USS Sulu - Data Log Archive

"Black Ice: Part 1"
By: Lt. (jg) Natalia Druschev - Science Officer

Location: USS Sulu
Stardate: 57907.14 00h12

***Holodeck One***

Natalia slid her hand across Martel's chest, feeling the sparse dark hair that covered him. They lay entwined in front of the fire that now was burning embers. The apartment was in darkness. Her long hair draped across his shoulder and his fingers casually brushed it away from her face. She smiled and his dark eyes regarded her. "I love your smile," he whispered.

She laughed softly. "That's not all you love," she replied in Russian. She leaned down and kissed him, her hair falling around his head as she moved against him. They had been making love for over an hour and Natalia still wanted to exorcise her inner demons. One in particular.

He laughed and rolled over, taking her with him until she was beneath him once again. This time he shook his head. "No, my darling," he said gently. "That is most definitely not all I love, but we have a briefing." He playfully slapped her thigh and kissed her breast. "There will be plenty of time to play - after we do our duty."

"Martel...." Natalia stroked his face. She didn't know what to say. She wanted to tell him about how she felt, what she thought, about Mason. He looked into her eyes and smiled.

"Something is wrong," he said. He knew her so well. He could read the expressions; the doubt and the hesitation in her eyes told him that she wanted to talk about her last mission. She'd been away for a month and so he'd guessed that it had been a deep cover operation. "Was it the mission?"

She looked away momentarily. Last mission? Last man? She gave him a sad smile. "I...met someone..." she began.

He frowned. "Go on...." His arms enfolded her and he looked down into her eyes.

"He was a lot like you..." she spoke softly, almost a whisper, her Russian languid. "He played me, while I was playing him."

Martel smiled and stroked her cheek. "In our game love, that happens."

"He was a good lover," she said, looking away from his eyes. "I could have fallen for him."

"But you didn't," he smiled. "You came back to me."

She looked up at him and smiled. "I did, didn't I?" She put her hand over his.

"Did you have to kill him?"

Natalia was almost shocked at the question, but in this world it was a natural one to ask and she just shook her head before saying, "No - he was on our side."

He nodded. "What is his name?" he asked.

"Mason," Natalia replied, "Mason Farrell." Saying his name brought back the memory of his touch and she sighed.

"He really got to you didn't he?" Martel asked. Concern was evident in his tone and on his face. "He must have been quite something to do that!"

"He is..." Natalia nodded. "But now I have to forget him." She looked up into Martel's eyes and said, "I was hoping you'd help me do that." He grinned that lopsided grin and kissed her again. Kissed her with a tenderness she yearned for.

After a while he broke away and said, "I'll always be here for you, Natya. You know that."

"Yes..." she smiled. "Always, my darling."

Martel smiled down at her. Whoever Mason Farrell was, Martel would remember his name. He felt pangs of jealousy stir within him. He hadn't been possessive about Natalia before, she was an agent of her country as was he - and they both had to do what was required to accomplish a mission. Her admission that she could have fallen in love with the man had never occurred before. No one had been able to get to Natalia before. No one but him. Same side or not, Martel wasn't a man who allowed competition. The spark of danger that Natalia had first seen in Mason's eyes flickered momentarily in Martel's. He covered it by kissing her. As always she surrendered to him.

***

Dressed once again, this time in a leather skin-tight suit of deep burgundy, Natalia sat in her apartment's library with Martel lounging on her leather couch. She slid her hand upon the extended ident panel that had slid out of the chair arm. It recognised her DNA and verified her voice print before the library computer system opened a large screen teevee above the fireplace. The Eastern Bloc Hammer and Sickle on the Red Star appeared on a split screen with the Northern Alliance Blue Planet and Star Cluster logo. Both respective governments worked together against the South-Eastern Dominion, the three world powers continually vied for supremacy, but the larger South-Eastern Dominion often posed a threat that caused the North and East Blocs to unite. There was talk of a permanent alliance between the two, but that was still far off - even though not impossible. No one imagined that the intelligence agencies of the two powers worked so closely together. Natalia and Martel were examples of the new detente.

The screen switched to a simultaneous cast of the two Agency Controls. Ygveny Illyich Boderenkin, Chairman of the Eastern Bloc KGB appeared. He was a large chested bald man with a dark birth mark on his domed head. On the other side of the screen George Bushman, Director of NAIS flickered into focus. He was a thin man, with salt and pepper hair and a short beard. His blue eyes echoed the grim cast to his features.

Bondarenkin spoke first. With a smile he stared at Natalia and in Russian said, "Natya, it is good to see that you are still in one piece. I hope that Nikulterny is treating you well?"

Natalia smiled. "Ygveny Illyich, you know that he is..." she laughed. "You know everything."

"True," he nodded. "I do." The Chairman turned to Martel and nodded a greeting. Martel simply smiled. Neither man enjoyed conversing with each other - too many years of being enemies.

Bushman said, "Greetings, Team." He was younger than the Russian Intelligence Chief and held no such reservations. Besides, the Russian spy was a beautiful woman. "Natalia, Martel - good see both of you. There is a crisis that you will both be required to deal with. Chairman Boderenkin and I have agreed on a joint mission. The South-Eastern Dominion has been up to its usual dirty tricks. This time it threatens the whole world. A deep cover operative of ours discovered that the SED has developed a new bio-agent that they call the Sinovirus. It's a level four bio-toxin that acts on certain portions of our DNA - portions that are not present in anyone with Asian blood chemistry. Basically it's the magic bullet. If they release it - the world is theirs. They call it the Black Ice. Our agent died getting the information out - and what we have is sparse. We have a starting point - a doctor Lin Xiou is responsible for the virus. She developed it in a secret bio-lab in the South China Sea. The base is on a small island in SED territory. We have no idea how SED plans to spread the bio-agent, nor their timetable to do so. You will have to trace the virus, discover the delivery system and stop it from happening. Neutralise the virus - neutralise Lin Xiou and her research and make sure they cannot develop this Black Ice again. Time is important. We have a Jetlifter en route to you now with the equipment you will need on board. Get to it, Agents - the world is in your hands."

The image of the two men blinked out. Martel turned to Natalia and said, "My God. If this gets out...."

Natalia nodded. "We all die." She looked at Martel and smiled. "I don't plan on dying yet, my love." She tapped on the small control panel in the chair and two walls of the library opened to reveal an assortment of high tech weapons and equipment. She gathered what she needed, packing them in a black bag. Each piece was marked with a small sigil that only she could see.

Martel gathered a few pieces, mainly weapons, and did the same as she. When they had finished she tapped the chair controls once again and everything closed up once again. No one could ever tell that the library held an arsenal of the most highly developed weapons and intrusion equipment that both the Eastern Bloc and the Northern Alliance could produce.

Both agents stepped into the private elevator that led to the rooftop jetpad. As the doors opened a Northern Alliance Jetlifter was on final approach. The VTOL jet screamed as its thrusters slowed it down. It landed gently and the back ramp dropped. Two agents signalled for the pair to embark and both ran into the craft. As they did, it wasted no time on the pad. With a roar it lifted and shot into the night sky.

Inside the Jetlifter Natalia saw glowing words appear in the air before her eyes. Only she could see them. "End of Chapter One: Black Ice." She smiled and said, "Computer - freeze program." The holodeck froze. Martel was deep in frozen conversation with the pilot, and Natalia stood and kissed his cheek. "Bye for now, baby," she whispered. She was tired now, and it was almost 02h00s. Time to get some sleep before shift in the morning. She felt the excitement of a new adventure and she couldn't wait to get to the next chapter.

"Go Time"
By: Ensign Mason Farrell; Operations Officer
Ensign Nathalie Gui; Communications Officer

Location: USS Sulu, Lounge
Stardate: 57907.14 13h32

***

Mason considered his next move. Gui had just buttoned up a nice bunch of his stones, which put her ahead in the game. The board was filling, and the game would probably go another half-hour or so.

