Old Haunts

Posted on Sun Feb 3rd, 2019 @ 12:04am by Commander Rita Paris & Lieutenant Commander Sonak

Mission: Earthly Visitation
Location: Earth, San Francisco
Timeline: 2396, beginning shore leave

While there were plans and commitments that both planned to keep while visiting Earth, for much of it they would be operating independently. But for their first night together back on Earth, Rita Paris wanted to insure that they spent their time with one another. The planet of her birth held a siren's call for the extradimensional explorer, and she was excited and delighted to be back. It was not exactly her world, for the captivating couple had come from one dimension over where Nero had destroyed Vulcan and the timeline had taken a very different path. It had been 131 years since the ancient astronaut had seen her old home town, so she expected some changes there too.

None of that dampened her enthusiasm as she piloted the shuttlecraft she'd borrowed to transport them from the asteroid belt base where the Hera was currently secreted. Because in the distance she could see the biog blue marble that was her home, and the heart of the Starfleet siren swelled with a sense of homecoming.

Sonak for his part had previously been to Earth; for almost a decade as an Academy instructor at Starfleet's Headquarters in their own alternate reality; and in this universe for the last two years, this time as an Academy student to catch up with the time and place before being returned to active duty. The lush, wet planet had offered a fascinating contrast to his dry, barren homeworld and he had appreciated the novelty of the experience on the alien world with it's bewilderingly emotional and yet rational people. Sharing again this experience with she who was now his wife promised to be just as enriching,
and he was looking forward to it.

"Earth Space Control, this is shuttle Wise Owl, requesting permission for atmospheric entry."

It was impossible to tell if the female voice over the comm was alive or computerized, so crisp, clear and calm it was.

"NCC-79010-09 you are cleared for final approach on vector 53 by 47. Maintain current speed and follow landing beacon. Welcome to planet Earth, Wise Owl."

"Acknowledged, Space control," the Vulcan replied just as precisely as he confirmed the landing procedures and transmitted the coordinates to Rita at the flight controls, his eyes still on the sensors.

"So, San Francisco! I'm so excited to see it from the air, see all the changes to the skyline," Rita chattered as she took them in at a reasonable speed. While she could daredevil fly with the best of them, when no risk was necessary Rita Paris drove like a soccer mom. Approaching the city on the proscribed flight plan brought them in over the bay, the home town partially shrouded in mid-afternoon fog rolling in from said bay. The air traffic swirled around them- they were apparently taking a thoroughfare of the city, as shuttles, small and medium craft passed them in both directions.

The Golden Gate Bridge welcomed them, and the iconic landmark of the Transamerica Building, the distinctive needle of the city skyline still stood proudly. Here and there were landmarks she recognized, if she didn't know their names. But her old home town was the home to a very thriving Starfleet Command. High above the city an impossible tower stood in a complex of smaller towers that formed, when viewed from this far out and on this vector, not unlike the delta of Starfleet.

"I... did not expect that," Rita admitted, head quirking to the side a bit. "Starfleet is... that big?"

"It is here," Sonak confirmed. "If you recall, in our own reality, most of San Francisco had been destroyed by the crash of Admiral Marcus' USS Vengeance. Starfleet had been at the very center of it's impact point. It had taken years to rebuild it. Even here, however, this is more than a century later."

"A century later and without the Vengeance having plowed through town like a scythe, it's... huge. I can barely make out landmarks anymore. But Starfleet Marine is still out on Alcatraz, at least and- Hey! Cable cars!" Rita let out a delighted squeak as she saw an ancient tradition of her home town still in operation after all these centuries.

The pretty pilot deftly maneuvered the shuttle on its way down to the parking deck, where they would land, disembark and the shuttle would be stored for them until they were ready to leave Earth once more.

"So, I would like to repeat a ritual that was particularly successful previously," Rita declared as she looped her arm through his and stepped into the lift to take them down to ground level. "After we were acquitted, and we were no longer going to die, you let me take you on a date. You found it all fascinating and I had a wonderful time. I have no doubt that between the dimensional shift and the passage of time, neither the clothier nor the restaurant still exist."

That was when the lift, which had been by no means turbo, deposited them on the ground level. Viewed at that level, the city was still a lively, interactive mass population of every race and creed of the galaxy. Which spread a slow but steady smile out of the local girl who'd been away for a long time.

"Welcome to the home of the United Federation of Planets. Hello Terra firma." Stepping over to a break in the sidewalk where a tree was planted, Rita Paris knelt and touched the Earth.

