It's supposed to be relaxing.

Posted on Sun Jul 9th, 2023 @ 2:06pm by Captain Ethan De Havilland & Cecilia Hjördis

1,651 words; about a 8 minute read

Mission: Ethics, Morals & The Prime Directive.
Location: Nautalis Spa

News of the spa had even reached Ethan the previous night as he checked the daily goings on for the civilian element on board. Part of him considered perhaps being new on board himself most would not know who he was or recognize him out of uniform even if they did. With his shift concluded on the Bridge he elected to head to his still rather spartan quarters and change. Armed with a small bag with something to change into when at the spa he made sure everything was set before heading out. It took little over 7 minutes to get to the Promenade due to lift traffic and a few brief waiting times but when he stepped out and onto the Promenade he saw it was just as busy as before.

The spa attendant in front of the waterfall glass feature was pleasant, her dark eyes intelligent and warm. "How many we assist you today?"

"I saw on the news feed about the establishment, I was hoping to experience it for myself and what it has to offer." Ethan spoke as he stood on the other side of the counter, bag slung over his shoulder.

"Excellent!". She punched in a code and then rose. Her uniform was soft black pants and a shirt with the logo of the spa on the breast. "We have many options for your relaxation here. The ground floor has the Nautalis pools, which offer a fully customizable soaking experience. The rainfall setting is particularly popular today. There is a small food court and relaxation area on the balcony, and there are lounging rooms where you can wait in relative privacy for one of our staff to give you a massage."

Figuring it was easier to start small, a relaxing soak was perhaps an ideal start "A rainfall soak sounds perfect." He spoke considering his options quickly.

"Very good. This holographic badge will open a locker for you just down this first hallway. The exit will place you on the stone path to the nautalis pools. You can give the badge instructions and add additional services to your stay though it's interface. Please hold your left wrist over the projector.". A small circle lit up in a grassy green shade on the desk, about the size of a dinner plate.

A rather organised arrangement it seemed, pleasing. Doing as asked he held his left wrist over the projector. He was not worried for his safety or security concerns in this particular instance because someone would truly have to be foolish to try something on the Captain of the ship they were standing on. "Excellent." He replied as he listened to what he'd been told.

A band of green encircled his wrist with a nautalis shell in holo-embossed gold. "That will disappear when you leave the facility. The holo-emitters stretch to 6 feet beyond the doors for all the exits and entrances. Follow this hallway to your left and you will find yourself in the locker room for the Nautalis pools. Please enjoy your stay."

"Thank you." Ethan did exactly that, following the hallway towards the signed and door labelled locker room. Taking the oppertunity while it was available and being the only one in the room he changed out of his casual clothing and into some shorts with a large towel in hand. He wondered if he should take a PADD in with him for some light reading but thought against it ultimately.

The path turned out to bee smoothed marble rocks that led a winding path to the pillars. The bigger pools were visible, as well as the communal soakers with the waterfall that fed them. The faint sound of falling water was a gentle counterpoint to everything in the area.

Ethan wanted peace, which meant away from others, relaxation and the chance to unwind from the chaos that was pre-launch. It saying that however it would be a very welcome and much needed change of pace to get a recharge and de-stress. Finding where he needed to go to get him those two key needs he then placed his towel on one of the large chairs nearby and stepped into what he hoped would be soothing and calming waters.

Marina had seen the man come out of the locker room, and had been making her rounds looking for companionship. She'd had good luck with the human males and this one looked particularly tense. Perfect for her. She slowly made her way towards him, on the river. Marina was a hybrid, who partially fed on pleasant emotions. She was adept at causing them and had her own salon which allowed her to play her trades with those willing to pay, but now....she was hunting.

Ethan sank to the shoulders enough to let his head rest on the lip edge behind him. Peace, quiet, perfect. His eyes closed and calm breathing he was starting to feel better, more at ease from the otherwise stressful moments that the uniform and especially command brought with them.

"Hello handsome" she greeted once she got in earshot of him. Her voice had a soft accent, a slight syllabant hiss to her words. "Looking to ease your tensions?"

And there it went, the peace and the quiet. Still, he was the Captain and he had to be polite and civil even if his moment was ruined. "I saw on the news feed last night about this establishment, so thought I would see for myself." It was not strictly an answer to her question but a form of one he was at this moment prepared to give.

"Marina can help with this?" A question and a proposition all rolled into one. "Marina comes with very high ratings. Many recommendations. Yes?"

Ethan couldn't knock her confidence nor her persistence but this was one instance where he had years of experience and command level expertise at diplomacy in his arsenal. "My thanks, but I think today I would like to experience the venue alone so that I can review and assess the venue for myself with regards to future visits or recommendations to my friends and colleagues."

She leaned forward so her impressive attributes could be admired by him and smiled prettily. "Marina sees much tension in your handsome self. Alone will not cause ease. Marina wishes only to help...".

Cecelia had just finished a session in her own soaking pool, and had emerged flushed from the hot water only to see the emotional vampire making a move on the captain. Ethan had been far too polite a gentleman to her for her to allow that to continue. Watching for a moment, she watched him rebuff her and for her to come back twice as hard. No, that wouldn't fly. "Ethan! I didn't think you would come!". She called out warmly.

Ethan could see what Marina was trying to do, he was a male, she was trying to use her physical appearance and attributes as a crutch against him. Then he heard a familiar voice, a saviour perhaps. He turned his head to see where it came from and saw Cecelia. "Cecelia." He spoke. "You suggested this establishment, so I thought I'd pay a visit after shift."

"It is heavenly.". Her eyes rolled upward in mock bliss and she grinned at him. When she was close enough she grasped his hand and tugged gently. "Let me show you.". Her blue eyes glared daggers at the hybrid female who cackled with laughter and hissed through her teeth at the interloper before hopping out of the river path. There was a promise of restitution in that gaze, and Cecelia shivered at the malice in it.

That does not bode well for me.

Inwardly Ethan sighed with relief. Certainly persistent that one. The towel was ignored, he didn't want to venture back again and risk a repeat. When they were out of ear shot he spoke. "Thank you for that, she was very....determined."

She made a dismissive noise and tugged him into one of the larger private pools. Then she activated the privacy screen and grumbled "As if I was going to let you be accosted by that vampire...she's going to try to get you again, for sure.".

"Does she do that to everyone?" Ethan asked, wondering if he should suggested a disclaimer or a warning sign prior to entry.

"No, and not every day. The proprietor knows and is dealing with it.". She grinned a bit evilly, knowing that Marina would get what was coming to her in time.

"I see." He replied at least glad for the door between himself and Marina. "At least something is being done about it, hardly a promoting factor if people come here to relax and Marina appears disturbing people." Himself being one such person.

Cecelia giggled and then eased herself into the alcove. "How about we try to regain your calm? I promise to not talk.".

"After that, I think I need it." Ethan spoke. It was not Marina's attempt that bothered him so, it was that she persisted after he declined. Even out of uniform it was hard for him to accept considering as Captain when he gave orders he expected them carried out. Out of uniform though meant Marina had no idea who he was, so he couldn't hold her to the same expectation.

"You'll have to endure my proximity, but...lean back into the water.". She gestured and then held out her hands to assist. "Hotter or cooler?" She asked regarding the water temperature

"A little cooler would be ideal." He spoke as he leaned back again.

Her fingertips rested on his shoulders for a moment so she could settle into a seated position. That would allow him to float in the pool as it was intended. The water dropped in temperature a small amount. Then the circulation of water began under them.

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