Shop til you drop - A Reintroduction Part 2

Posted on Tue Apr 8th, 2025 @ 12:36am by Jo McEntyre & T'lari

1,299 words; about a 6 minute read

Mission: A Choir by the Bay
Location: Station Promenade

ON:

Having finished their meal and having picked out their books they headed to the promenade. They walked in silence for a while and then as they rounded the corner stopped to look at all the clothing shops that were located in the south part of the promenade. In addition to the clothing shops there were make up shops, various sweet shops and even a few sellers of antiques, including books.

T'lari had been to the promenade but not to this area. "This is....a rather interesting place." She looked at Jo. "Where would you like to start?"

“I think I’d like to pick out some clothes.” Jo says looking at her friend as they walked. “Not really sure where to begin with clothes, there’s so many options” she pointed to one of the clothes shop and headed in that direction.

T'lari gave a nod. "I...I feel like I should say something there."

"Whatever advice you have, I would love any you have." Jo said.

"This is a bit new for me too but I shall endeavor to help. I think the best thing is to find something that you are comfortable in and that you like, something that makes you... happy." She paused. "That being said I may be a bit awkward...I have very little experience making friends. I have read about it but I am unsure as to...how it works."

"I think that this is a good start. Bonding over similar interests and likes." Jo smiled as they entered the store.

T'lari looked around. "This place seems to have a lot of choice." She looked at Jo. "So, are you looking for something casual or formal?"

“I think casual for now, and if we need it, formal wear later.” Jo started, “I don’t want to be in the Starfleet Uniform all the time, should have some cute casual clothes for off duty hours”

T'lari gave a nod. They walked to a place that had everything from jeans to skirts to sweaters. "Alright...I think we are in the right place."

Jo smiled softly walking into the store. It was a bit…overwhelming, all the options and styles around her. She honestly had no idea where to start, not really having a sense of style. After a few moments she walked over to a rack of skirts and blouses and started to look at the various options on the rack.

T'lari joined her. "So what's your favorite color?"

Jo looks over to the Vulcan, a curious look on her face as she thought. “I like soft colors. Blues and Pinks.” She picks up a skirt to look at with curiosity, examining it, feeling the fabric and smiling. “I always wanted to wear skirts. I always thought they were fun. Not that the uniform skirts aren’t fun, they’re mainly for professional use. I want fun clothes”

"Well then let us select some skirts that are in soft colors." She stepped up to the rack and started pulling some. Several skirts later she gave a nod. "I think that is a good start. Shall you try them on?"

Jo nods, not helping but show her excitement as she spots a dressing room and heads for it. She enters, shutting the door. She took a few minutes before she came back out, the skirts would need to be altered but for now, she showed off the skirt, a pale blue one, giving a spin for T’lari.

“What do you think?” She asks.

"I like it. I think that it suits you." She thought a moment. "How do you feel when you look in the mirror?"

Jo turns around, looking at herself in a mirror on the wall next tot the changing room door. She took several moments, twisting and turning til she looks at her Vulcan companion and smiles widely.

“Happy.” She says with a confidence she’s never had. “Like me”.

"That is an important step. Now let us make a few outfits with what you've picked out." She looked at Jo. "Sound like a plan?"

“Like the best plan” Jo smiles more her tail swishing happily behind her.

“You have any recommendations for cute outfits? What about dresses?” She asked excitedly.

"Indeed. Let's do that next and perhaps some formal wear just in case?" T'lari was enjoying the day out. She knew that Jo had a long way to go but seeing the smile on Jo's face was worth it. "May I say something? I know that we have not known one another long but I must admit to feeling pride. I am proud and inspired by your zest for searching out who you are and allowing yourself to embrace the true you."

Jo blushed, smiling shy. “Thank you.” She says after a few moments. “It’s…it’s been…liberating. Now that I’m away from my awful home and a mother who despised what I wanted to be, I…I can breathe. She looks up at her friend.

“It’ll be a long journey, but I’m excited for every day I get to live and breathe being me. I…” she stops. “I think I want to help others like me. We’re not locked into the tracks that we applied too, right!” She asked T’lari.

"Indeed. It is why I wish to be a counselor. As far as wanting to be away from home I understand that feeling." They walked picking out some outfits. "Have you always been interested in Starfleet?"

"When I was little, I looked up to my family. Mainly my uncles, but Starfleet was always in the picture. It's more of a family obligation. McEntyre's fought to find the Federation." Jo stops and turns to look at her companion. "Maybe obligation is the wrong word. More like, Starfleet would always play a part in my life, but my mother was the one who wanted me to join the security service, and while I love my Uncle Elias and Uncle Clay, I think I'd rather be like my Cousin J.R, a doctor. I want to help people like me become their true selves."

"Well that is an option. My understanding is that we have the main departments we wish to join but we will get exposure to all the departments." She thought. "Also both the doctor and the Tactical instructor are due in by the morning. Might be worth it to speak with both."

"I think I will speak with them, if only to gleam their perspectives" Jo nods and turns back to the rack. "So many choices of dresses" She commented.

"How about you start with one in each style this way you can try it out and see which one you like?" T'lari held up a bright blue dress. "This one would look really nice on you."

Jo looks at the dress, taking it in her hands. “I think you’re right” Jo says, holding it to her chest. “Though it’ll look better when I have a bit more hips” Jo smiles.

They finished their shopping and T'lari helped Jo take her purchases back to the ship. "Did you enjoy the shopping trip?"

“I did!” Jo beams excitedly, carrying the bags to her room. “I haven’t had that much fun in…well…I don’t think I’ve ever had that much fun.” Jo says, putting down the bags.

“Thank you, T’lari. For everything. I really did enjoy today.”

She gave a small bow. "I did as well. I very much look forward to getting to know the real Jo as time goes on."

"I do too." Jo smiles. "I do too."

------

Jo McEntyre
Medical Student
U.S.S. Warbler


&

T'lari
Counseling Student
U.S.S Warbler

 

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