Joining In

Posted on Fri Sep 25th, 2026 @ 4:24pm by Lieutenant Lireh Vin & Lieutenant Jynxza Dahl {Meji} {AKA: Toots}
Edited on on Fri Sep 25th, 2026 @ 4:24pm

Mission: CHARACTER DEVELOPMENT 09/26
Location: Promenade
Timeline: Current

Lireh, having just wrapped up her final morning appointment, felt a sudden, persistent pang of hunger taking hold. Stepping out of her office door, she set off down the dimly lit corridor, her feet carrying her instinctively toward the bustling promenade. Her mission was simple: scout out the local plethora of food options and quell the relentless attack of the munchies.

When she stepped out onto the wide concourse, the sheer sensory overload hit her immediately. The air was thick with a rich tapestry of aromas, sizzling spices, roasted coffee, freshly baked dough, and the sweet tang of citrus. She moved into the open space, her eyes scanning the lively strip of eateries for something truly interesting, filling, and deeply satisfying.

Yet, as so often happens, the luxury of abundant choice quickly turned into a paradox of indecision. Every menu teased a different craving, and every kitchen looked more promising than the last.

Slowing her pace, Lireh paused near the centre of the promenade where she had an unobstructed view of several competing bistro boards. Hands clasped around her back, she narrowed her eyes, carefully weighing the merits of a savoury braised noodle bowl against a heavily layered artisan sandwich. She was so utterly absorbed in her culinary dilemma, quietly debating the virtues of garlic cream versus chilli glaze, that she remained completely oblivious to the woman approaching purposefully from her left.

Jynxza, having finished seeing to several situations this morning, was now in the mood for a filling meal. Even Dahl, in her belly, was feeling the need to feed. Upon reaching the food court on the Promenade Jynx's eyes scanned the crowd to see which lines were shorter, and also to gather intel on what she actually felt like eating. With her inspection she noted a woman in Starfleet blue standing alone, her eyes flitting over all the reader-board menus with indecision written in her expression. But, what caught Jynxza's attention more than anything else were the Trill spots on her temple. Sure, there were Trill in Starfleet but not in numerous abundance. And, even less so for those Trill who were joined. Curiosity got the best of her so she walked over and got in beside the woman, on her left, matching her stance of hands clasped behind the back.

Jynxza leaned in closer on the woman's left. "Hard to decide, right?" She gave a grin as she spoke.

Lireh turned to look at who was speaking to her. A young woman. a Trill like herself, with light braided hair.

"It never gets easier every time I come for my lunch." Lireh responded.

Giving a giggle at that, Jynx gave an understanding nod. "I know the feeling. I'm Jynxza," she stated as her right hand came up for a handshake even as she turned to face the woman, her left hand poking her abs. "And, this is Dahl. Jynxza Dahl one and all." Another giggle.

Lireh hadn't seen this way for a joined Trill to address themselves in a while.

She shook her hand. "I'm Lireh and below my hungry stomach is Vin. Lireh Vin as one. ". She replied.

"Sweet," Jynx said with a bit of excitement and a smile. "I've met two other Trill here on M-69 but neither were joined. Aside from our physical characteristics, it's a pleasure to meet you, Lireh." Her head tilted a moment towards the row of eateries even as she kept her eyes on the woman before her. "I've decided to have some gaH for lunch. Nothing like chewing up some bloodworms to satisfy one's hunger. And, the Klingon eatery serves it live, unlike the replicators."

"Ok, why not. Let's go get some, find a table and satisfy the munchies." Lireh replied.

Jynxza got them moving, and the Klingon eatery had very few people lined up for their delicacies. With Colonel Kehlani away seeing to her House on Kor'Kang colony, there was a shortage of regular customers since her crew was not walking around the station. "Okran!" Jynx said as they approached the counter, the grisly elder Klingon looking up from his chopping. His hair used to be a vibrant black but was now streaked with a lot of silver-grey. "Good to see you, my friend. I'll have a bowl of warm gaH, and a slice of Rokeg bloodpie to go with it. Is the Bloodwine fresh, or stale?"

"For you, fresh!" Okran stated with a grin. "I give the other to customers who don't know the difference. You, my friend, would spew it out if'n you drank that stale swill."

