Playdate

Posted on Sat Apr 8th, 2023 @ 4:37pm by Crewman Doria & Captain Linda Wilson & Lieutenant Commander Rayek trLhoell & Lieutenant Commander Klarth & Lieutenant Reeza Cuyu

4,845 words; about a 24 minute read

Mission: Short Treks
Location: Cuyu Quarters > > > Arboretum
Timeline: Day 13 (Before Revelations)

Ryan couldn't get the android out of his thoughts. It was such a novelty to have someone (even an android) be older than him - live longer than him; so much so that Ryan had to meet her again. He figured after the incident in the Mess Hall, there was no way the Romulan would allow him to meet with Doria without supervision, so the creative Miran mind, came up with an idea of how to see her, hopefully without the Romulan ever finding out.

He'd overheard the day previous that Crewman Tchulka had been assigned her daytime guard and that he was none too happy about the assignment apparently. So Ryan approached the Samoan about the idea of them switching shifts 'off the books' - just this once.

"So what do you say? The Romulan will never know."

Tchulka was no fool. "Is this about what you pulled the other day during that test? It was your fault you got in trouble not hers. It is true I am sick of babysitting, but If I hear you harmed one hair on the android's head you'll have to answer to me."

"It's nothing like that! You Grup's are way too paranoia. You need to learn to relax and have a little fun." Ryan suggested sagely, smiling the way only a child can.

"You've been warned," said Tchulka as he was leaving.

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CUYU QUARTERS - Deck 3

Soja was already dropped off for school as Ms Reeza had to work, so Doria busied herself doing minor domestic tasks around the quarters before she began studying the limited history and species databases she had been allowed. Noting the time for the usual shift changes of the crewmen, Doria stepped outside the quarters to greet 'Rongo Sir' to find no Rongo.

Instead turning towards her was another red-headed mop of hair. "Hi Doria. Remember me?"

Doria bowed her head. "Yes Young Master, this one prays that You were not disciplined too harshly? This one was coming to greet Mr Rongo Sir who would be assigned to watch this one. May she ask if the Young Master has seen him?"

Ryan waved off her concern when Doria asked after his discipline. However before he could answered she'd asked about Rongo. "Yeah actually I saw him earlier this morning. He and I switched assignments today." Ryan grinned widely at the android. "That way you and I can 'ave some fun together."

The Miran Onlie knew from experience how dull being kept to just your quarters or worse a brig cell, could be.

"As for my discipline... it's all good. I've been punished far worse for lesser things. Grup's just don't know what to do with me nowadays. The Romulan least of all it seems. In a way, I got given more responsibility not less. How's that fer punishment?" Ryan laughed.

"So where would you like to go first? The ship is our playground!" he announced with a flourish and mischievous grin.

Doria looked confused, "The Master allows me to go to the mess hall for enlisted and engineering. This one is unaware of anything else other then the holodeck Master Rayek took this one, Mistress Reeza and Mistress Soja too. Also Master Rayek's quarters. Anywhere further this one is unaware where to go, this one apologizes and begs mercy for not having proper answers Young Master."

The Onlie shook his head at her apologetic admission that she didn't know many places. "No one's given ya a tour of the ship yet? Well, that's a problem. But we can fix that now. Come on!" Ryan waved her to join him as he started off down the hallway. Height wise, Ryan was only a half a head taller than she was. But being on duty he was dressed in his uniform and had a phaser in a holster at his hip.

Unsure what to do but he was security and asigned to her she did not question. Security is to be obeyed without question and he is security so she followed close but slightly behind him.

As they walked, he asked "So how long are you gonna be callin' me Young Master? I'm actually older than all the other crew on this ship. Still I'd prefer you just call me Ryan instead of Master."

Doria thought a moment and then looked to Ryan before looking downward, "Acknowledged. Ryan Sir it is. This one begs forgiveness for the assumption of your size compared to the size of others denoted a younger age. Comparing Mistress Reeza and Mistress Soja gave a false understanding of such. May this one ask where Ryan Sir wishes to take this one for the tour?"

