Deep Space Harmonies
Posted on Thu Jul 23rd, 2026 @ 5:44am by Lieutenant JG Daniella Fox & Lieutenant JG Tavian Rhos
1,376 words; about a 7 minute read
Mission:
Mission 1: Through the Janus Gate
Location: Deck 3, Gymnasium
Timeline: MD001 - 2100 Hours
Tavian still hadn't seen his quarters yet. It had been a long, long day, catching up to the Resolute, being late for his reporting for duty, the shift on the bridge, and all the excitement of the first day at a new post. He'd bounced around enough in the fleet now he knew what that was like, never having managed to stick it out for more than two years on any ship he'd been on so far. One could maybe even say he was good at being new, and had trouble settling in after that. That wasn't why he avoided his quarters so far though, or at least not consciously.
There was nothing quite like a workout to wind down with after work, right? And he'd been in the habit of it enough that even with how the day had gone, Tav really didn't want to break his routine just yet. So here he was, off in a corner of the gymnasium, where his playing of some upbeat Betazoid music hopefully wouldn't bother anyone much, and in the middle of dancing. In a tank top and his uniform trousers, his duty jacket resting on the back of a nearby chair, he spun and leapt across the mat, a twisting and undulating, yet dexterous figure. This was not one of the courtly state dances his mother would have insisted he use to dazzle some political dignitary, but both the music and the dance were from a more rural part of the homeworld, primal and raw.
Dani was walking through the ship, listening to the various sounds it made. She liked to do this at the end of her sift--and other times--just to keep familiar with it. It made noticing changes easier. Then she heard something she hadn't expected. Music. Betazoid music. She turned down a corridor to find out where it came from.
She paused in the doorway to the gymnasium, not wanting to disturb the dancer and enjoying the performance at the same time.
Unlike the carefully measured dances of Betazed's political halls, this one celebrated freedom rather than refinement. Strong, deliberate footwork drove the rhythm while broad, flowing movements of his arms and shoulders gave the dance an untamed energy. His boots stamped the mat loud and proud in pace with the beat. At times it seemed almost martial, then suddenly playful, each movement feeding naturally into the next with the ease born from someone who didn't just practice dance, he loved it.
Tav spun around as the song came to an end, chest rising and falling rapidly, and locked eyes with the young woman who had been watching. He blinked a couple of times, then his face lit up in a grin of recognition. It had been years, but there weren't so many Betazoids in Starfleet that he didn't remember her. Hi! Daniella, wasn't it? he sent mind-to-mind as he caught his breath.
It took her a moment to remember him, then she grinned back. "Yes. And you're Tavian, yes? I didn't know you could dance like that.
He sent back agreement and pleasure, without direct words, as he took up a towel to pat at his face and hair. Sometimes feelings were more accurate anyway: flattered that she remembered his name, even more by the compliment to his dancing, genuinely happy to see another face he recognized. For other things though, words worked better, My family would have called it scandalous, and liked it more when I did the traditional ballets and courtly dances. He laughed at the same time he thought. It's great to see you again! How's life been treating you since the Academy?
"What is the old earth saying? Life is what happens while you make other plans." She chuckled. At the same time, her mental touch let him know she was good. "There are many forms of dance in the galaxy that are beautiful. I was fortunate to grow up on a merchant ship so I could see many of them." The statement was accompanied by a few flashes of some of the ones she and her family had seen, underlining her comment about how good she thought he was.
He saw the imagery she sent and lit up at a couple that he recognized, curious about those he did not. Ooh that looks like fun, he thought about one of those he'd never seen before. If you'd ever like, I'd be happy to dance with you. He hung the towel around his neck. Then he switched to spoken word, since she had as well, "Not sure if you met him, another Betazoid who went to the Academy the same time as us, but Cayden Zahn just got posted here too. Have you been here long yourself?"
"About a year. I've gotten out of the habit of using my telepathy." She shook her head. "It used to be second nature before I left home." "I'm nowhere near as good as you at dancing, but I'm willing to try," she added telepathically.
It's not a matter of good or not, he insisted with a charming smile. Though he was obviously pleased by the compliments, he was trying very hard to be humble. It's whether you have fun or not. Okay, and yeah, years of being forced to dance with my mother's guests and their daughters might have given me a bit more rhythm than most. Okay, so Tav could only extend humility so far.
Tav paused a moment, reflected back on those images and memories she had sent, and then added. You play music? I think I saw you holding an instrument at one of those dances. What kind? Would love to hear you play!
"Guitar. I filled in for a friend a couple of times. She was a part of the band that played at some of the dances. Sure. I watched you dance. It's only fair that you hear me play.
Deal! Tav agreed swiftly. Human instruments are so interesting, I bet you can create some really emotional pieces with your guitar. When would you like to meet up? I'm sure you have plenty of work ahead too with the mission. I know I am playing catch-up as well. Maybe next week, we grab a bite to eat together and have some fun after?
"Yes. That sounds great." It would be nice to catch up. "How are you settling in?"
He shrugged, Would you believe it, I still haven't seen my quarters yet? It's been a long, long day. Tav shook his head, took up the towel again and wiped his face and hair a second time. He had been tired before the workout, now he was running on deuterium fumes. I needed this though after all that happened today, work off some stress. Hours late, ion storms, Nausicaan pirates... you know how it goes. Was actually about to go move in finally.
"Then I won't keep you any longer. We'll have plenty of time to catch up." At least, they should, depending on how much work needed to be done. She let him pick up that she was happy to see a friend from the Academy and she was willing to answer any questions he had about the ship. But in that connection she felt how tired he was and didn't want to keep him from a hot shower and a good sleep.
In return, his feels were the same, glad to see her again, and more glad to be able to renew the old friendship. I really look forward to hearing you play, he sent as he covered his mouth for a wide yawn. Reserves were running low, and the idea of unpacking made him feel even more tired. Maybe he'd have time tomorrow, right now he wanted a sonic shower on full blast and then his bed. See you soon!
Lieutenant (j.g.) Tavian Rhos
Chief Flight Control Officer
USS Resolute
Lieutenant JG Daniella Fox
Chief Operations Officer
USS Resolute
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