A Touch of Serenity/Bath Chat

Posted on Sat Nov 7th, 2026 @ 10:47pm by Yui Kudo {Mejilorean} {Scientist} & Lieutenant Lireh Vin

Mission: CHARACTER DEVELOPMENT 09/26
Location: M-69/Catspaw Lounge
Timeline: current

ON:

Yui, after having left her quarters this morning with Jaz, was now alone and merely walking the Promenade. Arriving at the small au fresco dining area outside of the currently closed Catspaw lounge, she took a seat and decided to just relax. In about an hour, she would be busy in Sickbay here on M-69, learning where everything was, how they operate, and getting her work assignments for the average day on duty. The small ordering window was open to the public from Catspaw, and a small section of the counter there could be opened for the server to come out and see to any needs a customer or patron might have while the majority of the business was still closed for remodelling. Yui reminded herself that she needed to go and gather more currency for further expenses to the business. She ordered a tea tray, with four cups, a pot of piping hot tea with a warmer, and some sweet biscuits to go with the beverage. It took all of about fifteen minutes before the tray and its contents arrived, with the server leaving Yui to herself as she made sure she had all she needed before turning away. Sipping tea and taking the occasional tiny bite from a biscuit/cookie, Yui people-watched the foot traffic on the Promenade.

Vin, who had finished four appointments, almost back-to-back, was wandering the promenade, pondering a troublesome question: tea or coffee. She noticed a familiar face, Yui and made her way over.

"Well, hello again, Yui." She uttered as she stood in front of her.

Hearing her name, Yui turned her face that way and immediately beamed a big smile. "Lireh! Hello to you. If you're not in a hurry, there's plenty of tea. Biscuits are optional." She motioned for Lireh to take a seat near hers if she was in the mood to sit down.

Lireh took a seat next to Yui. "Correction, Yui. Biscuits are never optional with tea; they are, in fact, mandatory. Well, at least in my opinion, that is." She added whilst pouring herself a cup of tea, adding the milk and then analysing the biscuits on offer.

"Tofu biscuits, made with natural honey and sprinkled with a dusting of powdered sugar," Yui offered. "Nothing replicated." She enjoyed watching Lireh examine the foreign food items. It meant that the woman did not just eat whatever was before her, but instead chose to give it a good look and sniff. With that said, Yui refreshed her cup of tea from half full to properly full.

"They sound interesting," Lireh commented. She took a good sip of her tea. "Mmm, that's just what the doctor ordered," she said, smiling. She took one of the biscuits, taking a bite. "Nice. So, what is new with you then, Yui?"

Yui giggled, and one could tell part of that mirth was aimed at herself. "You mean other than wedging my way into another's time with a doctor? Not much, honestly. I tend to find a slow, reasonably quiet area such as this and sip my tea while running all kinds of ideas through my head. Subconsciously, I like to people-watch. Most helpful with non-Human beings, to get an inkling as to what body language means." She kept the smile going. "I take it you had a day filled with appointments?"

"Very much so, yes. Almost back-to-back as well. I honestly didn't mind you wedging yourself into my appointment with the doctor. There wasn't anything really confidential in the appointment this time."

"I'm glad it wasn't off-putting." Yui said. Her expression remained lighthearted but had been quelled a bit since the initial greeting. "So, for what it's worth, my apologies. I just really wanted that job, which led to a lack of manners on my part."

" It's totally fine. Sometimes, when you really want something, you just[ have to go after it. You seemed curious about my species. I'm happy to answer any questions you might have."

"Your species, yes. To a degree." Yui said. "I know Jynx, so I've had some questions answered. More will come to mind in time, I'm sure. More to the point, Lireh, I'm interested in what you do. Psychology and counselling, all that. I am pouring myself into the sciences, and life sciences is of key interest to me. All life sciences."

"Oh right. I wouldn't be able let you sit in on a session as that's strictly confidential between myself and my client. But I can spend some time with you going through things. We may be able to use the holodeck to simulate a session."

Yui smiled. "Yes, I can see how me being in with a client might cause some negative feelings. And I would never ask such a thing of anyone." She giggled more at herself than at the thought that came up. "Maybe I'll psychoanalyse one of my flatmates. Their way of life is all about reading people and applying the right comfort."