The Onlie glanced back towards the following android, and grinned. "You'll see." They arrived at the turbolift and Ryan stepped in, holding the door open for Doria until she was on the lift as well. "Deck Seven." He called out. The doors slid shut and the lift sped down four decks in a matter of 10 seconds. The doors opened and Ryan led her through the corridors until he reached a point where he stopped suddenly. He turned to her and said "Close your eyes."

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DECK SEVEN

Doria followed Ryan Sir and kept close. She did not wish to be accused of wandering so she did her best to keep up. Once inside the turbolift she put to memory deck seven. "Acknowledged Ryan Sir, closing eyes until ordered to open Sir." She did, not a wink to peek she could have been walked into lava and she would not disobey securitys orders to close her eyes.

Once her eyes were closed he took hold of her hand, saying "Keep your eyes closed. I will guide you the rest of the way." He lead her another 50 steps before the sound of a pneumatic door opening was heard. The air around her seemed cooler and had a higher humidity. The sound of trickling water could be heard and there was a bright light that seemed to shine from above, warm on her synthetic skin.

It was moot to tell her to keep them closed as she would never disobey. She walked guided by him but upon the door opening her sensors picking up a number of changes.

"Okay you can open your eyes now." Ryan said with a bit of excitement in his tone. He was standing in the midst of what seemed like a tropical garden. There were bushes and flowers and even a short stocky tree or two. "This is Lionheart's arboretum!"

She opened her eyes and her face was shocked. She had not seen such wonders and flora since before she was left on the asteroid. She had missed it and her face was left in awe. Turning to Ryan she moved toward him but suddenly stopped remembering the rules. "May this one request permission to hug Ryan Sir for bringing this one here. This one is... happy." Her face showed this happiness. She was constantly smiling.

"Eww" Ryan made a comical soured look. "No. I don't hug." Ryan took a wary step away before smiling again. "But I'm glad you like it. I thought you might."

He walked over towards a wide-based, thick-branched tree that reached up about 25 ft. "Y'know the best part about this place. Is the upper view." He jumped for a low-hanging branch and swung himself up onto it. "You wanna see?" He held out a hand down towards offering help up.

Doria would reach up but her weight would undoubtedly bring the Only down but she would move and catch him to prevent any harm. "This one fears this ones weight may exceed the preferred amount for the structural integrity of the branch system Ryan Sir but this one does note the beauty and spectacle. It reminds this one of the Masters homeworld of Exo-III."

Ryan quickly scrambled out of Doria's arms and once standing on his own two feet, looked at her then at the tree contemplating. "Nah, it'll hold you. This species of tree is known for it's dense wood. You ain't any heavier than a Grup. Let's try again. But this time you're gonna have ta climb without help. Just follow what I do."

Once more he jumped and reached out for the same low-hanging branch and then pulled himself up by his arms alone until he could swing a leg up and then rolled himself onto the wide branch. "Your turn."

Doria leaned down and then sprung up in a leap as she gripped the tree branch and wrapped her legs around it trying to wiggle and shimmy up but instead fell back still holding with her legs causing her smock to cover her face. Almost pouting she dropped to the deck floor and adjusted her outfit before she became a red haired Kzinti kitten girl. Shimmying up the tree trying to keep any clawing to a minimum she sat on the branch next to Ryan and with a shimmer she was once again 'human' Doria.

Ryan watched as Doria attempted her climb. At her first attempt he laughed when she ended up, upside down. He wasn't concerned about her falling back, assuming that any android should be build strong enough to take a short fall like that. He then applauded when she changed her form to that of a Kzinti and clawed her way up to the branch. "That's got to be handy." He smiled over to her as she sat down beside him and turned back into 'herself'.

"See? It's a much better view from up here. Wanna go higher?" the Only asked. Presently they were only about 6 ft off the ground. The tree went as a high as about 25 ft, with supporting branches only going to about 18 ft.

