A night on the town...

Posted on 16 Sep 2017 @ 1:33pm by Commander Allyndra illm Warraquim & Lieutenant Tuula Voutilainen M.D.

3,693 words; about a 18 minute read

Mission: Episode 15 - Emanation
Location: San Francisco, miscellaneous areas
Timeline: MD 31, evening

[ON]

"Allyndra," called out Tuula as she rolled into her boss' office, decked out in her usual civilian attire consisting of dark clothes and no small amount of leather, fishnets, and spiky bits. She was wearing her deathhawk up today, and had decided to bring a little green into the hair and makeup.

"We're on shore leave, what are you doing working?"

"Oh just finishing up some diplomatic stuff actually. I have to handle a bit of the interface between my world that of the Federation." Allyndra made a few more jots. "I think having surgery without anesthesia would be less painful then this. Well......" She made the last bit of notes and pushed everything away. "Finish that up some other time, at least I am not going to go to jail. The powers that be seem to have gotten all twisted up about ordering a bunch of Nehret syndrome hypos.....like they were not even there and could not understand what it was like."

Tuula sighed with disappointment. Allyndra was supposed to be enjoying her shore leave. As for the Nehret syndrome, she felt conflicted. Her oath said to do no harm, and she had objected to Allyndra's use of biological weapons at the time. But then, after being tortured at the hands of the Klingons and seeing what happened to the rest of the crew, she had warmed up to the idea. And she felt terrible for it.

Regardless, allowing Allyndra to drown in paperwork in an office while she was supposed to be out enjoying herself wouldn't do. "Well," called out Tuula, "as a medical doctor, I'm diagnosing you with an acute case of no-fun-itis. Fortunately, however, there is a cure which I can prescribe..."

Allyndra laughed lightly. "I see doctor and how painful is this medication going to be and what side effects might it entail. I got into enough trouble already."

"It shouldn't be painful, however there is a distinct possibility of a hangover as a side effect," replied Tuula in a deadpan tone, "however that can be cured with plenty of liquids and an order of mustamakkara for breakfast." Pausing for a moment, she sized Allyndra up. "I know a good sushi place where we can get started. I'll report back here in an hour; I expect you to be dressed appropriately," she added, the implication being that the Starfleet uniform that Allyndra was wearing wouldn't quite be appropriate for what she had planned.

Allyndra tapped the desk, "Well you know I cannot consume either whatever that musty stuff is nor sushi but tell you what.....right after the sushi place we can hit a shops and be rid of this unacceptable outfit. I will even let you pick for me." Allyndra could only imagine what Tuula might pick out but it would be an adventure.

"Sounds great," replied Tuula, feeling a little guilty for forgetting about Allyndra's dietary requirements. "Tell you what, I'll find a nice place that has good food for the both of us, then we can go shopping. And I know of a little bar around here as well..."

"I don't think you are going to find too many places serving my favourite, but the drinks sound good. A bite for you, a few drinks for both and then shopping and then...." Allyndra paused. "As long as a sauna is not involved. Did I tell you I tried one?"

"Oh?" asked Tuula raising an eyebrow. "It's quite relaxing, don't you think?"

"I passed out," Allyndra did not go into details of episode but just added, "from dehydration. My kind get rid of heat via our lungs, too humid and too hot for me. I think I will stick to storm flying thank you."

Tuula bit her lip and looked glum. "Oh, I'm sorry," she said, her eyes wandering down towards her knees before looking back up at Allyndra. "Anyways, I know a nice strip that has lots of places to shop... I go there whenever I'm on Earth..."


******About an hour later******

Having managed to catch a quick bite on the way down, Tuula rolled down the street, Allyndra in tow. This particular street had been closed off to vehicular traffic, and was host to an eclectic mix of shops, cafes, and bars, all catering to wildly different styles. As the host city of Starfleet Command, San Francisco was among the most diverse cities in the quadrant, and was one of the few places where one could get an order of gagh across the street from a Bajoran temple.

But it was not cuisine or spirituality that the two were after; Allyndra's starfleet uniform was nowhere near an appropriate dress for a night on the town. And with Tuula leading the charge, the first place they went to was a small shop with a black exterior. The mannequins in the window, displaying some fashion trends that would not be too out of place in some sort of gothic nightclub, gave Allyndra an indication of what she would be in for.

As they rolled into the shop, they were suddenly bombarded with a monochromatic aura. Just about everything on the racks was shades of black, white, and silver, matching the black and white checkered tile on the floor, and making the few bits of colour in the entire shop -- mostly plaid skirts -- pop.