Jynx gave a laugh. "Glad I'm on the preferred list, then. Also," Jynxza grabbed Lireh around her shoulders and brought her forward to stand right next to her at the counter. After she had been moved a step, Jynx did not let go. "This is my friend, Lireh Vin. She, too, would like a bowl of gaH, warm, if you will."

Okran stopped chopping and set his blade down, taking up a towel and cleaning his hands. He came around his cutting table and approached them, looking Lireh up and down as he did so. "What is it with you Trill?" He asked, the mirth clear in his eyes as he addressed the women. "Always so damn skinny! My gaH will be just the right protein you need to muscle up a bit." Once at the counter he leaned in and took up Lireh's right hand, kissing the back of her knuckles before releasing. "A pleasure to meet a friend of Jynxza. Are you assigned here, Lireh?"

Lireh was taken aback slightly by the kiss from the Klingon on the back of her hand.

"Um yes. I'm one of the Counsellors. Obviously not for whilst on duty but do you happen to know where I might get a goblet of Chech'tluth?" Lireh asked.

Giving a knowing grin, Okran gave a nod of respect to Lireh. "I do. However, you should come back after shift for such libations. If you can wait until then I shall gift you a bottle from my own stock, kept in reserve for my more sociable and likable patrons." His eyes danced over to Jynxza for but a moment, then back to Lireh. "Also, Club Bliss has their own stock since Matriarch Kehlani herself likes to spend time there."

Jynx gave a slight giggle, and a light nudge to Lireh. "Okran likes you. He's not usually this long-winded."

"Close your hole," said Okran in jest, a deep chuckle coming from him.

Lireh stifulled a giggle. "I can't help liking the good strong Klingon drinks like Chech'tluth. It gives me such a buzz." She turned back to Okran.

"choquvmoH qaH. qatlho' jIH." She added with a nod.

Okran gave a nodding bow from the neck and that pleasant grin. Klingons, after all, just state their business and leave. Pleasantries such as "thanks" and "take care" are too human, and though he was like his Matriarch and was his own person in deed and word, Okran maintained the stoic Klingon stance, having acknowledged her thanks for the food with his nod. "So, Lireh, what is it you do on this station? I see the blue for Sciences. Any particular field?"

Jynx looked at them both. "I was about to ask the same thing. I'm currently in Strategic Operations. I run the department while Colonel Kehlani is out playing Matriarch, and I assist the Fleet Captain when needed."

"I'm a counsellor. I've not been on the station long. A few days at most. It's still all very new but slowly getting familiar. I'm delighted there's good Klingon food here. I got to know a number of Klingons on my last posting and got a taste for certain dishes."

Upon hearing this Okran broke into a Klingon belly laugh, giving a light pounding of his fist on the counter top to add to it. He looked to Jynx, still chuckling as he spoke and smiling. "majQa', Jynxza. You could not have picked a better friend." His eyes then shifted back to his other guest. "Pardon my laughter, Lireh, it is not at you but, for you. Jynxza here has been accused of being crazy at times. Perhaps the Universe is trying to tell her something by your very presence. majQa', my friend."

" Anything is possible in this universe." Lireh commented. " I try to help the people I meet but I can only go so far, as they have to be willing to see things through if they want change to lead them onto better things. They may not know how to make the change but wanting to is a good start. Is that bottle of Chech'tluth still available?"

Okran gave a nod, playfully cursing himself as he turned and got busy gathering their order. "Here I am chatting like a Ferengi when you lot ordered food." The two bowls of gaH were set on trays on the counter, then Jynxza's slice of Rokeg bloodpie was added to her tray. "Give me a minute." Okran disappeared into the back area for the eatery, and as good as his word, returned within about a minute. He handed over a bottle similar in design to that of bloodwine but the label told a far different story. "Let me know if you would like any other Klingon libations. Black Ale, Warnog, I have shipments from the Empire come in once a week to supply my business."

Jynxza was glad she had introduced Lireh to Okran. Even if she did not feel like Klingon food every day, Okran was never opposed to some lively conversation. Kehlani had brought an unorthodox Klingon Way to House Kehlani, even going so far as to create Earls to own lands as vassals under the banner of House Kehlani. The Human looking Klingon woman had even gone so far as to introduce the Viking one-handed battle axe to her House, with many Klingons liking the weapons. They were weapons, tools, and could be thrown at enemies with great accuracy. Kehlani herself carried a pair of axes on her belt at all times, and she was a Matriarch who was not afraid to get bloody and muddy with her warriors.