Following the Onlies suggestion she slowly began to climb, carefully offering a hand to help if needed. Her smiling face eagerly enjoying the outing. She was having so much fun.

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DECK EIGHT (Counselor's Office)

It was lunchtime for Reeza; her morning had been mostly slow; she had only a few people to see. They were a small crew, and most of them were well, which was fantastic! The ones that weren't had standing appointments for various things, and she was happy to help. She settled in at her desk-a bad habit she had, eating in the office-but it was quiet and Reeza didn't get much of that off the clock- and then tapped her comms button to check in on Doria. ==/\== Doria, how are you doing?? It is lunch time; you may use the replicator if you'd like to get something of your choice for lunch or you may come to Medical and I can help you.==/\== She paused for Doria's response as she bit into a sandwich. The android was usually very prompt, so when a few seconds passed, Reeza started to grow concerned. Still, she didn't worry too much; perhaps Doria was deeply distracted by something. Or perhaps she was with Commander trLhoell. She tapped the button again. ==/\==Commander trLhoell to Counselor Cuyu Reeza. Is Doria with you?==/\== Doria usually let her know when she was going to leave their quarters for any reason. She checked the schedule; the man should be on duty, and not with her. She was growing concerned, and tapped a final time. ==/\== Doria....are you ok??==/\==She stood up. She had a few minutes, so she could look on her own.

Doria would leave her combadge on the dresser of the room she shared with Mistress Soja because if she was away it would be with an escort. So she had no understanding she was to wear it always.

Rayek was in the middle of a zero-G fight training session with the Alpha One Team when Reeza's call came in. It took a moment or two for the grappling pair to pause and disentangle enough for him to tap his combadge to acknowledge the call. =/\= "I'm sorry Counselor, no she is not with me. If you need to reach her you can call Crewman Tchulka. He's assigned to watch her at this time. I hope that helps." =/\=

==/\=="Thank you, sir, I apologize for the interruption.==/\==

Reeza checked the computer again. It said Tchulka was...in his quarters. What the hell? She tapped her badge again. ==/\==Crewman Tchulka, this is Counselor Cuyu Reeza. Are you with Miss Doria?" ==/\==

===/\=== Crewman T'chulka here. No I m not. Ensign Mckenzie traded shifts with me. Is she ok? Did he do anything to her?" ===/\===

(tag Reeza)

She scanned the computer some more...where WAS she? The combadge went off in their quarters-she must've left it behind. Now worried, she stood up, sending a quick message to R'elle on the PADD- *Doria missing, be back shortly*. She headed for their quarters, feeling sick to her stomach.

"R'elle to Rayek! I was just messaged by Reesa that Doria is missing! I suggest you find out what happened. She says she has gone in search of her!"

The Romulan, who had gone back to the Zero-G training after Reeza's call, sighed at yet another interruption. However, since he'd already provided Reeza the best means to find the android... the fact that she was still looking meant that something was wrong. "Acknowledged, Commander. I'll put out a search for her."

Rayek passed off the overseeing of the training to the next most senior officer then left the Combat Training Holodeck and headed for the Security office.

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DECK SEVEN (Arboretum)

Doria continued up the tree till she was sure structural integrity would deem it best not to continue further. She would then offer a hand to the Only her face so bright at the warmth and moisture against her synthetic skin. "This one feels like this one is home on Exo-III. Thank You Ryan Sir. Thank You very very much."

Ryan nodded with a wide smile. Being a junior officer for most of his career, Ryan wasn't privy to knowing about Exo-III or it's circumstances; all he knew was that it was someplace he'd never heard of or been to before. "Tell me about your home. I haven't heard of it before."

"This one was from a Cheron colony that this one cannot recall the name of when captured by the Choraii. This one lived inside a nice female Choraii for several years as she sung to this one and nourished this one. She needed resources to heal however so she traded this one to the Masters of Exo-III. They kept this one in a pen until this ones favourableness to behold caused a Master to choose this one to be the brain wave template for a run of androids sent out to learn and return to the libraries. This one's base was spun a hundred times before expiring on the table with this one You speak to being unit 97 of 100. The pens showed such a beauty of trees and wildlife, the trees were bigger then these but these are still do impressive. May this one ask of your world Ryan Sir?"

