Posted by Captain Dira Myqian (Commanding Officer) in Vega Colony- Reunions and Unions

Posted by Lieutenant Commander Zoi Haven (Chief of Security) in Vega Colony- Reunions and Unions

Posted by Captain Dira Myqian (Commanding Officer) in Vega Colony- Reunions and Unions
Posted by… suppressed (17) by the Post Ghost! 👻

(snip)

Dira slipped up behind Zoi and wrapped her arms around her lover and best friend. Resting her head against Zoi’s, she exhaled audibly. “I know it’s a lot, and if you even need a break from it all, please let me know. You promised to do so for me, but the reverse is true as well. I’m here for you, my love.” It wasn’t like Dira was wearing her headband (though she brought it, just in case. So Zoi’s thoughts were far more open to her than normal, in part because Zoi was less guarded, but also the close proximity to someone with whom she had such a deep emotional connection.

Captain Myqian, CO

Zoi leaned into Dira’s arms and closed her eyes from the beautiful view. A tear slipped down her cheek and she gently wiped it away. “I hate that my mother is so far away and even when I am right next to her, I am no closer to reaching her.” She felt the reassurance from her partner and breathed it in slowly. “She did as well as she could when I was young but I had to grow up fast to care for her declining mental faculties. My family wasn’t like yours and I cant help but grieve that loss. For a moment, when I was looking at the pictures of your happy family, I felt such envy and then anger at myself for mentally punishing a mother who fought tooth and nail to stay grounded even as her mind slipped away.”

Haven, CoS

“These are hard things, and there is no right answer. It’s okay to feel that loos and wish things had been different. I’m just always in awe of you and how much you have pushed forward in your life despite it all.” Dira leaned her head forward and planted a tender kiss on Zoi’s cheek, just able to reach. “I know I am so very fortunate to have had the upbringing that I did, but I will tell you a secret.” She whispered into Zoi’s ear. “I’m happy to share the joy and love.” Dira spoke at a more normal tone. “I might not be able to change your childhood, but you can enjoy the people you meet here and accept the kindness they may offer you. And if you do? I promise that it doesn’t diminish any love you have for you mother. Nor hers for you, even if you can’t feel it the way you wish to.”

Captain Myqian, CO

Zoi smiled softly and let the words of solace and love pour over her. There was something to be said for dating a psychiatrist. She knew exactly what to say to ease the tension in Zoi’s upper back. “How lucky I am to have found you.” She whispered. In this moment, with both of them looking out over the picturesque scenery in Dira’s father’s home, she knew… just knew that she would spend the rest of her life with the woman who’s embrace surrounded and filled her with such love.

Haven, CoS

Dira rested her head against the side of Zoi’s. There was such an intensity of emotion between them, and Dira found as Zoi’s thought crept through her mind, even if she hadn’t intended Dira to get the gist of it, Dira found herself agreeing. She squeezed her arms around Zoi for a brief moment. “We are both exceedingly fortunate. And I’m glad I was ready for you to walk into my life. Earlier? I don’t know that I would have been.”

Zoi laughed softly, fully understanding the feeling. She wasn’t the same person either. So much of her life had revolved around her mother’s care and now that she had made the decision to fully live for herself, she had found what she needed both in herself and in the woman she loved.

She released her partner from her arms and stepped back, if sadly. It was so nice there with Zoi. “We should get unpacked and dressed for dinner. It’s casual, but knowing mother and the amount of people likely to be there, we’re aiming a touch more formal than casual. A dressy casual.”

Retrieving their bags, Dira set about unfolding clothes and hanging up some of it in the closet. As she grabbed a hangar, she looked at Zoi. “You know, this is the first time we’ve really shared a space. We stay at each other’s places, and you more so at mine, but this time here will be different. It’s kind of an interesting thought, yes?”

Captain Myqian, CO

Though she missed Diras arms around her, she went to the task of unpacking as requested and thinking of what she wanted to wear. ” You know, I think it is.” She smiled warmly towards Dira and found herself just enjoying looking at the beautiful woman she had come to love. “There is something to be said for being together… living in one space… together.”

