Balanced Foundation

Posted on Wed Dec 18th, 2024 @ 3:40pm by Lieutenant JG Astrja Kyan & Lieutenant Ame Solis M.D.

Mission: Pandora's Box
Location: USS Athena: Holodeck 4
Timeline: MD3 - Early AM
2049 words - 4.1 OF Standard Post Measure

Ame wasn’t sure what it was about accepting physical challenges from others, but apparently, it was an activity a day that would test her physical prowess. First, an uphill jog that her thighs had still not forgiven her for, and then the mad clamber up endless simulated Jeffries tubes with Rimal. At least the promise of Andorian meditative martial arts sounded less stressful on her legs, though it did cross her mind that she could potentially be thrown across the floor. She should have researched before showing up at such an unforgiving hour.

Carefully, she adjusted the bottom of her top to ensure she was appropriately covered under her oversized vest. Taking a short, sharp breath to ground herself, she reassured herself that it would be fine and there was absolutely nothing to worry about. She tapped the control panel to open the doors to Holodeck 4, before tentatively peering inside for the blue antennae of Astrja.

Astrja's are not the only antenna here. There was an Andorian man who was taller than Astrja, not surprising, in the traditional loose clothing used by Ijilk practitioners. Astrja wore her Academy exercise sweats and gave Ame a wave.

"Everyone, this is hopefully our new member, Ame," she said. "Ame, this is Kubilt, he is the expert here having been a follower of the Way of Ijilk since childhood."

"Family tradition," he explained, "A pleasure to meet you," he said with a slight bow.

"And these two are from out Sec/Tac department," she gestured to a pair of humans in Athena exercise gear. One was a blocky man, the other a slender woman with a slight violet cast to her skin and dark blue hair. "Rust," she said and the man nodded. "And our newest member before you, G'rasda," she bowed over clasped hands to Ame.

"Nice to have more people," Rust said.

"It is not as intimidating as it might seem," said G'rasda.

"We were just loosening up before moving into the basic forms," said Astrja.

The Doctor’s polite smile faltered for a brief moment as she realized she might have bitten off more than she could chew. This wasn’t going to be a quiet introduction to meditative forms. It was a fully involved class with seasoned participants. Steeling herself, she raised an awkward hand in a wave, her voice light but slightly hesitant. “Hello, everyone.”

Ame stepped away from the arch and into the group, positioning herself at a cautious middle distance, close enough to observe and learn but not so far back that she appeared to be hiding. The idea, after all, was to find balance, not cling to the edges. She adjusted her posture, rolling her shoulders back in a show of confidence she didn’t entirely feel.

"Since we have a new member," said Kubilt. "We will return to the beginning, which will not do any harm for Rust, who is constantly forgetting his basic stances," he said with a smile and a chuckle from Rust. "Now let us begin with the step on ice . . ."

Kubilt was a patent, but insistent, instructor. He made sure that Ame followed along, never asking too much of her but making sure that she was following the stances and steps properly.

Balance, as it turned out, was not Ame’s strong suit. She often wavered, her movements hesitant and unsteady, but Kubilt’s gentle yet firm guidance helped her adjust. Feet flat, core steady, and movements deliberate. The slow, intentional pace was unlike the frenetic physical challenges she had recently tackled. Here, there was room to think, to focus. Perhaps, when she wasn’t so preoccupied with copying the stances and correcting her posture, she might even find the calm she had been hoping for.

As they wound down, Kubilt gave Ame a smile. "You are off to a good start. If you wish, I can send you some instructional holograms if you would like to do some practice on your own."

Ame exhaled slowly, stretching her arms overhead before tucking one hand behind her shoulder and pressing gently on her elbow, then switching sides. “Sure,” she replied with a faint smile. “Though I’m certain you’ll catch every misstep when I’m back next time.” The idea of something structured, a steady rhythm in her routine, felt like a step in the right direction.

Rust and G'rasda headed out. "Glad to have you with us," said G'rasda.

"I agree," said Rust. "Nice to have other people's stance being corrected." G'rasda gave him a punch on the arm. "Ouch!"

"Don't be mean." The doors hissed closed behind them.

"Do not mind them," said Astrja. "They are always like that."

Ame laughed softly, a touch of awkwardness creeping in as she reached up to rub the back of her neck. Her tattoo, usually concealed under her uniform, spilled from the nape of her neck across her shoulders like an intricate map. “Thanks for the invite,” she said, her tone lighter now. “Though I have to admit, this wasn’t quite what I expected. I was bracing to be thrown on the floor and pinned under someone’s weight.”

"Oh, we can do that as well," said Kubilt with a grin rolling his shoulders. "There is a fighting arts component for those who wish to learn them. Even weapon elements, though they are rarely used these days except for displays."

"I like the staff work," said Astrja miming a staff thrust.

"She is small but fierce," said Kubilt.

“Ha, well, I’m not much of a fighter,” Ame said with a cautious smile, raising her brows as she feigned a quick duck to avoid Astrja’s mimed staff thrust. “It feels like every day this week has been some new physical challenge. I think I need to build myself up a bit before I end up testing how good our new Ensign is at patching holodeck injuries.”