The Miran Only listened in amazement as she spoke of civilizations long gone or so rare that one is never likely to encounter in a lifetime of spacefaring - like the Cheron and the Choraii respectively. He was always fascinated when there were things that were older than he. Ryan was a little confused about the several of the details she spoke of but figured he could always ask about the details later.

When Doria asked about his homeworld, he smiled sadly. "I come from Miri. Am a Miran - a' least accordin to the official Federation species registry... but we survivors jus' call ourselves 'Onlies'. Our home was jus' like Earth was back in tha 1960's - on tha cusp of overpopulation and pollution problems. The last thing tha planet needed was for people to live longer but our scientists were greedy Grups - and an' experiment in prolonging life went terribly wrong - killin' off all the Grups. Afterwards it was jus' us Onlies."

Doria's stoic face seemed to show a sympathetic look, "This one is most sorry. This one hopes you did not suffer or go hungry Ryan Sir. This one knows what it feels like to be alone and would not wish it on another. May this one ask, since you appear to be a human child but are not. How many cycles are you? If this one is allowed to ask such."

"Oh I'm human... kinda. I'm told scientists think our planet was seeded by the Preservers, which is why it's so similar. I'd be long dead if not for the virus slowing my aging process almost to a stand still. Believe it or not, I'm 426 yrs old! But don't worry the Grups from Enterprise got rid of the virus so I'm not contagious anymore... but it's effects on me are irreversible. Me and the other Onlies will age this slowly for the rest of our lives." This could mean he'd be in the form of a child for a millennia.

"This one is knowing of The Preservers, knowledge of them were placed in this ones default factory reset memory of prominent galactic powers when the Masters programmed this one. It does make this one happy to know you will not be contagious Ryan Sir but this one offers this ones sympathies for you being alone. This one is also alone and will be alive for countless time. This one will offer their friendship if Ryan Sir wishes such?", Doria said with a smile.

Ryan was shocked to have the android pick up on his motivations so quickly. He smiled though. "I'd like that."

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DECK FIVE (Security Office)

Rather than begin his search with Crewman Tchulka - which is what he'd suggested to Reeza... and apparently hadn't worked - Rayek started with the Cuyu door activation log. He had the computer list all the times the door had been activated in the last 5 hours. There showed only twice... once just prior to Lieutenant Cuyu's shift time and one just at shift change for the security detail.

"Computer list all personnel in the vicinity of Lt Cuyu's quarters at timestamp 11:00 hrs."

Elle appeared, "Ryan Mackenzie was there with Doria! Is she ok?"

The resultant output had the Romulan sighing.

"Yeah, I'm sure she's fine. She's with a security officer." Rayek answered. Even if it was the Security personnel he'd assigned. It shouldn't matter. Still, it was best to check on her whereabouts. "Elle, what is the location of Ensign Mackenzie presently?"

There was a momentary pause from the ship's AI. "I have his commbadge located in the Arboretum."

Rayek tapped his comm =/\= "Commander tr'Lhoell to Lieutenant Cuyu. Please meet me outside the Arboretum on Deck Seven." =/\=

==/\==She left her comms badge in our quarters. I will meet you there. Thank you. ==/\==

She was now less scared, and more upset and angry. Not at Doria-mostly at herself. She hadn't told the girl to take the Comms badge with her AT ALL TIMES because she thought it was obvious-though she wouldn't have expected the same from Soja. Still, a few years older was only a few, and Reeza needed to remember that. She was ALSO a bit annoyed that the Romulan's "foolproof security" system had failed.