"I knew I shouldn't have gone easy on you," he smirked. "Nice move, though."

Nathalie returned his smile. "You know what they say, beauty and brains. Your move." She leaned back in her seat and held a finger to her chin as she attempted to interpret Farrell's next move.

"Beauty and brains," Mason sniggered as he took a stone from the bowl on his side and stretched his hand out over the board. He hesitated, thinking of something else, then smiled to himself and placed the stone.

Taking a stone from the bowl Gui thought carefully before placing, her eyes having watched Mason earlier. The rumors she had heard floating about the ship lately couldn't help but worm their way into her thoughts. They weren't true were they? "It seems you have been quite the talk of the ship lately. Any more secrets you have?" she asked, looking up.

Mason scratched an eyebrow absently. "What a mess, eh? Some reputation I'm getting. What have you heard?"

"That you were making out in the Turbolift with Druschev, the new Science Lieutenant, and that the other night you were on a Period Costume Date with Counselor Chambers..." Nathalie picked up her cup of sake and muttered into her cup remarking more to herself than Mason, "And to think you've gotten yourself in a mess..."

Mason placed a stone and settled back in his chair. "It is a mess. It was never supposed to be this way. Natalia was never supposed to be a Starfleet officer."

"Don't tell me, I probably wasn't supposed to be a Starfleet officer either if the two of us slept together the night before the race?" Nathalie stated as she prepared to place another stone on the board.

"Aw, that's harsh, Nat," Mason winced. "I didn't mean it like that."

Calmly she placed her piece onto the board before looking up. "Really? No I get it, you'd probably stab me in the heart later after finally allowing me to get close to you, only to run off with the next available girl. Go figure. I'm probably just a plaything that every other guy wants to have a go at eventually."

"What?" Mason was incredulous. "No, Nat. You're nobody's plaything." He swore softly under his breath and contemplated his bowl of stones. "What a mess. Now you hate me, too."

"Bullshit! I had it happen to me in the Academy. You think you have problems of your own, no one loved me, they just loved taking advantage of me." Nathalie lowered her head to the table as she sighed heavily. "I don't hate you, I just don't know if you would give me a chance..."

Mason arched an eyebrow, looking confused. "Someone took advantage of you in the academy?"

Nathalie rested her head on her folded arms and looked out distantly, her eyes holding a certain sadness and anger. "I was a young and stupid fool. The only relationships I was involved in were mostly physical, not love, I was only kidding myself...and I bet I still am..."

"Still," Mason mused. "Still kidding yourself about what?"

Well you've gone and dug yourself a grave now, Nat... Sitting up she began, "Mason...I...I..." Nathalie hung her head low as she felt the words stick like glue in her mouth. Tears stung at her eyes as she looked around the Lounge nervously. "I...no...not here not now..." Swallowing hesitantly she asked, "Can we meet later tonight somewhere private...please?"

Mason sat very still. The rumors were already flying fast and thick. But now Nat was crying. He should go. He should clean up the board and go. They were on dangerous ground, now. He should go. But she was crying.

"Meet me in the arboretum at 0100," he said softly.

She nodded and whispered, "Thank you..." Sniffing she then remarked, "I...should go..." Those words said, Nathalie got up and left the Lounge, avoiding any eyes that fell on her form.

Nathalie could avoid them; Mason couldn't. He turned to watch her go, and glanced around at the other dozen lounge patrons. A dozen pairs of eyes fell on him at once, and a dozen people immediately pretended they weren't looking. He turned back to the gameboard, sucking his teeth and shaking his head. He stayed a long time, studying Gui's moves, reviewing their conversation, watching the crowd in the reflection of the window until he realized most of them had left. Only then did he clean up the board and leave the lounge himself.

"Strictly Business"
By: Ensign Ainsley Chambers; Counselor
Ensign Mason Farrell; Operations Officer

Location: USS Sulu, Counseling office
Stardate: 57907.14 15h15

***

As the doors closed behind another patient, Ainsley sighed and leaned back in her chair. The day had been very long and there was still--she looked at her antique clock--45 minutes left. They were basically operating under an open door policy at the moment. Anyone who needed or wanted to speak with a counselor could just show up at the offices and as long as someone was available they could see them right then and there to get any reassurances they needed following the events of the last few days. Or anything else for that matter. She'd been very busy; people seemed to like this type of counselling.

The doorchime sounded, prompting Ainsley to sit up in her seat. That would most likely be another patient. She stood up and came around the front of her desk. "Come in!"

Mason Farrell stood in the doorway, and immediately stepped in with his hands up in the air in front of his chest, a gesture of surrender.

"This is not a pressure visit. I'm not here about us. I need an opinion I can trust, and frankly you're the only person on the ship I can actually talk to right now. Can I ask you a couple of questions? Please?"

Ainsley looked at him skeptically for a moment, but could not deny him that. "Sure. That's what counselors are for, right?" She indicated the chair. "Sit down."

Mason sat heavily. "We're all confidential, right? This is strictly official. You're the counselor, and I'm coming for advice. Fair?"

Ainsley looked at him through slightly narrowed eyes. What was going on here? "Fair..." she replied, stretching out the word a little so he knew she was a little confused, and a little suspicious. She sat down on the couch across from him.

"Then I'm just going to lay this out. Ensign Gui is a co-worker of mine in ops. We met the same day I came aboard, and we decided to be friends. She was a flirt, and fun to hang around with. I liked her, we flirted, we went street racing," he waved a hand vaguely, punctuating the activity list. "I thought we were good friends."

The small smile, which she always referred to as her counselor expression, faltered slightly. What the hell was he doing?

"It turns out she thought it was more than that," Mason continued. "We were in the lounge earlier, talking, and she made it pretty plain that she's got feelings for me. She asked me to meet her later so she could explain, and I'm pretty sure she's going to tell me she wants to be more than just friends. I need to know how to tell her I don't want that. What do I do?"

She felt a strong urge to tell him to take her dancing, sleep with her and then go fly a kite for all she cared. But that wouldn't really be the truth. How could he do this to her? How could he sit there and tell her this information and ask her to give him an unbiased opinion?

Did he really have that much faith in her?

"Mason..." She shook her head and looked down at her hands. "I can't...."

Mason looked at her steadily for a long moment. "I'm sorry," he said finally. "I just" --he winced-- "Nat hit me with this all of a sudden. I don't know where else to go. I talked to Counselor Scott the other day, not about this, but about the whole shooting thing. She's in that counselor groove where she just keeps asking what I think, and won't ever answer a question. I need somebody to give me some advice, and you were the only person I thought of that I could trust." He thought a moment, then added, "I guess this is a little awkward, isn't it?"

Ainsley looked up then. "Just a little!" she said with a small laugh.

Then she took a deep breath. "But, give me a minute..." She got to her feet. "I can focus here." She touched her forehead lightly. "I just need to distance myself and pretend I have absolutely no stake in what you tell this girl." She walked back and forth in front of the couch for a moment.

He admired her walk. She was small, but walked with energy. In fact, if he had to pick a single word to describe Ainsley, 'energetic' would be it. She had an aura about her. Activity. Animation. Intensity. Energy. He opened his mouth to tell her she looked nice today, but stopped himself. She was obviously thinking, and he didn't want to throw her off.

She stopped walking and turned to him. "She obviously cares for you, you say. So you can't be a boor and just say 'listen honey, it ain't happening.' You have to be gentle. Ease her into your answer." She put her hand up to her mouth and absent mindedly chewed on the nail of her thumb. "Maybe focus on where you do want your relationship to go as opposed to dwelling on what you don't want to have with her?"

"I like that," Mason nodded. "Keep it positive. Talk about what I'm wanting, not what I'm not wanting. That's good. She understands without feeling shot down."

