Posted by Crewman Faith Hopkins (Yeoman) in Diamond Beach (Open RP, All welcome.)
[snip]

Tinga wasn’t aware they were being looked for or she would have made a whole day of it. She pulled a beach chair back into a lounging position and settled her wiry frame and long legs on it.

“Yes, that’s actually why I’m here. They have light shows like this where I’m from but I’ve never seen one on Earth until tonight. I guess this is the main event. I can’t wait.” she said pleasantly.

“They have this on Andoria too?” asked Faith. “I didn’t know that. I never saw one when living on Terra Nova, but it makes sense… More sense than the bartender. He said it was from the flickering magical armour of the women who take the dead to the afterlife after they have died on the battlefield.”

“He told me that he believed in mystical Elves,” said Beth, “Like in that ‘Lord of the Rings’ book, but for real! I told him they were probably just Vulcans.”

“He told me I was hotter than an ay-yah-FYAH’-plah-yer-kuh-duhl,” said Karen. “I don’t know what that is, but he was cheesy.”

“I’ve never liked men with ponytails,” added Beth.

The female doctor felt uncomfortable jumping into their conversation, beside she was not the slightest bit interested.

The female doctor was not so keen about sitting down, she wanted to go back to their hotel but it seemed Tinga had changed her mind. At this point Marthese was wondering whether she should stay with the group or head back to the hotel alone.

Faith though Marthese looked like she was going to leave. “Hi Marthese! Aren’t you staying out here to watch the lights too? The hotel has blankets!”

‘’Oh I have seen them it has been the first time and believe me the lights look awesome but I’m kind of tired and would prefer to head to the hotel room for a good night’s sleep’‘ Marthese replied back while trying to stifle a yawn.

“Not as good as tonight will be…” said Karen. “Well, that’s what the ponytail guy said… And we aren’t on Earth for long. We’ll be leaving again soon for maybe… years!”

The doctor pulled out a chair and flopped on it ‘’Guess you’re right …I suppose ‘’ she said with a hint of uncertainty wondering if she’ll die of hypothermia and be turned into a frozen statue come morning.

“I’ll get some blankets and more drinks… I’ve had enough Prosecco though and that Brennivín stuff was vile… I’ll order us Hot Chocolates… with cream and marshmallows! We can have a real slumber party!”

Then my party has already began the doctor thought as she tried hard to keep her eyes open ‘’Blankets and hot chocolate would be great ‘’ Marthese told Faith trying to sound cheerful and jovial .

Looking at the far distance she felt quiet uncomfortable, every where looked poorly lit with some areas pitch black. Yes the female doctor was afraid of the dark.

Faith went back inside to the bar. It might be night, but the sun was only ever just below the horizon, and the light reflected off the silvery sea, and off the striped blue ice flow that looked like someone had emptied out toothpaste into the lagoon. The hotel must have been built for the tourists taking lagoon boat tours, because there was little else to see. The snow topped distant mountains were too far away without a vehicle.

Faith returned carrying blankets and indicated that she had ordered the Hot Chocolate. A waiter appeared behind her and turned on the patio heaters.

Tinga sat up a bit on the chaise and pulled out a small sketch book.

“Ooo yum. More chocolate. Can I get a shot of espresso in mine? I won’t calm down without it.” she said with a friendly smile.

“Yes ma’am, ” said the waiter, “No problem.” He disappeared back inside.

Marthese gave a half-suppressed laugh ‘’You sound just like doctor Cross’‘ then added ‘’I bet you two would go exceptional well together’‘.

Faith arranged a chair so that she could see out over the lagoon and sat down.

Tinga had been watching the water contemplating a swim before turning back and answering Marthese.

“Yes. I think Cross and I get along rather well actually. Where did she pop off to anyway?” Tinga asked.

