The crystal forests of the Azure Span stretched across the western edge of a continent on Colludia III.
Pale blue crystal trunks rose from the earth in clustered groves. Their smooth faces carried a faint green-gold sheen beneath the orange sunlight. The polished surfaces reflected the light of neighboring formations until the forest magnified every bit of light. In a continental band alongside the stands of blue crystal, another forest emerged closer to the shoreline. Those formations were taller, with colors that shifted from ivory to weathered bone.
The winding trail from the campground eventually widened into a small trading settlement nestled in a natural junction where both crystal forests met.
Simple stone buildings hugged the path. Roofs of dark timber sloped gently beneath translucent crystal shingles that glittered on top of the quaint homes and shops. Visitors wandered between storefronts while local musicians filled the air with quiet string music that seemed to bounce off the resonance of the surrounding formations.
Commander Marlon Smythe walked alone through the village.
Ikastrul Zaa had disappeared nearly two hours earlier into one of the underground crystal caverns beneath the settlement. A gathering of Betazoids, Deltans, El-Aurians and several other empathic species would be guided through what locals called an “attunement journey.” The deeper chambers rested close to dense mineral deposits whose electromagnetic fields subtly amplified empathic sensitivity.
To one side of the lane, a small wooden cart emitted fragrant clouds of steam. A hand painted sign read ‘Warm Hearth Drinks & Sweetstones’.
The owner stirred copper kettles that were suspended above glowing heating coils. Rows of crispy pastries cooled beside them. Berry-filled hand pies, honey biscuits and roasted nut cakes filled the rest of the display.
A tray on the shelf contained thin rods of translucent crystal that shimmered in shades of pale blue and pink. A young girl accepted one from the vendor.
The moment it touched her tongue, the candy dissolved into delicate strands that vanished almost instantly like cotton candy.
“Sugarcrystal,” the vendor explained proudly to another visitor. “It was harvested from condensed mineral syrup.”
Smythe made a mental note to bring Zaa back before they left. Farther along the street, a small shop stood out.
A sign simply read:
Crystal’s Crystals
Outdoor tables displayed polished mineral specimens collected from across the Azure Span. Some resembled miniature versions of the forests that surrounded them. Others had been carved into jewelry, decorative sculptures or paperweights that reflected the orange afternoon light.
One especially beautiful piece caught his attention.
Its center glowed deep sapphire while green and gold highlights drifted beneath the polished surface whenever he moved it.
As leaned closer to inspect it. Two hands suddenly covered his eyes. Warm arms wrapped lightly around his shoulders.
A woman’s upper body pressed tightly against his back.
“Guess who,” she asked. The woman had a familiar accent that was definitely not Counselor Zaa.
Smythe’s shoulders jerked as he instinctively stepped forward to break free.
“Greta,” he nearly shouted in fear as he spun around.
Greta Lazio smiled broadly as her eyes looked deep into his. “That’s me.”
She looked considerably different from the last time he’d seen her. She was heavily pregnant then.
Her dark hair remained glossy and perfectly straight around her shoulders. She wore a fitted sleeveless black top with a low neckline and a short black skirt that stood out against her olive complexion. Motherhood had softened her figure and added graceful curves that she flaunted with confidence.
Seeing her immediately reminded him of six months earlier.
She had been touring the Hurricane with her civilian terraforming specialists while six months pregnant. Captain Raku had asked Marlon to ensure her department received the laboratory equipment they needed after a supply acquisition.
She’d smiled at him almost constantly during that inspection.
At one point she’d laughed and said, “You’re awfully attentive, Commander.”
He had never quite figured out how to answer.
Since then, he had made a point of avoiding any situations where they might be alone.
His eyes darted instinctively around the street. “Where’s the captain?”
Lazio folded her arms. “He’s back up shipside watching the baby.” Her words rose and fell gracefully with an accent that reflected Italian New York culture, even in the twenty-fifth century.
Relief washed visibly across Marlon’s face. She noticed immediately.
“We’re taking turns to sneak in little breaks while caring for little Enzo,” she started to explain. “We each spend one hour on a particular planet most days during our time here. I heard a bunch of the Hurricane crew was camping in the Azure Span. I figured I’d come see what all the fuss was about.”