Haven, CoS

They were so open and honest with each other that it would make sense to just come right out and ask, but there was a hesitation within her. Dira opened her bag and did a internal mental query, examining the feeling. Fear, that’s all it was. It was okay to be nervous and scared of taking things a step farther, and a therapist would say it was only natural after having lost a partner before. But it was like they had both said: they weren’t the same people as they once were. Much had changed.

Dira set the garment in her hands down and glided over to Zoi, gazing intently. “I love you, and I love the time we get to spend together off-duty. Proving this trip goes well and we’re both comfortable with the idea by the time we get back to the Ogawa, move in with me? Me and my messiness will do our utmost to make sure you have space and my untidiness doesn’t annoy the hell out of you. And the rest we can figure out as we go. What do you say?”

Captain Myqian, CO

Zoi watched her reaction carefully though she hid it behind a fairly relaxed mask. There was no reason she had it up except habit. As soon as Dira glided over to her, she wrapped her arms around the woman and began to grin like a lunatic, knowing exactly what she was going to ask. She laughed and nodded emphatically before kissing Diras face in a million places and her lips over and over.

“I say I can’t wait to get back and start packing.”

Haven, CoS

She laughed a bright and open laugh, utter giddiness flooding her body, especially given the trace of Zoi’s lips all over her face. If perfection could be bottled up in a moment it would look like this. It would look like two hearts not just confirming their love for each other, but making vast strides in carving out more space in each other’s lives for a future. It was a future Dira felt truly hopeful for for the first time in many, many years.

Dira’s laugh was like a songbird singing in her ears. It made her just as hopeful. She felt the surety of this transition in her partner, the joy washing over her too like a balm to any nerves she may have had about this next large step in their relationship.

“Fortunately, I did a thorough declutter when I moved into the Captain’s Quarters, so I can guarantee that on my side it will be a painless process.” She placed her hands on either side of Zoi’s face and kissed her lips with exquisite tenderness. “I’m glad we’re doing this. But, we have a dinner to get dressed for and my mother does not like people being late. There’s no set schedule that Ada told me about, but somehow being home makes me feel like teenager scraping through the door just at curfew. It makes me feel like I’m going to get a talking to,” she added with a laugh, unravelling her arms from Zoi with deep regret. She’d rather keep this amazing woman in her arms, naturally.

Captain Myqian, CO

The kiss was a perfect seal to their agreement and with the same regret not to be touching her partner anymore, Zoi laughed softly and nodded, slipping her arms from Dira. “Well then, we don’t want to incur a lecture from your mother. I am trying to impress her with my charm and good humor!”

She pulled out her navy gown and high class white blouse and pants set. The gown was floor length and sleek with a mostly bare back and a high neck in front. It tied around her neck and the ties would fall down her back to just past her hips. The blouse was a cream white with a unique shimmer. It buttoned up the back with a million fabric covered buttons in black. The sleeves were long with french cuffs of black and a pointed collar at the neck of black. From an inch below the collar to the waist, the blouse opened, baring a rather daring line down the middle of her chest to disappear into the waist of the pants. The pants were black, wide legged, high waisted and flowy with a fabric tie that sat as a bow at her natural waist. “Which should I wear?”

Haven, CoS

Dira looked over Zoi and then the garments. She pointed to the pants and top. “That’s perfect for tonight. Dressy but not too formal.” Her smile widened. “Though you look amazing in everything.”

Zoi grinned back and wiggled her eye brows, the grin turning lascivious. “That is because you know what I look like naked.”

Moving to the closet where she had hung up a few things, Dira grabbed the dress she had picked out for this evening. It was made of a more causal jersey material that had weight to it and stretched. The large floral motif went from just under the bust to the floor and the rest of the bodice was black and tied around the neck, leaving her upper back bare. She simple pulled off her top, slid the dress over her body and took off the pants she had been wearing. Tying the bodice around her neck in a bow, the ends hung down to the middle of her back. She slipped on a pair of strappy low heeled sandals, wrapped her short curls in a sheer black scarf and called it done.

Zoi quickly changed, taking time to settle everything in just the right place. She added some tasteful, delicate gold jewelry and put her hair up in a french twist that was as sleek as the clothing she had chosen to wear. She balanced with her hip on the edge of the bed as she slipped on a pair of pointy strappy black and white heels.