"Hey... it's me, Rita. I made it home again. Looks like you're doing pretty good... me too. Me too."

"So," standing, she dusted off her hands, turning to smile at her logical mate. "What do you say we garb ourselves as Earthlings do? Assuming my own sense of style still applies to modern fashion. I really do not have much in the way of civilian clothes, and I love seeing you tailored for a suit. We do look nice in our uniforms, but just for the night? Indulge me once more?" Just the act of asking brought her joy, because it was time spent with him, and whatever the outcome they would agree and proceed. The salty sea air was humid today, yet chilly, and even it reminded her that she was home, because nowhere else in the universe smelled quite like here.

Passing a sewer grate, she wrinkled her nose. Well, maybe a few places...

"Garb a Vulcan does not make," Sonak replied deadpan.

As always, he was fascinated by the humidity of the place as much as with the liveliness and the strange blend of the old and the new. On Vulcan, everything was dry, dead quiet and clearly delineated. And after being here for several years, he had developed a fascination for this apparent chaos that in the end turned into harmony and balance. This was a microcosm of the universe itself; experiencing it was much like tasting life itself, before truly biting into it.

Donning the local attire would simply make things easier.

"Of course not. I just love seeing you in Earth clothing, is all. It's a different look for you, and one that I enjoy from time to time. Do you not want to? Just for one night?" the bride of the kolinahr asked with pleading eyes.

"I believe the old Earth saying is; in Rome, do as the Romans do," he said. "It is of no matter to me except if it is of importance to you. I will oblige, my wife."

"I'll settle for oblige," she smiled brightly, wrapped her arm about his and strolled into town.

Pulling out a collapsible PaDD, Rita brought up the local network. "So, humanoid tailor, this is Potrero Hill, so... well hey, look at that. Since you are obliging... I always love you in tweed and wool blends. Let's see... humanoid men's tailors... Kwadduwok Custom Couture sounds promising... oooh, yes... and they're open... and they book online, and they have an opening. They are six blocks north and three blocks west. Half an hour to cover the distance and see the character of the city, my love. Did you explore it much when last you were here?"

Setting off, she set a casual pace so they could take in the sights and the sounds of the city as they walked.

"In our own reality, I had ten years to do so," he said matter-of-factly. "Here I was too busy cramming a hundred years of catching up and finding you again to wander off the Academy compound. So this will be a fresh experience for me to explore it with you."

"I never thought the strange new world to explore would be my own home town. But wow, 130 years is a long time, and..." dodging around a gelatinous life form sloughing down the sidewalk only to nearly run into a tumbleweed who turned fuscia in alarm who was apparently delivering cantonese take-out. "I don't think I've seen this much diversity in most starbases. This is incredible..." A flock of small humanoids whizzed through the intersection, apparently an entire family of wee winged folk on vacation.

"We really did it, didn't we? All these planets, all these cultures, all these lifeforms... living together in harmony. Sharing a vision of a better day, to uplift everyone together. It looks like we got what we were striving for all those years ago. I think our forebears would be pretty darn proud of we founding races of the Federation, because seeing the future, I sure am."

"It is a most remarkable achievement," Sonak agreed. "Especially considering that most species experience emotions, and fear is one of the most powerful ones, most of all fear of the unknown, the different. However, when reason prevails, it becomes clear survival, life and fulfillment can only be achieved by combining differences."

He looked at her then, obviously emphasizing his point by implying their own personal relationship.

"This is a LOT of races buying into that philosophy, though... we've clearly come a long ways, and I can't help but be proud of our inheritors, so to speak, you know? We went and sought out all of those other worlds, other cultures, other species, and we've managed to keep it creative and constructive instead of filled with conflict. I think that's quite the accomplishment. Bridging the gap with you has always been easy, with your insatiable thirst for knowledge and understanding of the universe," she beamed at him. "Plus you have to admit, even for your people, your level of enlightenment is uncommon, to have embraced all that you have in your lifespan."

He raised an eyebrow.

"I am a master of Gol."

it was said with the tone of someone stating a bald evidence, without any false modesty nor pride. A mere statement of fact with nothing else to imply.

"What is much more impressive is that many Humans achieve such wisdom without the need of repressing emotions or even relying solely on logic as we Vulcans do. You yourself have shown promising insights, especially with interpersonal relationships; something even I, a Master of Gol, could never do."

