Ice-lake

USS Odyssey

[Archived] Shore Leave / ice-lake

Andor

Lt. Girak Mayott 04-Dec-20 12:46 AM

[D] *The huge ringed planet loomed in the sky as the shuttle made it to Andor and landed by a large lodge next to a frozen lake. The lodge had many Andorians since it was a popular fishing ground and when they landed Rownan poked Shep awake before they headed out. The lake looked empty of visitors but this wasn’t the case. Many white huts dotted the surface where fishermen would sit around a large hole in the ice.* “We made it.” *Rownan happily exclaimed as he took a deep cold ice breath in .*

Starwheat 04-Dec-20 12:48 AM

*Shep rocked a bit as he awoke, stretching a bit as he followed Rowan out to the lake.* "Certainly seems that way."

Lt. Girak Mayott 04-Dec-20 12:58 AM

*Row had reserved a hut for them in advanced and he gave Shep a pair of spiked shoes to wear over his own so they could walk on the ice and not slip. Some workers from the lodge took Rownan’s supplies to a nearby hut as he and Shep headed over.* “So sir, have you ever been to Andor before?”

Starwheat 04-Dec-20 01:02 AM

"Orbit of, never to the surface." *He moved carefully but kept pace with Rowan, taking in view of the ice lake.*

Lt. Girak Mayott 04-Dec-20 09:42 AM

*Rownan looked at the sky at the gas giant and it’s huge rings.* “The cold does bite and gets some getting used to, but in the hut there’s a special heater so you don’t freeze. It doesn’t even melt the ice.” *He laughs then watches Shep walk from the corner of his eye as they approached the hut and entered.*

Starwheat 04-Dec-20 09:51 AM

"I've been to cold places before. Just not this one specifically." *He ducked into the hut, taking a look around.*

Lt. Girak Mayott 04-Dec-20 10:51 AM

[D] *The hut was spacious with two comfy looking benches surrounding a large hole in the ice. The hut had various ‘windows’ to see the outside but a force field kept the cold and wind out. Rownan took off his coat and set it on the bench stretching his arms before grabbing two poles.*

Starwheat 04-Dec-20 10:56 AM

*Shep set down his own coat, before sitting down himself with a bit of a huff.* "Hm. Interesting design."

Lt. Girak Mayott 04-Dec-20 11:14 AM

“I requested to keep it warm. The field keeps it that way.” *He smiled while opening a box and putting a green looking two headed worm on the end of the hook.* “This lake has some large fish and octopus. They’re tasty, well at least I think so.” *He put another worm on the second pole and handed it to Shep.*

Starwheat 04-Dec-20 11:30 AM

"Think so? Aren't you the one who's done this before?" (edited)

Lt. Girak Mayott 04-Dec-20 11:48 AM

“Hahah yes. I first started coming to this lake when I was ten. My mom would plan trips here every couple of years.” *He dropped the line in the hole and let the bait go deep.* “Some people do catch and release since they don’t wasn’t to eat the creatures here but the octopus are my favorite. Hope we catch at least one.” *He smiled and looked over at Shepley’s rod.* “You can just drop the line in the hole. I guess there’s not much to ice fishing.”

Starwheat 04-Dec-20 11:53 AM

"Hm." *He let the line fall into the hole.* "The activity really isn't the point of it, I'd assume. Not when you're doing it for leisure."

Lt. Girak Mayott 04-Dec-20 03:57 PM

*He nodded in agreement.* “It’s more for relaxation and being with those you care about.” *He wiggled the rod and watched the string, not wanting to make eye contact with Shep after that comment.*

Starwheat 04-Dec-20 04:04 PM

*Shep was silent for a moment, not a harsh silence, but a pondering one.* "Yes, I suppose you are right."

Lt. Girak Mayott 04-Dec-20 04:27 PM

*Row continued to look at the hole and a smile twitched across his mouth.* “My mother and I had many long conversations while fishing. The best advice she ever gave was under one of these huts.” *He looked up at Shep as his eyes became serious.* “Can I ask you a question sir?”

Starwheat 04-Dec-20 04:35 PM

"Indeed, you may." *He nodded.*

Lt. Girak Mayott 04-Dec-20 04:45 PM

*He shifted a little uncomfortable in his seat as he gathered the courage to ask what’s been on his mind.* “Have you even been a father?”

