nexus_sages | (no subject)

James T. Kirk absolutely loves marketplaces.

It's not necessarily because he's looking for anything, per se, although he does often keep an eye out for interesting books to add to his collection, or maybe a bottle of some kind of exotic alcohol, or some kind of pointless alien gizmo with which to annoy Spock with its purposeless existence. No, he just loves the sheer diversity each bazaar brings to the table.

No two markets have ever been alike, in his experience. Sure, it's not quite as exciting and mysterious as exploring deep space, but it's something of a microcosm of the same, all sorts of goods and cultures thrown into close quarters, and one never knows what one might find just down the street.

His shipboard gold uniform may stand out a bit in the crowd as he meanders along, a faint smile on his face as he leans in to examine someone's wares on display, just enjoying being out and about in the fresh air.

[OOC: Retconning Jim eating bacon in this thread. Hadn't fully considered some of the elements in his backstory at the time.]

Flat | Top-Level Comments Only

"Huh. Well, they do say traveling is a great way to learn these things." Since they had that euphemism where she's from, too, Ver's not going anywhere near the 'exotic dancing' part of his resume. Okay, maybe obliquely. "Have you met any people who communicate through interpretive dance?"

"Mm, and the sound of the pages turning." It's so nice to meet someone from a more technologically-advanced society who still enjoys these things. She plucks a book from the shelf somewhat randomly, since the titles don't quite mean anything to her (although they haven't quite reached 'Darmok and Jalad at Tanagra' levels of confusion here). The book is treated with care, set down before she opens it and scans a few pages. Her juggling skills are nowhere near impressive enough to manage reading a book one-handed. "There's a shop that specializes in poetry, it's a bit of a walk from here but I could give you directions if you'd like?"

That gets a little chuckle out of him, and he flashes her a grin. "If you mean primary language, then no, not yet. But that would be awesome."

Jim's enjoying the opportunity to talk about the merits of physical books too. It's rare for him to run into anyone who appreciates the sensory experience of really reading something, but a crate of ancient paperback novels is responsible for getting him through a tough time in his past, and he has a big ol' soft spot for them. Her offer definitely gets his attention. "I'd appreciate that. Walking's no problem, especially if there's more interesting stuff on the way."

"That would be awesome," she agrees. "Unless they were giant space bees."

Old books have saved many a broken heart. She'd never fault him for that. (So long as there were no ripped bodices or sparkly vampires.) Books have saved her more than a time or two. Math books, so probably of less interest to him. It's still a shared affection. "Oh, there's plenty of interesting things to see around here. I hope your crew won't miss you for a few days."

Nexus directions get interesting. She has to write them in three colors because otherwise, he'll never be able to tell the stick figures apart. This is why women's clothing needs pockets: you never know when you're going to end up in the middle of everywhere and need a gel pen rainbow.

This is where he hesitates, looking up from the vegetables to frown in her direction. "They would, but I can come back, right? It's not like this is one of those 'little shops that wasn't there yesterday' and then you can never return?"

"Well, I can't promise it'll always be there, but I've seen it there more than once." It's as close to a promise of permanence as she can give. "I don't think it travels around or only appears during certain phases of the moon or anything."

Not the most reassuring answer, but she offers him the directions anyway. "If it does go, there are other shops that sell books, and some sell poetry. We won't be bereft."

"Yeah, I'm getting that sense about this place," he agrees, taking the written directions with a grateful nod, tucking the scrap of paper into one of the books under his arm. "With infinite universes crossing through, it's probably got everything you can think of and then some."

"Just about," she agrees carefully. "But you know what they say, be careful what you wish for. And to say what you mean and mean what you say."

Good deed done and shopping pretty complete, Ver's starting to get a little itchy to get home to her relative peace and quiet. Nothing against the present company, she's just got issues. (And a bill to settle up, no need for Vulcan side-eyeing on that score.)

"All good points," he agrees.

Having made his own selection of vegetables, he's pretty much done here too, and is gratified to see that thumbprint scan is one of many available options for payment here. And he certainly feels that he's monopolized enough of this kind stranger's time. "Thanks for all the tips. Nice to get the inside scoop from one of the locals," he adds with a smile.

Thumbprint scan payments? The miracles of modern technology.

Ver packs her things carefully into her shopping basket before settling it against her hip again. "You're welcome. Good luck with your mission. I um. If you're ever in want of a homecooked meal, I'll trade for stories."

Never let it be said that Jim Kirk turns down a chance at real home cooking instead of more bland synthesizer rations. "Oh yeah? I might take you up on that at some point," he says with a grin.

He's a smart man. (And he's the captain of his own ship, surely he can find someone to reprogram the synthesizers?) His enthusiasm for the idea coaxes more of a smile from her. "Well, then. I guess I'll see you around?"

He's probably going to tackle it himself, one of these days, though truth be told, some of it might be in his head. In any case, he offers his hand for a farewell handshake. "Seems likely. I'm definitely looking forward to checking this place out again." By which he means the Nexus as a whole, not just the little Vulcan shop, although there's that too. "It was nice meeting you, Verity." And he certainly does mean that.

She is well aware of the things in people's heads that can cause problems. That doesn't make the problems any less real. And she would know.

Ver can handle a handshake and does so with a steady smile. Hands can be revealing: for all her appearance of a quiet life, she's got the hands of someone who works hard. Strong and a little calloused, but smooth. "Nice to meet you too, Jim. Good luck out there."

"Thanks. You take care out there. And thanks again." Jim is pretty pleased with this entirely unexpected detour through time and space, and he's certainly looking forward to doing it again.

"You're welcome." She gives him a nod before heading out.

[Thanks for the scene, this was fun!]

[You're welcome! And thanks to you too for playing with me. :) It's been too long since I've done any RP and I've missed it a lot.]

[Glad you're back! :D]