"I know quality people with extreme problems. I have to admit, that does make it a lot easier," Rita qualified the statement, not deflecting but redirecting to the less broad more precise point. "But I feel you sell yourself short. Amongst the crew you are greatly respected, almost revered, and that's without much personal interaction. With those crewmen with whom you do interact, you give selflessly of yourself, which garners you considerably positive relationships with those individuals. You, my logical spouse, are a legendary figure moving through people's lives. With your work, your leadership, your interactions. If nothing else, people somehow seem to sense that, and they react to it."

"People like you and they trust you, because there's no artifice, no ego, nothing but pure logic. And to know someone who can achieve that is special to others. In the infinite diversity, you stand out m'love," Rita grinned at him, a toothy affair because she was happy and she was relaxed, walking through one of her favorite neighborhoods in her favorite city with her favorite person in all the universe. Life is good.

He almost shrugged.

"Every living thing can only act according to it's gifts... and limitations."

"Yeah, I suppose so," Rita agreed, then walked in silence for the space of a block, internally contemplating the situation at hand.

"Are you less than pleased to be back on Earth?" she ventured. She herself was extremely excited to be back on her home planet, but he did not seem to be sharing her enthusiasm. "Am I imposing on your time, are there duties or experiments I am keeping you from by requesting time together?"

"Negative."

He realized instantly that his curt answer would not satisfy her obvious emotional need, and thus pressed onward.

"It is agreeable to be somewhere that makes you... feel... well, good and happy. This is important for you and your well-being; therefore it is for me, your husband, as well. As for my time, your presence in my life is an addition, not a subtraction. Juggling with duties and needs to keep you on top of priorities as much as possible is an integral part of the choice I made to be with you."

The steely-eyed Vulcan looked around, taking in the chaos of life in a sprawling megacity.

"I somewhat understand part of what you may be experiencing being back on your homeworld. When I found out that Vulcan was still sound and whole in this universe, my people thriving, my culture preserved and flourishing within the vast tapestry of the Federation, I must confess I too experienced something quite... stirring. I judge important to share this here with you."

Sighing, Rita clutched Sonak’s arm in arm a bit closer to her, and briefly resting her head happily on his broad shoulder. “You really do get me. We will have to go to Vulcan, you know. We met after it… well. You know. There has never been the possibility of us going there, you showing me the sights and exploring and experiencing it. I would like very much for you to take me there, to see it through your eyes.”

"It will be a somewhat novel experience for me as well to share," he confided. "This is a Vulcan a century after the destruction of mine. Even on Vulcan, change occurs over such a span."

“Someday we’ll be talking our kids there for summer vacations, and I’d better get used to that thinner air now while I’m young. Well, young-ish,” she giggled. She was quite spry for a 163 year old human, she reasoned. “Stirring… that’s an excellent word for it. I’m filled with so many emotions at all of this, but ‘stirring’ is quite succinct.”

"A simple injection of a tri-ox compound will alleviate the respiratory and homeostasis difficulties," he assured her. "And we do have climate control inside our buildings. Of course exploring ancient sites like the Forge or Gol will require proper preparation to ensure you appreciate it without undue difficulties."

"I want to, though. I can see them in your mind, but I want to see them for myself, take in the majesty of the vistas with my own senses," she waxed, feeling the moment. "I want to see the epic sights of your home, too, and I want the next generations to see them. Because they're still here, which everyone but us takes for granted."

Passing the local shops, fortune tellers abutted to grocerias next to shwarma restaurants next to sunglass huts next to Klingon eateries, bring your own bowl. A tattoo parlor advertised Starfleet deltas, old and new, Klingon designs and intricately measured and precise Romulan designs, with Ferenghi, Bolian, Deltan, Orion, Andorian, Vulcan symbology and alien glyphs that were truly unreadable, yet no less accurate.

The great melting pot had come up with an awful lot of ingredients, and it all seemed to be coming together in a stew that was mutually satisfying.

Their stroll through town was paused when they arrived at their destination, 'Kwadduwok Custom Couture'. Stepping inside, the door jingled, announcing their presence. Which summoned from out of the back a stoop-shouldered old man with thinning grey hair slicked back on his head, and squarish-framed eyeglasses on his face. He wore a button-down shirt of comfortable material, a tailor's vest stuck through with pins, a few tape measures lolling out of the vest's pocket and a pair of shears in a leather holster on his belt.

"What can Enzo make for you today, hmmm?" he asked quizzically, his face a bit pinched but still friendly enough.

Sonak turned his head towards his wife.

"You command this away team, Commander."