"Noted. I've not had Black Ale in a while. The last time I had some, things got somewhat messy. I left the morning after with a warp core breach of a headache and feeling very sore in places."

Okran gave a chuckle. "I, too, have suffered that result when it comes to black ale, and I have two livers to filter my blood! You're still standing so your constitution must be above average. maj."

"Sounds like I'll have a drinking buddy for the bars and clubs on the shop level above us," said Jynx with a smile, taking up her tray. "As always, Okran, your fare is worth every bite. Qapla', my friend." She spun around to look at the plethora of small, four-seat tables for diners to sit at. "Now, where to sit." There were a few two-person tables along the handrail, so patrons could look up or down into the center of the Promenade section, seeing the foot traffic above and below from their angle.

Pointing to a vacant table for two. " That one looks good" she said moving over towards it, putting her tray on the table, taking a seat.

Jynx took the opposite seat, putting the 'au fresco' view to her left. Okran had been good enough to give them both two large cloth napkins folded on their trays, and even gave them silverware in case they did not wish to pinch the bloodworms in their fingers to shovel them into their mouths. Jynxza set one aside on the table for her fingers and face, the other she tucked into the front of her uniform top. She wore the vest variant, with the mock-neck red shirt underneath. She did use the fork to cut into her Rokeg bloodpie, nodding in gratitude for the dish even as she chewed. Once she swallowed she began to chat. "Okran is like a Klingon grandfather," she mused. "Now that he knows you, and that you appreciate his culture, he will spoil you rotten...in a Klingon way, of course." She giggled.

Lireh finished eating four bloodworms. "Oh really? Klingons tend to do things on the larger side of life so should I be worried?" She asked whilst slicing into her Rokeg Bloodpie.

"Maybe," Jynx said with a smile and a knowing twinkle in her eye. "Also," she had taken a bite of her pie as she said that, chewing and swallowing before going on. "Gavin Lasso, our Flight Control Chief, is a member of House Kehlani. He and Patriarch/Lt. Marz hit it off rather well, so much so that Marz performed the Ruustai ceremony to make Gavin his brother. He's half human and half El-Aurian. But, he is fully committed to his role as the brother of the Lord of House Kehlani. Kehlani even made Gavin an Earl on the House world of Kor'Kang, with lands to match. To say that M-69 has a kaleidoscope of interesting people aboard would be an understatement."

"I truly had no idea. M-69 is getting more and more interesting and unusual by the passing hour. I think I might just blend in well here, but I probably should be careful about how much of my 'personality' I release at a time. Wouldn't want to worry anyone. "

That statement caused Jynx to give a light laugh. I used to serve on the USS Capernaum, and there are two of my favourite people serving aboard. Griffon Resch and Ken Kudo. Let's say I came off really strong towards them when we first met so since that day, Griffon calls me Toots as a nickname." Another giggle. "Ken is married to Captain Kudo, so he calls me that, too. For the jest, of course. But Admiral Stone is taking Capernaum from M-69 and replacing it with a Berlin-class. The USS Diligent."

"I don't think I have had a nickname since I was a teenager at school, and that was 'Socks' because my Auntie knitted me many different brightly coloured socks, and that's how that came about. "

Jynxza laughed. "Socks...I like it. I did throw a lot of sexual innuendo at Griffon when we first met, so the Toots kinda fit. Now, I just like it and use it as a callsign when I'm in small craft during emergency situations." She grinned at the memories. "I expended the energy, got a nickname, and we never did cross that line. Now, he's just one of my dearest friends."

"Well, back in my academy days, I was well known for the good pun and double entendre. Ive not had anyone to really bounce those things off of for a while. As much as I love strong beverages, I do have to be careful, as I have gotten into trouble for having zero filter when drunk. I say what the hell I like."

Jynx gave another laugh at that. "Well, good thing it's Klingon booze, then. Fits perfectly with speaking one's mind. I have some kali-fal in my quarters for nighttime sipping while I read. Occasionally, I visit friends on a freighter that stops in." She lowers her voice and leans forward a bit. "Romulan ale."

She looked at her. Leaning in, lowering her voice. "Seriously?" she asked. "Jackpot" she exclaimed. "I have wanted to try that cool blue drink for some time but never had the opportunity. Any chance you could facilitate?"

