Holodeck Adventures
Posted on Thu Jun 19th, 2025 @ 10:21pm by Captain Lorut Vila & Lieutenant Commander Frasier Greene
3,013 words; about a 15 minute read
Mission:
Short Treks
Location: Holodeck 1
Timeline: MD-15 ish??
Vila and Fraiser were having a real, proper date and she was excited. It was still a bit..weird, if she were being honest, dating someone on her crew-dating, really, period. But she'd made some strides and she really did like Fraiser a lot, so she was making the efforts these days to not sabotage it or herself, and to trust herself-and him. She knew they still had a lot of things to overcome-his past, hers, and her new role as ships captain. Vila cared less than he did, most likely-she was never one to follow the rules much, and especially ones that didn't make sense to her, or didn't matter much in the long run. While she understood the reasons that she shouldn't be dating someone under her command, the relationship had begun before she was Captain, and she didn't see the point in stopping it. She was fair, never let him have any special favors or anything, and they were discreet. She was aware that everyone KNEW but they were still careful.
She was dressed nicely but casually-jeans that accented her figure, a nice top that highlighted her assets, and sling back heels. Her long red hair was pulled back, but the only jewelry she wore was her traditional earring-something she'd been wearing more and more lately. As she dealt with her past and her traumas, she was becoming more at-ease with her heritage and her faith.
She smiled. "What is the plan, Fraiser?" She asked him. They had only agreed on a holo-date, the rest was mostly up in the air. She didn't mind too much-he was usually pretty good at thinking up things and she was pretty game to follow along most of the time.
Walking alongside her he began to explain. "My main plan is escapism, between our two positions there's a lot going on and I wanted to remove all that chaos for a while. We're going to be experiencing a slice of Earth history from the 1960's, however I'm not 100% confident of its authenticity as the file is one from Quark's database. One thing for certain there's going to be music, dancing and interesting characters"
Vila smiled. "That sounds like fun," she said. It would be a lovely distraction. "How was your day?" She asked him. She liked to touch base with him, even with the boring stuff. She did care, and she wanted to know.
"Unusually quiet," Frasier replied. "It left me feeling on edge waiting for something to kick off. Aside from some adjustments for Sardeek treatment plan it's been an odd day. I'd like to run some additional simulations, with your consent."
She nodded. "Well, at least it means that the crew is healthy, and well. As Captain, I can't dislike that," she said. "But I am sorry it was slow. Some simulations are ok, what did you have in mind?" She trusted him, but still...it was nice he asked. "I am sure whatever you have in mind is good," she said. Just so long as they were together, she didn't mind. She liked him-a LOT-and enjoyed the time they spent together, even when it was just simple things-a meal, or actual sleep.
"Considering there's very little documented in this region of space I'd like to both broaden the skill pool of the team and assess their ability to cope in stressful situations." Frasier explained. "I know it sounds rather unpleasant or extreme but as a whole the crew I feel are relatively untested in challenging conditions like an aggressive boarding party. I'm not suggesting we go full on Borg invasion but I think you get the picture."
She nodded. "I agree, actually," she said. "None of them would know what to do in case of a Kareema attack, for example," she said. "Or the Cardassians," she said. "But what brought on this surge of sudden foresight?" She asked. "I mean, you've always been intelligent, and had good insights into things, but..it's a little out of character, I'll admit." She smiled at him, but she was a bit concerned.
Frasier worked to hide his surprise that Vila agreed with his proposal and her praise of his abilities. It was unlikely he was overly successful in doing so and was tempted to make comment on her historic hatred of Cardassians but moved the conversation on. "I suppose being on the Bridge has opened my eyes to other situations and dangers we may encounter. Sickbay is calm, methodical and rather safe compared to other areas of the ship. We wouldn't be a priority target for intruders but I don't want anyone to become complacent."
She nodded. That made sense. "I see," she said. "Well. I appreciate it," she said. She kissed his cheek, and then they arrived at the Holodeck. "There better be some pasta later for this," she commented dryly. Maybe a few kisses, too. "I am excited, actually," she said. "I like it when we DO things," she explained. "I know we've been trying to keep our relationship quiet, and that's important, but I also like spending time with you. Anytime you want to do something, I will join in," she said. "And I will share with you. Though lately, I've been too busy and tired to do much, admittedly," she said. She'd just gotten used to the new routine and had finally gotten to a place where she was comfortable with a new way of being.
"We both knew this would be tough," Frasier replied with a nod. "But I'm glad we're still going - even if our time together is short with one thing or another getting in the way. Make moments like this a bit more special."
He turned to the small control panel. "Now, I've been reliably informed this programme is very period pre-specific so I apologise in advance if there's no pasta on the menu."
"Programme ready," the smooth computer voice announced. "Enter when ready."
Frasier turned to her with excitement in his eyes: "Ready?"
She smiled, and nodded. "Yes, I agree. And yes, I am," she said.
