Captain's Log - Sing That Sweet Melody

[universal_charm]

Who: Jim Kirk & You
Broadcast: Yes
Action: On the Tourist at First and Later on the Iskaulit
When: Jan 4 - Kirk's 32nd Birthday

[ Video ]
_{[ The transmission has a soundtrack this time - the dulcet tones of The Beastie Boys' Sabotage. A personal favorite of his, evidenced by his head gently bobbing to the 'beats and the shouting' as Jaylah had so fondly referred to it as. Hard to believe that had been years ago now. ]}

You know, there are times that I believe that Atroma knows way, way more about us than we think it does. That the whys of ripping us out of our times and our worlds is a lot more purposeful than we might think.

This, for instance.

_{[ He goes quiet and makes a motion with his hand to indicate the beats and the shouting, or to Kirk, the classical piece playing. ]}

I got this as what I can only assume is a combination Christmas and birthday gift. It's nothing but Sabotage remixes. Which, coincidentally, is probably one of the most significant songs in my life. Crashed my first car to the song - which, not surprisingly, lead to my first misdemeanor. I would sing this at the karaoke bars in college, even a bit during Star Fleet Academy on our nights off. And this song helped save the Federation, possibly the universe - also, coincidentally, on my birthday.

_{[ He goes quiet for a minute, just seeming to listen to the song, though his eyes seem far away. ]}

Anyways, if anyone would like to borrow it or get a copy, drop me a line. I'm always happy to share the classics from my world. It really is a great song. Hopefully next time I get a full album and not just the top twenty remixes - though I question the one that uses a piano. I don't recommend that version.

_{[ A soft sigh and then quieter than before - ]}

Two years and thirty-two, huh?

_{[ End transmission. ]}

[ Action - Tourist + Iskaulit/Malum ]
<sub>[ His offer made, Kirk would spend a bit more on the Tourist listening to the songs, going down to the freight hangar to blast the music, and probably do a little bit of a workout while he did it. It was the sort of music that made you want to move, after all. He would stop between sets to flip through data on a pad, sometimes making notes, and then going back to his exercise with music that vibrated his bones.

Thankfully he has left the music behind when he goes to the Malum, because, well, it is his birthday, and he has a tradition on his birthday - a good solid drink. Normally he would share it with Bones, get chided about calling his mother, and then they would toast. That was it. No sense in changing the routine now, though he would have to do it without Bones. He thought about inviting Chekov, but, well, he didn't want to bother the other man.

So he could be found later at the Malum, in his reserved seat because even on his birthday he was the official honeypot, sipping something good and from the top shelf. He didn't use his birthday for anything, except a good drink and could you blame him? ]</sub>

Comments

[theladyofwinterfell]

( Sansa gives him an appraising look and smiles a little wider. She doesn't think he dresses terribly, even if it is a lot different than a man would dress in Westeros. )

I don't think you've done so badly, Captain. I'll ask Kitty for her help though, certainly. Do you think I ought to wear trousers?

[universal_charm]

It wouldn’t be a bad idea to have some. If there’s an emergency it would be easier to maneuver. Not that we try to have to many of those, but Atroma does love it’s surprises. Better to be prepared for the possibility.

_{[ The car rolled to a stop and Kirk payed the man, swiping his comm device over a reader to transfer the credits. He slid out and turned back to offer his hand to Sansa. They were let out in front of a building built of the stained glass tiles that seemed so popular in the city, the snow outside sculpted to resemble local flora, a warm light casting bright blocks of color over the snow and a warm, spicy scent drifting out ever time the door opened. ]}

[theladyofwinterfell]

( The colors against the white snow are beautiful to behold and Sansa is struck silent for a moment before she shakes her head and turns to face Kirk again. )

I suppose I should invest in some trousers if I'm going to make a habit of visiting these planets. It sure is beautiful here, isn't it?

[universal_charm]

Yes, it is. Normally I am not a fan of frozen planets like this, but this... this is an exception.

_{[ He led her towards the door and inside, the interior modern, but warm with browns and blacks and yellow light. There were small tables and chairs and a few booths, a homey feel, with a open kitchen behind and people darting about preparing drinks and snacks. Kirk led Sansa over to a table and pulled out a chair for her. ]}

Let me go get a menu for you.

[theladyofwinterfell]

( Sansa isn’t certain what she expected but Kirk is a gentleman and she cannot help but be happy about that. She waits for Kirk to return with the menu, hands folded neatly in front of her. )

This place is absolutely beautiful, Captain. Thank you for escorting me. I never would have come alone.

[universal_charm]

I'm sure you would have found your way down, eventually. You seem a curious sort.

_{[ He settled beside her, opening up the menu. ]}

Do you prefer sweet things, Sansa? Or do you prefer savory?

[theladyofwinterfell]

I've always had something of a sweet tooth. Mother had to keep me out of the lemoncakes so I wouldn't spoil my supper.

( Sansa gives him a curious look, eager to see what he'll suggest. )

I could make a whole meal of those little cakes.

[universal_charm]

Well, your mother was right. To much sugar isn't good for you, though I know how hard it is to resist something delicious.

_{[ He tapped the table for a moment and then held out the menu to her and pointed at a few things. ]}

I think we make a good showing of this, and the drinks are only a little sweet - chocolatey, even. I think you'll enjoy them.

[theladyofwinterfell]

Chocolate is rare in Westeros, you know. It only comes from the Summer Isles and it's very expensive. Even more expensive than lemons.

