Digging Tuula (Babysitting the Mercys, Part I)

Posted on 23 Jan 2015 @ 9:20pm by Lieutenant Tuula Voutilainen M.D. & Petty Officer 2nd Class Eva Kovalev

1,133 words; about a 6 minute read

Mission: Episode 07 - Sojourn
Location: USS Galileo, Deck 4, Section 19, Room 16 - Lt Mercy's Quarters
Timeline: MD41, 1500 hours

Still feeling a little troubled over having a mate, but not really knowing all that much about her from a personal point of view, Naois felt that he really ought to take Eva out on a date. A proper date this time. Feeling illogically nervous, he tapped his combadge. "Mercy to Kovalev, please come to my quarters, we need to talk."

Off duty, Eva was sitting in her quarters reading a text when she heard Lt Mercy's comm. "On my way, Husband." The last part felt a little weird rolling off her tongue but from what she'd read of Vulcan marriage rights, they were husband and wife under the Vulcan tradition, one which the Federation accepted.

It didn't take long to make her way up to Lt Mercy's quarters. Keying in her code, Eva entered to see Lt Mercy pacing around the living area, not quite agitated but certainly not as calm as he usually seemed. "Husband. What is wrong?"

Naois looked up as he was addressed and smiled slightly. "I have been thinking," he started hesitantly as he held out the index and middle finger of his right hand to her. "While we bonded, I realized that I really do not know a whole lot about you, and that we are married without the proper courtship preceding it. Therefor, it is only logical that I take you out on a date."

Eva nodded, raising her right hand to Naois. Running her paired fingers down the back of his own, she placed them again underneath his. "I would enjoy that. Could we perhaps spend time afterwards, just the two of us? I find myself craving physical closeness of the kind only you can give me my husband."

Naois echoed her nod. "That we can, if we find someone to watch over my children." He shook his head. "Our children," he corrected himself, casting her a hopeful look.

Eva smiled at her husband. "Naois. It is no worry if you refer to them as your children." She gently ran her fingers over Naois' again. "We are learning how to live and love together husband. Some things take time to adjust."

Naois nodded. "Valeia never addressed me as 'husband', there is no requirement for you to do so, just calling me by my name or another endearment you prefer, is fine with me. I am not used to using endearments, but if you have a desire for them, I can learn."

Eva lifted her hand, placing Naois' in her own. "Naois, Calling you husband helps remind me of the commitment I made to you and our child ... children." She intertwined their fingers. "Endearments are a way humans help build emotional connection, especially between mates."

"Then I will have to learn," Naois consented without pause, "will you help me learn?"

"I will."

Leaning over, Naois gently kissed her. "Thank you."

---

Now having agreed on going out this afternoon, preferably immediately, Naois still needed someone to watch over his children. He remembered from an earlier meeting that Doctor Voutilainen would like some actual hands on experience in babysitting, since the EBH was going to be largely modeled after her personality. Feeling a little hesitant, but remembering Delon really liked her, he watched Eva as he tapped his combadge. "Doctor Mercy to Doctor Voutilainen, your presence is requested in my quarters, immediately."

"Are you all right, doctor?" asked Tuula, who was just finishing changing out of her uniform for the night. Specifically, she was applying her makeup when he called -- some black and blue eyeshadow and dark lipstick to match her hair.

Looking sideways at Eva, Naois smiled. "Yes doctor, I am alright. We have a favour to ask of you, and it is quite important." He paused. "Perhaps to you too, I will elaborate when you arrive."

"All right," replied Tuula. She didn't have any other plans, and was starting to get bored of wandering around Starbase 84 anyways. "I'll be there in a few minutes." As she left, she decided to pack a medkit just in case -- given what happened last time she was called to Naois' quarters.

Naois just smiled as he closed the connection. "She will be here shortly," he told Eva, tightening his grip on her hand ever so slightly.

A few minutes later, she was at the door of Naois' quarters. She rang the chime, wondering what the problem could be.

"Come in," Naois called, his smile brightening as the doctor wheeled inside. He arched an eyebrow at her appearance but said nothing of it. "Doctor, we have a favour to ask of you," he started, his hesitation evident again.

Delon raced forward, folding his small hands around one of the wheels. "This is so cool!" he beamed, examining the chair, "are you in this all the time?

"Most of the time," replied Tuula, rubbing the top of the boy's head affectionately with her hand. "I have another one that I use sometimes, it has a hover unit instead of wheels." She turned to look up at Naois, giving him a reassuring smile to prevent any embarrassment on behalf of Delon. "What did you need?"

"We need you to watch our children for a few hours," he prompted. "Revan is in his room, pouring over some homework, he'll amuse himself."

"Sure, I suppose I could hang out with this little guy for a little while," replied Tuula. "I am the very model of a modern babysitting hologram, after all." She looked back towards Delon. "Now, what is it you like to do for fun?"

"Exactly," Naois pointed out, "which is why we asked you."

The young Romulan grinned at her, ignoring his father. "I like to hunt," he said, "but dad won't allow it, so maybe, we can do something here? Can't leave Revan and Laura behind but maybe you could tell us an exciting story? Or teach us how to perform first aid? Or tell us about your home?" He gestured. "None of us are the same, we were all born elsewhere."

Naois smiled slightly and reached for Eva's hand. "Time to slip out," he whispered at her. "Doctor, we will be away for several hours, I do not expect we will return before dinner. Feel free to use the replicator for whatever you need."

"Sounds good," replied Tuula before turning back to Delon. "Now, I don't think I've met Laura yet. How about you introduce me to her, then we can have some fun before dinner." A wicked grin appeared on her face. "Tell me, do you like sushi?"

::TBC::

Lieutenant j.g. Naois Mercy
Medical Officer
USS Galileo
[PNPC T'Vanna]

Lieutenant (J.G.) Tuula Voutilainen, M.D.
Medical Officer
USS Galileo

PO2 Eva Kovalev
Propulsion Specialist
USS Galileo
[PNPC Min Zhao]

 

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