"How many flatmates do you have? Just out of curiosity." Lireh replied. Sipping her tea.

Leaning back, Yui answered. "Two. Catfolk, like myself. They serve the August Lady Qeritas. A 'kami', or divine being. A member of the Q Continuum, and one of several Q who have taken an interest in the Quazi. Some give faith to Qeros, some to MallaQ, some to Qeritas. All those names spelled with Q's in place of C's or K's, or even the CH K sound." She had deflated to a more relaxed state, not as smiley and upbeat as before, showing her reverence for the kami, or gods.

" That's quite a lot to digest. I live alone. Something I'm getting used to since splitting up with my partner of four years." Lireh explained.

Yui gave a grin at that. "Well, just know that if you ever need some friends for a bit of comfort and companionship, I will extend an invitation for you to come and have a bubble bath with us kittens." Giving another grin and nod. "As catfolk, we are very social creatures, in all aspects. And, our idea of modesty is somewhere along the lines of Orions, just not as crude."

Lireh did a slight double take. "A bubble bath? Is it scented? Do you have candles for lighting? I've not had a good relaxing bubble bath for quite sometime. I will accept that invitation right now. " Lireh replied with a smile.

Giving a pleasant giggle, Yui could see that the idea of a bubble bath was right up this Trill's alley. "Scented candles, incense, cherry blossom and peach blossom scented bubbles with bath beads and oils. Not to mention that my two dearest friends will wash you head to foot, scrub your hair gently and douse you in water to rinse. A full bathing experience where you don't have to lift a finger. We will take care of you so all you need do is relax. It's how we roll." A smile appeared as she could see the expression on Lireh's face, her mind probably conjuring all sorts of pleasant images.

Lireh's eyes glazed over as the sheer thought of being absolutely pampered and spoilt. "Oh my this sounds absolutely divine. I have, I admit, somewhat neglecting myself in recent months since my break up. I've not spent much time for myself and focus on my work."

Yui sat forward, to keep this part of their chat more between them. "Catfolk, we have what we call Sacred Harlots. Cait and Sally are high ranking clergy for that profession-slash-way of life. Qeritas is the goddess of passion in all its forms. Passion for art, computers, libido...whatever a person is passionate about. If you need comfort in a more intimate sense, they will aid you with that, too. I'm Catfolk, so I go into heat. They help with that since I have never known the intimacy of being with a man, yet."

" Oh , I see. Well just between us, I've never been intimate with a woman but I am curious. I'd be lying if I said I wasn't. Many things intrigue me. Whether I explore them all depends on how far I am willing to go." Lireh added.

"The sacred harlots are there for that sort of thing." Yui continued. "Comforting those who have lost a spouse, or are still young and haven't found that ONE, yet. Beyond that, married couples go to enjoy the celestial groves merely to be able to sit around with barely anything on and to enjoy being pampered by the clerical staff. For us Quazi, there's no shame in it."

" Sounds wonderful. Book me in at your earliest convenience. I'm in a need of some relaxation and pampering. Time I stopped neglecting myself. I am little shy sometimes so this might be good for me in going outside of my comfort zone."

Yui gave a giggle and a warm smile, reaching out to touch Lireh's hand for a moment in a show of comfort. "I am Japanese by birth, and bath houses are a common thing. Now, as a Quazi, with our culture matching that of Japan, there is no shame in being in a bath house with just females present. Well, a bathroom, anyway. Mine, to be exact. Cait and Sally are my best friends, and my roomies. We will not ask you to do anything you are not comfortable with, Lireh. If you say no to anything, we will honor that."

" I appreciate that. Let's take things as they happen and go from there. I'm all in favour of experiencing new things."

Another quiet giggle came from Yui before she spoke. "Cait will say the same thing about you. Being Trill, she will want to know how to please you and comfort you the way your people like. Sally, too, but she usually tends to just go with the flow. Cait is a bit more studious about it."

" Maybe the best way would be for Cait to explore ideas and if I don't like something. I will politely say so. I assume that whatever goes on is private? " Lireh asked.