The words in Miss Lazio’s first sentence almost seemed to melt into one word as she spoke quickly.
Smythe finally relaxed enough to smile. “How is baby Enzo?”
Her expression softened. “He’s wonderful.”
She laughed quietly as she continued. “He cries. Constantly!”
“I’m told that’s healthy.” Commander Smythe tried to be supportive.
“So is screaming, apparently.” She rolled her eyes affectionately. He’s got so much energy already. Mobra’s absolutely incredible with him.”
“I’m glad.” The commander was glad things seemed to steer back towards her family.
“He barely sleeps.”
“I imagine neither of you do.” Smythe chuckled softly. His chest rose and fell against his tight brown polo shirt.
“We don’t.” She shrugged as though exhaustion had become ordinary.
“But he’ll be worth it. Congratulations on your family.”
Smythe tried to walk away. The captain’s psuedo-wife followed.
“So,” Lazio asked, “what brings you here?”
“I’m camping nearby.” He swallowed a tight lump in his throat as he realized he couldn’t get away so easily.
“Alone?”
“No.” He smiled. “I’m here with someone I’m… close to.”
Miss Lazio’s expression brightened.
Without warning she rested a hand lightly against the upper part of his back. “What a lucky woman.”
Heat spread through Marlon’s face. His heartbeat felt as if it started to beat twice as quickly.
Blood rushed through him so suddenly that a ruddy flash spread across his dark mahogany cheeks.
He cleared his throat. “We’re… actually…” He smiled awkwardly. “Soon we may have to spend some time apart.”
Lazio tilted her head. “Oh?”
“I’ve been offered my first command.”
Her face lit up. “Marlon, that’s wonderful.”
“It is.”
“I mean it,” she said as she squeezed his shoulder. He didn’t back away or reject her. “Congratulations.”
He nodded gratefully. “I’m excited.”
“But?”
He hesitated momentarily. “I’m also nervous.”
She smiled knowingly. “Everyone is when they take charge of something like that.” Her eyes looked deeper into his as she studied his reaction. “Maybe there will even be room for one of my terraforming teams aboard your ship.”
“I’m not sure.” His answer came quicker than intended.
She noticed. “You don’t sound very enthusiastic.”
Commander Smythe searched carefully for diplomatic wording.
“I’ve heard rumors.”
“What kind?”
He hesitated before he answered honestly.
“I’ve heard that some of your scientists have caused problems on the Hurricane.”
Her expression became unreadable. “There were a few disciplinary issues.”
“Several criminal investigations took place.”
She sighed. “A few. Perhaps.”
“I heard about an assault.”
She nodded once. “Some one time thing.”
“Extortion.”
“That one never held up.”
“It still concerns me.”
Greta looked off to the side. “I understand.”
He continued gently. “I’ll probably be assigned to a fairly small ship.”
“What a pity.”
Her voice carried such a sultry quality that he almost winced. It felt like she was two seconds away from touching him again.
Her lips twisted into a sly half smile as she continued.
“You know…” she paused as she took a step closer. “…Mobra and I aren’t exactly married.”
Smythe blinked as he listened in silence.
“We bonded under something called the Rite of Responsibility. It isn’t really a marriage like humans think of it. It mostly says he has to take care of me because we have a child together.”
Smythe’s pulse accelerated again as he turned his eyes away from her.
“You just had his child. It must be nice to spend more time with him now.” The commander desperately tried to change the subject.
“It is.” She smiled genuinely. “I appreciate everything he’s done for us.”
Her smile turned slightly playful.
“I think the baby weight only added to my curves.” She stopped walking, turned slightly and posed almost jokingly. “Don’t you think?”
Marlon Smythe froze. Every possible answer sounded dangerous.
“Maybe.” His voice barely escaped. “In-in a good way,” he stuttered.
Miss Lazio grinned. “I’m glad you like it.”
His eyes widened. “N-no. I mean… I…” His words tangled into a mess. “I h-have to get back.”
He pointed vaguely into the crystal forest. “Ikastrul is waiting.” He knew she wasn’t.