( Sansa thinks she may have had chocolate once at a feast in King's Landing but never since then; she thinks she'll enjoy it a lot more now with Jim than she did back then since she's safe and having fun. )

[universal_charm]

Hah, it's the opposite where I'm from. Chocolate comes cheap, and lemons are more dear pound for pound. We have whole companies in my world that do absolutely nothing but make chocolate treats for people to buy and they make stacks of cash.

_{[ Which he bought into. Chocolate wasn't necessarily his favorite treat, but he enjoyed it, especially the dark stuff with that nice bitter kick. ]}

There's this one ingredient in my world - called a truffle. Specifically a black truffle. More expensive than gold.

_{[ He tapped a screen to life on the table and put in an order for them, the drinks arriving swiftly. ]}

[theladyofwinterfell]

A black truffle? Strange. I've never heard of such a thing. I suppose my world is a lot different than yours.

( Sansa doesn't mind that, though. She's enjoyed learning about the differences - be they small or large. )

I cannot thank you enough for helping me navigate all of this. It's so different for me and it would be difficult if I didn't have someone to help me.

[universal_charm]

They're a type of tuber, and they grow underground. They have to train pigs to find them.

_{[ And really that was the most interesting fact about them, beyond the ridiculous price for certain types which Kirk had never understood, but whatever the culinary world said, he supposed. He would probably cry if he tasted one though - all these years on Atroma provided foods. ]}

Oh, it's no problem at all. There's a learning curve, but you're a smart girl, so I doubt you'll have much trouble. Which, speaking of, we should maybe get you some clothing to workout in if I'm going to be teaching you self-defense.

[theladyofwinterfell]

( Sansa realizes she's eventually going to have to give up wearing gowns in favor of other things but it still doesn't feel natural. Still, she wants to try and she wants to learn to defend herself the way Kirk has offered. )

Yes, we should look for something I can wear for that. It will be the first time I ever wear trousers.

[universal_charm]

I think you’ll come to like it. Most women in my time wear pants, though they have skirts when the mood strikes them, or if that’s just what they prefer. The women who serve on my ship back home can choose between a dress uniform or two piece pant uniform.

_{[ Their drinks arrived swiftly, placed before them in steaming mugs along with little dishes for sugar, cream, and a sort of powder meant to add a touch of sour if that was your thing. Kirk stirred cream into his and nothing else, sipping. ]}

I’m sure we can find a long skirt or dress as well, just one that’s less bulky. Give you more freedom of movement. But you might want to go with the ladies for that, or really most of it. I’m probably no help beyond “Yes that’s good for a defense class”.

[theladyofwinterfell]

I don't know much about wearing trousers. That was always my sister, not me. I was the lady.

( This makes her miss Arya, strangely, and Sansa tries to press that down so she can deal with it later. )

You would like my sister. She can fight as well as a man.

[universal_charm]

_{[ He chuckled. ]}

I just might. Perhaps if she comes here you can impress her with your own skills.

[theladyofwinterfell]

Arya would be very impressed if I learned how to fight. She knows how to use swords and daggers like any man does. She definitely isn't the same kind of lady I am.

( There is awe in it because if she had been more like Arya, Sansa thinks she might not have been hurt or taken advantage of the way she'd been over the years. )

[universal_charm]

I'll have to take your word for it, though I don't think there's anything wrong with being the sort of lady you are. And I only suggest for you to learn for your own safety, not to change you. Besides, I think it's good when siblings aren't to much alike. Keeps you both on your toes.

[theladyofwinterfell]

Thank you, Captain. I appreciate that you don't want to change me. I think I still want to be more like I am now than to physically fight but I want to be able to defend myself if I must.

[universal_charm]

Never fear, I never planned on turning you into a fighter. But I firmly believe that everyone should be able to defend themselves if a situation calls for it. A little bit of a knowledge like that can go a long ways, and it can pretty empowering.

Where I'm from they train us extensively, but it's only to defend ourselves. My job can come across many hazards, and some are more hostile than others. What I plan to teach you isn't about starting a fight or finishing it, it's about surviving and helping you get out of the situation with the least amount of damage and alive. That's the goal here.

_{[ Their food arrived, placed down on little ceramic plates, so finely crafted that Kirk though either that had a pro chef back there or they came pre-packaged. ]}

[theladyofwinterfell]

( Survival is what Sansa wants. When the food comes, she is delighted to see that it is plated beautifully and it looks nothing like the food in the Fleet. She's missed beautiful things. )

Oh, it just looks lovely doesn't it? The Fleet's food isn't nearly as nice as the things we can get down here.

[universal_charm]

Haha, well, the Fleet doesn't have any professional chefs, alas. Well, that's not true. Jarvis is a really good cook. I'm pretty good at pancakes and sausage.

But nothing like this though.

_{[ He picked up knife and fork, cutting into the treat. ]}

[theladyofwinterfell]

I have never had to cook for myself. It's not really something a lady ever has to do in my world, since there are servants.

( Sansa takes a delicate bite of her treat as well, savoring the blend of flavors and the taste of real butter and sugar. )

I probably need to learn, don't I?

[universal_charm]

Hmm, yes and no. I think it's always a good skill to have. I'm not a fancy cook, but I can make a sandwich. Questionable if that's a full, nutritious meal, but it works.

If you want to learn to cook you should ask Jarvis. He's much better at it than I am.

[theladyofwinterfell]

I should probably learn to cook while I'm here. It's not something I'd ever need to know at home but anything acquired here is a skill that I can use to help the Fleet. I want to do that if I can.

I don't know if I have as much to contribute as others.