‘’Who knows’‘ the ensign answered back ‘’I knew she gave a lecture on the importance of having a counsellor on star fleet ships, as she had asked me if I wanted to take part in her lecture...........’‘ she paused, then shuddered, next came the tears ‘’I made a mess out of it, cause previously I bought a pair of hoover boots they malfunctioned and I fell straight in the ocean ‘’ she stopped took a deep breath and went on ‘’If it was not for Jasper the engineer guess I wouldn’t be here now’‘ and with that Marthese wiped of the tears and blew her nose with a paper napkin ‘’I dread meeting her again in sickbay ‘’ she ended the sentence with all sincerity.

‘’Anyway if anyone needs a counsellor its her’‘ the doctor said with more courage and tenacity.

Faith spoke up, she was probably out of order, but she felt she needed to speak up in defence of Dr. Cross. “Dr. Cross and I started off on the wrong foot. She was dating the Captain, and I felt she was using him… but later I grew to like her… lot! She helped me when I was feeling down, and I think I helped her back. Yes, she does have issues, but she’s been through a lot in her life. You would forgive her too if you knew everything she’s been through. When the aliens abducted her unborn child....well, can you imagine that? Only.... look, don’t give her a hard time… I’m just saying!”

Before Marthese could say anything ,Tings chirped in.

Tinga sat up and looked form one to the other. The things they were say were quite interesting. When Bre had told her about the Merri she hadn’t included these details.

“Well that does put things in an interesting light now doesn’t it?” she sighed, “Perhaps counselling is needed… For the whole ship.” she said with a smile.

Tinga was attempting humor but it had never been her strong suit.

The ensign now spoke up ,she focused on an imaginary spot somewhere on the table ‘’What makes you thing I shall give Cross a hard time?Me?’‘ her tone was on the verge of exasperation ‘’How dare you Faith you know I was there when she got abducted,I was there when the crew got her back ,I worked diligently even though I was under pressure in sickbay with two missing doctors, Cross and Kim who committed suicide…while all the time none of the crew trusted me including you Faith and your uncle the Captain,maybe even his precious cat !’‘ she paused taking deep breaths ‘’That’s it,I was already thinking of leaving the ship’‘ the doctor said raising her voice ‘’Now I have decided’‘.

The fury in her escalated,Marthese could have said more but she knew it was classified material so instead she stood up and simply walked away into the darkness,not caring in which direction she was heading.

Faith didn’t quite know where that had come from. She was only trying to defend Cross. “Oops! I guess I forgot about her not being trusted… she obviously holds a grudge, but the truth is, no one trusted anyone, and Kim really was spying. You are right… the whole ship needs some counselling! I expect you are wondering what a strange ship you have been posted too? And this is meant to be rest and recuperation, not getting stressed out and worked up!”

Tinga took a minute to take it all in.

“I guess R&R is over rated. I’m sure you meant well but I really think I should go find her. Besides, the coffee is making me tired and I should really sleep soon although, just between you and I, remind me never to make her angry.” Tinga said rising to her full height.

It was true, Andorians were stronger than Humans but Tinga had learned to never underestimate and angry person.

“Yes, I’d better go and find her and make up to her,” replied Faith. Faith was about to leave when Beth spoke up, “We were thinking of calling it a night too. Sorry, it’s beautiful but this is too cold for me out here.”

While Beth and Karen said goodnight to Tinga, Faith quickly walked off after Marthese and tried to catch up with her.

Tinga smiled and wished Beth and Karen a good night before turning to follow Faith. Her long legs made it easy to catch up with the young woman and she found the cold exhilarating.

“Oh! You’re coming too!” said Faith, as Tinga caught up with her. “I really feel bad about upsetting her now. I forgot that practically the whole ship thought Marthese was responsible when it was really Kim. She obviously hasn’t got over it yet.”

• Faith, Yeoman

“I want to make certain that if she leaves the ship, it’s because she wants to for some other reason than being angry. Career decisions made in the heat of anger are usually bad decisions. Do the two of you spar like this often?” Tinga asked as they rounded a corner.

• Tinga