"Ahhh, I thought you might have some preference. Hello Enzo... I'm looking for a traditional Earth suit for my logical husband. Something with breathable fabrics, still good to keep off the chill- slacks, a shirt, maybe a sweater vest, and a suit jacket? Keep it in Earth tones, if you will, and I'll need something casual as well," she added, striking a pose with her hand on her hip. "Although if you can fit me, I could use a few occasion dresses..."

The old craftsman smiled, wagging his finger at the statuesque Starfleet siren. “Ahhhh, your man, he’s easy to fit, but you, you take a bit of work. Let’s get started, eh?”

The next hour passed in a flurry of hand-taken measurements, holographic patterns, colors and images, while fabric samples were consulted for texture and colors. Enzo worked by holographically running through his catalogue, narrowing down the options, then choosing the fabrics, linings and colors, then programming the replicator with the appropriate seams and stiches to reinforce the durability of the garments. It was a charming blend of old-world craftsmanship and modern technology, and Enzo was a gracious and accommodating host throughout it all.

When he was through, Rita was clad in a dark blue long sleeved sweater dress, with a knee-length tight skirt and a cowlneck, wrapped with a wide white belt about her narrow waist and pair of stylish low white patent leather pumps on her feet. Sonak was clad in a pale blue cotton button-down shirt, a soft woolen sweater vest in deep sage green, loose comfortable pleated khaki slacks, a tweed jacket in a pattern of woven beige and brown threading with brown patches on the sleeves. On his feet, shiny mahogany brown penny loafers completed the look, which delighted Rita.

“You look so handsome!” she exclaimed, clearly happy to see him in the outfit which was an earth standard that seemed somehow like a costume, but she had chosen the fabrics and the fit for comfort for him as well as the aesthetics for her tastes.

“So- j’approuve, j’aime?” Rita asked, admiring how they looked together in the trio of tailor’s mirrors angled to enable viewing from multiple angles.

The Vulcan contemplated his own image seriously before replying

"It is of a simple elegance that is pleasing to the eye, and of a fine cut, comfortable almost to the point of practicality. And it will properly honor your homeworld. I do indeed approve."

He turned then to look at her.

"I must confess that this garb of yours is also most elegant and enticing, complimenting your figure perfectly. An excellent choice, my wife."

“Why thank you, Sonak!” A happy smile spread across her face as she took in the image of them both in the mirror, standing back on her own homeworld, clothed in traditional garb- well, traditional enough, she decided. “Then it’s settled. Enzo, you are a treasure. Would you be kind enough to take a holo for us?”

“Of course, of course signora! Anything for my favorite Starfleet couple!” Enzo captured an image, then sent it to Rita’s generic Starfleet address. After bidding him farewell with a promise of shipping for a number of the other outfits Rita had ordered in the process, she imposed upon him for one more question.

“Italian ristorante? Ah, you want to go to Vincenzo’s, my cousin’s restaurant! You tell him Enzo sent you, he treat you extra nice!” the garrulous tailor offered, which prompted Rita to bring up the location and directions, and presently they were off again, wading into the foot traffic on the sidewalks that took them closer to their dinner date.

“We had Italian that day too, and while I suppose we could try more exotic cuisine, I thought we’d go with tradition?” Rita asked, arm in arm with the casually-clad kolinahr.

"I am Vulcan; tradition is second nature to me," answered Sonak deadpan.

They took in a fine Italian dinner, complete with sneaking off for a quickie in the ladies room, which was a part of the tradition upon which she insisted. Then came a stroll around the Mission district, taking in the murals along Clarion Alley and getting caught up in dancing at a salsa club names El Fuego. When she had danced herself out, he called for a shuttle and they winged to Pacifica, where they impulsively took rooms at a run-down beach resort called the Sandy Breeze Motel.

In the morning, she took him down to the beach, where they acquired wetsuits and surfboards, and in the predawn they paddled out to ride the waves- he learning, she remembering. Sonak's superior balance, control and learning curve made him a natural, and they soon surfed further north up the beach, where the larger waves crashed ashore.

As the sun rose behind them, they lay on the beach, the surf ticking at their legs, their feet, then washing over them gently. The ebb and flow of the surf, like the ebb and flow of all force in the universe- at least, to Rita Paris.

Reaching over, she took the hand of her rock, the stable point of her universe upon which everything else revolved. They lay in the surf and upon the land, representative of they themselves and their relationship.

The lost navigator and the last kolinahr connected with the planet that had given her life.

The Earth girl had come home again.

 

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