Holodeck Time

Posted on Sun Apr 2nd, 2023 @ 5:34pm by Lieutenant Sky Jansen-Carey

Mission: Shoreleave
Location: Holodeck
Timeline: Prior to Sky’s meeting

Robert was watching Kiera ride her mare while sitting on his horse Slim. "You said you did this before?" He asked fixing his stetson.

“Well, kind of” Kiera nodded. “I’ve ridden a horse once before, but I’m nowhere near as good as you when it comes to riding horses.”

Robert chuckled as he brought his horse next to hers. "I know it's not swimming but it does take some getting used to." He looked her over. "Try to not hold the reigns too tight you don't want her to throw you."

Kiera nodded and let the reigns slacken off a bit. “No, it’s definitely not swimming. If it was I’d be in my element right now, as it is I’m totally out of my depth.”

Robert fixed her hat Ann gave her and smiled. "We will get you trained on riding like a pro." He pointed to the trail. "Care to take our horses out for a walk?"

“Sure” Kiera nodded, it was nice getting to spend some proper shoreleave time with Robert.

There was the sound of a woman trying to shoo something it seemed away. Looking up it appeared Steve was curious about the new visitor. "Ugh...hang on, Kiera..." With gentle nudge of his feet Slim ran down to the buffalo to 'save' the mystery person from his curiosity.

“What on Earth?” Kiera followed on behind wondering just what was going on.

Robert rode down to Steve who was busy nudging and sniffing Sky who had a look of confusion on her face. He couldn't help burst out laughing at the situation in front of him.

“Well when I walked in here I wasn’t expecting to be buffalo licked!” Sky offered a wry smile.

Robert patted the huge buffalo on his hump. Before getting off his horse and making a bridle out of rope to lead the 2500 lbs animal back to his paddock.Robert pulled a few treats out his saddle bag and fed him one. "Come on, Big Fella." Steve followed him leaving Kiera and Sky alone for a while.

“What brings you here Counsellor?” Kiera looked at Sky curiously.

“Actually I was just checking in, I don’t like to interrupt people’s private time. I just had the sense that your husband wasn’t very comfortable around me the other day.” Sky smiled.

Robert returned undoing the bridle he made chewing on some beef jerky. "Sorry, about Steve he is... unusual for a buffalo. But he is adorable and that is why our family keeps him around."

“Not to worry” Sky smiled warmly. “I’m sorry for intruding on your program, I won’t stay long. I just wanted to check if I made you uncomfortable the other day? I apologise if I did.”

Robert's face went pale right away last he wanted to think about was Sky and her odd love life. He took a moment to get back on slim and fix his hat. "Well...uh..." He looked at Kiera for any sort of guidance on how to talk things over.

Sky noticed the colour drain from Robert’s face. “Have I done it again already?”

Robert sighed knowing that he was probably going to regret it later. "Counselor, I'll be frank with you." He began. "Look around you this is a recreation of my family ranch I grew up on and well things are a bit...backwards here."

Sky paused before nodding. “Ohh of course, my relationship status.” She offered a smile. “I understand I really do. Three way relationships aren’t the usual thing. I never thought I’d end up married to Xavier when I transferred here, it’s just worked out that way.”

Robert rolled his eyes Betazoids were great but annoying at times. "I knew when left this life to join Starfleet I was going to see a lot of weird things and yes I am not used to things like your uh, love life it's rather unusual for a guy like me."

Kiera smiled as she stepped in. “To be honest Robert is worried about offending you.”

Sky nodded. “Don’t worry about that, I don’t take offence that easily. Just treat me like you would anyone else, I’m just a married woman. Granted I’m married to a man who already has a wife. It’s not unusual in some species, although for Humans and Betazoids it is.”

Robert's eyebrows raised up honestly this was going quite a bit smoother than he expected. "So... you’re not upset?"

Sky shook her head. “No, why would I be? All I ask is that you treat me like anyone else onboard, don’t avoid me just because of my marital status.” She grinned.

"Don't you think it's a bit small on a ship to avoid someone?" Robert asked.

“Probably!” Sky grinned and nodded. “So does that make you feel better?”

Resting his hands on the saddle horn Robert thought it over. "The Captain is not going to find out about this is he?" He asked.

“Why would he?” Sky offered a shake of her head. “We’re just talking, I’ve no concerns that need bringing to his attention. She gently patted his horse’s neck. “I like holographic horses, you know in real life Betazoids can’t be around horses too much, their free spirit loses us.”

"What a shame I miss my horse on Earth raised him since he was a foal." Robert patted Slim.

“I don’t miss what I’ve never had fortunately.” Sky smiled warmly. “Anyway I’ll leave the two of you to enjoy your time.”

"Counselor, before you go I am sorry I will do my best to be less of an ass." Robert said although he already felt like one.

“You are not an ass” Sky grinned. “Thank you for the apology” she nodded to Kiera before heading on her way.

{OFF}