Unleashed [Leanna & Felicity]

[Leanna Mazal]

"No doubt," Felicity agreed wryly to the sentiment. They'd been through a hell of a lot, in a seemingly short space of time. Sometimes she wondered how everyone got up every morning and went about their lives as normal. But then, she mused, how much worse would it be if they didn't have a life to wake up to and live every morning? The mind needed nourishment, the body routine.

She tapped at the PADD, then her thumb scrolled through the chapter list. "Chapter One is called "The Muscles from Brussels." I have no idea what that means, but it sounds... unique?" She tucked the PADD beneath her arm and moved to stand. She brushed stray grains of sand from her leggings and offered a hand to Leanna.

"Ready to give this a whirl?" Any previous doubt was gone, and all that was left in her voice was amusement and enthusiasm.

Leanna knew that neither of them needed to go into more detail about their shared experiences or memories of what had happened to not only Flick and herself but the others who also resided on the station. No this was the time to let loose, get rid of some pent up aggression and a ton of other emotions and more importantly have fun especially afterwards when they helped themselves to the goodies inside the picnic basket.

Listening as Flick then told her about the first chapter of the programme and it definitely sounded unique and looked forward to finding out more about this Muscles from Brussels. " It does to me and well it'll be interesting to find out " she replied grinning as Flick got up and offered her a hand.

Taking it she got herself back onto her feet, brushing off the sand just as Flick then asked if she was ready , liking the enthusiasm and amusement in her voice. " Oh yes" she replied keen to get started.

[Leanna Mazal]

[Three Months Later]
[Replimat]

Lea had arrived at the Replimat about half an hour earlier in order to set everything up before her best friend joined her. The Betazoid always enjoyed their get together's in the replimat even if they didn't get to do anything other than drink and eat but regardless of what activity they forgot about, it was a lot of fun and just what they needed to escape from reality every now and again.

It had been sometime since their last proper escape and even though they had the occasional meet up, this was Lea's chance to surprise her friend and make sure this was one to remember. So with that in mind, she had selected a programme quite fitting for their purpose and with the finishing touches being made all she had to do now was sit back and wait for Flick.

[Felicity Ellis]

[Replimat/Holodeck]

"Ooh..." Felicity breathed happily as she stepped into a scene that could have been lifted straight out of a tropical dream. She walked down the path toward what looked like at bungalow, a long stretch of beautiful white sandy beach to her right. When she spied Leanna she shuffled off her shoes, readjusted the white linen sarong around her waist and headed straight for her.

Luckily, her best friend had thought to mention the dress code before their 'meeting'; Leanna Mazal was always considerate like that. Felicity grinned, looking forward to spending some time just relaxing in her comfortable swimwear, enjoying some tasty food, a nice vista and a decent chat over a few drinks. It felt like an age since they'd last had one of their epic 'confabs', as Felicity liked to call them, and so much had happened since. It was high-time that they dissected all of their news and solved the galaxy's problems with the help of a fruity cocktail or two.

"This is great!" She called when she approached shouting distance. She pulled the rim of the large sunhat down to shield her eyes a little further before continuing. "What's it called?"

[Leanna Mazal]

[Replimat]

Lea didn't have to wait too long before her best friend appeared, loving her choice of outfit which always seemed to pair well with her own. This time she had opted for a pale blue bikini with matching wrap and had tied her hair up in a loose bun with an ornate butterfly adorning the top of it. The Betazoid smiled widely at her friend's reaction to the Bungalow before she asked what it was called.

" Welcome to Tranquillity Beach on Argellian Nine and this is one of the traditional bungalows for want of a better word and it's ours until tomorrow " she replied with a grin before revealing the rest of the surprise.

" We have an array of drinks and snacks for our enjoyment before we get all glam later for a night of dinner, more drinks and lots of dancing " she said as a bronzed Argellian Adonis approached them both carrying a tray of elaborately colourful glasses containing a shimmering liquid that appeared to be changing colour.

" Thank you Pieter " she said as she accepted one of the glasses before winking at Flick as he moved over to her.

[Felicity Ellis]

[Replimat]

Felicity pulled Leanna into a hug as the other woman welcomed her to Tranquility Beach. It wasn't until she stepped back that she registered the exact meaning of what was being said.

"It's ours!? Until tomorrow?" She parroted back, her work-addled brain slowly racing to catch up and appreciate the unexpected, but oh so very welcomed surprise. The beach, a night away, drinks and food and DANCING!? Felicity's grin was massive, and turned just a little mischievous when she clocked the approaching bronzed god. "Yes, thank you Pieter, well done." She said after Leanna, plucking one of the sparkling glasses from the tray. She broke into a delighted laugh her friend's wink.

