Hot Springs

Posted on Sun Mar 6th, 2022 @ 11:25pm by Captain Rhenora Kaylen & Remal Kajun

Mission: *CD*
Location: Bajor

Food, if one could call it that, consumed. Bags packed. Bundled up tight, they once more ventured out into the brisk cold air. Today was calm, sunny and bright. The reflection off the snow was almost too much for their eyes to handle as they once again climbed into the sled Patin pulled behind her tractor. It was far from comfortable but Rhenora snuggled into Remals lap and together they stayed warm for the journey to the Tram lift which would take them to the hot springs resort.

“ It’s quite beautiful” Rhenora mused as the tractor trundled along in front of them, great puffs of dark smoke erupting from its stack. There was something to be said for the robustness of the old combustion engine despite the scarcity of fuel sources these days. With the power grid out due to the storm the streets were deserted in town, most people staying home in the warmth. The smoke from fireplaces created whimsy patterns as it rose through the sky, an ancient sign of civilised life on any planet. The snow was pristine in its virgin beauty, unmarked, unblemished by anyone or anything. That was until Patin’s tractor came along leaving deep gouges as it went.

Before long they arrived at the tram station, the cable pulleys powered by the resort up in the mountain with its own power source. Convenient for them it seemed.

“Alright,” She yelled as Patin jumped down from the tractor. “You lot are about to see the beauty in my reasoning for why I chose an ice box as my home.” She led them across the snow and into an empty swinging tram car. She banged the side wall, making it make a creaking sound. “Only 60 or so years old, never a problem a day in her life.”

Remal gave Rhenora a look to indicate how promising Patin always sounded, before interesting the Tram causing it to sink slightly lower.

The tram ride was a surprisingly uneventful affair, the pulleys dragging the car high up into the mountain until it rested firmly against the platform at the resort. The attendants seemed surprised to have guests arriving, unscheduled ones at that, until they realized who stepped out of the car.

“ Patin! We saw the avalanche yesterday and feared the worst” The manager exclaimed as they exited the car and it began on its return descent to the valley below.

“ And yet here I am!” Patin proclaimed proudly, hands on hips as though the altercation yesterday was much less than it actually was. “These are my friends, Noz and Chuckles here. I promised them a tour of the facilities and a dip in the springs. Didn’t think you’d be busy today”

“ Of course, we have no scheduled guests today due to the storm, you are welcome to use the springs, you know the rules” The manager nodded as turned his back on the group, having a sneaky suspicion he’d seen ‘Noz and Chuckles’ before somewhere. The nagging sensation only troubled him more as the day progressed.

Remal moved off into a changing room where he found hot showers and decided he could spare a minute or two to remove the smell of his previous days’ adventure in the muck. His old man bones were begging for warmth and his tired muscles longed for the hot springs, but the water of the shower was calling his name. Meanwhile, Patin darted into the ladies area, stripped out of her clothes and then disappeared from sight leaving Rhenora to find her own way into the springs.

Rhenora looked around bewildered, before heading in the direction of the hot springs. A few moments later there was a shriek, a whoop and a stark naked Patin streaked past her, running at full tilt towards the springs and diving like a cannonball into the bubbling hot water. Rhenora shouldn't have been shocked, it was Patin's style to do something like that.

Rummaging into her bag for something that would preserve at least most of her modesty, Rhenora opted for one of Remal's shirts. Large enough to be comfy and stopping part way between her knees and her butt. With an air of some grace and some awkwardness she lowered herself into the water with a sigh of contentment.

TBC