She shifted her weight slightly, her hand finding the back of her neck in a self-soothing gesture. Combat wasn’t unfamiliar to her, but her last real encounters had been more than three years ago. Hunts rather than sparring. “Speaking of small but fierce,” she added with a dry chuckle, “did Astrja tell you about the monster birds we ran from in that hellscape Q threw us into?” Her tone was light, but the memory drew a subtle tension to her posture.

"The Jub-Jub Bird? Oh yes! We considered doing a holo-hunt for one when we have something to celebrate," said Kubilt. "But we are not ready for that yet."

"I was thinking we could have replicated roast Jub-jub bird after the hunt, not that I have any idea what it should taste like," said Astrja. "But Terra still has some big flightless birds, so maybe model it on that? Maybe mixed with turkey, I like turkey."

The idea of a replicated prey bird as a topic of discussion caught Ame slightly off guard, but it amused her nonetheless. Tilting her head, she let her fingers continue their idle tracing along the back of her neck. “Turkey? Wouldn’t it be more like…” She paused, her free hand snapping together like a makeshift beak. “Goose? You know, those loud, angry, honking ones? Or maybe one of those really big ones with long necks and legs.” She hesitated, the name eluding her, and decided against miming the creature further. Instead, a small, self-conscious laugh escaped her. "Though, honestly, I’m not sure how you’d get that flavour right without tasting the real thing first. But I’m not sure I’d like to chance taking on an angry murder bird.”

"Honestly, the actual Jub-jub bird, if there was such a thing, would probably not taste very nice. But I will research goose, the Terrans ate those too," said Astrja thoughtfully. "I remember that from the Christmas Song story I watched at the Academy."

"Well, we need to have something worth celebrating with a hunt first," said Kubilt picking up his gym bag. "If you two with excuse me, I have an appointment with a shower before my shift starts. A pleasure to meet you, Ame."

Ame nodded in agreement, humming thoughtfully at Astrja’s thoughts on taste. She couldn’t help but wonder what kind of event might qualify as worth celebrating with a holo-hunt. “Thank you for having me. Enjoy your date,” she added with a playful smile and a wave to Kubilt. “I’ve got breakfast arranged with Commander Zora later, so I should head out soon too.” Rising onto the balls of her feet in a quick stretch, she glanced at Astrja. “How often does the group meet? I’d like to see if I can make this a regular thing.”

"Most mornings. But not everyone except me makes it to all of them," said Astrja. "I organized it, so I feel responsible to make sure there is at least one person here in case someone new comes by."

“I’m not sure I can manage every morning, but once a week sounds doable.” Ame smiled warmly, adjusting her stance as though already imagining herself returning. “I’ll review those forms, and hopefully, I’ll be a little steadier next time. Who knows? Maybe we’ll even find something worth celebrating together. Where are you off to? Another date with a shower too?”

"Yes, I like to look my best on shift," Astrja said with an impish grin. "What about you? Another day doctoring?"

The Doctor nodded, brushing her fingers through her hair as she turned toward the arch. “I’m sure you do,” she replied with a small smile, her arms folding casually across her chest. “As for me, it’s another thrilling day of prepping trauma bags. Very exciting stuff. I’ve promised to catch Commander Zora for breakfast, so I’m going all out. Just need to swing by the Mess Hall to pick up a few things first.”

"Have fun," said Astrja. "I have only worked with Commander Zora in official duties so I do not know much of her as a person."

As the doors opened with a gentle swoosh at her approach, Ame paused and glanced back with a warm smile. “I’m still finding my feet, trying to sow some seeds where I can. This group has been a great way to learn something new and meet people, seems like the almighty being throwing us together knew what they were doing.” Her tone turned curious, a playful edge creeping into her voice. “What about you, Astrja? Outside of duty and Ijilk, what do you do for fun? Any other gatherings I should know about?” There was a subtle eagerness in her gaze as if urging the Andorian to reveal the ship’s hidden social gems.

"I am still fairly new myself," said Astrja. "I have made some connections but besides Ijilk and occasional gatherings at meals, I have not really managed to build a new circle of friends here." She paused and asked, almost shyly, "Though I have been building a shrine in my quarters, I hope to have a ceremony to consecrate it soon if you would be interested in attending?"

The Bajoran’s brows lifted thoughtfully. “I’m not really a religious person, but I’d like to support you,” she said, her tone sincere as her own reflections on faith flickered in the back of her mind. “Just let me know the time and date, and I’ll do my best to be there. Is there anything I should bring or prepare?”

"Just yourself and some food, if you want to bring food," Astrja said. "There should always be food at gatherings."

Food was something Ame could always provide. Her grin widened, a spark of enthusiasm lighting her face. “Food? Now that’s something I can definitely manage. Count on it.” Her tone softened slightly, sincerity threading through her words. “Just let me know when, and I’ll do my best to be there. It sounds like a special moment, and I’d be glad to support you.”

"Thank you," said Astrja. "I will, I am still getting some parts organized. And I am glad you could join us." She gave a bright smile. "See you again soon, Ame."