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Starwheat 04-Dec-20 05:19 PM

*The question brought up some memories. Again he left the hut in contemplative silence.* "Not a father directly, no. I've had my share of younger friends and proteges."

Lt. Girak Mayott 04-Dec-20 06:52 PM

*That was enough of a yes for him.* “Well....I’m a little lost as how to be a good one.” *He set the pole down and rubbed his eyes. Not because he was tried but even thinking about raising a child now was making his head hurt.* “A strong family structure is extremely important for Andorians. I’d like to say I had that and I know what I’m doing for Nazran....but I don’t.”

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Starwheat 04-Dec-20 08:27 PM

"No one is ready. No one goes into parenting with a game plan, part of the reason it never appealed to me, I like to know what I'm doing before I do it, and all you can do with a child is hope you have what it takes to keep up. All I can say is, there is never going to be a clear answer, but I think I know you'll make the right choices, Rownan." *It would be the first time he's ever said Row's name out loud. It felt strange to hear it in his voice, but at the same time, wholly natural.* (edited)

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Lt. Girak Mayott 04-Dec-20 08:52 PM

*His heart swelled with those words and his eyes got a little watery. It was the nicest thing his boss had ever said and he didn’t know how to respond. A simple thank you didn’t feel like enough. He cleared his throat and quickly wiped his eyes with the back of his hand hoping Shepley didn’t notice.* “You really think I’ve got what it takes? Wow, that means a lot sir. Thank you.”

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Starwheat 04-Dec-20 08:59 PM

"You've got a lot of potential, as doctor, and in anything else you choose to do. I just hope I will have imparted some of the tools you'll need by the time we part ways, like I try and do for the rest of the staff."

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Lt. Girak Mayott 04-Dec-20 10:30 PM

*Part ways? No it was too soon to think about that. They have a whole 10 years to work together, maybe longer or so he hopped.* “The crew looks up to you, more than you know. Not just in sickbay of department meetings, but also on the bridge in the future.”

Starwheat 04-Dec-20 10:46 PM

*He sighed.* "I know that. I don't work as much as possible for my own health, I do it so I can be there when you younger kids need it, you deserve to have a net, especially when so many are fresh out of the academy." (edited)

Lt. Girak Mayott 04-Dec-20 10:53 PM

*Rownan tilts his head to the side and though for a moment.* “You care a lot about others sir. I’m sure you’ve probably heard this many times before but your own health and happiness is also important sir.”

Starwheat 04-Dec-20 11:01 PM

"Hm. I used to care a lot for others. They aren't around any more. I just try and stop that from happening to more people."

Lt. Girak Mayott 04-Dec-20 11:46 PM

*He picked up the pole again and wiggled the line, nope not a bite. The last comment Shep made had Rownan wondering. Shepley wasn’t an open book and rarely talked about his past. He wasn’t sure if it was because it was too painful or too personal but he decided to press on with a question.* “What happened? To you...and the people you cared about?”

Starwheat 04-Dec-20 11:58 PM

*A little bit of both. Painful and personal. He was quiet a bit longer, the silence a little more tense then previous.* "Died. Dangerous missions, the War, mostly. Parts of me went with each of them." *He didn't feel he could go further into it, not without being promoted, at least.*

Lt. Girak Mayott 05-Dec-20 12:25 AM

*Ouch, yeah his assumptions were correct. Rownan bit his lip as the awkwardness from his question hung in the air. It was so thick he swore it was tangible.* “I won’t even pretend to understand how that must be for you sir.” *The wind whistled outside as he watched a few snowflakes fall from the now cloudy sky.* “So much experience...and ache.” *He shifted again in his seat.* “But even after all that you can still form relationships. I mean, I do consider you a friend. Someone I can now talk to when I get a little riled up. I hope someday you feel the same about someone if not me. Someone you can express your concerns with.” *He laughed a little inside. What could Shepley possibly gain from opening up to him?*

Starwheat 05-Dec-20 12:34 AM

"I'm just an old man, trying to do all he can. You're a good kid, Rownan, you've got a lot a head of you. You don't need to drag a long an old doctor with too much behind him." (edited)

Lt. Girak Mayott 05-Dec-20 12:54 AM

“Drag you al...no way!...sir...” *Even if they are on shore leave Shepley is his department head and superior officer after all.* “I like working with you. I actually feel more comfortable talking with you then I do my own fathers.”