"This is possibly the best idea, ever." She claimed, before addressing the computer, a twinkle in her eye. "Computer, please cancel my 0900 meeting tomorrow with Dr. Lunn." When the computer chirped its acknowledgement, Felicity actually giggled. "Thank you for the invite, here's to us and a well-deserved break." She held up her glass to cheers, her attention quickly caught by the pretty, shimmering liquid inside. "This is almost too gorgeous to drink." Almost. She knocked it back immediately.

[Leanna Mazal]

[Tranquility Beach]

Lea couldn't help but smile as Flick pulled her into a hug and the Betazoid savoured the contact and the meaning behind it as it wasn't often that she got them so always appreciated it when it did happen. When Flick then realised what she had said and parroted back about staying here till  tomorrow, the smile didn't seem to fade at her friend's reaction and everything had been worth it to make this special for both of them.

" It is indeed" she confirmed as Flick clocked Pieter and again the reaction to the bronzed Adonis made Lea grin as her best friend became mischievous and laughed seeing her wink once she had taken one of the cocktails.

" I thought you would agree with that " Lea admitted as Flick then cancelled her appointment with Dr Lunn which she knew wouldn't take much to do given how Kece was after being made CMO.

" Anytime and yes here's to us and a much needed break " she replied tapping her glass against Flick's as they made the toast before Flick then knocked back the drink. " I know what you mean it does look almost too good to drink " Lea said in agreement before she too knocked back the sparkling colourful liquid.

" Much better " she said with a grin before Pieter handed them both another glass.

[Felicity Ellis]

[Tranquility Beach]

Felicity chuckled as Pieter replaced their quickly emptied glasses with fresh, sparkling and full ones, and this time sipped her drink with a little more restraint. Her eyes roamed, taking in the spectacular scenery and enjoying the feel of the sun on her shoulders. Tranquility Beach felt both peaceful and yet somehow rousing, too. She gestured toward a nearby area on the beach that had been cleared, obviously for them.

"Shall we sit? I feel some serious relaxation coming on."

She didn't need to have her friend's abilities to know that Leanna hadn't been feeling quite 'relaxed' lately. They really did need to get better about doing things like this more frequently; waiting until one or the other, or even both of them, had an issue they wanted to discuss in a judgment-free environment with a supportive friend wasn't ideal. But they were both busy people, with responsibilities to so many others. It was difficult sometimes to find time for themselves.

"Right," she announced as she sat. Once situated she took a deep draft from her delicious drink, which was already working its magic on the tension in her muscles. "I'm so ready. Let me have all of it."

[Leanna Mazal]

[Tranquillity Beach]

As Flick sipped her new drink with a little more restraint than before along with taking in the view and the peacefulness of the setting, Leanna thought about the last time she had tried to relax and how it ended abruptly. However now was the chance to make up for it as her best friend suggested that they sit, obviously spotting the area that had been cleared just for them.

Lea grinned and was also in agreement about them having some serious relaxation. " Just what I was thinking too and I agree " she replied following her over to the seating area.

The Betazoid should of known that Flick would want to hear about her latest disasters before sharing her own and this was just one part she enjoyed when they put everything right and got things off their chest. She had missed this lately but with them both being busy that's why she had planned all of this so they could get the chance and make the most of it.

" Well when you say it like that, I know I can't pretend that nothing's wrong " she said lightheartedly as she took a long sip of her own drink.

Lea then looked to her friend and began to speak, feeling relief as she did.

" Yoduk wanted to offer me a place to live and work on his land back on Q'onos should I ever fall pregnant with Deg'arf's child and he was being sincere about it as he does look after family, then I was reunited with an old friend from my old life but he got called away and I've been left wondering what if" she said pausing to take another longer sip of her drink.

" So at Seamus's insistence, I took that break on Risa which started off well and I met this hot guy but then disaster struck as usual and I'm beginning to think that I'm cursed when it comes to men".

That last part felt even better to unleash and finally say it out loud as more drinks and the snacks were brought to them. Quickly dismissing Pieter with a smile and thank you as she looked to Flick unsure whether to laugh or cry at what was said. 

[Felicity Ellis]

[Tranquility Beach]

"Nope!" Felicity agreed when Leanna admitted she couldn't pretend for much longer, and as the two sat and made themselves comfortable, Felicity looked out at their welcoming spot and waited for her companion to begin.

