Partings

Posted on Sun Jan 18th, 2015 @ 8:13pm by Ensign Teleri Dren

822 words; about a 4 minute read

Mission: Episode 4 - Parallels
Location: Poolside, San Francisco, CA
Timeline: Day 0

“So the Orion says, the discount was for two and the Ferengi says I don’t think I could handle two.” The group of Academy graduates laughed at the joke as Teleri walked past them. She was wearing a simple green bikini with a shimmering iridescent cover-up. When she reached the bar on the far side of the pool, she waited patiently for the bartender to finish his current order.

It was certainly a beautiful day for a graduation party. The sun was shining, a light cooling breeze was blowing from the west and the water was absolutely perfect. “Basmei Sunset,” she ordered when the bar tender nodded to her. She turned to look back at the pool while she waited for her drink. Her eyes scanned the crowd until she found the blonde curls of her best friend, Bethann.

After taking her drink, the Trill nodded to the Barkeep, and walked over to Bethann. Her friend was in deep discussion with a very handsome young Betazoid. Bethann noticed her and smiled, “this is Damon. He’s been assigned to the same Starbase as I have. Oh, that reminds me,” Bethann turned her full attention to Teleri, her blue eyes matched the color of the cloudless sky, “did you find out your assignment?”

“Yes, I have. The USS Unification, it’s a Science vessel, I believe,” Teleri replied and held her friend's gaze.

“You were hoping for that, weren’t you? Both your parents served on science ships, didn’t they?” Bethann reached out and clasped Teleri’s hands in her own, ignoring the cold of the Trill’s hands.

“Yes, I was born on a Science vessel,” Teleri replied and swallowed, suddenly feeling a bit self-conscious. When Bethann released her hands she took a sip of her drink.

A small group of cadets walked over to their group and the tallest one place his hand on the Betazoid’s shoulder. “Damon, there you are. We’ve been looking everywhere for you. Come have a drink with us. You can chat up the pretty ladies later.” The Betazoid stood from his chair and made his apologies to the ladies before leaving them to join his friends.

“If starbases are full of handsome young Betazoids like Damon, well, I think I’m going to enjoy myself quite a bit. I’m not dreading doing all those physical exams now, if you know what I mean,” Bethann gave her friend a sly look and a wink before taking a sip of her drink.

Teleri wasn’t a bit shocked as she was used to such pronouncements from her friend. Bethann had always been a flirt throughout their time at Starfleet Medical Academy. In fact, Teleri wasn’t at all sure if Bethann had had a boyfriend that had lasted more than two weeks. “Bethann, you’re supposed to be working on the Starbase, not playing,” she teased her friend.

“Oh don’t you worry, I’ll be working. I plan on working my way through the entire starbase.” She finished and tried to look serious before laughing again. “I’m sorry, that was too much, wasn’t it? I think it’s these drinks their serving us. Something tells me it’s not synthehol.”

Maybe it was the warmth of the sun, or the drinks, or the perfect moment sitting with her friend for one last time that made her do it. Teleri wasn’t sure of the reason why but at that moment she leaned over close to her smiling friend, gently placed her hand on her cheek and kissed her.

“Teleri!” Her friend finally squawked out after several awkward seconds.

“I’m sorry… I think you’re right about the drinks.” Teleri apologized as she stood up. They had been friends for years and she’d never done anything like that. It was just that they’d be going their separate ways soon and then she would always wonder.

“Teleri, you’re my friend. You know I don’t think of you… in that way,” Bethann finally managed to say, trying to cover up her discomfort. It didn’t matter what either of them said now. Teleri’s actions had permanently changed their friendship.

“I was out of line, I should go,” Teleri set her drink down on the table. “Really, I overheard a few of the cadets talking about the Unification. I wanted to talk to them before…” Bethann stopped her and grabbed her hand.

“You’ll always be my best friend, Teleri. I’m sorry it can’t be more than that.” Bethann had recovered her composure and was smiling again. In a louder voice she added, “you’ll write me won’t you, send me holovids, keep me up to date on what’s going on.”

“Of course, and you’ll let me know how it works out with Damon.”

“Absolutely,” Bethann replied as Teleri turned to walk away.

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