"Hello," called out an employee of the shop, sporting multiple lip piercings and a chain running from her nose to her ear. "Can I help you with anything?"

Allyndra looked at the items and almost wondered if she should back off, but she had given her word. The silver and black was not too bad, but she was pretty sure that the metallic blue steaks of her hair and eyes would clash with the plaid and that was just jarring to her. There were lights in here that were way to bright and then she realized they were something the Terrans called black light. She wondered if her eyes were glowing in them.

Seeing her friend and superior officer pause, clearly in amazement at all the fashionable clothing that was on display, Tuula rolled into action. "We're planning a night on the town, and my friend here needs something a little more exciting than a Starfleet uniform," she said, pushing herself past her stunned friend and along the racks of clothing.

"Okay, I think we can work with this," replied the pierced shopkeeper as she stepped forward, sizing up what she had to work with. "I love your hair, and your skin," she added, glancing over at the racks, thinking she might have something like a leather corset to accentuate Allyndra's figure. "It's so pale..."

"Thank you, just nothing in that..." she pointed toward something plaid. "In this light it is hard to look at. I must say, my friend always seems to go for the somber colours but many things in here seem to be so bright."

"Somber?" replied the shopkeeper, confused for a moment, before she realized that not everyone has the same appreciation for the colour black. "Oh, right, well, I like what you've done with your hair," she added, noting the glowing streaks that she assumed were a dye job. "We will have to accentuate that; first lets start with this though," she replied as she passed Allyndra a black strapless corset and leather pencil skirt.

"And a pair of these," added Tuula, tossing a pair of fishnet stockings into the pile forming on Allyndra's hands.

Allyndra looked at the pile of clothing. She was used to corsets, they wore similar on Akkadia. It might not be the best choice for her, but she figured as long as she did not overlace it she might not pass out.

"I am thinking I am already regretting this idea of allowing your taste in clothing, but a promise is a promise. Give a few moments to get dressed then."

"Okay," replied Tuula, pushing herself over to the footwear section to pick out the right boots for Allyndra. Knowing from her medical file that she was a size eight, she started sizing up what was available to complete the look.

Allyndra went to the dressing room and exchanged the uniform with the clothing that she had been given. The look was decidedly Tuula in style but she hoped she pulled it off good enough. One last thing was she pulled the banding holding her hair and finger smoothed it and let it drap down her back. Such a thing would be unacceptable back home, but she figured it met the idea of the clothing as well. She stepped out and said, "Well?"

Tuula placed a finger on her chin. "We're almost there," she started, before spotting a short leather jacket on one of the mannequins. "Oh, I've got it!" Pushing herself around, she grabbed one just like it, as well as a pair of dark, round-framed sunglasses and platform combat-style boots.

Allyndra was not so sure about the boots, they looked heavy and instincts seemed to say 'no'. She overrode those and nodded, the glasses only seemed to subdue everything even further which she could not quite fathom either. The jacket though she politely refused. "Jackets and wings do not get along well with each other," she quipped as she stepped back in to put the boots on.

"Hmmmmm, we need something to balance out the corset though," mused Tuula, returning to the racks along with the shopkeeper.

"How about this?" replied the other woman, pulling out a pair of black armwarmers with leather and silver buckles. "Add a collar, and she should be good to go."

"I will accede to your judgement," Allyndra replied taking the items and putting them on. "There," she said, "do I look proper now?"

Deep in thought, Tuula bit her knuckle as she looked Allyndra up and down. They were almost there; there was just something that they were missing. As she rolled a little closer, she realized just what the outfit needed. "Hold still," she said, reaching for a pair of scissors near the front desk. After returning to Allyndra, she reached over to cut and slash her stockings, leaving it with a torn and distressed look.

"There," she said as she backed away. "A little smoky eyeshadow, and that's perfect."

"As you deem fit, as I said, I am not familiar with this particular look or routine." Allyndra replied.


******A little while later...******


As they rolled down the street towards the bar, Tuula paused for a moment, spotting a heavily tattooed man leaning against a shop wall, smoking a cigarette. "Charles?" she asked, approaching the man.

"Tuula?" he replied, excited to see one of his favourite customers. He had done her chest piece, as well as a couple others, including a matching tattoo on both the twins. "Well, isn't it nice to see one of my favourite canvasses walking down the street..." he paused for a moment, sizing up Tuula and the other woman who he didn't recognize. "You know, we just had a couple cancellations in the shop... I think I can squeeze you and your friend in; two for the price of one."