It wasn't long before the floodgates opened, and Leanna gave a rundown of an unfortunate few months in the space of a minute. The more Felicity listened, the further forward she leaned in her chair, paying close attention, drink momentarily forgotten. Her frown deepened throughout, eyes narrowing with focus as she tried to untangle the tale.

It was a lot, and her chest clenched in sympathy for her lovely pal. She certainly hadn't been the luckiest alive throughout her search for love and companionship. Once Leanna had finished, Felicity reached out to clasp her hand, hoping to lend some reassurance. She recognised the other woman's expression, and decided that she could best serve her by adding a flavour of irony to the conversation.

Once Pieter had served their snacks, Felicity let Leanna's hand go, took a contemplative sip, and began. "Well, let's start from the top and address that massive Klingon in the room." Deg'arf had been a permanent fixture in Leanna's mind, Felicity knew, though a not so permanent fixture in her life. "One, you're far too smart to allow that to happen. And two, I can't help but appreciate the honour in the General's offer, but... I mean... Does he make the same offer to Deg'arf's other ladies? Would you all have to live together? I can't imagine that being much fun." She cocked her head a little, thinking that it might appeal to some, but she didn't think that Leanna would accept that. She had far too much to give for her to have to settle.

"The 'What if' thoughts are always the worst. You just have no idea what might have happened if things had been different. Those thoughts are easy to entertain, and difficult to ignore," she said softly then, her expression one of understanding. "But who was this friend? And who was the guy from Risa, what disaster struck?"

She polished off her glass and leaned back a little in her comfortable chair. She sighed. "Maybe we should run off and join a nunnery."

[Leanna Mazal]

[Tranquillity Beach]

Leanna smiled when Flick reached out and took hold of her hand in her own and appreciated the reassurance from her best friend. It was never easy letting go and admitting just how she had been feeling lately but at the same time knew that whenever she did especially around Flick it instantly made her feel better and as though she could deal with anything.

The snacks forgotten for a moment as Flick let go and began to speak and as she listened, Lea took another few sips of her refreshed drink but as always gave her best friend her full attention.
Besides when Flick said it like that, it made more sense and it allowed her to think things through properly and it also showed just how well they knew each other. Although couldn't help but grin at the mention of the massive Klingon.

Of course she had no intention of going to Q'onos or having children with De'garf and as for her other questions again her friend was right and she now had some clarity. However grinned again when she then suggested they run off and join a nunnery.

" You know that sounds like a really good idea " she said with a chuckle before she got serious for a moment and answered Flick's questions.

" You're right I wouldn't let it happen and as for the General I agree it was honourable of him to offer but I would be living with De'garfs other women and children " she replied. " The old friend was Chris Taylor who once saved my life when I worked as dancer and stripper and as for the man I met on Risa, his name was Christian Grix and as usual things seemed to go well but his attention moved onto someone else".

[Felicity Ellis]

[Tranquility Beach]

"I think we might be better off," Felicity agreed when Leanna declared their nunnery plan to be a good idea. She was only half-joking.

Her expression turned slowly into one of distaste. Leanna broke her recent experiences down for her; man by man. "Wait, so this Taylor person just up and disappeared..." She could possibly give that one the benefit of the doubt, particularly if Leanna had known him during her dancing days. That suggested maybe a shady background, and going 'missing' probably wasn't all that surprising under those circumstances... But the other one? "And the other one dumped you for someone else!?"

Does not compute. All told, Felicity wasn't exactly objective when it came to her best friend, but she honestly struggled with the idea that anyone could be better than her.

"What. A. Catch." Her voice dripped with sarcasm and she squinted off into the distance. She repeated the names of the men a couple of times as she stared off into the distance, before she mentally shook herself and looked at Leanna again. "Sorry, just committing their names to memory and adding them to 'The List'." She took a generous gulp of her drink though it did little to quench the flames of animosity inside. "We might as well add Deg'arf to 'The List' too, though to be fair to him, he was always upfront about what he was."

"Shocking luck, Lea. But I know it'll work out for you, and with someone who deserves you. Until then, you'll always have me. I might not be a hot guy on Risa, but I'm drunk on Tranquility!"

[Leanna Mazal]

[Tranquillity Beach]

The more she thought about the men who had been in her life lately well okay two of them didn't really count owing to the fact nothing happened but still it could of and no wonder she felt the way she did over her sheer bad luck. It wasn't as if she could blame Marcus anymore now that complete psycho was dead but deep down she knew she couldn't keep dwelling on it.

