It's Been A Hard Day's Night

Posted on Thu Apr 28th, 2011 @ 9:21pm by Captain T'mpest Michaels

816 words; about a 4 minute read

Mission: The Ties That Bind
Location: T'mpest's Quarters

ON

Everyone was finally back on the Ranger and on their way to a new destination. T'mpest was relieved that the artifact was now safely in Federation hands -- and away from Teegan Mar. The thought made her chuckle.

But now T'mpest was eager to put all that behind her and move forward. She was especially eager to see Vladimir again. So much had happened of late with him as acting XO of the Archimedes that it seemed like months since their last dinner together.

She'd changed into a simple dress and set the table with a Vulcan spring salad and waited for Vladimir to arrive.

Zhukov was glad, very glad, to be back aboard the Ranger. He had wanted to see T'mpest as soon as he got back on board, but knew that he needed to sleep first. He couldn't remember the last time he had....and that meant it had been too long. But before he collapsed onto his bed, he had tapped his comm badge to let her know he was back and that he wanted to see her again. They set up a time to have dinner the next evening, and Zhukov made sure that he wasn't late. So much to tell...his first real command experience...and he wanted to hear what had happened with the artifact and what the future held for the QAR prisoners.

Vladimir stood outside her door and hit the chime.

She opened the door and grinned. "Hi!" It seemed like months since she'd seen him last. As soon as he was inside she gave him a big hug. "I missed you," she whispered.

He put his arms around her and held her tight, then pulled back slightly and gently kissed her lips for several seconds. As he pulled back he smiled and said, "I missed you too."

The two just stood looking at each other for a short time before Vladimir said, "So, tell me about this artifact thing." he said as the two walked over to the couch and sat down.

"It's interesting," she said, curling up on the couch. "Doctor Mar was a bit optimistic in her estimation of its potential, but even so it may eventually improve transporter range and power by as much as 25 percent -- once they figure out all the logistics. I'm glad no one tried to use it."

"So, do you think Starfleet will try to clone it, maybe use it on starships or starbases?" he asked the Scientist.

"Eventually, but not for a while. They need to figure out how it works and without the help of an AI, it'll take time."

He nodded and looked at her with intensity. "Well, I got a chance to be XO for a day." he said with a smile. "The Vulcan they placed in command was a Lieutenant and the Chief Science Officer. She did an...adequate job I think. Starfleet may promote her to Lieutenant Commander and let her stay on, depending on what happens with Kerr." Zhukov said. "It was fun, but I'm glad to be back here where I belong." he added.

"So, what did you plan to make us after the salad?" he asked her.

"That all depends on what you want next," T'mpest said with a mischievous grin. "The replicator is at your command."

Zhukov thought for a moment and smiled at her. "Well, what I really want, I don't think the replicator can provide." he said to her sheepishly. "What I really want...is you." he said to her softly.

Her smile softened as she moved closer to him. "Good," she whispered. "I hoped that would be your choice." She caressed his shoulders and gave him an Eskimo Kiss, rubbing her nose gently against his. "That is what I had in mind for dessert."

Zhukov took her in his arms and kissed her passionately. He slowly worked his way with his lips down the side of her neck and then up to her ears. It seemed like it had been forever since they had been this close, but it had really only been a week. It was then he realized that he...he could be in love with her.

Her grip on his shoulders tightened as his lips trailed down her neck, sending delightful shivers down her spine. "I was afraid they'd find you irreplaceable and keep you on as XO," she admitted softly.

T'mpest had filled each day he'd been gone with as much work as she could manage, but still the days seemed to go on forever. Her concentration was frequently broken by thoughts of Vladimir. Where he was; what he was doing. Her lips met his again with a sigh of pleasure. And now all she wanted was to show him how she felt.

[OFF]

A joint post by

Commander T'mpest Michaels
&
Lieutenant Commander Vladimir Zhukov

 

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