Looking up at Allyndra, Tuula could barely contain her excitement.

"If that is what you wish," Allyndra replied eyeing the drawings and the man's own canvas as he put it.

A wide smile appeared on Tuula's face. "I've got the perfect design in mind," she exclaimed, as the artist let her and Allyndra into the shop. Inside, the shop was clean, if covered in various pieces of artwork. "I've been thinking of something runic, to symbolize my connection to home. Here..."

Inside the shop, Tuula fumbled around her purse for a PADD that contained, among other things, her personal sketchbook. "It means 'Resilience;' I'd like to get it on my neck, right here."

Allyndra looked over the sketch and was curious. The figures were odd looking but Tuula explained they were some sort of writing. She was not so sure about this whole process so she figured she would watch first and then make up her mind.

"I would like to observe the process if I may Tuula," Allyndra asked.

"That's no problem," replied the artist as he walked over and adjusted the position of the chair for Tuula. Given the positioning of the tattoo, he felt it would be best for Tuula to lie on her back.

Following him, Tuula began the process of transferring her body into the chair. As she did so, the artist pulled up a second chair for himself and a third for Allyndra, as well as a book of drawings. "Take a seat, and feel free to peruse the artwork."

Allyndra nodded but first she wanted to watch the process. "Does it involve much pain?"

"No," said Tuula, at the same time that the tattoo artist responded with a "Yes."

Seeing the confused look on Allyndra's face, Tuula blushed. "There is some pain; the intensity depends on the location. Usually areas where there is less flesh and more bone are more intense."

"I see....perhaps I might watch the process. I have thought about this..." she showed a picture of an earth dragonfly to the artist and Tuula.

"That's nice," replied Tuula as she heard the tattoo gun start up. "Any ideas as to placement? It would make a good chest piece, or the stomach... or the back of your neck is a good place, as you can hide it or show it off depending on your hairstyle..."

"I was thinking in the small of the back," Allyndra replied. She put the book down though to watch the procedure. "The needles carry ink correct?" she asked now more fascinated by the procedure.

"Yes," explained the artist as he leaned forward to begin the procedure on Tuula's neck. The ink is implanted under the skin; it's permanent, but it does fade over time." Meanwhile, Tuula winced as she felt the needle on her neck...

******Still later******

A little later than planned, Tuula and Allyndra rolled up to their destination for the night. The Bunker was a dimly lit club with an industrial feel, and Tuula had gone there on a number of occasions when she needed to get away from her medical training for a night. Not only was it physically accessible for her, but it had the most interesting people -- a strict dress code that catered to goths, vampire fanatics, steampunk fans, and the occasional fetish night made it Tuula's favourite San Francisco hangout.

As they were waved in by the bouncer, Tuula caught a glimpse of her new neck tattoo in a broken mirror and smiled. After what she had been through over the past weeks and years, the symbol of resilience on her neck, where she could see it at any time, was appropriate.

With the party yet to really get going, Tuula led Allyndra up to the table. "So... this is it. Care for a drink? They make some of the best absinthe cocktails in the city."

Allyndra still felt the sting of the needle in the small of her back, she hoped that the small bandage would not soak through. The parlour had been an experience and she was still not sure that she should have done what she did. She had come across an insect drawing in the books, a dragonfly that reminded her a lot of her own wings. She had decided to have that done but in the small of her back. That may have been a mistake. Tuula's question caught her and she replied, "As long as it is sweet."

"Hmmmmm," Tuula glanced down at the cocktail menu for a moment. "The Savoy is good, but I think I'll go for a Death in the Afternoon."

"Very well, I will trust you judgement," though Allyndra was not so sure of that considering the outfit and the pain in her lower back. She watched the people and one couple came in dressed in ancient looking clothing. They got drinks which she could just hear being mentioned as 'Vampire Kiss'. Before the drinks arrived the man bent down to the woman and Allyndra noted a sharp set of teeth which he seemed intent to bite at the woman's throat.

Allyndra got up, "That is not the proper way, she commented to Tuula, a bite to a major vessel is dangerous. I will show him the proper way."

Tuula just chuckled slightly and reached for her drink, leaving Allyndra to her business.

Allyndra got up and approached the two. "Pardon me, but that is dangerous," she said. The two stopped and looked at her. "You could induce major blood loss that way, if you wish I can show you the proper technique."

