77. Ink

77. Ink

Scotty spluttered on his drink and Chekov outright choked on his as Uhura began to giggle. Sulu sighed and whacked the russian on the back. "Yeah yeah, laugh it up."

"Are y' kidding me?!" Scotty looked impressed. "Where?"

"Look... I was a teenager. I got dared." Sulu looked embarrassed but Chekov was staring at him with something akin to hero-worship. "I... Ugh, it's on my leg."

Uhura waved a hand. "Well, go on then. Show us."

Gritting his teeth, the pilot leaned over and rolled up his trouser-leg. There on his calf was a small, abstract bird; blue wings were spread and the beak pointed forward proudly. Sulu could't help a small smile. "My mother was pretty upset when she found out."

"I think it's beautiful." Uhura shrugged. "Species have been using tattoos for tribal and adornment purposes for thousands of years. The idea of it being permanent is a sort of daunting though..."

"..." Chekov continued staring at it. "...I think I might want one."

Scotty blinked in shock. "Really, lad? Of what?"

"The Enterprise."

They all gazed at the young man as he bit his lip thoughtfully. "Then, after the mission is over, if I don't get reassigned here, I'll always have a piece of her."

Scotty's eyes softened and Uhura smiled quietly. Sulu grinned. "Hey, let me know if you go through with it. I'll come along."