Still chewing her nail, Ainsley shrugged lightly and nodded a bit. "That's the reaction that we hope she'll have." She couldn't help but tease him then, though she was poking fun at herself as much as him. "But be careful. We still haven't quite figured out what kind of imbalance is required for a woman to be attracted to you; she might be completely off her rocker!"

Mason laughed out loud. "Yeah," he said, looking at Ainsley levelly but with humor, "I do seem to fall in with the oddballs."

Ainsley's smile reached her eyes now, and her nose crinkled. "We are a strange bunch." Shifting gears slightly she looked into his eyes. "Thank you for coming to me with this."

His smile softened into something deeper than humor, and he held her gaze. "Thank you for listening."

The moment lengthened, and Mason broke it by standing with a sigh. "Well, I'll let you get back to your day," he said, starting for the door.

She watched him walk away. "Mason." She just needed to have him look at her one more time.

He half-turned, looking over his shoulder. "Hmm?"

"Uhh...." She wasn't sure what to say now. She wanted to tell him to behave himself, but was not something she could say. "Take care, ok?" she finished lamely.

He smiled and nodded. And he was out the door and gone.

"Freedom at Last"
by: Andrea Collins

Location: Risa, USS Sulu
Stardate: 57907.14, 16h55

***

Andrea Collins, Ensign and all around bad girl, was finally able to claim her things from the hotel where she'd been staying. She was even able to re-claim her weapon, the same one that was used to murder the Ambassador. True, she and he fought, but that wasn't enough for her to kill him, or anyone.

She packed all her things up and got into her uniform. She was finally going to be able to report aboard the Sulu. In light of the Farehn'ti's actions and the information presented by the Sulu, charges against Andrea were dropped. And she really was glad they had been.

She paid her hotel tab and every tab she'd accumulated while on Risa and headed for a clear place for beam-out. She tapped her badge and requested beam out.

Moments later, the effect released her and she stepped off the pad. Collecting her things, she headed out of the transporter room and headed for her assigned quarters. The assignment had been handed to her when she'd received her orders; she wasn't able to claim her quarters till now since she'd been held prisoner first on Risa and then on some ship. She hadn't even cared that the cell she'd been in both times were rather luxurious, they were still prison cell.

She arrived at her quarters and noticed she had a roommate. The information was on her orders padd, which she held in her hand. Andrea wondered if her having a roommate was such a good idea, but since it wasn't up to her, she didn't bother to question it.

She located the empty bedroom and dropped her things on the floor. Literally dropped them to the floor. She'd unpack later. She left her room and headed for the bridge. Arriving on the bridge, she stood in front of the command seat and said, "Ensign Collins, reporting for duty."

"Calm Waters, Part 1"
By: Ensign Kit Markham
Ensign Tchalla Mel'Chir
Ensign Kelzira Rax
Ensign Amy Reese

Location: Risa
Stardate 57907.14, 16h55

***

Tchalla Mel'chir gasped softly and blushed profusely. "That was my boobie," she whispered, loud enough for all of them to hear.

Kelzira Rax giggled. "Was it?" she asked with an impish smile.

"You did that on purpose!"

Kelli's grin only grew wider. "It could be worse," she said. "I could be like Amy, trying to pull the bottoms of your suit off under water."

Tchi gasped again and giggled. "Oh...I guess it's not so bad then..."

Kelzira looked to where Amy and Kit were swimming, at their side. They were halfway caught in their own world together and half caught in the conversation she and Tchi were having. Kelli grinned. "This is fun," she said as they continued paddling out toward the small island in the middle of the bay. They weren't the only swimmers in the water, but they were the only ones swimming out to the small island. It was a secret place of sorts. In their time on Risa, they'd managed to learn about it. Mainly, only the locals knew about it. Their goal was to catch some sun on the beaches, and then have a fresh, homecooked meal at the small restaurant there. It promised to be a wonderful day. "You guys are having fun, right?"

Amy grinned at Kel, and motioned her eyes down to her bare chest. "Does it look like I'm miserable? This is the best idea you've ever had, Kelli!"

"It was a good idea, wasn't it? Did Kit find his trunks? You, my dear, are very naughty, and Tchi is going to really blush if he has to get out of the water like that."

"If I have any say in the matter," Amy replied as she folded her arms atop the rocky edge of the floating island, "he'll never find them."

Kelli grinned. "I know it may be wrong of me to say, but I hope so too. He's very...nice to look at. Now...if I could only convince Tchi..."

"Oh, leave her be," Amy chided playfully. "There's enough blue flesh for you to see even with her suit on." She winked at Tchalla, then hefted herself out of the water, and twisted herself around to sit upon the rocky edge. Holding out a hand for Kit, she asked, "You decent?"

Kit placed his hand in hers and grinned. "Define decent," he said as he rose up out of the water enough to show that the trunks she'd removed earlier had not been retrieved. "I was thinking of gathering some sea moss and fashioning a loincloth."

Amy giggled and wrapped her arms around his bare waist as he planted himself down beside her. "Oh, I prefer you without." She smiled suggestively at her breast brushing against his arm. "Just as you do, right?"

"With you around? Oh definitely. Just be careful...we don't want any embarrassment now."

One glance at Tchi, who was having difficulty looking away, showed that it was too late for that.

Amy glanced aside at the girl, then smiled warmly. "It's okay, Tchi. Displays of affection are natural. You don't have to be shy; we don't mind you watching."

Tchalla blushed again and grinned. "It's...I've...I've seen them before...but never so close... Do they normally look...like that? It's so..." She giggled and looked away.

Amy grinned at Kit, then motioned Tchi to join them on the rocks. "Well, all the ones I've seen look like that." Then for Kit's sake, she added, "But his is, by far, the nicest."

Tchalla climbed up onto the rocks, continuing to visually examine Kit as she did. "It is very similar to my brother's, though more pale. I do not know if I will miss out...since I am involved in a relationship with another woman. In our talks, Kelzira tells me that it is not necessary."

Amy raised a skeptical eyebrow at her Trill friend. "Really? I recall you enjoying that Risan bar tender's only a couple days ago. Was it not necessary then?"

Kelli grinned. "There's a difference between necessary and optionally enjoyable. He was very enjoyable, but when Tchi and I do...you know, we won't need one to have fun. Just like you and I didn't need one to have fun."

Amy snickered, then shielded her mouth from Kit with her hand and confided to Kelli, "True, but it's far more gratifying at times, my Kelli."

"I think it all depends on the people," Kelli answered. "Crewman Davis in Ops, is amazing. The guy has a tongue like you wouldn't believe, and he really knows what to do with the equipment he's got. Crewman Baker in engineering, he said he'd been with a bunch of girls, but he was just about getting himself off. Lieutenant Nala James, she's also in engineering, I think, she was much better than Baker but not quite as good as Davis."

Amy's eyes were wide as she exclaimed, "How many of the crew have you been with! Your reputation is going to be as bad as mine is soon!"

"Well, I'm only Tchi's girlfriend now, so no one else. But, I think it was...I think twenty-three. Twenty-four if you count making out with Lt. McKenzie in the Jefferies Tube, but that's all we did."

Giggling, Amy said, "Almost more than me." Then, sensitive to Kit's emotions, she cleared her throat and switched topics. "It's getting chilly out here. Do we wanna start getting back?"

"Perhaps we should," Kelli said. "It sure is nice here though. We should come back. It's a great spot to catch sun, and maybe we could convince Tchi to even out her tan."

Amy frowned teasingly at Kel. "The girl's nervous enough just seeing Kit naked. I think she'd crawl out of her skin if she had to let him see her naked." Laughing softly, Amy pushed herself to her feet and started back towards their towels.

Tchalla got to her feet and followed after Amy. She caught up to Amy and looked shyly up at her. "Would Viraj look like that too?" she asked. "I think he liked me, and...and I liked him. But...but I really like Kelzira. And, you're my friend too...but not like Kelli."

