Massages can be dangerous

Posted on Sun Sep 22nd, 2019 @ 5:44pm by Commander Ichiko Gail & Lieutenant Mica Rue

Mica wandered the beach in the beautiful sunset, her feet sinking into the sand. Her sandals hung from her fingers, swaying as she did, and she smiled, enjoying the cooling temperature.

As planned, the woman had managed to get a decent tan over the past few days, though she figured she would need to protect her skin going forward. She had never really had the luxury before of bathing in the sun so readily - shore leave didn't happen on star bases, and her vacations were often to go back to Trill to visit her family. There was no topless tanning there; her parents would have been mortified.

But now, after just a few days, the woman was bored. She shouldn't be, she knew. The planet boasted activities of all sorts, bars and cafes, markets and classes. Once could drown in lessons and group outings.

But that wasn't Mica.

Outgoing as she was, Mica had never been one to spend tons of time with others. Given the secret of her adoption that was revealed after she had left for starfleet, the woman figured the lack of socialization had been intentional.

Her stomach rumbled. Apparently the woman was bored...and hungry. Seeing a cafe that opened onto the beach, she strode over. As she entered, a string of twinkle lights edging the hut-like structure buzzed to life. One of the workers nodded in hello as they tied up the canvas side of the cafe.

Mica stopped at the counter and smiled. It wasn't the poor worker's fault that Mica's mood was less than stellar. "raktajino and one of those." she said, pointing at a picture of a grilled sandwich. She had no idea what was on it, but the white meat and abundance of veges made her mouth water. She waited only a few minutes for her order, smiling again when it was passed off.

She didn't stay in the hut - she would have had to ask if she could sit at someones table and she didn't have the patience for that right now.

Sinking into a sitting position in the sand, she watched as straggling beach-goers came in from the water. They were pairing for the night, fingers interlaced in more than one case, suggestive looks and nodding heads.

Mica looked away, stung a bit by the sight. It was exactly what her brother had come to talk to her about, her brother whom she had now avoided, successfully, for three days. She wondered if he was even still on the planet. She sighed, opening the wrap on her sandwich. The previously enticing meal didn't seem so good anymore.

The sound of sand being stepped on broke the silence of the din of other people, the surf, and the gentle breeze. Joining Mica's presence on the beach was the resident rabbitess, Ichiko Gail. The first sign of her presence was her coming to a stop next to her in the beach, her odd paw-like feet coming to a rest and making the most interesting footprints in the sand. She had no sandals to hang, though her feet were more than used to going without footwear.

Testimony to the notion that the phrase 'To walk a mile in someone else's shoes' went right out the window once humanity came across a species with vastly different footwear.

"The beach is lovely." Ichiko idly commented, before giving a glance down, "I don't think we've had the chance to meet. Ichiko Gail. Please, just Ichiko." she dismissed the notion of ranks and titles while on vacation. Oh her parents would be so concerned for her.

"I have a talent for faces. I've seen yours around but never got the moment to stop and introduce myself, and for that, I apologize. Welcome to the Astraea. Might I have your name, and your department?" the rabbitess' smile faltered ever so slightly, "I promise, I'll only have to ask once."

Mica stood, amazed by the woman. She had never met a species quite like her. She furrowed her brows, trying to remember her orders and the names attached. Ichikos was most definitely attached.

"Ma'am," she held out her hand to shake. "Lt Mica Rue, Engineering."

Ichiko shook the woman's hand, and made a point to make eye contact during the introduction. "Mice Rue. Engineering. Lieutenant. Polite and respectful. I'll remember this."

Sunset. Seven other people on the beach. Gentle breeze. Half eaten sandwich. Lt. Mica Rue, Engineering.

The eyes of a Ts'usugi were something unusual. They had no reflection, no shine. Just matte paintings of the soul, as deep as the ocean. They gave nothing back.

"It's excellent to meet you. Please, take your time and finish your sandwich before that bird gets it." she giggled, motioning to a threatening looking seagull parallel. "I was going to head into the square and stop off at a salon that got a few high marks on the local media. I'm normally not the type to worry about little things like how my feet and nails look but, with everything that just happened over the past seventy two hours, I deserve a treat." a pause, "You're welcome to join me if you wish, after your sandwich of course."

"I understand if you have other plans. This is a bit last minute." The famous Ts'usugi 'Way Out'.

Mica considered again. It was socializing, if she went with her superior. And Mica remembered fondly the times she and her mother would go to be pampered long ago. Snatching her meal as the bird landed and hopped too close for comfort, the Lt nodded. "Sure, why not? I can eat on the way - I found I wasn't overly hungry anyway."

Ichiko gave a nod, and then shooed the bird away as it made another attempt at the food. A giggle, and a wave, and then the two were on their way. "So, how are you enjoying the posting thus far?" Ichiko began the ancient ritual of small talk. "This far from home, I must say that I'm enjoying myself for the most part. Barring the last seventy two hours, mind you."

Mica smiled at the woman's carefree way of speaking, although there seemed to be a stiffness in it. Whether it was from discomfort or just not being used to conversation in general, she wasn't sure.

"Well I haven't actually seen the Astraea yet, but I am eager to see how service aboard a ship differs from that of star bases. I am hoping it is more....adventurous than my previous assignments."

Stepping upto the salon, Mica let her superior go through the doors. She watched the rabbit-type woman enter, and took a deep breath. She hadn't been to a salon in so long, not since before she had entered starfleet academy. That was where she had told her mother she wouldn't be going home with her...

Ichiko entered with a nod, and set about setting up a pair of sessions. "It would be remiss to say that it's always a pleasant ride, but new experiences aren't always positive. What I can say is that it is an adventure. I never would have seen half of what I've seen. New faces, new people, and new experiences that I'll carry with me for a lifetime." she admitted as she sat down in a chair.

Then she got good and quiet as the first stage of a full on foot and leg massage set in. All the tension and stress of the mission past just started to melt away.

Mica settled into a chair next to her XO. She took deep breaths as her masseuse placed her feet, one at a time, into a tub at her feet. The bubbling water relaxed her from the toes up. The jets, gently recirculating the water, rubbed over her ankles and calves.

She could have moaned when the masseuse lifted her first foot out, spraying more moisturizing oil onto her calve and kneading the area at the back. Instead, Mica closed her eyes and let the relaxation wash over her further.

"This.... this is the best." a very relaxed Ichiko managed to state. She almost melted into her chair as the jets kicked in, having to have them moved a bit to accommodate her physiology. Her first foot was picked up and given a bit more personal attention. This felt like a royal treatment. This felt fantastic.