Some of her spark was beginning to return as Flick agreed with the nunnery idea and how they would be better off even though her friend was half joking. " Then again knowing us we would get kicked out for misbehaviour " she teased before Flick's expression turned to one of distaste over what she had heard about both Chris's.

" He did then again he's just joined the Fleet but as for the other one pretty much and I ended up coming back home early because it wasn't worth staying " she admitted before she grinned at her friend's sarcastic comment.

Looking at her when she began to repeat the names over as she stared off into the distance before apologising and revealed what she had been doing. Leanna grinned before she mentioned adding Deg'arf and she was right out of all three he was the most honest.

" No need to apologise Flick, I like the idea of this list and I know you'll always look out for me and act on my behalf " she said " And as for Deg'arf you're right he was".

When Flick then spoke again, Lea smiled and had no reason to doubt what she was saying as she did believe that someone was out there who did deserve her and she was in no rush. " Thank you and I'm sure it will when the time as right and until then having my best friend with me is all I need and I'd rather get drunk on Tranquillity than be on Risa " she said as she drained the rest of her glass.

[Felicity Ellis]

[Tranquility Beach]

"Booted out for partaking in the church wine, most likely," Felicity agreed wholeheartedly. In theory the pair of them escaping to somewhere as peaceful and distraction-free as a nunnery was a great idea, though in practice it was unlikely either of them would last longer than a couple of hours. Even when you took into consideration all of the poor luck Leanna had had with the menfolk of late.

She beckoned Pieter back over to refresh Leanna's glass for her, nodding while she declared her preference for Tranquility. "Risa is overrated, anyway." Felicity's grin was just a bit cheeky. She'd thoroughly enjoyed her last trip to Risa, in fact she considered the pleasure planet to be one of the most relaxing vacation destinations she'd ever experienced, but in reality there really was only so much 'relaxing' she could do before she started to wander.

"I've had 'The List' since my teenage years," she confided as Pieter saw to their drinks. She leaned over to get a closer look at the tasty snacks that had been provided. "I definitely recommend having one." She picked up a small, round pastry that looked to have some form of cheese atop it. She popped it in her mouth and her eyes narrowed in concentration as she chewed and tasted. "Those ones are good," she announced to her companion, before continuing their earlier conversation. "I know it's of little consolation now, but at least you found out the cut of these blokes before things got too serious. You invested the minimum amount of time possible in them, thankfully, because as it turns out they didn't even deserve that much."

[Leanna Mazal]

[Tranquillity Beach]

Flick's comment about them being booted out for partaking in the church wine did seem the more likely reason why they wouldn't last in a nunnery amongst others and whilst it was nice to think about, knew it would never happen. " That too but its nice to think about escaping there if we weren't so free spirited and rebellious " she quipped grinning as Flick had Pieter refill her glass.

Lea also agreed with her friend's sentiment of Risa being overrated and even though she always enjoyed the pleasure planet and all it had to offer the last experience had tarnished that somewhat and she was in no hurry to go back. " I agree it is and I won't be back for some time" she said as she took another long sip from her glass.

Listening as Flick explained how long she had "The List" and how she recommended having one before she examined the snacks and selected one of the cheese pastries and smiled at her reaction to it. " It does sound like a good idea and they're new to the menu in fact we're the only ones who have gotten to try them".

Lea decided to try one and savoured the cheesy goodness as Flick continued their earlier conversation. Again she was right about her finding out what they were like before they got serious and finally understood that they didn't deserve her or her time.

" You're right none of them deserved me or my time and I'm glad they didn't get serious otherwise it would be a lot harder to deal with".

[Felicity Ellis]

[Tranquility Beach]

"I love being the menu guinea pig." She picked out another bite-sized puff and took a testing bite. As she chewed her eyes fluttered closed, and she popped the rest of the savoury pastry into her mouth. Felicity nodded in agreement with Leanna's confirmation that she deserved better. She licked her lips before responding. "Imagine having to see them every day." She mentally shuddered at the prospect of running into her exes on a regular basis. "At least none of them are stationed here. Points for the Columbus."

She leaned back in her chair and stretched out her limbs, eager to feel a little heat from the sun, even if it was simulated. From somewhere behind them she could hear the strains of music carrying on the slight breeze and she gave a contented sigh. The topic of conversation mightn't have been the most pleasant, but at least their surroundings were agreeable. Not to mention the tasty snacks and cocktails, delivered by the equally agreeable Pieter.

"Speaking of difficult men, when do you start with Lunn?" Felicity asked with a mischievous glint in her eye as their server topped up her glass once again. "I can't wait to read those reports."