“Ready?” Dira asked. “I think Ada is having a car take us over, so at least we don’t have to rush as much.” She couldn’t help but still feel giddy over her and Zoi’s decision, knowing that it had been a long time coming for both of them.

Captain Myqian, CO

Zoi checked her reflection in the mirror one more time and quickly applied a little more blush and a touch of lipstick in a fairly blushed lip kind of color. She pressed her lips together and then smiled, turning to her love. “Yes. I am ready.” Walking over to Dira, she took her hand and kissed it. “Let’s go.”

Haven, CoS

Dira squeezed her hand and led Zoi out of the bedroom and down the hall. It was more clear now that the house was loosely set-up in a circle as they found themseves back near the front door. “Ada?” she called out.

“I’m here,” Kesren said, stepping out of a room and down the hall to meet them. He wore tailored ankle length trousers in dark green and a loose tunic with a high collar made of a silky material that had a very subtle sheen. It had an interlocking geometric pattern in blues, yellows and pale greens. A formal slipper type of shoe adorned his feet.

He beamed at them. “And look how lovely you two are,” he said sincerely before peeking out the window near the door. “Ah! Here we go. The slider is here.”

Dira’s father’s reaction to their entrance made Zoi grin like a lunatic. Between their decision to move in together and this very normal family life around her, she felt so much fluttering of butterflies she thought she might fly away. She hadn’t been this happy in so very long that it was a foreign concept to her. It felt strange and wonderful all at once.

Comfortably ensconced in the vehicle, the trip over to Sesara’s only took about fifteen minutes, but they passed over Hadran City, moving from the quieter outskirts where Kesren lived, away from the ocean and in towards the centre of the urban area. A sprawling campus could be seen, with lots of green spaces and gardens surrounds large buildings. Near here, the vessel dipped down into a central area that had a lot of beautiful more modern looking buildings. They were sleek, but not without personality. In fact, many had colourful glass for windows.

Zoi’s hand remained in Dira’s as they traversed the scenery. Her face remained at the window, taking in all the details of the area as they moved into the city. She wanted to take in as much as she could, thinking that by knowing Dira’s home, she could know Dira more than ever. She found she loved the architecture and styles all around her.

It was easy to see from the flight over that Dira had been raised in a metropolitan area even as she had lived in a quietness of the outskirts. A mishmash of life and culture had been offered to her simply by virtue of having divorced parents that had been excellent at coparenting their highly telepathic daughter.

They were dropped off in front of one multi-story building that was sleek, yes, but also had carved metal details. Almost like the builders were trying to fuse two styles together. It depended on one’s taste whether they found that effective. Kesren stepped out and offered his hand to Dira and Zoi in turn. “Careful on the stone walkways in those heels. Things aren’t even here.”

“He’s right,” Dira said. “Ask me later about the late-night stumbling back from my pre-med school days. Nearly broke my ankle on a few occasions. I love that they preserve old details here, but sometimes I wish the walkways weren’t one of them.”

Captain Myqian, CO

Zoi laughed softly as she took Kesren’s hand to come out of the slider. “Well, as a security officer, I learned to be able to handle all kinds of terrain, whether in boots or heels. I am the careful sort by nature and learning.”

Haven, CoS

“So, your task is to keep me from breaking limbs, got it,” Dira teased as she moved towards the building’s entrance. Kesren entered the code and Sesara’s voice came over the comm. “Look at you all being on time. Come on up!” she said, half teasing, half just in a really good mood. She should be, she was getting married in a few days.

Inside the lobby, the mix of architectural styles continued on in the decor, with interesting abstract art work on the walls matched with more traditional textiles and furniture in what seemed to be a little sitting area next to the front doors.

Dira slipped her hand into Zoi’s and took a steadying breath. “Here we go,” she said as they stepped into the lift. There were people she hadn’t been around in quite some time and Dira was mentally battening down the hatches (as it were) to keep the telepaths from skimming things she wasn’t open to talking about tonight.

As Dira mentally prepped so did Zoi. She was fairly closed off by nature, but the last thing she wanted was for Dira’s family to misinterpret what she was thinking or feeling and finding offense when she was meeting them for the first time. First impressions mean a great deal and especially for Betazoids. She wanted to reflect her partner’s brilliance and simply support her shine over the trip.

