A moment to forget
Posted on 29 Feb 2020 @ 4:43am by Lieutenant Syvar MD
Mission:
Mission 3 - Whom gods destroy ...
Location: Holodeck
Timeline: MD3, 1900 hours
2093 words - 4.2 OF Standard Post Measure
Not quite sure what to expect of this trip, and certainly not knowing what to wear, Syvar had opted to simply show up in his uniform. He felt it was better to be in uniform, than utterly wrongly dressed. As he approached the holodeck, he noticed he was actually first to arrive.
Michael walked up, still in his uniform, his face lighting up seeing that Syvar arrived.
"Hi glad you were able to make it. I had thought of us doing some camping, but after the day we've had, I think that sailing on the ocean blue and doing some scuba diving would be a good way to unwind. Would you be up for that?"
For the first time in hours, Syvar managed a genuine smile. "Sure. I have no experience with boats, though I can swim. I've never been diving so I'd love to try. Is it difficult?" There was some life back in his green eyes too, a hint of his usual almost childlike enthusiasm.
"If you are not afraid of going underwater, it should be fairly easy. And the fact of having a mask to where you can see the wonders. Its so peaceful." Michael remarked.
"No, I'm not afraid to go under water," the doctor confirmed, then looked at their uniforms. "I don't suppose we'll need a change of attire though," he mused, offering half a smile. "But what it advisable? Will the water be warm?"
"The water will be warm, like the waters off of Hawaii. The program that I have with me, it will provide the attire and equipment we need."Michael answered.
"I can't wait," Syvar smiled, visibly grateful for the distraction. "I assume you know how to sail? We won't end up dead in the water?"
"I do know how to sail, and we won't end up becalmed. Shall we?" Hawkins motioning towards the holo suite door, having inserted the chip. "Michael Hawkins holo-program Number Five." the door opening once the program took affect.
On the other side of the archway a white sandy beach is revealed, tall majestic palm trees gently dancing in the balmy breeze. The sound of of the ocean can be heard lapping at the shore, with faint cries of a seagull, drifting lazily above in the brilliant blue sky. The temperature is warm, but not hot.
A little ways down the beach was a bungalow with a thatched roof and a small porch. Michael pointed it out. "That's where we will be gearing up" "And that." pointing towards a small dock where a catamaran is moored. "will be the boat we will be sailing on." leading the way to the bungalow.
Once arriving, Michael ascended the steps to the porch and opened the door to the bungalow and stepped in. There were a couple of chairs, a table made from driftwood, a door on the other side Michael motioned towards. "There's a refresher there plus swimming gear, whichever you need. I'm not planning on wearing a wetsuit when we go scuba diving."
"Then I won't either," Syvar offered, walking up to the other door. "I assume you'll guide me through the equipment? Though I can swim, I have no idea how to use underwater breathing equipment." He shrugged out of his jacket and then pulled his shirt up over his head, hanging both across the back of one of the chairs. "Just shorts will do then, I think?" he added as he proceeded to take his boots and socks off.
"Yes, just shorts." Michael replied as he proceeded to get himself ready to sail and swim. He walked over opened up an armoire wardrobe and took out a pair of dark blue swim trunks which hit above his knees. Stepping behind a bamboo privacy screen, Michael quickly changed.
"While you get changed I'll get the gear together" he said to Syvar.
Having no need of such privacy, Syvar had already changed into a pair of green swim shorts which rather matched his skin. "Do you need help?" he asked, as he stepped up. "I didn't need that much time to change..."
Michael nodded towards Syvar. "It will make things quicker." He grinned, and led the way out of the bungalow to the beach. Michael glanced over towards Syvar noting the bruising across the shoulders and upper body. "No wonder Syvar didn't want to be touched on the shoulder. That looked painful Michael thought to himself.
"I'll need help with the equipment," Syvar reminded him as he helped haul the gear towards the beach. He studied the various tubes and wires that went to and fro from what appeared to be a harness. "What goes where?" he asked.
Michael demonstrated how to put the harness on step by step, by example. He hoped that the straps won't cause Syvar any pain.
The Vulcan grimaced as he hoisted himself up in the harness, figuring it wouldn't be so much weight once they were in the water. He put on a brave face as he regarded his friend. "And now?" he asked, gesturing back at the octopus. "What do I do now?"
Michael demonstrated how to breath through the apparatus. "This won't be so heavy when we are in the water. Shall we get out of the gear and head to the boat, and we can start by just sailing around before we go into the water."
Shrugging out of the harness, Syvar helped him get the gear to the boat. He yelped as he got on board and the boat wobbled precariously. "Ohhh," he exclaimed as he lost his balance and landed on his rear. "This feels strange."
Michael offered a hand towards Syvar to help him up. "This sort of boat, the catamaran, thankfully is more steady in handling on the water. Instead of one hull, like a racing sailboat, this has two hulls." pointing towards the two areas. "Those who live on islands had utilized these to make journeys to different islands. This is a more modern take of it. Over here is a netting where a person or persons can stretch out and get some sun if they choose to."
