Ship’s Log, Stardate 04.22.2402

Commander Aramis’ Lionel recording…

The Carlsbad just had a serious fight with a Vaadwaur patrol ship and was victorious, but we got our nose broken though. We took some serious damage, but our engineering teams have already gotten ahead of the damage schedule. We are currently in orbit conducting repairs. The ship should be back to full strength in about 20 hours. I’m proud of my crew for their excellent performance on our first mission together, even when it didn’t start off the way it was planned. Since we have some quiet time right now, the crew are enjoying some needed R&R.

My main concern is the information from the Thunderdragon’s flight recorder and its sensor logs. Chief Engineer Catersha, once she got access to the critical information it contained, informed me that it could take up to 72 hours to completely analyze the data. We can’t wait that long. I have reached out to Kaelara to see if her people can help us analyze the data. I’m waiting to hear back from her.

End Log.

Commander Lionel sat in the command chair, going over the latest repair report from Lieutenant Williams. He ‘volunteered’ to give the report, after a private conversation with Assistant Chief Engineer Flummox and Chief Engineer Catersha on his recent behavior. Williams stood near the command chair, patiently waiting for the First Officer to sign off on the order, acknowledging that he read it, so he could go back to Engineering. His stance seemed to tell Aramis that he was starting to become impatient, so Aramis glanced up at the Lieutenant’s face, as he finished reading the report.

“Lieutenant Williams, is something wrong,” Commander Lionel asked him directly.

Williams looked at him directly, then replied, “no sir. I’m good.”

As Aramis tapped in his codes, which was like his signature, he handed the PADD back to the Lieutenant, while giving the Lieutenant a stern look

“Very well Lieutenant. I don’t want to see your name on report again, mister. Is that understood?”

Williams smartly took the PADD and gave a brief response.

“Yes, sir.”

Aramis sat there for a minute, staring phaser blasts at him. Lieutenant Williams stood still as a statue.

“Dismissed Lieutenant.”

Williams promptly left the Bridge and went back to Engineering. Commander Lionel sat in the command chair, seriously thinking about what the problem is with Lieutenant Williams. He glanced at the clock and it showed 1930 hours. Gamma shift Bridge relief officers just arrived. Lieutenant Commander Arama walked to the command chair and Commander Lionel gave her a ship status report and then he walked into the turbolift and went to his quarters.

During the quick ride on the turbolift, his thoughts turned to Catersha and their newly ignited relationship. Since that salvage mission, his mind had been going to her. He exited the lift and strolled to his quarters. The doors whooshed open and as he walked in, he stopped as he saw Catersha sitting on the couch, looking at their Academy picture he had on the table. She looked up as the doors opened and she smiled as she stood up.

“Welcome home babe,” she said, walking to him and giving him a passionate hug and kiss.

He instinctively wrapped his arms around her and returned her kiss with the same passion. He surrendered to his feelings for her and was solely focused on the moment. When they broke the embrace, Aramis asked if she was hungry.

“Of course I’m hungry,” she said, giving him a seductive look and a playful growl. “Hungry for you.”

Aramis laughed, walking to the replicator and ordering up some food for dinner for them both.

“Let me make us dinner first, then you can ravish me all night.”

“Oh ok,” Catersha said softly, giving him her best pouty face with puppy dog eyes.

As she settled into the intimate dinner setting, she couldn’t help but indulge in the playful banter that had become a hallmark of their relationship. She knew that she didn’t need to charm him, not in the classical sense, but she reveled in the lighthearted teasing and flirting that had become a staple of their interactions. She was aware that he loved every minute of it, the way her eyes sparkled with amusement, the way her smile could light up a room.

He began to serve dinner, first bringing over her plate, carefully arranging it in front of her, and then fetching his own. As he placed his plate beside hers, their proximity felt almost palpable. Next, he retrieved the bottle of wine he had stashed away, expertly opening it with a soft pop of the cork. He poured her a glass first, his fingers brushing against hers as he handed it to her, and then poured a glass for himself.

“You know, I think this might be my favorite dinner yet,” she said, her voice low and sultry, as she took a sip of her wine.

“I’m glad you’re enjoying it,” he replied, his eyes locking onto hers, filled with warmth and affection as he sat down next to her. “I was hoping to impress you. It took me half the day when we got back from that salvage mission, programming this meal just right, hoping to have a dinner like this with you.”

“You’re doing a great job so far,” she teased, her eyes sparkling with amusement. “I think the company is what’s really making this dinner special.”

He smiled, his face inches from hers. “I think the company is pretty great too,” he whispered, his voice sending shivers down her spine.

As they sat together, Aramis and Cat spent quality time catching up on old times, reminiscing about their days at the Academy and sharing stories about their lives since graduation. Their conversation wasn’t just lighthearted chatter, but they also discussed the very real and deadly threat that loomed over them, which is the Vaadwaur and their invasion. The weight of this threat hung in the air, a constant reminder of the dangers that lay ahead, but in this moment, they found comfort in each other’s company, savoring the warmth and companionship that only came from sharing a meal and conversation together.

“I don’t know what I’d do without you,” he said, his voice filled with emotion, as he reached out and gently brushed a strand of hair behind her ear.

“You’ll never have to find out,” she replied, her voice barely above a whisper, as she leaned into his touch. “I’ll be here, by your side, no matter what.”

As the evening drew to a close, they lingered over their wine, reluctant to break the spell of their intimate dinner. After glancing at the clock, which read 0035, they both decided to call it a night and made their way to the bedroom. The tension between them was very palpable. They slipped into bed together, their bodies entwining as they surrendered to the desire that had been simmering beneath the surface all evening. The night air was filled with the sweet sounds of their love, their whispers, and gentle moans, as they became one, their hearts beating in perfect harmony. Despite the exhaustion that threatened to claim them, neither one could sleep, lying awake, wrapped in each other’s arms, their minds racing with the thrill of their love, their world narrowed to the warmth of their skin, the beat of their hearts, and the gentle rhythm of their breathing.