"Absolutely," Yui assured. "They even opened a celestial grove here on the station. A veritable jungle of plants they tend to, with bonsai they have tended to and shaped. Small cherry blossom and peach blossom trees so the aroma is ever-present in the confines of the establishment. And, of course, there is a bath house-lounge in the back. With more of our people on the way then they will soon have a few more acolytes to aid with the duties to patrons. I own what was once Club Bliss, and is now the Catspaw. A majority of those coming this way will work in the restaurant/club. Hitoshi Ishida, a dear friend, is quite the chef for a variety of galactic dishes, and has agreed to be the executive chef ." Yui then gave a giggle. "Wow, you are truly becoming a trusted friend, Lireh. I just told you my entire plan for the next few months." Another giggle.

" I'd like to think so. When can we get the session booked in? You've really sold it to me and I'm pretty eager."

Lireh commented.

" I am in a dire need to unwind and, maybe, vent a little."

"I can speak to Cait and Sally tonight," said Yui. "Gives them a chance to close the grove for an evening while we see to one of the local counselors and her need for comfort." That quiet giggle came forth again. "Both kittens are meticulous so, they would want to make sure that everything is ready for all of us. Basically, once in the tub we shouldn't have to leave it to take up an item we need. Preparation is the key to comfort, they say, and all should be at hand once the session begins."

" What should I wear for the session, in the beginning that is?" Lireh asked. " I have a traditional Trill robe in my quarters which might be suitable. It's normally worn over a skin tight outfit meant for when a joined Trill steps into a pool in the Caves of Mak'ala, on our home world." Lireh added.

Yui grinned pleasantly. "Wear what makes you comfortable. Once in the bathroom, we three kittens will be as naked as the day we were born. There are 'dancers' silks you can wear if being completely nude doesn't sit well with you. We will never judge a person for their own modesty. The silks are similar to a very revealing one-piece swimsuit, lots of skin showing. But, the naughty bits are covered, for the most part. Some are sheer, some not. When wet, the sheer tends to pretty much go invisible," she giggled.

" There's an old expression I once heard. 'When in Rome, do as the Romans do.' I have no issues being naked. It will answer a question there most none Trill wonder about. What is the extent of my spots? "Lireh smiled. " If the silk goes invisible when wet, then why bother? " She smirked.

Giving a smile at that, Yui spoke again. "Cait and Sally have met Jynxza, the only Trill they've ever sat and talked with. They know all about the symbionts, but have never seen the uncovered midriff of hosts. They may, or may not, be curious once they see the crease for your pouch since you don't have a belly button. They will be ultra-polite about it, I assure you, if they do ask."

" Well, they will see considerably more than just my bare midriff so it's not an issue. I was asked once if I missed my belly button. To be honest, I've never really thought about it. I'm going to be pondering that one now." Lireh smiled.

Yui began to gather what little she had on the table. Her tricorder went into its pouch on her belt. But, her unique bodyglove-light armor had an internal computer so she had forearm screens as PADDs. "Either way, there is a Human saying; curiosity killed the cat." Another pleasant giggle. "But, I do work the graveyard shift tonight in Sickbay, so I need to go and pre myself for an all-nighter. I'll run the bath by Cait and Sally when I get back to my cabins."

" Oh, I best not keep you. I hope you have a good all-nighter. I will be tucked up in bed with my teddy bear." Lireh finished her tea and stood up.

"Let me know the bath details. I'm looking forward to it. Goodnight." She added and headed off down the promenade.

"You, too, Lireh. Thank you." Yui got to her feet. "If all works out I'll be in both the Science and Medical departments. Medical already accepted me so, just need to have that chat with Commander Croesus about serving as a civilian in SCI."

Lireh turned around." Yes, definitely speak to the Commander. I will help if I can. "

Yui watched her a few moments as Lireh said that, then got in step and walked away to continue her own day. For her part, Yui wanted to go home and meditate in quiet solitude since Sally and Cait would both be at the Celestial Grove for another couple of hours. Being a person who only slept when she wanted to, not because she had to, meditation had become quite the boon for her.

END: