Shop Til You Drop

Posted on Tue Jun 23rd, 2020 @ 4:57am by Lieutenant Nicholas Boucher & Sue Donym & Lieutenant JG Aeryn Jameson
Edited on on Fri Jul 10th, 2020 @ 5:29pm

Mission: Death in Paradise
Location: Paradise Station, Marketplace
Timeline: Current

Nick strode down the main walkway of the marketplace, eyes moving from shop to shop, taking it all in. The hustle and bustle was jarring after having spent the past few weeks more or less in a shuttle or fighter cockpit. He had needed an opportunity to stretch his legs, so once his duty shift had ended, he'd decided to make a trip to the station where the Pandora was currently docked. Luckily for him, the boarding procedure was significantly easier than the docking procedure had been when he'd arrived with his squadron.

He wasn't necessarily looking for anything in particular. He had debated getting something for his kids, but he didn't know how long he'd be stationed on the Pandora, and he didn't necessarily want anything to get lost in the shuffle. Mostly, he just wanted a change of scenery for a bit.

Ensign Sihrt had offered to come with him, and he was regretting turning him down. He and Sirht had been at the Academy together, the Bolian was probably his only friend out here. He had originally wanted to wander on his own, but he was becoming bored.

He had been so lost in thought that he hadn't seen the alien being walking in his direction until it was almost too late. He side-stepped quickly to avoid the hulking creature, but in doing so, realized too late that he was side-stepping into someone else's back, a red-headed woman standing at one of the market stalls.

Aeryn was looking through some items on one of the market stalls when she turned to look and see who it was that had just run into her. He looked quite embarrassed. “Don’t look so horrified” She smiled warmly. “Given the hustle and bustle here I’m surprised not to have been bumped into before now!” She grinned as she moved to one side where it was a little less busy.

Nick composed himself and offered an apologetic look. "I guess I got a little lost in thought there."

Although they were both in casual clothing, looking human, Nick figured there was a stronger than good chance this was a member of the Pandora crew. He extended a hand in greeting. "Lieutenant Nicholas Boucher, Alpha Squadron."

Aeryn extended her hand in return smiling warmly. “Lieutenant Aeryn Jameson, Assistant Chief Medical Officer. It’s nice to meet you Lieutenant.” She looked around. “I was just doing a little shopping, would you like to join me?”

Nick smiled warmly. "That sounds lovely. Anything in particular that you're looking for, or are we mostly just window shopping?"

“Actually...it turns out that our Chief Counsellor is expecting twins, I already bought one present but I’m shopping for an extra one to go with it.” She grinned. “It seems the ship is experiencing a minor baby boom at the moment.

The mention of children sent a small pang of regret through Nick, but he brushed it aside quickly. He missed his kids, but for the most part they'd accepted his choice to join Starfleet. The two youngest missed him more than his oldest, but he tried to stay in regular contact with them all.

"That's wonderful news," he replied. "Although yes, I imagine everything needs to be purchased in double. Must keep the medical staff busy, with so many expecting mothers."

“Well we don’t have that many fortunately but being a family ship we do keep busy. There are a few children aboard the ship.” She looked around. “If my senses are correct I believe Krysia...sorry Lieutenant Kaleri is here in the marketplace somewhere, she’s helping the station staff to locate two lost children.”

"Pardon, your senses?" He gave the lieutenant a quick look over. No Vulcan ears, no black irises. He wondered if she was being literal or not. "Is that a really good intuition?"

Aeryn's smile beamed. "I'm not your a-typical looking Betazoid I'll agree. I'm actually half Human, half Betazoid. Whereas Lieutenant Kaleri is half Human and half Drax but we still stand out to each other in a telepathic sense. So tell me Lieutenant you've only just arrived aboard the ship haven't you?"

That would make sense. Nick hadn't met many Betazoids, but those he had met had been full-blooded and has the distinctive black irises typical of their race. He had never met a Drax though.

"You'd be correct," he replied. "I've only just arrived. Technically, I'm assigned to the Palatine and am here to help escort the Pandora back to Federation space."

He paused, then realized that may be a bit confusing as is.

"I'm a fighter pilot," he continued. "I'm here with my squad. And we're off-duty, you can call me Nick."

“In that case feel free to call me Aeryn.” She smiled warmly. “It’ll be nice to get back to the Federation. I’m not afraid to say it makes people nervous being here.”

The pair walked to the next shop over. Nick nodded at her statement.

"I hear you on that one," he agreed. "My mission ties directly into getting you all back safe."

He picked up an object and looked at it quizzically. He literally had no idea what it was. He turned and gave his colleague an almost mischievous grin. "But to be honest, a part of me is excited. Strange new worlds and all that. It's why we all signed on to Starfleet, no?"

“Exactly!” Aeryn smiled. “It’s fun to explore but not under threat of having to get out or be forced out of somewhere.”

Nick shrugged. "I'm a pilot. I like the idea of adventure, but my job is kind of predicated on us being under threat. We're more or less just highly functional adrenaline junkies, if you really think about it."

He set the object he'd been holding back down. "It may seem like a stereotype, but it does take a specific kind of person to willingly strap themselves in to a cockpit. You just have to watch out for the pilots who aren't aware of that fact. Feeling invincible is a good way to get you and your squad killed."

He blushed a bit, realizing he was rambling and that this probably wasn't the best direction for the conversation to be going in.

"Sorry for the babbling," he apologized. "It happens sometimes."

“That’s fine” Aeryn waved it off with a grin. “Ramble away! It’s good to ramble.” She saw a marketplace stall with some baby things on just ahead. “I’m going over here. Looks like there might be some good gifts over here.”

"Well, as long as you're okay with awkward conversation, I may be able to be of help here," he began, following her. "I have kids of my own, so I can tell right away the stuff that the parents will appreciate."

"Well in that case what would you suggest I buy? When I knew Krys was expecting I went out and bought one present with a selection of items in but that was just for one child, I'd like something else to go with it now we know she's having twins." She smiled. "As a parent you know what they'll need."

"I'd say avoid anything that makes a lot of noise, or that they'll only get one use out of," he replied. "Also anything that the ship's replicators can take care of."

Nick looked around the shop. "Something practical, yet unique."

"So as a parent, what would you choose?" She looked at Nick curiously.

Nick walked slowly through the shop, glancing from item to item. He'd talked a big game, offering to help and now he was on the spot. The natural French charmer in him did not want to disappoint the lady.

Finally he saw something that inspired him and turned to look at the lieutenant. "How about that bassinet? It's got two compartments and the wood it's made out of looks wild."

The bassinet was clearly designed for twins. Their were a few single models in the same wood positioned around it, as well. The wood had interesting swirling patterns of brown, red and blue. He'd never seen anything like it, most likely a tree native to the Expanse.

“Oh my....” Aeryn smiled and nodded. “It’s beautiful. We’ll need some bedding to go with it though” she looked around seeing a set of bedding nearby that would go nicely with it. “Let’s go do some haggling on the price and see if we can get a bargain.”

Nick approached the shopkeeper, a smile on his face. The French were a stubborn people and he planned on making good on that stereotype right now. Watching his father own the family mechanic shop his entire life had singularly prepared him for moments like these.

A few minutes and some serious haggling later Aeryn smiled as she arranged to have the items delivered straight to the ship before she looked at Nicholas. “Thank you so much for your help! I’m sure Krysia and James will love it and I’ll make sure they know you helped me to choose it.”

Nick shrugged, smiling. "You don't have to do that, but I appreciate it."

Although their shopping trip was done, Nick still wasn't quite ready to head back to the ship. He was starting to get a bit hungry and was definitely a bit thirsty.

"I'm going to try and find a bite to eat and a drink or three," he stated. "Interested in joining?"

“I’ll take a rain check for now if you don’t mind” She smiled warmly. “I want to do some more shopping, just for me this time. Maybe another time though.”

Nick was disappointed, but shrugged it off. He almost laughed when he realized she probably sensed that disappointment, being half-Betazoid, but it couldn't be helped now.

He offered up a smile and gave the lieutenant a wink. "I'll hold you to that. Happy hunting."

He turned and walked off, headed toward to go find a lounge or bar of some sort.