Sightseeing (Part II)

Posted on Sun May 18th, 2025 @ 10:20am by Lieutenant Cadence Tyree & Lieutenant Rynna Csira

Mission: A Day In The Life
1443 words - 2.9 OF Standard Post Measure

[PREVIOUSLY]

She thanked him as she entered. "Once. I was curious. They make their own mead. But they also have a wide range of drinks, with some names I've never heard of. The furnishings allow you to have a quiet conversation as well, which is also nice." She gave him a self-deprecating smile. "Or, in my case, you want to find a quiet corner to have a drink and read."

[CONTINUED]

"A drink and a read," Cade said thoughtfully as they were guided to a table by a liveried hostess. "Kinda the same as a quiet conversation. Who were you conversing with?"

"Last time I was here? No one. But I did notice a few people enjoying a quiet conversation. This place is like an oasis of peace." She grinned. "And then I can go back to the queues on Bajor."

His mouth quirked into a grin as he watched his last reference sail over her fiery locks, "I meant what were you reading, Rynna. "I'm always looking for a good book."

Laughing at her misunderstanding, she shook her head. "Sorry. I'm currently reading a fantasy adventure trilogy about a group of misfits who go into the mountains to find their fortune and find dragons instead. So far I like the characters and the dragons aren't just out to eat them. It's called Fortune's Fancy."

Chuckling, Cade said, "Is the dragon’s intent even darker? Or do they come out looking misunderstood?"

"I'm still reading, but they are not pleased with the intrusion. I fully expect one of the party to try and steal from the dragons and get caught. If the two groups reach any sort of understanding, it should take work. At least I think so. If the author disappoints me, I'll find another series. What about you? What do you like to read?"

As they reached a booth, Cade let Rynn pick a side then slid in across from her. Smiling at the hostess as she handed them physical menu's for both food and drink, he shifted slightly, pushing his pack onto the floor and pulling his jacket off. "Right now, I'm reading a book called, A Thread in the Dark by an Orion poet named Ena Reves who decided to try her hand at Thrillers."

Grinning then, he reached down and opened up his pack, pulling out a thin manga novel with vivid colors, "My cousin Rhupert was passing through Empok Nor and sent me this, however. Not sure if I dare even flip through it."

Setting the brightly colored graphic novel on the table top, he turned it so she could read the cover, Captain Merrick and the Nefarious Nymphs of Ni. The cover showed a well-muscled Star Fleet Marine, tunic artfully ripped as he shielded innocent winged women while firing a phaser off screen.

Rynn covered her mouth with one hand to muffle a laugh. "Seriously? Oh, my." She had to take the graphic novel and open it. But after she looked at one page, she couldn't hold back the laugh. "That is...wow. Is this person for real?"

"Rhupert said it was. A Fleet Marine off of the Pioneer. And no need to muffle such a delightful laugh," Cade grinned. "My cousin also claimed that the Nymphs in question also bore certain likenesses, but that was more of an indirect joke."

"Now I have to find out more about this. I don't know if I should feel sorry for the Marine or the maids." She laughed again. When she raised her hand to muffle it, she stopped. "I bet there's a whole series of these graphic novels."

Rynn looked at the menu for a moment. "What are you feeling? Drinks and an appetizer or a full meal?"

Considering, Cade said, "Drinks for now. Then maybe something to nibble later? I'm still kind of full from the festival and I haven't been getting in workouts lately."

He made a face as he said the last, "I hate working out."

"I like the idea of nibbling later." She folded the menu and set it aside before focusing on Cade. "That depends on the workout. Some are definitely more fun than others."

"They've got some local wines, which I had no idea that the Bajorans made. Care to experience a 2360 Javish Province Grüner Veltliner? Legend here says it was hidden by workers. Forgotten and rediscovered a couple of years ago?"

"Sure. That sounds interesting. I saw a selection of local cheeses, along with crackers that might go well with the wine." She gave him a cheeky grin. "You did suggest something to nibble."

"I did," Cade agreed as they punched choices into the subtle ordering plate on the table. "I thought it only fair to let you decide what you'd like to nibble upon."

Settling back with a grin, he said. "Tell me about Rynna Csira."

"Besides liking to nibble?" She grinned. "You know I like to fix things and I like to dance. I also like to sing and play the piano." She tucked a strand of hair behind her ear. "I grew up on a medium-sized planet no one's heard of. My mother is a weaver and my father repairs mechanical things. I learned from both of them. I'm here because I start a new job in a few days." She leaned forward and gave Cade a slow smile. "Or were you asking for something else?"

His smile started at his eyes and he said, "I'm a counselor. There are always ulterior motivations, or so I'm told. I'll say it's hard to not analyze someone as we talk. Our brains do it automatically."

Their wine arrived and Cade laced his hand around the stem, supporting the base and gently swirled the glass, watching the golden liquid move up the inside of the glass, then settle back down. "As to something else, well sure. I'm eaten up with curiosity. Where did your thoughts turn at the question?"

And his smiling eyes met hers.

"Nibbling, of course. And...dancing in the dark," she replied, her eyes returning his smile.

"Nibbling and tasting is such a good way to experience new things," he agreed, enjoying the fencing. "For example, this wine. It's delightful." He eyed her across the table he asked, "When I...dance...after dark. I prefer the moonlight. It offers those titillating glances and glimpses that can excite all of their own, unless you're just dancing for yourself of course."

"Oh, I much prefer dancing with a partner, whether in the moonlight or the dark where it's just the two of you and the music."

Tasting more of the wine, Cade considered for a moment before saying, "That is one of my favorite exercises. Dancing." Then he grinned , "When I was on Earth, I heard dance referred to as a perpendicular expression of a horizontal desire. I was told it was an impression of an Oscar Wild quote. And I do have to agree with the sentiment."

"Oh, yes. Especially jazz and Latin dancing." She took a sip of her wine, watching him over the rim of the glass. When she set it down, she asked, "So, interested in doing some dancing?"

Cade felt the wine warming him, but her eyes warmed him even more and he nodded, "I would." Glancing around the room, he smiled and nodded toward a small, clear area near the rear beside a seating area just in front of a fireplace. Sliding from the booth, he offered his hand. From his pocket, he retrieved a small wooden box that contained a set of earbuds.

She took his hand, a slow smile spreading across her face. She didn't care if they were the only ones dancing. she was going to enjoy the moment.

Leading Rynna to the small dance floor, he spent a moment attuning to one of his play lists. Tucking one of the buds into his ear, he stepped close to her, resting one hand onto her hip while slipping the other bud into her ear. Smiling into her eyes he said, "Dance with me?"

"I'd love to." Especially after their most recent conversation. She smiled back, appreciating the music as it began to play in her ear. "And I love the blues." Her hips began to sway softly to the music.

Smiling, he moved and took her other hand, paused just so slightly. then matched her rhythm, moving slowly and staying basically in one place as they both moved in unison to the same music.

A Post By

Lieutenant Rynna Csira
Chief Operations Officer
USS Majestic
Lieutenant Cadence Tyree
Counselor
USS Majestic