"Of course," Jynxza responded as she leaned back again, letting her food settle. "There's a faction out this way calling themselves the Romulan Republic. They have broken away from the harsh ways of the Star Empire, and we are a nice little stop for them for trade and repairs when they need them. They've taught me that not all Rihannsu are bloodthirsty tyrants out for galactic domination."

"You know, I gave up on trying for galactic domination; it seemed like way too much hard work in the end."

Giggling along with Lireh, Jynx nodded agreement. "I know, right?" More laughing. "There's an old Earth song that comes to mind; The World Needs a Drink." Another giggle. "From reports I've read, the Klingons are getting ready to go smash another planet into submission. Pyria, or some such. Led by the Dahar Master herself, Colonel Kehlani." Her expression showed a thought had crossed her mind. "Oh, and if you've never been aboard a Klingon Bird of Prey, Lasso commands one on loan from House Kehlani. A small Brel class scout he named the IKS Starhawke. He uses it to see to checking the nav buoys and comm satellites."

"I've only just met you and already you are opening doors to help me tick things off my bucket list."

"Hey, I'm a girl of adventure," Jynx replied with a smile. "I've been whispering in Gavin's ear about going on the next Great Roba Hunt. Big beasts that look like Earth Bison, but are the size of Earth African Elephants. Pretty docile he says, until you threaten their young or the females in the herd. Then the bulls fly into a rage and attack everything that isn't a Roba."

"Hmm I'm not sure if I'd be up for something like that. I wouldn't want to hurt any animals. But, I am up for adventures and things like that. I did recently try something on the holodeck called an Escape Room. "

"I've heard of those," Jynx admitted. "But, I've never tried one. Could be useful during a hostage event so I can see the appeal for giving it a go."

" They are very good at challenging the mind to think logically or out of the box and problem solve. Speaking of problems, I really don't like being single. "

Jynxza giggled at that. "Being who we are I'm sure you have been both a man and a woman at some point. This station is huge, massive, so I'm sure you'll find a target of opportunity to hang out with." She gave a warm smile. "That's not even considering the multiple starships that call this facility their home port."

"Yes and of equal measure. My first host, Torbin, was a man, then my second, Lennah, was a very strong willed woman and then my last host, Jorral, was a brave but somewhat reckless man. Target? What an interesting way of referring to looking for a partner."

"Well, what else could so effectively describe a person of intimate interest? You see them, maybe get a whiff of their hygiene and pheromones, all that. Then, the crosshairs in your mind lock in and you begin to pursue and target them for your affections. Sure, it sounds aggressive but, pursuing beaus can be considered hunting." She gave a grin at a memory. "I've seen Lasso after spending quality time with his mate Kehzza, a Klingon. I wouldn't advise going quite that aggressive," she giggled. "Unless you're into that sorta thing."

" I'm still recoiling from a break up so I'm wary of doing any targeting as it were. But, I miss the closeness. "

Jynxza looked at her new friend, her face passive as the wheels in her mind were turning. Her head tilted slightly and she gave a thoughtful pursing of her lips before she spoke to Lireh again. "There are a few single men and women in my circle of friends. All of whom you'll get to meet, I'm sure. I mean, I'm single, but I kinda like that. No strings, and all." She gave a lascivious grin. "If the right person comes along," she shrugged. "Who knows."

" True. But, at least I have a plan for this evening, when I come off duty. It involves my favourite blue dress and copious amounts of alcohol. "

"Club Bliss, then," offered Jynxza. "My friends and I like the atmosphere, and there is also an open mic and a band stage to sing from. Some even walk the bartop and buddy bars as they sing. But, you better make it there within the next few days as the Club has changed ownership and will be closing for a remodel soon. Not the first time a change of hand has occurred. Manny, though, he's the main bartender and has always been the manager, whether an owner or not. A big Viking looking Human, well groomed, over six feet tall and built like Conan the Barbarian. That, and he knows all the right people, legal and illegal, as he was Starfleet Intelligence for many years."

"Best go tonight then and let me hair down. I'd best get back to work. I have a client in 30 minutes. "

Jynxza stood up as Lireh did, grabbing both trays to dispense with them. "You get going, sister. I'll take care of these. Mental health is important to those who need it, and the counselor should be able to relax a bit before a session. Maybe I'll see you at Bliss. Too-da-loo," she said as she walked away, throwing over her shoulder as she went. "Glad we met."

" Likewise, sister. " Lireh replied before heading back to her office

Off.