On the 15th floor, they got off and Kesren rapped lightly on the second of four heavy wooden doors.

Sesara appeared with a flourish as she opened the door, the dark purple fabric of her fitted knee length dress shimmering ever so slightly. “Oh, you all look lovely. Come on in and say hi to everyone.”

Inside the large open apartment, light filled the space, hinting at the likely spectacular sunset about to occur over dinner. The whole back of the open plan living and cooking space overlooked a large balcony and had a stunning view of the ocean in the distance. The entirely place was decorated in whites, creams, and warm greys, with splashes of cerulean and jade. Everything was balanced with natural textures of grasses and pale woods. It was peaceful, but Dira also felt the energy of the colours, and they were a perfect reflection of the woman who lived here.

Sitting amongst the large L-shaped section and various arm chairs were a Denobulan man with dark greying hair, and a Denobulan woman with auburn hair cut neatly to her chin. There were two other woman (one of whom sported a cane and a fluffy bouffant of nearly white hair) and a man, all with the dark eyes of Betazoids.

“Ahh, the prodigal daughter returns at last!” the woman with the cane declared, her dark eyes glinting.

Dira laughed and reluctantly let go of Zoi’s hand as she crossed the room to the woman and stooped to kiss her cheek. “It’s good to see you too, grandmother.”

The Denobulan man stood and opened his arms for a hung, though he was a bit tentative.

Dira hugged him with warmth. “Redar, I’m so happy to see you. And I’m honoured you both were able to wait for me to be here. I’m very excited for you two.”

He chuckled and he gave her a squeeze and let go. “I’m so thrilled you’re here! And you bring company, how lovely,” her soon-to-be step-father said.

As Dira went to greet her relatives, Zoi hung back, giving them space to see each other and focus on the reunion. She knew all too well the demands of being in Star Fleet and how it meant that officers did not see their family very often, Captains much less so. She was sure they were all delighted to see Dira again though and that made her smile warmly.

Dira turned at the hip and gestured to Zoi. “This is my partner, Zoi Haven. She serves on the Ogawa with me,” Dira said with a smile and actually quite a bit of pride. Her self-consciousness seemed to have dissipated. “Zoi, this is Redar, the groom, and his spouse, Aleen.” She then gestured to her grandmother. “And this is Ruana, my mother’s mother.”

As Dira gestured to her, Zoi stepped up to stand beside her. She took in each person in turn. She was a little nervous but mostly seemed relaxed and pleasant. Zoi was confident in who she was to Dira and her love for the woman beside her. To Dira’s soon to be Step Father, she bowed her head warmly in greeting. “Congratulations on your upcoming nuptials. Thank you for allowing me to be able to attend your special day with Dira.”

“Ahh, I’m the one who is honoured to have you here. The more love amongst us, the better I dare say,” Redar said, grinning widely.

Sesara moved closer and introduced the other two Betazoids. “And this is Evorin and Yreen, my cousins. Dira, you probably won’t remember them as it’s been many year since you’ve seen them.” She gave Zoi a warm look. “If there’s anything you need, just let one of us know. And I’ve lived in this place for many years so Dira knows where most things are.”

To Dira’s mother, she replied, “Oh of course. Thank you. Your home is beautiful.”

“Though you’ve redecorated, clearly. I like what you’ve done,” Dira said.

~Dira & Co.

“The energy in here is very peaceful and joyful.”

Haven, CoS

Sesara laughed. “It’s an attempt to remind myself to leave work at work, though I daresay I am not nearly as successful as I would like to be. But, such is the job.”

“I imagine all those with a dedicated passion for their work feel the same.” She knew Dira and herself often took work back to their respective quarters whenever they were not together. When your job was the whole ship and you lived on it, it was hard to leave your work at work.

“And how goes the neuroscience department? Intimidated any graduate students lately?” Dira said, clearly teasing by her emotions and expression.

Sesara quirked a brow as she grinned. “If there isn’t at least one a semester, I’m not doing my job.”

“I keep telling her she should just work at the university full-time, but she seems determined to do both jobs. I don’t know how, but she does it with more grace than most I know,” Redar said, his affection for his wife-to-be radiating off of him.