The couple looked at her and then the man nodded laughing almost. "Indeed," he replied and then looked to the woman. "Be my guest, she is willing."

Allyndra nodded and then turned to the woman and took her arm, gently turning it and pushing up the sleeve. "Much smaller vessels here that will not cause as much blood loss." She then displayed her real fangs and that is when the woman pulled away.

Allyndra looked puzzled while the man stepped back in. "Wow! Did you get those made?"

She shook her head, "No they are my own, for exactly for the purpose you are attempting to do."

The man looked at her for a moment and shook his head, "Come on Selina I think we have our table ready." He pulled her away and Allyndra stood there a moment before returning to where Tuula was. "I do not understand?" she said.

"Sometimes people's fantasies don't survive contact with reality," replied Tuula, as she glanced over at the couple for a moment. "Vampires are a popular aspect of earth mythology. Ageless, dark, handsome sensual creatures who only come out at night... in some interpretations they even sparkle." Tuula paused for a moment and took a sip of her drink. "Unfortunately, seeing one in the flesh while trying to engage in roleplay can be a bit much."

"Ah I see, perhaps the next time I should embrace that aspect. I do have to say though the clothing is not too dissimilar to that at home. So what is next?" Allyndra looked around and took a sip of her drink.

"Have fun!" exclaimed Tuula, before taking a sip of her drink. "Have some drinks, do girly things, maybe meet someone... speaking of which, are you still with Eelim?"

Allyndra felt guilty with the question. She had not kept up properly with everything going on and he had been pushed to something more secondary.
"I think so, with the debriefs, trial, getting things organized for going home...it has just become.....well I have not done my job properly."

Tuula sighed and took a deep breath. "I'm sure you will get some time together soon. You're very lucky; he is a good person."

"He is but I do not seem to be very good at keeping them either," Allyndra sighed. "Ah well, now then, as to fun..." She pushed the drink aside and waved at the waitress going from table to table. The woman made her way over and asked, "Yes?"

Allyndra smiled and then displayed her teeth....."I need blood, but for now blood wine will do. Deep and dark." She pitched her voice a little husky and turned her head so that the black lights in the place would catch her eyes making them glow a bit. She figured she might as well get into role here.

The waitress nodded and smiled, "Right away.....mistress." She then hurried off.

"There was that more like it?" Allyndra asked.

Tuula took a long sip of her drink, downing half of it in one gulp. "We should do this sort of thing more often. Perhaps call it a team-building exercise..."

"Perhaps, her response reminded me of home, do you think I over did it?" Allyndra asked. She had not been back but she had grown up with various positions and orders. She herself had served and now as head of the house, when she returned there would be servants galore.

"Well, I think you're definitely attracting attention," joked Tuula. "Particularly from the cute Bajoran at eight o-clock..."

"Oh I hope not, Eelim would not be happy. Perhaps more interested in you. I should be more circumspect." Allyndra took a quick look toward the Bajoran and then turned away.

Tuula glanced over at him once more, accidentally catching his eye before looking back down at her drink. She paused for a second to take a breath before looking back up at Allyndra. "He's not coming over, is he?"

"He does appear to be rising from his spot," Allyndra commented.

"Oh dear," replied Tuula, blushing in embarrassment. "Is he coming over for me or you?"

"I think you are the fish on the hook this time," Allyndra replied watching.

Tuula cringed and took a sip of her drink before she was interrupted. "Excuse me," said the Bajoran, getting her attention.

"Yes?" asked Tuula, looking up at him. He really wasn't that unattractive, and he was well put together.

"I couldn't help but notice your tattoo... is that Bajoran script?" he asked.

Confused for a moment, upon realizing what he was referring to, Tuula waved her hair aside. "Oh, this..." She let out a little chuckle. "It's actually Finnish runes, ancient script from my homeland. It says 'resilience' because, well..." Trailing off, she glanced down at her chair.

Seeing Tuula glance down, the Bajoran's eyes followed. Glancing down at the chair, he paused for a second -- long enough to take it in, but not too long for it to be awkward. Whereas a lot of men would recoil, he was unfazed. "Ah, well... you do have some fascinating ink," he started. "I'm Anjohl..."

Tuula smiled at the compliment. "I'm Tuula. Or Doctor Voutilainen, if you're a patient..."


[OFF]

Lieutenant Tuula Voutilainen
Assistant Chief Medical Officer
USS Galileo

Cmdr Allyndra illm Warraquim
Medical Officer

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