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DECK SEVEN

She appeared on the entertainment deck, near the Arboretum, clutching Doria's comms badge and her stuffed dog. She approached the door, where Rayek stood waiting, watching. "Commander tr'Lhoell. Thank you. I am sorry to have taken you from your task; the computer in my office was lagging and I figured legwork was faster than waiting for Elle to catch up; she's busy today." She took a moment to force herself calm before entering the Arboretum. She pumped some calming vibes into the room-mostly for HER sake-and called out. "DORIA!!" The tone of her voice was no-nonsense but not mean or upset. Just firm.

Doria looked seeing Counselor Reeza and smiled before turning to Ryan, "This one must go to this ones caretaker. Thank You for the wonderful outing." With this Doria jumped from the near 25ft up tree and landed in a kneel before Reeza. Then immediately fell back with light sparks emitting from her feet.

Ryan's eyes widened in alarm as he attempted to grab for Doria at her jump. "No!" But his reaction was too little, too late. Unfortunately, his attempted grab unbalanced him and he too fell from the branch. But unlike the android he tried to stop himself and just managed to grab onto a lower branch momentarily slowing his fall a little and then tumbled into a roll that dissipated most of the kinetic energy. His hands were scrapped up but nothing a dermal regenerator couldn't fix. His attention was on Doria. "Are you okay?"

Laying on her back looking up to Reeza showing no pain from the fall, "This one shall initiate auto repair function on this one's ankle supports."

Reeza's heart nearly fell out of her body. She'd tried to catch the android; a mistake in itself as she didn't have the best physical strength. She missed anyway, and would've besides, because Doria landed a few feet from her. Within a moment, she had Doria in her arms, and out the door; headed for Engineering. "I'm headed for Engineering, Sir. I'll let YOU deal with the crewman; he won't like it if I do." With a deep sigh, she talked quietly to Doria.

Rayek had also reacted too slow to prevent the fall of either. But where Reeza had gone to Doria immediately, Rayek assessed the scene a moment first. Doria's injury appeared more serious but he knew from the engineering report that she had the ability to self-repair quite a lot of damage. Ryan's injured was less severe but required outside attention or it could get infected. At Cuyu's parting words he nodded. He'd be headed to Sickbay with Mr. Mackenzie.

However before he could make that point plain to the Miran. The 'boy' spoke his head down in an apologetic gesture. "I'm sorry, Sir. I had no idea she'd just try to jump down like that."

"She shouldn't have been in a situation like that in the first place!" Rayek snapped, a bit of his anger leaking out into his tone. "You took over Tchulka's shift so it was your duty to keep her from harm! Protective duty is NOT a game, Mr. Mackenzie. It is not to taken lightly. Doria is one of kind."

The Only lifted his head slightly, apologetic demeanor gone. He'd never done well when it came to authority or punishment. Oppositional Defiant Disorder the doctor's called it. He just called it being a kid.

"Actually she's 97 of 100." The boy snarked back before the thunderous look the Romulan gave him at those words had him flinching backy, half expecting to be struck by the officer.

"DORIA is ONE of a kind." Rayek repeated emphatically and grabbed for the Miran's collar to drag him down to Sickbay.

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DECK SEVEN - CORRIDOR

"You're going to Engineering. Just a minute. Why on EARTH did you leave the comms badge I gave you behind?" She wasn't mad, just upset and worried, and ashamed; worried that people would call her judgement into question, and her care of Soja, by default.

"Please Mistress Reeza, let this one return. This one wishes to prevent harm to Master Ryan. He did this to make this one smile. Please take me back?", Doria begged as she limply was in Reeza's grasp. "This was one was unaware the need to bring the badge Mistress Reeza, this one is only to be out with an escort and she was? Does this one need to bring the badge always?" Doria's face grimaced, "Why is this one feeling discomfort, this one doesn't 'feel'?"

Reeza sighed, but stopped in the hallway. "I am sorry, Doria. We can go back; Ryan won't be hurt, but he WILL be in trouble. HE knows better, even if you don't. I didn't think to tell you to keep your badge with you at all times because I thought it was obvious. That is my fault, not yours. I am not upset at you," She said as she walked back down the hall.