Starwheat 05-Dec-20 01:01 AM

"And why do you suppose that is?" *He sighed a bit ruefully.* (edited)

Lt. Girak Mayott 05-Dec-20 10:16 AM

“Well....you actually listen. My fathers only tolerated me and tried to make me into something but I feel like they were always disappointed.”

Starwheat 05-Dec-20 10:24 AM

"Puh, figures. Too many people don't realize you can't just cookie cutter these kids. You have to give them the tools they need to do good with what they want to do. There's a line between disciplined and oppressive, and it sounds like your dad's aren't in the right side."

Lt. Girak Mayott 05-Dec-20 10:45 AM

“It’s true...I guess they tried or maybe that’s how they grew up.” *Why was he defending them when Shep was clearly right?* “Anyways thats why I don’t want to be like them with Nazran. I’ll learn from their mistakes hopefully.” *He smiled and tugged on the line.* “Don’t think they’re biting today.”

Starwheat 05-Dec-20 11:37 AM

"Learning from the mistakes of others is always good, especially those who have been affected by them, even if we'd wish they hadn't happened at all." (edited)

Lt. Girak Mayott 05-Dec-20 06:32 PM

*He nodded then suddenly sat forward as he watched Shep’s line wiggle a little.* “Sir, sir I think you’ve got something!”

Starwheat 05-Dec-20 06:55 PM

"Apparently so." *He raised an eyebrow and began reeling in the line.*

Lt. Girak Mayott 05-Dec-20 07:03 PM

*Rownan leaned closer eyes wide with excitement as he hopped it was an octopus that would come up from the hole. After what felt like forever of reeling in the line Rownan’s face dropped and he suddenly laughed as Shep pulled up a while spider looking crab.* “Oh I’ve caught those before. They don’t taste the best. You want to keep him or I can throw him back?”

Starwheat 05-Dec-20 07:12 PM

"Like most crustaceans, I assume the proper preparation is copious amounts of liquid fat."

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Lt. Girak Mayott 05-Dec-20 10:59 PM

“That’s for sure.” *He laughed and tried to get the crab off the hook.* “All that butter wouldn’t do any good for you...errr or anyone for that matter sir.” *The crab was finally free and the pinchers snapped in the air as he gently dropped it back into the water.* “Don’t eat my worm okay?” *He called after the crab was about out of sight.*

Starwheat 05-Dec-20 11:43 PM

*Shep shook his head, with a hint of a smile.* "I'll take your word for it, then." *He put another worm in the line and let it fall into the hole.*

Lt. Girak Mayott 06-Dec-20 12:11 AM

*He was happy to see that Shep was getting the hang of it. Not that there was much to ice fishing.* “So, what do you think about all this sir? Not to cold or boring for you is it?” *Even with the hut’s warmth he hopped it was warm enough for Shep’s old bones.*

Starwheat 06-Dec-20 12:20 AM

"Hah, I've been though long journeys on a ship with poor heating, don't you worry about be being cold or bored."

Lt. Girak Mayott 06-Dec-20 12:31 AM

“Really? What ship was that? Hopefully not the Odyssey.” *It was a poor attempt at a joke.*

Starwheat 06-Dec-20 12:32 AM

"Hardly. The SS Randecliptic, the ship I was born on. Where I first started practicing medicine."

Lt. Girak Mayott 06-Dec-20 10:42 AM

“Ah I see. What’s it like growing up on a ship? We’re your parents also medical?”

Starwheat 06-Dec-20 11:05 AM

"My parents did a few different things. No one had one job on the ship."

Lt. Girak Mayott 06-Dec-20 11:43 AM

“Hummm. Did you always grow up on ships? I mean did you ever settle on a planet or a place to call home?”

Starwheat 06-Dec-20 11:53 AM

"The Randecliptic was my home until I joined Starfleet. Always moving, always going from place to place. I joined because I thought I could help more people than I could on the freighter."

Lt. Girak Mayott 06-Dec-20 10:39 PM

“Wow. Did you enjoy growing up traveling so much?” *He felt that not having one true place to call home would be a little unnerving.*

Starwheat 06-Dec-20 10:43 PM

"It was what just how life was. Can't say I have much to compare it to." (edited)

Lt. Girak Mayott 06-Dec-20 10:47 PM

*He looked down at the icy floor as his antenna swiveled.* “I hope you don’t mind all the questions.” *He looked back up at Shep.* “I usually don’t talk this much. But you’re past...I don’t know much about you. You let me know if I’m talking too much Okay?”

