No littering on the beach

Posted on Wed May 29th, 2019 @ 12:21pm by Ensign Corinne Wisemann & Commander Rostra Tang & Chief Petty Officer Junior Santiago

Mission: Shore Leave
Location: Dalacari Beach

Junior walked out onto the beach dropped his towel, his shades, and galloped into the water with a big splash. "Gracias a Dios! Agua pura dulce agua! (Thank god! Water pure sweet water!)", he shouted. He swam for a bit and left the warm water for his towel and the sun. He saw another starfleet officer already on the beach and walked to her. "Good morning, I am Junior Santiago, pleased to medt you. The water is lovely as is the day", he addressed the young lady.

Corinne had been on the beach for a few hours, first wandering around exploring the beach bars, she had had an amazing lunch with a couple of other security officers before she returned to the beach. Her intention had been to show off her new two piece, read her book for a while and maybe listen to a little music, but now she found herself just relaxing on her towel, soaking up the warmth of the Dalacari sun and enjoying the ongoing hospitality of the drones that continually hovered at the edges ready to serve.

As he approached, she felt the beads of cold water flicked against her warm skin first, making her tense and rise up on one elbow, looking to see where the unanticipated 'assault' had come from.

As her gaze settled on the individual towering over her, blocking her sunlight, she raised an eyebrow slightly. "We've met," she said dryly. "Though apparently it wasn't memorable enough for some."

The aforementioned drones were milling about. Some scoured the beaches for trash to send to be recycled. Others measured the dunes for optimal restructuring once the beach was empty. No point in making all that noise now.

Some were looking out to the oceans. Lost in thought? Contemplating their place in the universe? Or wirelessly communicating with technical drones who were seeing to the proper operation of the gravity control nodes? The world would never know. Though the drone that was nearest Corinne as she sat up turned to adjust its course to come to a rest about ten feet from the pair.

It turned its single optic towards Junior. "Greetings." it toned out. Pleasant, though obviously synthetic. "Would either of you care for a beverage? Mid-afternoon drink and food service will continue for another four hours, until being cycled over to the dinner schedule."

Turning toward the drone, Corinne smiled warmly. "Thank you, I'd love another one," she said, picking up the empty glass that had previously held a Yaka Hula Hickey Dula, a drink that she had discovered was surprisingly delicious. "What do I call you?" Corinne asked the drone politely.

Surprised by her reaction, "Yes that didn't go over well did it. My apology", Junior said flatly. Turning to the drone, "I'll have the same Yaka Hula Hickey Dula please", he said. "Um....what's in the drink?", he asked Corinne.

The attendant drone gave a nod, "Certainly. Your orders have been placed, and will be retrieved shortly." as it reached for the empty glass to collect it. "The Yaka Hula Hickey Dula contains four fruit juices, two local alcoholic beverages, and carbonated water. It is served between the local hours of eleven in the morning and four in the evening."

Another momentary pause, "You may use the designation Epsilon Twelve for reference. Your drinks will be around shortly. Thank you." and with that, the drone made its way over to the nearest pagoda. It wasn't far, but it was far enough to give privacy.

"Thank you Epsilon Twelve," Corinne called to the retreating drone before turning her attention back to Junior.

"That was different for sure", Junior said giving the drone the once over with observant eyes. "Boy wouldn't I love to scan that to see what makes it tick", he added. Looking back at Corinne, " Hey wanna go for a swim?", he asked. She was wearing the sexiest two piece bathing suit he had ever seen and boy what a bod to go with it he mused.

Still up on one elbow, Corinne shook her head slowly. "Thanks, but I'm not here to swim. I'm just here to relax, read my book and work on my tan. But, by all means, don't let that stop you from enjoying the water," she said with a smirk as she leaned back on the towel again, closing her eyes to block out the sunlight.

The quiet servos and motive drives of the returning drone broke the tense silence as it returned with the drink orders. "As requested ma'am, a Yaka Hula Hickey Dula." it served Corinne first, then turned towards Junior, "And one for you sir. This unit will be retired for charging shortly, but a new designate Epsilon Twelve will be around to see to your needs. Will there be anything further before then?" it asked.

"Thank you Epsilon Twelve," Corinne replied politely, taking her drink and sitting up on her towel. "You have been most helpful." She took a sip and sighed contentedly. "These really do taste quite good. I love pineapple cocktails."

"You are quite welcome." the drone droned out to Corinne and then to Junior as they accepted their beverage. "Dinner service will begin in three hours and fifty minutes." silently, Corinne's enjoyment of pineapple cocktails was logged into a database somewhere. "Tonight's theme will be exotic spices, and there's talk of getting a live chef for the preparation tonight. Seating should be ample for the first hour of dinner service, though after that accommodations cannot be guaranteed without wait time. The establishment apologizes for the inconvenience."

"Oh, can we reserve seats?" Corinne asked hopefully. "I don't mind when, but a table for four would be great if at all possible?"

"You certainly may. Reserving seating for four. Please present your visitor wrist badge for authentication." and the drone held out its hand in the universal gesture of a handshake.

Junior shook his hand and shook it before turning to Corinne, "Table for 4? I suppose it would be presumptuous to ask who your guests would be? I mean I am assuming of course they would be your ship mates of course", he added. Some disappointment had crept into his mind upon hearing what Corinne said but he realized that he was imposing upon her so he just left it as such.

Sipping on his drink silently he looked out over the beach at the water and contemplated what he was gonna do next. Explore or get totally drunk to drown his disappointment in himself.

"Honestly, I've not even thought about who to ask, but if you'd like to join me you're welcome. I learned a long time ago to always book extra seats when you're on shore leave," Corinne replied with a smile.

"You mean it? I mean I can join you for dinner?", Junior said looking at Corinne. Now he felt a bit better but now he had to figure out what to wear. "Um....ho.....how should I dress", he said weakly. His cheeks were burning red hot at being caught with his pants down.

"How ever you want, I don't imagine it's going to be a very formal atmosphere, but if you're concerned I'm sure you can ask the drone," Corinne replied with a smile.

"Well.....I do have something to wear but you have to promis me you won't laugh when I wear it ok?", Junior said, turning red in the face.

Corinne sat up again, looking at him with a somewhat perplexed expression. "Why would I laugh at you?" she asked, raising an eyebrow quizzically. "I'm a grown adult, not a child. I assure you, you could show up in a clown suit complete with red nose and curly wig and I'd have no intention of laughing at you. I'm sure others might, but I wouldn't."

With a shake of her head, she lay back on the towel, closing her eyes against the brightness of the sunlight.

'I know exactly what I'm going to wear', he thpught to himself. "Ok Corinne, its a date. I'll pick you up say in two and a half hours?", Junior said finishing his drink.

"How about you just meet me at the bar?" Corinne suggested as she stood up, picking up the book and the towel she had brought with her. "I'll see you then," she said with a smile before walking away.