Amy grinned and slung an arm across Tchalla's shoulders. "You're my friend too, Tchi. And if you like Viraj, why not talk to Kelli about it? I'm sure she wouldn't really mind if you...you know...tried."

"Oh, no...it's not like that. Plus, he's Deltan. They're forbidden to...to interact in that manner. And, besides...I want...want to interact with Kelzira. She's...I like her very much, and...and she likes me. I'm scared though... I've never...with someone."

Amy smiled reassuringly. "Then you don't have to yet, Tchi. Take your time with Kelli if you really like her this much. There's no rush."

"Thank you," Tchi said. "I do like her very much. I...I want this to work perfectly, Amy. It will, won't it? Does...I know she has been with many people, and...do you think she'll... Does she care for me enough not to...to cheat?

Amy sighed, and rested her head against Tchi's. "That's a good question, Tchalla. I care for Kit very much, but I still hurt him. Kelli's not me, though... And I still can't answer that. I'm sorry."

Tchalla nodded. "I think she cares enough," she said. "If she didn't, I think she would try to pressure me to be with her. Right?"

"Yeah..." Amy smiled, and nodded emphatically. "You're right! She's going slow because she does like you. I think that's a good sign."

Tchalla giggled and hugged Amy. "Oh thank you," she said. "It's so nice to have someone to talk to about this. Thank you so much for being my friend, Amy. It means so much to me!"

"And me," Amy replied. "It's nice to talk to someone who doesn't want to get into my pants." She winked at Tchi, then chuckled and sped forward to retrieve her towel.

"Perhaps I would," Tchalla called after Amy. "They are nice pants!" She sighed softly when Kelli came up behind her, wrapping her arms around her waist and holding her close. She rested her head back against Kelli's shoulder and allowed herself to feel the comfort of their relationship, which seemed to get even stronger all the time. "I am happy with you, Kelzira Rax."

"And, I am happy with you, Tchalla Mel'chir," Kelli said. "What I said there, about all those people...are you...alright? I don't want to hurt you."

"I know," Tchi said. "I can feel that from you. And, those you have been with are in the past, we are the present and the future."

"We are, aren't we? Come on, let's go get our towels. We have to get ready for dinner, and I have a surprise for you."

"For me?" Tchi asked, her face a mixture of both embarrassment at being fussed over and joy that she would be receiving something from Kelli. "Let us go."

Kit had caught up with Amy, a smile on his face as he reached out and brushed a hand along her arm. "This has been a good day," he said. "Though, now I find myself caught in a dilemma. Wrap a towel around my waist, or wander around as I am? Would you care to help me with that choice, my dear?"

Amy turned to Kit and passed her eyes over his frame. "Well, I've got that same dilemma, my love. Do I ask you to cover up so no others can feast their eyes upon you? Or do I overcome my jealousy so that I may take pleasure in that view all day long?"

"You are the one who undressed me, my love," Kit said with a grin. "And, they can look all they want, but they'll quickly realize that Captain Skippy only raises the mainsail for one woman."

Amy snickered, then tossed Kit a towel...just in case. "Make yourself decent, my Kitty Kat. It's getting cold." She smiled slowly as she motioned to his groin. "Mr. Skippy's telling me so."

Kit laughed and then wrapped the towel around myself. "Come on, my love, let's go warm up the captain."

She grinned and gathered up her own towel. Instead of wrapping it around her bare torso, she slung it over her shoulder and linked arms with Kit. "Make it so, Captain," she announced.

"Engage," Kit said with a seductive grin as they started off together. "I think we're going to have to lodge a complaint against Tchi and Kelli. I don't think it's fair that any other couple can be nearly as cute as you and I are together."

"Oh, I think they've nearly surpassed us, my love." She pouted playfully. "I believe that will require some consoling, don't you?"

"Oh, I definitely think so," Kit said. "Definite consoling. And, I think we have just enough time before we're supposed to go eat."

"Well, good, because...I need to ask you something." All sign of humour vanished, and Amy's face took on a serious quality. "It's important... It's about those counselling sessions I mentioned before."

Kit nodded. "Of course," he said. "Whatever you need to...to say. Everything's alright, right?"

"I think," she answered uncertainly. "It's just...the counsellor, Counsellor Scott, she sorta wants us to go to sessions alone for a while. She wants to see us separately. I tried to get her to change her mind, but she was really set on the idea, Kitty."

Kit chewed on his lip for a moment. "Well, I guess she knows what she's doing, or else she wouldn't be serving aboard a starship. I can talk to her alone...are you okay with that, Amy?"

"I-I am," she assured him. "I just didn't think you'd want to. It's my problem, right? So why should you have to go through all that."

"It concerns both of us though, Amy," Kit said. "And, besides, we're in this together. That means, if I have to go to counselling for us, then I do. If it makes us better, I'm happy for that...and hopeful."

"Really?" She smiled ardently and kissed Kit's cheek. "Thanks. Just for a little while, then we get to be together. It'll be great."

"I have no doubts about us, Amy," Kit said. "I have no doubts about us or where we're going. This is right and it will help us, I can feel it."

Amy grinned and snuggled up closer to Kit. "Well, I'm in the mood to feel something else...if you don't mind."

"Captain on deck," Kit cooed. "Come on, let's give Tchi and Kelli some time alone."

Amy nodded, then giggled as she gripped Kit's towel and dashed off, pulling it loose from him. "Come on, Captain! Show me whatcha got!"

"Hey!" Kit cried out and then raced off after her, drawing a fit of giggles from Tchalla. "Come back here with that! Oh, you're just lucky you're over there or I'd--"

"You'd what?" she hollered back, then tossed back the towel, catching Kit in the face with it. She laughed fitfully as he stumbled and attempted to peel it off, then finally she disappeared between the trees.

"Oh," Kit called out after her as he wrapped the towel around his throat like a scarf, "into the trees, is it? And what do you plan to do in the trees?"

In response, the white towel that had once draped over Amy's shoulder was flung out into the open. A giggle arose from within the forest, then the sound of scampering feet.

Kit chased after her. Not caring about his state of undress, or hers. He was certain that Tchi and Kelli were enjoying the show. He heard their giggles and knew this was exactly what they all needed, provided it didn't turn into a giant orgy. "Get yourself back here, you naked wench!"

"Find me, Captain!" she shrieked back. The rustle of bushes sounded from Kit's right, then a boisterous giggle.

"Oh, the captain knows right where you are," Kit said with a laugh. "Oh, the captain can always find his first mate." He approached the rustling and giggling slowly, theatrically. "Arrr."

There was a snicker, then in return the imitated squawk of a parrot.

"Oh my my my," Kit said as he stepped through the bushes. "Oh definitely my. I am thinking, my dear, that it's time...to walk the plank. What do you think?"

Amy, lounging naked on her back atop a lush bed of grass and propped up by both elbows, grinned as she parted her knees slowly. "Ravish me, you rotten pirate."

"I thought you'd never ask," Kit said with a smile. He lowered himself to the grass and nodded with approval. "You have an eye, my dear, for finding the perfect spots out in the wild. I especially enjoyed that last one on the beach." He let his hands roam down toward her thighs. "Is that a buried treasure I'm spying there, me matey?"

Amy sighed and nodded vigorously. "Care to unlock it?" She smiled slyly as her hand reached down between his legs. "I see you've got the key right here...."

"The key definitely matches the lock, doesn't it," he said with a grin. He slid along her body, kissing and caressing as he moved himself into position. "Wanna see if we can get Tchi to blush?"

Amy smiled as her legs wound around Kit's waist. "Arr, matey," she whispered, then kissed him fervently.

As he entered her, their lips touched again. "Now, remember, when you scream, scream loud enough that she and Kelli can hear you. It'll help her get used to us and our lecherous ways."

Amy nodded conspiratorially, then sucked in a staggering breath and expelled it as a shrill cry of pleasure. She had to stifle a giggle afterwards. "Like that?" she asked him huskily.

