Club Neverwinter Part I
Posted on Mon Oct 14th, 2024 @ 10:05am by Lieutenant Colonel Cornelius Tremble & Lieutenant Mira Jayna
Edited on on Mon Oct 14th, 2024 @ 9:30pm
0 words; about a 1 minute read
Mission:
Episode 16 - Silent Cries
Location: Club Neverwinter - Promenade Lower Level - Empok Nor
Timeline: MD001 2000 hrs
Neil smiled at Jayna as they walked hand in hand through the lower concourse of Empok Nor’s promenade. There were people moving about, more of a night crowd as they explored the stations bars and night-life. Jayna had chosen their restaurant and he was in charge of the evening after. His contact had them orientated into the stations system so he led her toward the night club’s entrance.
He was actually clad in civilian kit for the night, loose fitting grey trousers, low boots and a wrapped over-tunic in an off white and burgundy checked pattern.
Neil felt under-dressed as he always did out of uniform. Glancing at Jayna, he said, “You look stunning, if I hadn’t said it before.” He had, but it gave him an excuse to gawk at her yet again.
"Thank you." Jayna smiled at Neil. She took extra care to look good for him and for their night out. She chose a deceptively simple dress that laced up the front. It was made of an iridescent material that looked to be deep plum--until she moved, when it shimmered deep green with gold accents and a mostly-hidden slit up one side. It was different than her customary attire, but she felt like something different for a change.
They felt the music before making the last turn into a more industrial part of the station and they discovered a queue of various beings moving steadily toward the Nightclub’s entrance. The name <blink> NEVERWINTER NIGHTS</blink> was worked out in neon that looped through various languages.
They joined the line and within five minutes were confronted by a female Caitian who regarded them. Neil’s contact was dealing with an avalanche of ads and data emissions, but did pick up the comm set the orange furred Caitian wore. An ear flick and she smiled at them both. “Major Tremble. Lieutenant Mira, welcome to Club Neverwinter. We have your reservation for a niche on the second level. Regarding both of them, she took a dye stick from her belt, then used the old-fashioned marker to make a what looked like a horned eye symbol in neon green on the back of their left hands.
Taking a small drone from a nearby stack, she shook it, giving Jayna a wink and let what looked like a magic 8 ball raise in the air. “If you’ll follow the drone, it’ll escort you to your space and you’ll be joined there by a server. Please enjoy your visit.”
"Thank you." Jayna squeezed Neil's hand as the two followed the drone across a wood floor, past two spiderweb-like potted plants, and up a partially-hidden staircase. It was lit by imitation torchlight, adding to the feel of being in another world. The music was softer up here, which she appreciated. She wanted to hear Neil, and to know if anyone approached. The latter was more an occupational hazard. She always knew where the nearest exit was and paid attention to her surroundings. That habit helped her decide what to wear tonight.
The niche was just that. A small space with a wooden table, two chairs, and some privacy. A lantern hung above the table, adding to the air of intimacy.
As they slid into the booth, Neil glanced around the club interestedly. It was rare he surrounded himself with that many people. The club proper consisted of a large open space. The main floor was occupied with a crowd, dancing to the rhythmic beat that he couldn't identify. His eyes were drawn to the space above the floor. Even more patrons floated and moved within a slight haze of smoke, reflected light apparently connected some way to avoid running into one another.
A throat cleared and a young female Bajoran grinned at them. She was dressed in club livery of black and blue mini-dress and sandals. "Hi," she said brightly," I'm Gwen. I'll be your server." Catching their eyes, she gestured toward the central area and stated. "Looks like your first trip here. Neverwinter patrons can join in with the Collective experience if they chose. Music is an important part of most societies and we incorporate a state of the art experience." Gesturing toward a small block mounted to the wall at the back of their niche, she continued.
"The bracelets there allow your body to feel, taste, and smell the music as well as experience shades of our other patrons’ feelings as they all Ride the Wave." She grinned at them and said, "The effect is the same as a mild narcotic, without the use of any drugs. You get to experience the music in a whole new way. It's simple and the instructions are on a card there and or available through any linked devices you may choose to use. Now, can I get you started with drinks and any food?"
Jayna found the idea fascinating, but wasn't sure she wanted a group experience with the bracelets. One-on-one with Neil, however, would be another matter. "I think we'll start with bread and tankards of mead." She turned her attention to her companion. "If you know what you want for the main course, we can order now, otherwise, we can start with that while we consider our options."
Leaning back into the blood blue maybe leather cushions, Neil regarded the club's tank, where patrons seemed to flow through a current of antigrav, reaching the summit, then floated back down through the center to ease back into the mix to start over again. Unconsciously he timed it and the ride seemed to take about four minutes.
Give or take.
Glancing toward Jayna he said, "Bread sounds better than the eel pie advertised through my contact. Don't know if I'm that brave." Glancing at the card, he said, "Seems like an experience. The use of sonics is old science." Chuckling he held up a hand and said, "I shouldn't dissect everything. Anything in particular you'd like to do this shore leave? "
"I'm in Intel. Dissecting everything is common practice." She smiled. She didn't see a particular problem with that. "I'm not fond of the idea of eel pie, either. There's a buffalo stew that might be good, depending on the vegetables. But you are generally safe with bread." Then she looked at him and chuckled. "What do I want to do for shore leave? Besides hiding out in your quarters? I don't know. To be honest, I haven't really thought much beyond that. As long as I get to spend some of it with you, I have no idea. Do you have suggestions?"
Neil met her glance and shrugged as their order materialized, filling the air instantly with the smell. His stomach growled as it scented the bread and he picked up one of the slices and bit into it before trying any of the butter that had come with it. "I wouldn't mind getting ground under my feet again. Another camping trip could be fun but I'm not sure we'll have the time. Or we could just lock ourselves away in a visiting officer quarters suite and bar the door."
"While I'd love to go camping again, I think you're right. There's something brewing, but I'm not seeing anything definite on the intel channels. Whatever it is hasn't made a big enough ripple yet." She took a piece of bread and closed her eyes, enjoying the scent for a moment. "However, that visiting officer's quarters sounds perfect. Do we have to use our real names?" She knew they couldn't just disappear, and they'd get any important messages on their personal comms regardless, but it was a nice thought.
A Joint Post By
Lieutenant Colonel Cornelius Tremble
Executive Officer, USS Pioneer
Battalion Commander, The Cure
Lieutenant Mira Jayna
Intelligence Officer, The Cure
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