Offering her his arm the two of them stepped forward and into a scene far removed from the USS Intrepid.
The distinctive shrill of saxophone with accompaniments drum, strings and piano trumped the noise of dinners into the bar as they performed upon the stage ahead.
Behind them the holo door dissolved away revealing a bustling bar with waiters in red and black waistcoats that glittered in the half light serving drinks to the room. In front were rows of small round tables, each draped with white table cloths and lit with a single small lamp.
"Welcome to nineteen-sixty-two Las Vegas," Frasier whispered into Vila's ear
Vila smiled. "It looks neat!" she said. She led him forward a little, towards the bar. "Where shall we sit?" She asked. She was looking all around, trying to take it all in. She was underdressed. Dang it. She was smiling-for longer than she had in AWHILE. He'd done good.
Frasier had been watching her intently and couldn't stop smiling as she beamed radiantly. He was about to answer when another voice interuppted:
"Nice to see you pally - it's been too long!"
A friendly faced man dressed in a perfectly neat tux appeared alongside them and clapped Frasier warmly on the shoulder as he was greeting an old friend.
Frasier reconfigured the character instantly and shook his hand with gusto. "It's good to see you too. This lovely lady beside me is Captain Lorut Vila."
The holo character nodded with approval before dropping a cheeky wink. "Pleasure to meet you, Doll."
"Vila," Frasier continued. "This is our gracious host: Vic Fontane."
Vila laughed. "Nice to meet you," she said. "You two are good friends?" She asked Fraiser. "You've never mentioned that you're friends with the legendary Vic Fontaine," she said, jokingly. "Thanks for the atmosphere in here. I can't wait to hear some music soon," she said.
"Oh tosh," Vic waved aside the comments of legendary status. "I'm relieved to hear you say that. I had the boys keep a table down front open for you two kids. Come right this way."
He lead the pair through the crowd much like parting the seas. Being ever the gentleman Vic then withdrew Vila's seat and drew it again once she was ready to sit. "Comfy?" he asked.
Fraiser nodded still watching Vila's bright face intently.
The holo character then flagged down a waiter who arrived with flutes, a silver ice bucket and nestled inside ready to pour a vintage champagne. "Compliments of the house," he smiled. "I hope you both enjoy the show and yourselves of course. I'd like to stay but as you know there's a show to put on."
"Thanks Vic," Fraiser managed to get out before their host moved out of ear shot.
Vila beamed at Fraiser. He was definitely winning "points" here. "Thank you," she said, to Fontaine. She followed him, as Fraiser led her gently. They settled in as the holo-host pulled out her chair. Charming.
"I am comfy, thanks," she said. She took the glass of champagne as it appeared. "This is...lovely," she said, again. She felt a little silly-she couldn't think of a better word, though. This was the most romantic thing anyone had done for her in a long time. She'd have to find a way to make it up for Fraiser, too. It couldn't be easy for HIM, either, putting up with her this long, and also now that she was Captain, having to be so careful all the time.
"It's certainly something," Fraiser replied feeling a touch giddy things were playing better than he'd expected and how much Vila appeared to be enjoying herself.
He lifted his own champagne glass towards her to propose a toast. "To a well earned evening off with exceptional company."
Vila lifted her glass, and tipped towards Fraiser's. "To a lovely evening. And you," she said.
The ambient lights dimmed a notch overheard, then the stage grew dazzling bright as the show commenced. The band begun to strum into a familiar rhythm before Vic's smooth voice filled the room and put the gathered audience in a docile mood of enjoyment.
At their table Frasier took the opportunity in the half light to shuffle his chair closer to Vila and rested a hand over hers affectionately.
She smiled when Fraiser moved closer to her, and rested her body gently against him. She watched as the show began. It was already a lovely evening, and promised to only get better. She wasn't sure what she'd done to finally deserve someone like him, but she was sure glad she'd stopped trying to ruin her personal relationships.
Frasier gave her hand a gentle squeeze as the show began and found his attention split between the showmanship of Vic and his talented band and Vila. He would steal small glances at her and file away the joy it gave him seeing her happy for another time.
While the music continued he reflected upon how far they'd both come since they started their relationship following on from a slip of the tongue and cheeky kiss in the park. Originally he'd been fearful she'd find him unworthy or boring especially since her promotion to Captain, or that he'd never overcome the quilt he carried from his previous marriage. Truth was, they both needed one another to heal themselves from their pasts and to bear their burdens of responsibility.
The rhythm increased as Vic began to sing his next number and Frasier could see and feel Vila's body move to the new beat.
"Would you like to dance?" he whispered.
Vila was surprised at the fun she was having. Not that she didn't have fun...just not like this. She had spent so long shut off from the world, and just trying to survive, that she'd forgotten how to live. AND she was so glad to be sharing it with Fraiser. She hadn't counted on their relationship blossoming into something. It had just been a kiss...and now here they were. Healing together, and edifying the other to be better people individually.