"Oh, just like that," Kit laughed. "Keep that up, and they'll even be able to hear us on the ship."

"That's my goal," Amy managed before another, gentler cry escaped, and she gave over fully to the act.

There was only so much joking one could do while making love, and soon the passions and desires took over to the point that joking became nothing more than a distant concept. Once Amy's comments ceased, Kit allowed his to as well. He couldn't be certain who heard them, and at the bliss that rose between them; he didn't care. Now was the time for Kit and Amy, and nothing else mattered.

***

"Are you guys ready yet?" Kelzira's voice called through the door. Kit and Amy had returned from their pirate games a little bit ago, and then had taken a shower together. Fortunately reservations weren't necessary, or they would have missed them. "I'm hungry, and if we don't get there soon, I'm going to gnaw off my own leg."

"Don't be so impatient!" Amy hollered back from within the bedroom. "Kit's helping me get on my skirt." A boisterous giggle, then the sharp sound of flesh hitting flesh followed as Kit's hand was slapped away. "Stop that!"

"Sorry," came Kit's voice. "It's just that...well...well, it's your own fault for not wearing any underwear!"

"Well, don't make me change my mind!" Amy warned playfully.

After a few more moments of shuffling and laughter, Amy and Kit emerged, looking uncharacteristically respectably dressed, yet still with a touch of zaniness to their overall appearance. Their hair was matching shades of orange, with thick streaks of fiery red running through. Amy was dressed in a long, plain skirt that came to her feet, while the top she wore was comprised of interwoven bands of pink material that left triangular patches of skin randomly exposed across her torso. Two wide straps came up and were bound at the back of Amy's neck to hold the patchwork shirt in place.

Kit wore a pair of pants that were comprised of a similar set of patchwork, yet without the patches of skin exposed. He wore a plain shirt that matched the skirt Amy wore. He grinned at Kelli, who was gaping at them. "Oh gods, the two of your are...disgustingly cute! At least me and Tchi don't try to match!"

"That's because you're not as extraordinarily talented as Kitty and I are." She tossed her head back proudly, and placed one sandaled foot in front of the other as she and Kit strode past Tchi and Kelli into the living area. "It's so fun to be envied," she commented with a grin.

"And we are envied more than most," Kit said, "with good reason. Now, are the two of you ready yet?"

Tchalla giggled. "We've been ready."

Amy looked over at the two of them, then exclaimed, "Then what are you waiting for!" She smiled at both, and winked. "Hope you can dance in those dresses, because there's going to be a lot of that tonight."

"Oh, I can dance in the dress, it's the sandals that are always a problem though." She stuck out a leg, showing a blue foot clad in a pair of low-heeled sandals. "These are perfect though because I don't trip in them."

"I imagine Kelli would catch you if you ever did," Amy told them with a sweet smile.

"I would," Kelzira said as she slipped her hand into Tchalla's. "Now, I'm starved. And, we have to go before the power cells on Kit's pants wear out."

Amy narrowed her eyes at Kelli playfully. "He looks good! I think pink's his colour." She stepped out of the room with Kit, giggling at the doleful pout on his lips. Affectionately, she petted his cheek.

"Do you really like them?" Kit asked as he reached down to the fastening at the waist. "If not even my wild girlfriend likes them, I will not be able to wear them, no matter how fashionable I think they may be."

"They're perfect," Amy assured him. "How could they not be when you're modelling them, my Kitty Kat?"

Kit turned around and looked at Amy. "They don't make my butt look fat, do they? That's always a concern for me. No one loves the short guitarists with butter bums. Is it as cute and perky as a tribble on a wheat high?"

Amy snickered and clamped her hand onto Kit's right buttock. "Very supple," she mused, squeezing it firmly. "But just the right texture. I think it's quite unfat, my love, so stop fussing!" Then, for good measure, she swung her hand back and brought it forward swiftly against his rear.

"Oh," Kit called with a laugh. "Thank you very much. Now, let's go get that dinner before I'm hungry for a feast of a different kind."

With an affirming nod, Amy leaned against her lover and jauntily bounced down the stairs with Kit. As happy as they both were, Amy was no longer seeing the purpose of counselling; they seemed to have it all figured out now.

"There you are," Tchalla said as they reached the bottom of the stairs. She blushed brightly as she added, "We thought you were having sex again."

"My dear Tchalla, what do you take us for?" Amy sighed haughtily, then grinned at the blue-skinned girl. "Hardly enough time to do a proper job."

Tchalla's eyes went wide as she looked between Kit and Amy reverently. "Really? How long does it usually take?"

"Anywhere from five minutes to an hour," Amy stated forthrightly. "But with Kitty, it feels like I could go all night sometimes...."

Tchalla blushed and giggled, and looked over at Kelzira with a look that could have been either surprise or hopefulness or a combination of both. In either case, it made Kelzira grin as well. "Now careful you two," Kelli said. "We don't want to corrupt her...too much."

"Like I corrupted you?" Amy teased, then waved frantically at a passing cab. It halted abruptly. Amy grinned at her friends, then scampered towards the vehicle, dragging Kit along with her.

"Just don't scuff my pants," Kit was calling as Kelli and Tchalla came giggling behind them. "Hey, it's a concern!"

"You are lucky, Amy, your boyfriend is really cute," Tchalla said.

"You want him?" Amy shot back with a grin.

Tchalla blushed even brighter and returned Amy's grin. "I have Kelli," she said as if that answered everything.

Amy smiled fondly at the two as she stepped up to the cab. "Then she's a lucky woman." Once at the cab, Amy leaned into the window and told their destination to the driver. He nodded and they all piled inside. "Off we go!" Amy announced.

"First Encounters of the Unpleasant Kind"
By: Ensign Andrea Collins
Commander Lyrr Tayla

Location: �Captain's Ready Room, USS Sulu
Stardate 57907.14, 16h55

***

Commander Lyrr Tayla glanced up at the young officer standing over her, then sighed inwardly and returned her gaze to the control panel sitting between her chair and the captain's. After a series of taps to secure the console, Lyrr rose from her seat. "Captain's Ready Room if you will, Ensign. Lieutenant Sam, you have the bridge." Then, she started off.

Andrea followed her without question. Once inside, she stood at attention and waited.

"Have a seat, Ensign," Lyrr told her, sounding weary. "I trust you're feeling alright."

Andrea nodded. "Yes, I am feeling fine." She at first refused to sit, but changed her mind and sat. "I understand that things were...busy here on board ship."

"Of course," Lyrr replied. "Though, I imagine your time on Risa was far busier." She gave the ensign a probing smile. "You've been through a lot lately. Have you seen the counsellor yet?"

Andrea frowned. Did everyone know she must see a counsellor? "No, sir, I only just arrived on board."

"Well before you do anything else, I want you to visit Counsellor Chambers," Lyrr told her. "You've been through a particularly stressful experience and I don't want you on duty officially until you've passed a psychological assessment."

"Yes, sir." She wasn't sure if she liked this woman. "Anything else?"

Lyrr frowned, displeased with the ensign's irreverence. "When I'm through, Ensign," she told her coolly, "you will be dismissed - not before then, not at your request, and certainly not until you've grasped the etiquette involved with addressing a superior officer. Do you understand?"

A brow raised. Hadn't she been calling her 'sir?' As far as she knew, that was a prerequisite of being an officer, being able to address a superior officer appropriately. Her eyes narrowed as she looked the commander square in the eye. "It seems I'm not the only one who needs a lesson, Commander." The last word was spoken with a hint of sarcasm "I hadn't asked for dismissal, sir, I had asked if there was anything else you wished to discuss with me, nothing more." The word 'sir' also showed a hint of sarcasm as well.

Lyrr's eyes fixed upon the ensign in a hard stare. "Don't think for a moment you can take that tone with me, Ensign. In the past, that might have been appropriate, it might even have gotten you by while engaging in your nefarious activities, but it will not be tolerated on this vessel. Change your attitude," she demanded, "or you'll be spending even your time on this ship inside a cell. Do you understand that, Ensign?"

