Posted by Civilian Halai Cosgrove (Head of Science and Terraforming) in Cosgrove Villa- Post Dinner

Posted by Civilian Astrid Rousseau (Head of the Judicial System) in Cosgrove Villa- Post Dinner

Posted by Civilian Halai Cosgrove (Head of Science and Terraforming) in Cosgrove Villa- Post Dinner

(snip)

“Martial arts, mostly,” Halai replied with a slight smile as she moved across the room. She took one of the bōs off the wall and gave it a simple but controlled twirl before putting it back and turning to Astrid.

“I learned years ago on my first posting from our Chief of Security. There was an incident and I found myself out-classified in weight, fighting skill, experience, you name it. I had no phaser and I was a young scientist up against people who I had witnessed being willing to kill to achieve their goals.” It was easier to say than when she had told this same story several years ago, but then again mush had changed. “So I asked the Chief to teach me how to defend myself in those circumstances. He taught me his own blend of martial arts and it’s been with me ever since.”

~Halai Cosgrove

Astrid could only imagine. Up until her posting on OED V, she had not felt her life in danger except around her step brother. He had been terrifying but no goal that she had ever been able to discern other than enjoying being that way towards her and her siblings. She took a deep breath and mentally wrenched herself away from that line of thinking. She was here to have fun and to enjoy the company of someone she liked. “I think the closest I ever got to Martial Arts was doing two semesters of Tai Chi in University. It is a martial arts, but nothing like what you are speaking of.... at least, not at first. I see enough violence each day. I would rather not incite it, but our new Chief of Police is having me take defense classes with his wife. I start this week actually. Strangely enough, I am looking forward to it.”

Astrid Rousseau

Halai smiled and it radiated through her unusual gold ringed eyes. “It’ll be good for you, trust me. I mean, I’m biased as a former Starfleet officer who had to take and maintain combat training, but knowing you have the ability to defend yourself is an empowering thing.” She gestured to the bōs. “I have no intention of ever inciting violence either, but understanding the power of your own body and your mind is a good thing Astrid. I wish you good luck with your lessons. And should you ever want t practice with me, you’re always welcome to come by.”

“Thank you. I shall keep that in mind.”

“Come on, time for you to show you my favourite room inside.”

Cosgrove led her out of the room and back down the hall, moivng around the corner to the right. There was one door at the end of the short hallway on the left and Halai went right on it.

It was very clearly Halai’s bedroom. Moving far enough in, the large rectangular room had a large bed with thick and inviting bedding. Immediately their feet sank into thick pile carpet in a pale grey that complimented the muted blues and taupes about the space. There was a door on the far end of the left wall beyond the bedroom and the entire end wall was actually floor to ceiling windows like the living room. Sheer curtains were overlaid with blue silk drapes at the sides, while the same tinting system was still in effect as the sun set on the colony. The view was just as nice, overlooking Cosgrove’s terraced back garden and the rest of the domed colony beyond.

“The door of to the left leads to a walk-in closet and a washroom where I absolutely opted for the biggest tub I could find,” Halai said with grin.

~Halai Cosgrove

Halai’s bedroom was serene and beautiful. Astrid felt immediately at peace in there. She smiled warmly and nodded taking in the decor and color palette. “You know I did the same thing. When sitting in my tub, I can almost submerge. It comes up to my neck. I chose this gigantic copper tub. In the candle light, it glistens!” One of the things she liked most about being a judge was the pay. OED V was paying her well enough to be the Head Judge. The work was hard but the pay was good. Her home had been redone to her specifications as a part of the moving budget given to her when she was hired. The tub was one of many indulgences and she was glad to know she wasn’t the only one who did it. “You know, there is a vendor of bath additives near my home. We should visit there when you come to my house.”

Astrid Rousseau.