The after party is the best party

Posted on Thu Dec 1st, 2022 @ 2:44am by Commander Rosa Coy

Mission: New Horizons
Location: Starbase Haven
Timeline: After the Command Party

Once the announcement was made, many lingered while others left. Coy wasn’t in the mood to mingle, at least not with this particular crowd. No, the carnal beast within was ready to prowl. She had slung back another round at the bar and asked the tender where the lower decks crew tended to hang out. Not a dozen minutes later she was walking into the bar on the station, still wearing her off duty threads.

First step, reconnaissance, get a lay of the land. There was a lot to be gained by watching, observing people. For instance, the four ladies off to the side were together and there for kicks. They would likely pack guard, protecting one another from the hounds of men, such as Coy used to be. Rosa on the other hand, could work her way into such a group easily, but dividing one or two out would prove difficult.

Three men at the bar, tempting to Rosa at least, one at least had a nice rear. But since her joining, her impulses no longer craved the touch of a man. In fact, certain aspects of male anatomy repulsed the girl to no end. Another two men at the darker corner table in the room, conducting late night business no doubt. Finally there were three tables with less than three women each, including one with a single female patron thumbing at a half full glass of liquor.

Some would say a woman alone, attempting to drown her sorrows, was an easy target and should be left be. Coy’s inner voice saw such a creature as a succulent piece of meat. First, she needed an insider's edge. Spotting the barkeep, Coy made her way over.

“What’ll it be?” the man asked simply.

Coy threw her thumb in the direction of the single lady. “What’s that one’s story?”

“Donno. Been coming in here for a week now. Barely drinks more than two glasses. Station scientist of some sort. Now, are you drinking or just here to get lucky?” He hadn’t known much, but he had told her enough to use as leverage to get her conversational foot in the door.

Coy eyed the keep with a smile, “I’ll have what she’s having, plus another for the lady. Thanks.” She dropped a sliver of latinum on the bar and walked over to the woman’s table. The girls on the other side of the bar roared with laughter, caught up in their own world. The men at the bar were heckling them.

Her approach to the table went unnoticed in the chaos and so, she cleared her throat. The woman, who was lost in her own thoughts, responded out of reflex, “No I don’t want company, I don’t need a boyfriend, yes I know I look amazing and lonely and no, I’m not interested in seeing your thing, thanks anyway.”

“Well, good thing I don’t have one then isn’t it?” Coy responded. “But seeing as all of the other tables are occupied, would you mind if I at least sat down?” She asked politely.

She looked up at Coy, then around the room and became suddenly apologetic. “Oh, I’m so sorry, I don’t know where my head’s been at lately. Of course, of course. I’m done anyway, you sit, I’ll go.” She made a motion to slide out, but Coy cut her off.

“Now hold on. You’ll make me feel guilty for running you off. At least stay a minute, share a drink with me so I don’t feel so bad. Besides, my ship just docked and I’m just out for a stretch and maybe some conversation.” Heartstrings pulled, check.

She stopped as she considered the request and the situation. There wasn’t a need to be anywhere else, so she nodded her approval. “Thank you.” Coy said as she slid into the booth. “Names’ Coy. I don’t mind company, I also do not need a boyfriend. Yes I know I have spots, and they may or may not go all the way down, but you weren’t going to ask anyway so...”

The woman smiled, looked down at the table, and her cheeks were rosy, likely from the response than the unfinished drink. When she looked up her eyes were on Coy’s spots as though seeing them for the first time. “Sorry,” she extended her hand “Doctor Dysi Arcane.”

It was Coy’s turn to smile. “Oh, a doctor. Color me impressed.” She turned on the smarmy. “What is your field of study, Doctor, if I may be bold enough to ask?” It was a dangerous question as depending on the character could lead to them rambling on and on about their entire back story. Some people just loved to talk only about themselves. Often though, it was just enough.

“Oh, uh, more of a therapist really. I, um, study humanoid biology and cell reproductive traits.” She was still fingering her drink as she fumbled through her words.

It was this moment the barkeep brought over the drinks Coy had requested, sat them down and walked away without a word. Coy nodded, eyeballed the drink and took a sip. It was a clear liquid, with a hearty bite. She immediately wanted more, but she noticed the doctor had stopped being chatty as she now examined the newly provided drink.

Coy sipped, “I saw yours was almost empty, thought you might want another. No worries if you don’t.”

“Did, did you preemptively choose to sit with me just to chat? What’s your angle here?” She held a look of concern and was on the defensive.

Coy took a deeper drink, almost finishing her glass, then wiped her mouth on her sleeve. “Look, I only have three rules, but I like to think I have some taste. Yes you’re lonely, a fact you lied about I might add. I can read it on you like a hieroglyph. If you’re interested in a bit of science, we can go back to your place for some experimentation. If not, I’m glad I had the chance to meet you, enjoy the drink.” She chugged down the last bit of her drink and then made to get up.

Dysi reached out and grabbed her wrist, curiosity getting the better of her. “Three rules?”

TBC