"Oh, I understand you very clearly, Commander. If not by your words, at least by your tone. You dislike me and you only just met me. Kind of makes me wonder why you dislike me so quickly."

Lyrr raised both eyebrows in disbelief. "If the manner with which you've been addressing me isn't any indication, then shall we delve a little into your past, Ensign?" Folding her hands atop the desk, Lyrr leaned forward, preparing to correct the ensign of her headstrong tendencies. "This isn't a mercenary vessel, Ensign Collins, but if you'd prefer, we can easily drop you off at the nearest outpost and you can hitch a ride with the next freighter run by outlaws to come your way. You see, Ensign, on a Starfleet vessel we expect our officers to have a certain quality of dedication and loyalty to Federation service, as well as a show of respect - even if you feel none - for your fellow officers. Now, seeing as you bear not one of those qualities, I'm certain you've picked up various other less admirable ones during your rebellious days that can aid you in at least giving the illusion that you belong here. So, either start acting like a Starfleet Ensign, or pack your things, because at this rate, your time on this ship will not be a long one."

"I have been showing you every effort of respect since I first arrived. It was only when your dislike of me raised its ugly head that my show of 'insubordination' showed. I have addressed you as 'sir' where appropriate and asked permission, if not directly, to leave if you were finished. It was then that you showed me by your actions and words that you disliked me. As for my past record, yes it exists, but I was offered an opportunity to get past it and if there are others on board like you, I never will because you will be there to make certain I never forget where I came from. And if my loyalty wanes, it will be your fault because if there are people here like you, where would my loyalty go but out the proverbial window.

"I am dedicated and I am loyal. My loyalty lies with the man who offered me the chance to get away from my past, not you. My loyalty also lies with the captain of this vessel, of whom you are not. It is he who deserves my ever lasting trust and respect. I haven't met many others on board but so far, he's the only one I have respect for of the ones I have met. Now if that isn't good enough for you, then perhaps you are right and I don't belong here." Andrea remained where she was and she showed not one hint that she disliked Commander Lyrr. Her face was as stoic as any Vulcan's.

"If your loyalty doesn't also lie with your fellow officers," Lyrr riposted, "then you really don't belong here. The duty of a security officer is to protect the safety of this ship and its crew when necessary. If you feel nothing for your fellow officers, how could you possibly care for their safety?" Lyrr narrowed her eyes at the woman. "If you care for no one but yourself, your captain, and this strange man who was foolish enough to tell you you were right for Starfleet, then you're likely in the wrong field, Ensign Collins."

"I will do my job, Commander. I will follow orders. I don't have to like someone to protect them, and that is what I am here to do. I am here to protect people, the people of this ship, if possible. I will do that to my own detriment. I will do what I have to even if I die in the process. I took that oath like all Starfleet officers take and I meant the words as I spoke them. If I was assigned to protect you on some mission, I'd do it, regardless of my personal feelings for you. If I was assigned to protect another, as yet unknown officer to me, regardless of my feelings for that officer, I will do my job.

"If that isn't enough for you, then so be it." She had, by this time stood at attention, and remained in that pose.

"It's not myself I'm worried about," Lyrr replied. "It's this crew. I have to be certain their lives will not be placed in jeopardy because another officer has discipline issues." She studied Collins' eyes with scrutiny and added in low, yet firm tones, "I'll be watching your progress, Ensign. If I, or the captain, ever feel you're creating a risk to this vessel, you will be thrown out the proverbial window, as you said." Breaking her gaze away from Collins', Lyrr swivelled Matt's computer towards her and called up the day's agenda. "Now, I have nothing further. This time, you are dismissed, Ensign."

"I have one final thing before I go. That respect is a two way road. If you expect my respect, I should receive respect in return. Till you earn mine, don't expect me to try and earn yours." She then turned and started to leave.

"Stop!" Lyrr snapped. When the ensign did and she turned back to face her, Lyrr was standing and wearing an incredulous smile. "Did you hear even a word I said? I don't want your respect, Ensign, but by right of my position as executive officer of this ship, I already have it, whether you like it or not. I don't require lectures by you on the intricacies of officer relations aboard this vessel, for it's quite simple: I'm superior in rank, therefore you defer to me and respect the authority I have. That means no snide comments, and certainly no last words after I've already dismissed you. Now, I suggest you leave this time without a final word, or you'll be repeating it to yourself over and over while you stew in the brig overnight." Lyrr seated herself again and returned her focus to the computer. "Goodbye, Ensign," she intoned.

"Being a commander neither makes you a superior officer, nor a superior person, Commander. Yes, you earned your rank, yes, you've earned your position, but that isn't because you're a superior person, it just means that you were able to make it past the initial stages of your career, and do so successfully."

Lyrr chewed the inside of her cheek to hold back an indelicate comment, then instead tapped her commbadge and summoned security. "Ensign Corrigan, will you please come to the captain's ready room. Ensign Collins requires an escort to the brig."

The officer acknowledged. Lyrr raised an eyebrow at the woman. "It would seem, Ensign, you're not as familiar with Starfleet etiquette and regulations as you've suggested. If you were, you would have known defying the order of a superior is grounds for arrest." Before the woman could shoot her mouth off further, Lyrr added, "I highly recommend you really not say another word."

Andrea had no intention of speaking again. If she hadn't gotten her point across by now, then she never would. She stood there and waited for her escort and once the other ensign arrived, went with Corrigan to her new home.

Staring at the closed doors to Matt's Ready Room, Lyrr sighed and muttered, "Not another one," then shook her head and returned her gaze to the screen.

"Calm Waters, Part 2"
By: Ensign Kit Markham
Ensign Tchalla Mel'Chir
Ensign Kelzira Rax
Ensign Amy Reese

Location: Risa
Stardate 57907.14, 19h25

***

"Wow," Kit said as they stepped inside the small restaurant. "Look at the decor, and...and the lack of people. It's amazing. It's so...non-touristy and...I don't know. I've not seen a place like this on all of Risa. It's great."

"Yeah..." Amy concurred. "I bet we could have sex on the table and no one would notice!"

"I'd notice," Tchalla said. "Though, if you want to, you can...I'll just...look away."

"Oh, silly Tchi, we're not going to do that!" Amy sighed and pointed to a corner table sitting vacant. "That one looks perfect for furtive groping."

Tchalla's antennae twitched at that, and she snuck a glance at Kelli. She'd hoped no one would notice, but she wasn't skilled at that sort of subterfuge.

They were led by a hostess to the table they requested, then their drink orders were jotted down. Once she departed to allow them time to peruse their menus, Amy sighed and stared dreamily at the ceiling. "I'm gonna hate leaving Risa... This is the best place in the universe."

"There are alternatives," Tchalla said. "There is a holo-vendor near the shuttle rental place. Grixble says that they have some of the best holoprograms anywhere."

"We should pick one up," Amy suggested. "Or," she added with a sly grin, "we can create our own. How 'bout it! All we need is a little imagination, and considering those neat techniques Kitty showed me last night, we've got a lot of that!"

"Oh," Tchalla said, a blush darkening her cheeks. "Is it going to be one of those programs?"

Amy shrugged. "What else were you thinking?"

Tchi leaned closer to Amy, glanced around, and then whispered, "Sexy ones."

She smiled conspiratorially, and confided, "Me too." Then she giggled boisterously and kissed Tchalla's cheek.

Tchi blushed even further, and hid her face against Kelli's shoulder. Kelli grinned at Amy. "Are you corrupting my girlfriend?" she asked as she slipped her hand into Tchi's.

"Me?" Amy looked appalled, then snickered. "Only a little. Do you mind?"

Kelli grinned. "She's very cute when she's being corrupted, isn't she?"

"You were the same," she explained. "And now look what I've done to you!"