She bopped her head lightly to the music. It was mostly swing and big band stuff-of Earth music, she did like Jazz-but it was nice. She believed in trying new things, and that included music. She smiled occasionally, and glanced at Fraiser. She wasn't sure if he was happy because of the scene or because she was, but it made her feel good, too.
He asked her to dance, and she nodded lightly. "Yes, I'd like that," she said, and stood up, letting him lead the way to the dance floor. "Thank you for a lovely evening. I know it's not over yet, but...it's nice," she said, quietly.
"I'm glad," Frasier smirked. "I wasn't sure if you'd like it here. I was worried we'd have to run the back up programme and miss out on Vic's show."
She nodded. "I do trust you, you know," she said, softly. "And that includes planning dates," she said. "I wouldn't have said no even if you hadn't surprised me," she said. She was trying to be more "go with the flow" these days.
Now upon the dance floor he gripped her hand loosely and gently led her forwards, backwards, arching his arms to allow her to spin before falling back into a steady rhythm. Then, unexpectedly he adjust his body and dipped her lowly before pulling her back into his arms.
Vila allowed Fraiser to lead her through the dance, following him back and forth, and spinning. She added in a bit of flair-crossing his arms so she'd face over his shoulder, and then returning from the spin against his chest. When he dipped her, she laughed, and then kissed him gently when he pulled her back up. "What's this?" She asked, playfully, surprised.
Fraiser's cheeks coloured. "I've been practising."
"I can tell," she said. They moved in time to the next song.
He smiled broadly, "If you saw my previous attempts on Kaitos you'd understand why I wanted lessons. I was terrible - embarrassingly so."
She laughed. "I do vaguely remember," she said. That seemed so long ago, but it hadn't been that long, truly. "We all were a bit...wild," she said. Her included. "Well. I am IMPRESSED," she said.
Once again, she was struck by how quickly and easily she'd fallen for Fraiser-despite her best attempts to sabotage herself. But it was good, and those feelings had passed and she was truly making a real effort to do better for both of them and their relationship. It had picked up speed lately, and she was ok with that, she'd decided.
"Ugh," the Doctor cringed. "I hoped you'd missed it. Still, we had a good time especially the park..."
She laughed. "It was," she said. "It was...a good day." She smiled. "More dancing or should we eat something?" She asked. Truthfully, she wanted to be wrapped up with him forever, but for now...this was good.
"Maybe let Vic finish his set before we dine," Frasier suggested. "I get the impression he's been coped up since the War and would love to sing for a while. Besides, the night is still young."
She nodded. "Yeah, that's a good idea," she said. "And yes, it is," she smiled, and moved closer to him. "I can't wait to see what else awaits us." She had some ideas for later, too.
The Doctor squeezed her briefly. "Oh," he said softly. "I'm sorry to disappoint you I don't have any other tricks up my sleeve I'm afraid. Vic might perhaps but this was all I had."
He paused then smiled mischievously: "Unless you had something to share?"
Vila winked. "Maybe..."she said, trailing off. "But that's ok. For now? This is perfect," she said. She leaned up to kiss him, a soft peck on the cheek. Vic moved into something a bit more jazzy, and Vila led this time, a bit of a Lindy Hop with some Bajoran footwork mixed in. She was just winging it-dancing had never been her strong suit, either-but she was adventurous anyway.
A little lost with the new style Frasier watched her and tried to follow hoping the two of them would avoid trampling one another and end the evening with bruised toes. The energetic style was fun and appeared to be infectious as the floor became more crowded than before, and upon the stage Vic continued to smile ear to ear.
Vila took Fraiser's hands to lead him along once she realized he was struggling with the more jazzy dance. He was a slow dancer-ok, she could deal with that. Really, she liked it anyway-it gave them an excuse to be close. She liked that.
"Hopefully the next one will be slower," she said.
"Maybe, but if not I'm all for another glass of fizz," Frasier replied with a slight flush to his cheeks as she went easy for him. Why was dancing so hard? He questioned as their bodies moved slightly out of sync resulting in a slight tap to Vila's shoe.
She giggled a bit, but Vila spared him his further embarrassment and led him back to the table. "More bubbly sounds great," she said.
"Thanks," he smiled as they settled back at the table. He tilted the champagne flute towards her to toast: "Here's to avoiding blackened toes."
She laughed. "To avoiding being trampled," she said. The night proceeded thusly, and soon, Vic was doing the last songs for the night. Had it really been a good few hours? Time had flown. She smiled as the Holoprogram faded and the harsh lights of the holosuite came up. "Well. That was lovely," she said. She moved closer to Fraiser. "Interested in coming to my quarters for some...dessert?" She winked at him, and then led him to the door.
"I always save room for dessert," Frasier smirked and squeezed her hand as they two departed.