Starwheat 06-Dec-20 10:52 PM

"Hm. Don't usually talk about my past. Haven't had any one to talk to about it, I think." *He looked down at his line somberly.*

Lt. Girak Mayott 07-Dec-20 09:42 AM

*Rownan watched Shepley for a moment then continued.* “Well, maybe you just haven’t found the right person who will listen?”

Starwheat 07-Dec-20 09:57 AM

"Perhaps." *He nodded slightly ad he watched the fishing lines.*

Lt. Girak Mayott 07-Dec-20 10:36 AM

“Hummm...” *He tried to think of some way to lighten the mood.* “Do you have a favorite memory? Something that makes you laugh just thinking about it?”

Starwheat 07-Dec-20 10:57 AM

~~"When I look at this photograph."~~

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"I don't know about that, but there are memories a look on fondly."

Lt. Girak Mayott 07-Dec-20 03:48 PM

*He rested his chin on one hand.* “Mind if I hear one?”

Starwheat 07-Dec-20 04:54 PM

"Hmm. Well. It's hard to come up with a story on the spot, I'm not exactly a huge story teller."

Lt. Girak Mayott 07-Dec-20 08:29 PM

*He places his other hand under his chin.* “Well there’s got to be one that comes to mind sir.” (edited)

Starwheat 07-Dec-20 08:32 PM

"Like I said, I've never been much one for stories. And a lot of the good memories are painful now."

Lt. Girak Mayott 07-Dec-20 09:01 PM

*His antennas started to lower. Yup he’d pushed Shep too far.* “I’m sorry. I guess it’s a good a time as ever to create new memories now. Right?” *Hopefully his optimism wasn’t becoming annoying.*

Starwheat 07-Dec-20 09:17 PM

"I... suppose so." *He nodded a little half heatedly.*

Lt. Girak Mayott 08-Dec-20 11:57 PM

*He wiggled the rod to move the string but it looks like they weren’t biting today.* “Well, for what it’s worth, I’ve enjoyed your company here.”

Starwheat 09-Dec-20 12:19 AM

"And I have enjoyed yours, I should say. It's been a long time since I stepped away from the medical rooms."

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Lt. Girak Mayott 09-Dec-20 03:07 PM

*He smiles feeling all warm inside.* “We haven’t caught anything good yet, but would you like to go more often? Like on the holodeck when we leave?”

Starwheat 09-Dec-20 04:21 PM

"Well. Yes, I suppose that might be... nice." *He admitted.*

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Lt. Girak Mayott 09-Dec-20 04:56 PM

*Yes! Now Shepley has a reason to get out of sickbay. The snow stopped falling and the sky was starting to look dark. Rownan reeled in his rod and set it aside.* “We’ll have better luck next time sir. How about I prepare octopus for you on the ship when we get back?” *He knew Shep didn’t fancy seafood but he wasn’t going to let him not try a delicious meal.*

Starwheat 09-Dec-20 05:32 PM

*Don't know where he got that idea, I don't think Shep has voiced an opinion on any food.* "I think that would be most interesting."

Lt. Girak Mayott 09-Dec-20 05:39 PM

(I thought Shep said...oh wait he was talking about butter and fatty ness lol. I assumed he didn’t like it)

“Well, it’s getting late we best head back to the shuttle.” *Gosh that was a short fishing trip. Or maybe he enjoyed the company that he lost track of time.*

Starwheat 09-Dec-20 05:49 PM

"Quite so." *He retrieved his jacket and stood.* (edited)

Lt. Girak Mayott 09-Dec-20 06:01 PM

*Rownan nods and presses a button on the force field generator indicating that they were ready to go. A few Andorians came and took their gear out to the shuttle while they walked out of the hut.*

Starwheat 09-Dec-20 06:16 PM

*Shep followed, taking a breath as they exited.*

Lt. Girak Mayott 09-Dec-20 07:04 PM

*The cold icy air bit at their skin as they made it inside the shuttle.* “Ohhh Im going to miss this cold.” *Rownan says as he waits for Shep to get in.*

Starwheat 09-Dec-20 07:07 PM

"I won't." *He said in response, climbing into the ship.*

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Lt. Girak Mayott 09-Dec-20 07:15 PM

*The shuttle takes off once they are settled in and Row looks out the window out into the ice. Even if Andor isn’t his homeworld he wished he could stay a bit longer. Maybe after their mission he could visit more often. Maybe then he’d have the courage to meet his biological father who contacted his mom.*

Starwheat 09-Dec-20 07:22 PM

*He sat with a huff, noting Rownan's gaze out the window.* "Unfinished business?"