"It's not so bad, is it? I mean...as long as we're not...too wild."

Amy sighed and glanced sidelong at Kit. "Do you hear that? Too wild?" Her eyes flashed back towards Kelli. "There is no such thing as 'too wild,' or have I not corrupted you enough yet?"

Kelli gigged. "Oh, you are a wonderful corruptor," she said. "And, I think you corrupted me perfectly."

Tchi giggled. "She's very corrupt," she said. "Last night, she peeked at me in the shower. Very naughty."

"And didn't walk in?" Amy asked. "Kelli, I am surprised at you! That's the first rule of accidentally encountering someone in the shower. To simply turn and walk right back out again is an insult to poor Tchi!"

Kelli grinned mischievously. "I got a good look though, and brought her towel out by the bed."

Amy smiled broadly. "Much better." She looked at the menu Kit held up and read through the dish he was pointing to. She moaned happily and nodded in agreement. "One of those, so we can share."

"And a bottle of that?" He pointed to the wine list. "It looks...fruity. Would you like to try it, my love? We can even share a glass."

She purred as her hand slid up his thigh. "Oh, I like sharing..."

"Oh, I have a few things I'd like to share with you, my dear," Kit said as he brushed his hand over hers. "Though, we should probably wait until we get back to our room."

"Probably," she repeated less than convincingly, especially as her hand dipped between his legs.

A chuckle came from the waitress as she arrived with their drinks. She glanced down pointedly at Amy's hand, then gave them both a smile that conveyed approval and lust, as all Risans were wont to express at such displays.

Kit grinned and looked down at Amy's hand, then back to the waitress. "I guess that's okay then," he said. "Have I mentioned how much I love this planet? I love that I can be groped and fondled in public, and people don't mind. Hell,"---he grinned at the waitress---"it's practically encouraged."

She leaned forward between them to set down his drink, then brought her lips to his ear on her way up to whisper a tempting offer. "And your girlfriend is welcome as well."

Kit chuckled. "Thank you for the offer," he said. "Though, and we don't wish to be discourteous, but we're keeping our relationship exclusive. Though, if you have any suggestions on how a couple can have even more fun on Risa, we're more than willing to listen."

"Two couples!" Tchalla quickly added.

The waitress' blue eyes flashed towards Tchalla, and her smile grew far more sultry. "Oh, I shall definitely think of something," she purred, for the Andorian only. "But for now, can I take your orders?"

Kit and Kelli quickly relayed their orders to the waitress. "And, a bottle of the Vintae M'gawi. I've heard that's one of the best wines in the quadrant."

"Oh, it is," the waitress replied with a slow grin. "You have good taste, sir." Her gaze drifted to Amy. "And not just in wine." Amy smiled in return, then blushed under the intensity of the woman's stare and looked away. She bowed her head to each of them, then departed.

"There are some things I won't miss about Risa," Kit muttered. "This place is one big temptation after another."

"But we're resisting," Amy told him. "That's not so bad, is it?"

"Not so bad at all," Kit answered and kissed her.

Across the table, Kelli squawked and Tchi blushed.

"Naughty little vixen, that's what you are," Kelli finally managed with a wide grin. "Beautiful and naughty."

Amy giggled, then sighed and rested her head upon Kit's shoulder. "Young love... I wonder if we were that cute at their age."

"Oh, I'm certain we were," Kit said. "And, even if we weren't, we're even more cute now. Of course, Tchalla has that whole blue thing going for her. I think our waitress seemed...intrigued."

"And I think she was intrigued right back," Amy quipped. "And you too, my love."

Kit laughed. "Oh alright," he said. "She wanted to jump all of us at this table, right now, and give us a meal of a different sort. I hope she's not too disappointed."

"I think she likes the chase," Amy explained. "And the flirting.... I bet those Risans live for that."

"I think they do," Kit said as he slipped his hand back into Amy's. "Well, we are exclusive now." He glanced over at Tchi and Kelli, who were whispering to each other in hushed tones. "If the two of you want to...it's alright with us. Just be careful."

Tchalla looked up. "Perhaps another time," she said. "Kelzira was telling me that there is a spa available in our hotel, and that she thought it might be nice to go there tonight after dinner. You are welcome to join us." She glanced at Kelli, then back to Kit and Amy. "You will only require a towel."

Amy smiled at Kit, and shrugged. "Just a towel. That doesn't sound like too much trouble." Then she giggled and nuzzled his cheek with her lips. "Not at all..."

Kelli grinned at Tchi and leaned forward. "That was her idea, you know. The towel-only thing. My girlfriend."

Tchalla giggled and blushed. "And, don't forget it," she said softly, then quickly leaned into Kelli and kissed her. The kiss caught Kelzira offguard, but she quickly responded, kissing her girlfriend back as her heart pounded heavily in her chest. Her lips curled into a smile. When the kiss finally broke, Tchalla looked up into her eyes. "Was that okay?"

It took a moment for Kelli to find her voice, but she nodded. "It was better than perfect," she whispered. She looked over to Amy and Kit, who were watching while trying to appear like they weren't watching. "First kiss," she said and the look on her face and in her eyes told them that she was soaring with unbridled happiness.

Amy smiled warmly at them, and sighed dreamily. "I remember mine with Kit. Of course I had to initiate."

"I didn't want you to think me too forward," Kit said with a grin. "Besides, my hair wasn't appropriate for a kiss then. How would it look if I initiated our first kiss and our hair didn't match?"

"Quite the scandal!" she exclaimed. "But we do match now, so why haven't I had a kiss in almost an hour?"

Kit grinned, then leaned forward and kissed her. "Because," he whispered when his lips separated from hers, "I was foolish and silly. But, now I've solved that problem, haven't I?"

Amy appeared pensive for a moment, then grinned impishly and pressed her lips to his again with greater fervour. Her arms encircled him and she turned him slightly towards the table, which she threatened to throw him on top of to do a proper job. Instead, she pulled back, breathless, and giggled. "Oh, problem solved now..."

"You have remarkable problem solving skills," Kit said with a grin. "I think perhaps we should try solving some more problems later...and I'm certain there will be a number of problems that will require solving in the spa tonight."

"That will make Tchalla blush?" Amy smiled mischievously. "Those are my kind of problems."

"Maybe I'll make you blush," Tchalla quickly added. Then, she realized what she'd said, and blushed.

Amy appeared momentarily shocked, then she broke into exuberant laughter. "That sounds like a challenge, Ms. Mel'Chir!"

Tchi's eyes widened and she looked at Kelli in surprise. Kelli merely gave her a secret smile. Suddenly Tchi squeaked and nearly jumped out of her seat. "Naughty, Kelzira," she whispered, though there was a hint of shy playfulness in her eyes. "Keep your hands in your own lap...at least until after dinner."

Amy watched them fondly, then gently nudged Kit's arm with an elbow. "You think they'll always be this sweet?"

Kit grinned and nodded. "Yes," he said with a soft chuckle. "I think they will." He looked at her and took her hands into his. "It makes me hopeful and happy and...and I know together we can make this work."

Amy smiled slowly. "Us, or them?"

Kit grinned. "Us, them, together. We'll be here for each other, supportive and caring. Look at us...we were strong against something we've been weak against. We're making it."

"We are," she answered quietly, thoughtfully. "I really think we are, Kitty. I really think you and I could be together for a long time." She frowned slightly. "Are you ready for that?"

"I've been ready from the first day I saw you," Kit answered. "From the first time we made music together. We compliment each other in ways that I've never had with anyone else. It's beautiful and amazing and I love you so much, Amy. Yes, for a very, very long time."

"A very long time," she murmured in complete agreement, then closed the gap between them and kissed him tenderly. "I love you, Nathanial Kitridge Ozymandius Markham," she sighed.