She replied to Doria. "I don't know. After here, we'll get you checked out by Engineering, then you can sit in the infirmary with me, ok?" She said. "We will discuss when it's appropriate for you to take your badge tonight."

Doria looked up to Reeza, "Please forgive this one for not knowing, shall this one initiate auto disciplinary function?" She had asked this before when she felt she was bad during the talk of her history and being unable to given Klarth the data. "This one shall never forget this ones badge again Mistress Reeza." Her face was one of worry and concern, the android girl almost whimpering.

"It's Ok, I didn't tell you; I thought it was obvious, though I am not sure why I thought that. Please make sure it's with you at all times unless you're with me or Commander trLhoell, ok? And no, you don't need to initiate your self-punishment protocols." What the hell??! She'd ask Engineering about that. Back in the hall, they ran into the Commander and young Crewman Ryan. "Sorry, we were just coming back to check on Mister Ryan here..."

Upon leaving the Arboretum, Rayek had adjusted his grip to hold and guide the pouting ensign by the back of his neck. He was surprised to see Lieutenant Cuyu and Doria return. At Reeza's statement, the Romulan glanced sourly at the Ensign. "Mr. Mackenzie will be fine. We are just headed to Sickbay to have the doctor see to a few minor scraps. But first, as you and Doria are here, Mr. Mackenzie has something to say - don't you?" Rayek couched his expectation in his words meaningfully and the Miran was intelligent enough to know what was wanted. And we was truly sorry that Doria had gotten injured... Tchulka would likely stuff him in a locker again for that.

"I'm sorry that you got hurt Doria. I just thought you would enjoy getting out of those quarters for a bit."

"AND?.. isn't there something you need to say to Lieutenant Cuyu?" Rayek prompted when it seemed like the Miran was avoiding the apology to Doria's caretaker.

The Only looked sullen for a moment before conceding. "I apologize for taking Doria out without your permission"

Doria looked to Rayek standing there strongly and smiled to him before turning to Ryan with a look of genuine concern, "This one was more worried that you were hurt Master Ryan. This one insisted on returning to check on you. This one was most grateful to get to see the trees they reminded this one of the beauty of the Masters homeworld of Exo-III. So this one thanks you. This one does hope they can, with authorization see you again?"

The Miran smiled, nodding at Doria's comments then looked to the Commander to see if he would allow it. Rayek directed with his eyes for the Only to look towards Reeza for answer.

Reeza looked at the young man. "Thank you. Please think on this for next time; at LEAST make sure Doria has her badge. It is your responsibility as her guard. If you can't do that, you can be her friend but then you can only visit her when myself or Commander trLhoell are available." Reeza said.

"I can do that." the Miran claimed confidently. "I'll be both friend and guard! And I'll catch her next time she tries to jump down from the trees."

Rayek listened to the boastful claim and wondered at the odd friendship that seemed to have been built. "We will see."

She was calmer now. "Sir, I'll take Doria to Engineering to see if they can help her to repair herself quicker. I'll double back to Sickbay after that." She picked up Doria again. "Let's see if Engineering can help you a bit, ok?? Then we'll go home and chat some more before we get Soja from the school room."

Her ankles continued to spark but less sparks were happening as she was self repairing internally.

Both Rayek and Ryan watched as the counselor picked up Doria again. Rayek nodded in acknowledgement of her words. "Update me on what Engineering says about her injury." He then turned to Ryan. "Let's go Mr. Mackenzie. You have a visit to Dr. Klarth to get to."

"Yes, sir." She carried Doria in the opposite direction. Good thing she was used to toting around children-Doria was only slightly heavier than her daughter, but at least she stayed still, unlike Soja, who wiggled like Reeza's touch was burning holes in her skin.

Doria waved to Ryan as she got carried away.

OFF:
Civ Doria, Foundling
Lt. Reeza Cuyu, Counselor
Lt Commander Rayek tr'Lhoell
NPC Ensign Ryan Mackenzie
NPC Crewman Tchulka
NPC Ship Elle

 

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