons, or whatever. All we know is that there were thirteen tribes of us, we did a lot of damage, and then we made our way to the moons. Maybe to further our conquest and we got stuck here. Maybe we honestly were transported by some divine presence." he snickered.

"All I know is, home hangs over our heads as a constant reminder that we have a long way to go before we go home. Some folks even say we can't ever go home, that we've lived on the moons for so long that the actual world's air pressure and gravity would crush us over time." he shrugged, "Me, I keep Ts'usu in my heart, and take it with me wherever I go." a pause, "And share it with the woman I love. So that one day, she'll stand on the moons of Ts'usu, look up at the sky and see my home... and see it with the same heart I do."

"Ts'usu is our treasure. An untouched world, for the most part."

Shaille turned into him, looking into his eyes, one hand starting midway along his ear, stroking gently downward, fingertips caressing the side of his face before her hand moved to the back of his head, pulling him into her, his forehead meeting hers. "I love you," were the only words heard before she closed her eyes, enjoying the closeness of the moment, the feeling of being loved.

Finally, pulling away, she looked up at him and grinned. "Now, how about we make it rain and try out that warm bath?"

He enjoyed her closeness, her touch, the simple sensation of contact. All the time they spent together, she knew just about everywhere on him, and he was quite familiar with everywhere on her. His hand came up to gently hold the back of her head, never pressing, but just a constant gentle reminder of his presence. They shared the moment, and the space, before he softly agreed. "Yes, lets." he spoke, hardly a whisper as the pair separated.

"I do love a good storm. Shall we start with a drizzle?" he asked, setting the tempo as he lead her into the structure. A simple bathhouse, with mats surrounding baths made of mortar and stone rather then cement or ceramic. Rustic, traditional, and inviting. Once they crossed the threshold, the feeling of 'About to Rain' transitioned to 'Raining'.

"Traditionally, we don't bathe in the nude on Ts'usu." he smirked, "But, this isn't Ts'usu...."

Shaille's smile became a grin as the rain got heavier beyond the walls. "Well, I won't tell if you don't."