Kit's arms slipped around her and held her close as they kissed. They didn't even notice the waitress return with their wine and the beginning of their meal, and barely noticed Tchalla and Kelli's soft giggles as they shared food from each other's forks. When the kiss finally broke, Kit gave Amy a lopsided grin. "Damn we're good."

"I know." She held his gaze with longing, then blindly reached out for a utensil. "Shall we eat or are we too lovestruck to?"

"I think we should eat," Kit said. "I don't think it should be too difficult, do you? Just gaze at each other and chew, hopefully not impaling ourselves on our silverware."

"Or we could eat with our hands and eliminate all risk factors." She smiled as she released the fork in her hand and picked up one of the stuffed mushrooms with her fingers instead. "Open wide," she told him silkily as the mushroom sailed towards his lips.

Kit grinned slyly and opened his mouth for her while plucking a small tomato-looking object from the salad. "I think this is our best date yet."

Amy popped the mushroom into his mouth, and once his lips closed, she kissed him lightly. "Your turn," she whispered, then giggled and sat up straight in anticipation.

Kit pulled up the small red sphere and held it between them. "Tasty, tasty," he said with a grin. He then drifted it toward her mouth, finally brushing it over her lips and then allowing her to take it from his fingers. He kissed her as she'd kissed him.

Amy closed her eyes and moaned happily, then slowly chewed the tomato, filling her mouth with its tangy juices. She smiled dreamily at Kit. "I should just take you to bed right now."

"You keep eating that thing, and I think you may just have to. I do have to say though, that is the luckiest piece of fruit I've ever seen. Or is it a vegetable?"

Amy grinned slyly and gently clasped the back of Kit's neck. "See for yourself," she replied, then pulled him forward for a full-mouthed kiss.

"Oh my," Kit said with a smile. "I would say...it's a fruitable."

Giggling, Amy picked up another mushroom, and the two repeated their routine until the meal was complete, and both were quite satisfied.

***

Kelli and Tchalla were sitting together in the spa, water up to their necks and hands idly brushing against arms and legs as they each whispered about what their ideal scientific discovery would be. Tchalla giggled as Kelli revealed another of hers. "That's not a discovery...that's just...well, okay it is, but...it can't be me. It has to be science things."

Kelli grinned and reached up and brushed her lips over one of Tchi's antennae. "Oh, that's the best discovery," she said. "What would your ideal moment be, Amy? It doesn't have to be related to work or anything either."

"Well...it'd have to be my first night with Kit," she admitted, and squeezed his hand gently beneath the warmed water. "Oh, it was amazing... He played for me and I danced for him...and we ended up doing it on the holographic stage...twice!"

"Wow," Tchalla said with a wide grin. "Right there...and...were you nervous? I know the thought of...well, anything like that, it makes me so nervous. But to...in such an open place..."

"Well, no one was there," Amy told her. "But...I was a little nervous, I must admit. You see, it was my first time with him, and I really liked him, even then. I was worried that if we did it, he wouldn't see me again." She smiled at her lover tenderly. "I was wrong."

"You two are a very attractive couple," Tchalla said. "I can tell you love each other very much." She smiled as Kelli continued to kiss one of her antennae and made a soft, squeaky moan. "Oh...Kelli...you're starting to get naughty."

Kelzira giggled. "I like them," she said. "And, I can't help myself."

"Who knew our Kelli had an antennae fetish?" Amy grinned, then leaned her head against Kit's as she curled up against him in the pool. "We need one of these on the ship I think...for naked pool parties!"

"Maybe we can have one in our quarters," Tchalla suggested with a smile. "I think I'd like that...though, only with us in there."

"Me and Kitty included, right?" Amy asked with a persuasive smile.

"Of course," Tchalla said. "I've seen you naked and you've seen me, so it's okay. Oh, Kelli, you're making me all squirmy."

Kit chuckled. "Maybe we should step outside," he said.

"Just say the word and we're gone," Amy told them. Then smiled. "We won't mind, really."

"It's alright," Kelzira said, drawing her lips away from Tchi's antennae. "We're just having fun and kissing and touching. We're not going to have sex."

"Yet," Tchalla added with a grin, and then planted a kiss on Kelli's chin.

Amy snickered. "Getting bolder by the moment, our blue friend. I had no idea!"

Tchalla giggled and blushed. "It's just...I don't understand! I mean...I feel so comfortable with you guys here and...it's never...I've always been so nervous and scared. But, Kelli...she made me realize that...that I'm special and she cares for me...and so do you guys...and..." She blushed again. "I guess, it just doesn't bother me that you're here and we're kissing."

"Because we're not judging you," Amy explained. "We're just happy to see you happy." Smiling at Kit, she said, "Just like we are."

"If you're as happy as us," Kit said, his eyes held mesmerized by Amy's, "then you're about as happy as can be. And, no matter what, don't let anything anyone else ever says dissuade you from your feelings from each other." If he followed the advice of others, he'd no doubt not be in the hot tub with them now. No one would come between him and Amy.

"People can be fools," Amy added seriously. "And some get jealous and would do anything to destroy what you have. You just have to ignore them and listen to your heart." She grinned. "And us, of course."

"But, if your heart does conflict with what we say," Kit said, bringing Amy's hand to his lips, "choose your heart. We'll just go have sex."

Tchalla giggled and blushed and then gasped. "No nibbling," she said softly to Kelzira. "It tickles and...and it makes me feel..." She whispered something to Kelzira, prompting a wide grin and a throaty chuckle from Kelli.

"That's what it's supposed to make you feel like," she whispered.

Tchi's eyes got wide and she blushed even more. "Oh."

Amy smiled at the two, then nodded to Kit. "I think this is our cue to leave these two alone."

"Come on," Kit said with a smile. "I have a few ideas of what we can do to pass the time while they're in here." He slipped his hand into Amy's and started toward the edge of the tub.

"Have fun you two," she called to them with a little wave, then emerged from the tub with Kit, water cascading off their wholly nude forms. "Oh, and don't bite too hard. You know what I'm talking about, Kelli."

Tchalla's squeak and a giggle was the only response they received before Kit and Amy slipped outside. As they closed the door, Tchi's giggles could still be heard and Kelli's were added in. "Do you suppose they'll be alright in there?" Kit asked. "Do you think they're ready for that?"

"I think they know just how far they should go," Amy answered. "Just how we knew the time was right the first night we met."

Kit smiled and pulled her quickly into his arms. There was a soft smack as her bare flesh met his. "We're going to make it, Amy. I think we're really going to make it. Whether we're here, the Gamma quadrant, or anywhere, we're going to make it together, and we'll be alright. And...and I know I want...to be there by your side."

Their significant differences in height were inconsequential as Amy gazed down into Kit's gleaming, smiling eyes. She smiled adoringly then kissed Kit with longing. "I love you," she whispered. "And I want to go back to our room now so we can make love to each other while we're all wet and slick."

"When we get to DS9, there's a place I want to go with you," Kit said as they started back toward their room, bodies pressed tight. "And...and it's going to be very special there."

"Really?" Amy chuckled lightly and resumed kissing, and caressing Kit. "A romantic evening alone," she sighed. "You're not gonna tell me where we're going till we get there, are you?"

"No," he said. "And, it will be a romantic evening for just the two of us. We could invite Kelli and Tchi if we want, maybe even for just part of the night, but it will be our night. Do you want it to be a surprise, my love?"

Amy nodded rigorously, then giggled and stumbled up the stairs to their room with Kit, attempting to elude his searching hands. She squealed and finally escaped to dash down the corridor, damp nude flesh gleaming under the soft lighting, and bouncing delicately as she ran. Finally, Kit's arms came around her waist from behind, and the two pushed into their room with breathless laughter. Amy screeched as she was pressed up to the wall by her smaller lover, then spread her lips into a sultry smile. "I surrender," she purred.

He reached up and kissed her with a tender passion that quickly ignited their passions to a full inferno. It was always that way with them, and despite the heat, Kit Markham knew that they would never again be burned.