Sesara winked at Redar. “Flatterer. I suppose you can keep doing so, even though we’re hardly courting anymore.”

Dira barked a laugh. “I think after this many years that ship has sailed.”

~Dira & Co.

“I believe they say that one should never stop dating one’s partner regardless of how long you have been together.” Zoi found that it was easy to talk to all of them. Conversation flowed easily. It could be because of the open nature of Betazoids and other telepaths like them, or it simply could be the effect such a joyful occasion could have on its participants. She found herself relaxing, the last of her nerves leaving her more quickly than she expected.

“Certainly, its my plan to continue to woo this fine woman long after we are both past our aged prime.” She said with a grin and took Dira’s hand to kiss the back of it.

Haven, CoS

Dira felt heat on her cheeks, but she also beamed at Zoi. They had mostly been fairly discreet when it came to PDA, but this was not a normal scenario, nor was she hiding her relationship. After all, it was not lost on any of the people present that Dira bringing a romantic partner with her was a rather significant event, nor was Zoi’s declaration (including the assertion of a future) missed. “Good thing I feel the same way,” she declared, keeping her hand in Zoi’s.

Ruana smiled, gazing rather intently at Dira and Zoi. Dira turned her head and quirked her brows. “Aloud, Grandmother, please,” she said, unable to keep the smirk off her face.

The elderly Betazoid chuckled. “Fine, fine. I just said it’s so nice to see you happy again, Dira.”

“It feels good to be happy again,” Dira said, gazing at Zoi with open admiration and affection. Kesren winked at her.

Zoi laughed and blushed herself, a rare occurrence for the steadfast Chief of Security. Her hand felt right in Dira’s. A part of her relished in the idea that here, they could be as open and affectionate as they liked. Neither had to worry about their positions within the ship or how their relationship was perceived here. They didn’t have to worry about losing respect or being seen less larger than life; something that was necessary on board their ship and a significant reason why they were careful about their interactions in public.

“Ahhh! When did we all get so mushy?” Sesara said, laughing openly as she moved to the kitchen. “Come, let’s get the tables on the patio set. The caterer will be here shortly with dinner, because goodness knows I wasn’t cooking for everyone today.”

Dira smiled and stepped backwards towards the kitchen, pulling Zoi with her. She slowed her step slightly so that Zoi drew close enough so she could whisper. “I’m so glad you’re here with me. I can’t imagine it being otherwise.” It certainly didn’t hurt that she was still feeling a bit giddy over their decision to move in together.

Captain Myqian, CO

Zoi returned her smile and allowed herself to be pulled close to Dira. “I could imagine it, but I daresay there is way less pressure for you to be happy from their worries when you are happy and they see it.” She moved even closer and captured Dira’s lips with her own. The kiss was not gentle. It was demanding and seeking as she backed Dira through a door to what turned out to be a pantry and closed the door with her foot.

Haven, CoS

Surprised by Zoi’s rather emboldened move, Dira grinned beneath their kiss. She pulled Zoi in closer, letting the momentary privacy fuel her need to match her beloved’s intensity.

When they finally broke the kiss, Dira was momentarily overwhelmed, but in the best possible way. “Well then,” she said with a laugh. “I think I’m not opposed to you taking charge more often, Love. But I’m going to try very hard to tamp down the ideas it’s giving me, given that there are telepaths out there, one of whom is my mother and doesn’t need to know what carnal thoughts are going through her daughter’s mind just now.”

Captain Myqian, CO

Zoi’s brow rose in challenge. “Dearest, I thought you were long experienced at hiding your emotions and thoughts from others when necessary. I believe now is probably one of those times, don’t you?” She laughed, kissed Dira soundly on the mouth and then walked backwards out of the pantry. The challenge on her face was clear even if she was closed off from exuding her feelings outwardly to the party.

This day was not about her and Dira, though the fact they had chosen to move in with each other this day made it special in her mind anyway. They would have plenty of time this trip to revel in their love for one another, a fact she was truly starting to understand. In comparison to time on the Ogawa, they were practically unguarded in their affection towards one another here. Plus, the atmosphere of love that surrounded a wedding allowed them to be unabashedly in love with each other, a fact she was fully going to take advantage of.

Haven, CoS