"For someone who has never been on a boat before, this is very much as unsteady as not being on shore," Syvar chuckled as he looked around. "Get some sun hm? If only one could tan on a holodeck... I would very much make use of that. Meanwhile...how does this work? How does one steer this contraption?"
Putting the gear in the middle of the craft, Michael released the boat from its mooring, gave it a push and then gracefully leaped on to the boat. He started the small engine to guide the boat away from the small dock. "When we get a bit away from the dock then I'll raise the sails and use the rudder while the wind takes us for a ride."
They arrived at their intended spot without much incident. Syvar was very excited to not just go swimming, but to go diving as well. A mix of anxiety and enthusiasm was clearly visible on his face as he started to hoist himself into the intended gear. "Tell me again how this works? What if I can't breathe for some reason?" He winced as the vest put pressure against his sore skin, but tried to hide it as best as he could.
"Syvar, you will be able to breath and I will be with you. "he paused, noticing the wince of pain."Are you all right?"
Syvar remained silent for several seconds and briefly he considered lying. "I am in pain, but I'll be alright," he answered shortly, "I can handle this. Please Michael, I need this. I need to not think about what happened just for a little while." He shook his head. "And I'm not ready to talk about it." Now he held up the octopus. "So how does this work?"
Michael nodded, "No worries I won't do any prying, and wasn't about to." giving a definitive nod. "As for the worry about not being able to breathe..." he proceeded to give Syvar instructions how to use the breathing apparatus, ending with "The best thing to do is to relax, control your breathing. You get the best results by being calm and just enjoying the moment. It's better to enjoy the peacefulness under the water."
Nodding, Syvar stuck the breathing end into his mouth and pulled his goggles over is eyes and nose. Then, he cast his friend a questioning look, being unable to talk with that thing in his mouth. In the end, he partially raised his hands in a 'what now?' gesture.
Michael grinned, 'Just follow my lead, I will go first and I will help you." putting in his own mouthpiece and pulling his mask over his nose. He pulled his mouth piece back out. "Do you know sign language?"
Syvar shook his head, though waited patiently for Michael to show what he would have to do next.
Michael placed his breather back into his mouth moved towards the edge of the catamaran turned his back to the water and let himself fall backwards. He disappeared beneath the surface, for a moment then came back up. He removed his apparatus and said. "Okay, your turn."
Not quite certain about the safety of this action, Syvar followed suit and let himself fall into the water. Using his arms, he kept himself in the same place, not even thinking about using the flippers he was wearing. His expression was one of both shock and amazement as 'why haven't I done this before' literally floated through his mind. He didn't even realize he was holding his breath as he stared at the tiny fish that shot by.
Michael goes under to see Syvar's wonder then puts his hand to his own forehead then pulls out a small board on which he writes. "Syvar don't forget to inhale and breathe." then points down to his own feet and waggles his fins.
It was utterly scary to do but Syvar drew in a slow breath, then moved his legs just to create some forward momentum. The look in his eyes was priceless, however, and for a moment he was able to forget his predicament. He pointed at the fish further away, wondering if they could go have a look.
Michael nodded, and leisurely made his way towards the fish. Pausing for a moment when another school of fish darted past him and Syvar. He looked to see how Syvar was doing when he notice a small herd of seahorses following Syvar.
Turning, Syvar looked at the seahorses and held out his hand towards them, watching the air bubbles that drifted up from his mouth piece. His eyes were bright with curiosity and joy as he watched one of the seahorse seemingly nip at his finger. He looked up, seeing the sunlight break through the water's surface, finding the view utterly dizzying.
Michael motioned up to the surface to see if Syvar wished to go.
Syvar nodded. While this was all new and exciting, he felt he shouldn't be down here too long on his first go. Moving his legs and flippers, he started to move himself up towards the surface. Once there, he pushed up the goggles and spat out the mouth piece.
Michael did the same, "From what it looks like, you enjoyed yourself, Syvar." he said with a huge smile. "I have other places that are part of this program but, that won't be until you are more used to scuba diving. One of them is a grotto that you can only get to via using scuba gear."
"I think for now, this is enough," Syvar smiled, "maybe next time we can go a little longer and build it up. I can swim, but I'm not an expert swimmer, I'd like to get a bit more confidence first with this gear. But thank you, for sharing this with me. I'm grateful."
"I enjoyed myself too, and am glad you were willing to come experience this with me, my friend. Guess it is time to go back to the real world and get some sleep, I sure could use it." Michael replied.
"I have another appointment to get to first but I will get some sleep afterwards. I am looking forward do doing this again."
"Me too." was Michael's answer.
Ensign Syvar
Acting CMO
pnpc Aidan
● “ Ensign Michael Hawkins“
Chief Operations Officer
USS Andromeda