Lt. Girak Mayott 09-Dec-20 07:23 PM

“Hum? Well, just thinking that maybe I’ll stay longer after our mission. I have family here I haven’t met yet.”

Starwheat 09-Dec-20 08:24 PM

"How so, if I should inquire?" (edited)

Lt. Girak Mayott 09-Dec-20 09:30 PM

*He smiled, not minding the question surprisingly.* “I didn’t grow up with my biological fathers.” *He turned away from the window.* “My mother recently gained contact from one and she wants me to meet him.”

Starwheat 09-Dec-20 09:37 PM

"Ah. Should I press on as for the reason you are estranged?"

Lt. Girak Mayott 09-Dec-20 09:59 PM

“Well...I suppose it’s complicated. My mom fell in love with an Aenar and he promised her they’d be together. But I’m not sure what happened.” *He places a hand under his chin thinking.* “From what I gather, it didn’t work out.”

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Starwheat 09-Dec-20 10:05 PM

"I see. Well, a loss for him, I suppose. I don't know, I'm not very good at this consoling thing, but anyone would and should be... proud... to have you as a son."

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Lt. Girak Mayott 09-Dec-20 10:27 PM

*He smiled and once again beamed inside feeling that a simple ‘thank you’ wasn’t enough for Shepley’s consolation.* “Thats...wow...thank you sir.” *After that he completed forgot what he was going to say.* “Well, he contacted her, and actually sent me a letter too though I haven’t read it yet.” *It was still unopened on his PADD.*

Starwheat 09-Dec-20 10:33 PM

"No reason to put it off, I'd say. Better to get it over with, especially while we are not a galaxy away."

Lt. Girak Mayott 09-Dec-20 10:37 PM

*Thats true.* “But what if it says...I don’t know....” *Actually he couldn’t think of a good reason not to open it other then he’s scared to.*

Starwheat 09-Dec-20 10:40 PM

"I figure not knowing is worse."

Lt. Girak Mayott 09-Dec-20 11:19 PM

*He leaned back in the seat looking away in thought. Yeah Shepley was right.* “I suppose your right.” *He tapped his thumbs together.* “I guess I’m worried he might want to meet me in person.”

Starwheat 09-Dec-20 11:21 PM

"Do you not want to?"

Lt. Girak Mayott 09-Dec-20 11:23 PM

*He swallowed hard.* “I’m curious but...he’s an Aenar and might find me...errr a bit of a disappointment.” *His antenna quivered slightly but he held his composure.*

Starwheat 09-Dec-20 11:24 PM

"Then he would be wrong."

Lt. Girak Mayott 09-Dec-20 11:27 PM

*Rownan looked back at Shepley.* “How can you be so sure? He’s an empath. I know they communicate differently on telepathic levels. Sir I...I can’t do that.” *He bit his lower lip.*

Starwheat 09-Dec-20 11:30 PM

"So? Your genetics don't change who you are, you're a good doctor, and a good man, whether or not you got the DNA that gives special powers doesn't change that, it is that that would make any father worth anything proud of you, what makes me... proud of you."

Lt. Girak Mayott 09-Dec-20 11:40 PM

*It was the third time Shepley had said he was proud of Rownan and this time he really felt it more than the times before.* “You’re one of the few people that have said that to me and I actually believe it.” *He straightened up in his seat antenna no longer quivering.* “You know what, you’re right. If he can’t accept me for the way I am, then I shouldn’t worry about it.”

Starwheat 09-Dec-20 11:47 PM

"Exactly, you have nothing to prove to anyone except yourself."

Lt. Girak Mayott 09-Dec-20 11:55 PM

“Hahaha wow that feels great.” *He wanted to shout it out and maybe dance around the ship but that would be to weird.* “Yes! Okay I’ll read the message and let you know what it says. Well...if it’s not too personal that is.”

Starwheat 10-Dec-20 12:16 AM

*He had to admit, even privately, there was something infectious about his enthusiasm.* "Indeed, I won't let of it is so personal."

Lt. Girak Mayott 10-Dec-20 09:03 AM

*He smiled feeling better as the shuttle made its way towards Earth. After a while it docked and they were ready to get back on the main ship. #airlock.*

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