Lazio walked alongside him as they resumed their walk.
Her fingertips brushed lightly against the small of his back. “I wouldn’t want to make her wait,” she said as he stiffened. “Will you be visiting any other planets soon?”
Marlon suddenly wondered if she’d arrived because scanners showed her he was here alone.
The thought made him strangely uneasy.
“We, uh. M-might watch a Scatter Race.”
“Oh?”
“On Starstone.”
Lazio smiled. “Maybe I’ll make it there.”
Immediate regret washed over him.
“That, um. It might be a bad idea.”
She laughed. “You know where I was born?” Her accent grew heavier as she exaggerated it.
He nodded uncertainly as she continued.
“The same city you grew up in.” Her New York Italian accent became even stronger as she added, “I live for bad decisions.”
Smythe looked away as he tried to change the subject again.
“I lived in Seattle for a few years too,” he said shyly. The XO nodded awkwardly. “I should really get going.”
Without waiting for another answer, he walked fast enough to break away.
Behind him Miss Lazio called cheerfully, “See you again soon, doll!”
Several pedestrians glanced at him. The commander pretended not to hear.
He continued down the winding trail towards the campsite.
The crystal trees reflected his passing figure dozens of times across their mirrored surfaces. The farther he walked, the quieter the village became.
The resonance of the crystal forest slowly replaced the conversations behind him.
The entire encounter replayed in his thoughts.
He couldn’t decide whether he’d simply experienced an awkward conversation or whether he’d just been very politely harassed.
Either way, his embarrassment settled into a heavy feeling.
He found himself hoping that Counselor Zaa had not returned from the caves yet. Commander Smythe needed some time to collect himself.
Counselor Zaa returned two hours later.
The crystalline lean-to rested beneath a cluster of pale blue formations near the edge of the campground. Transparent shelter panels had been anchored between two broad crystal trunks to form a simple roof over their sleeping area. Green-gold reflections drifted across the interior whenever the orange sunlight caught it.
Marlon Smythe sat near the entrance with both hands wrapped around a warm mug.
Ikastrul Zaa followed the winding trail into camp with a folded shawl draped over her shoulders. Her long, wavy dark hair had been gathered loosely behind her head. There was a quiet brightness about her that had not been there earlier in the day.
“That was incredible,” she said as she approached.
Smythe stood and smiled. “How was the conference?”
She accepted the mug he offered before she settled onto the blanket next to him.
“The guides led us deeper beneath the crystal forest than most visitors ever go,” she began. “There were Betazoids, Deltans, Ullians, Aenar and several other empathic species. We stood together around a massive crystal formation where the mineral deposits were strongest.”
Smythe listened quietly.
“They asked us to breathe together first,” she continued. “To clear our thoughts. At first I only sensed the people that stood around me, their fears and anxieties. One young woman was worried that she might lose herself if everyone else’s emotions became too loud.”
“Did she?”
Zaa shook her head. “No. None of us did.”
She looked beyond the lean-to to study the towering blue crystal trunks that surrounded the campsite.
“Then something changed.”
Her voice softened.
“It became difficult to describe. We all felt connected to the same presence. It felt vast, somewhat patient. It wasn’t intelligent in the way we that we think of sentient intelligence. It felt old. Ancient beyond words. I can’t describe it any more than that.”
She paused before she took another sip from her mug.
“The remarkable part came afterward. Every person described nearly the same experience. None of us had spoken during the meditation, yet we all sensed something similar.”
Smythe smiled. “That sounds like something T’Naagi would spend years trying to explain.”
Zaa laughed softly. “I imagine she’s already designing experiments.”
A comfortable silence settled between them for several moments.
Finally she turned to study him. “So…”
“Yes?”
“How was your shopping trip?”
“I mostly browsed.”
She watched him for another moment.
“You didn’t buy anything?”
“No.”
“It feels like there’s more to the story.”
Smythe looked down into his mug.
“What makes you say that?”
“I sensed something before I even reached the camp.” Her voice remained gentle. “You’re carrying tension.”
He tried to smile. “It was probably the bad crab I had. It made me cut the trip short.”
She tilted her head. “Bad crab?”
“Maybe.” The moment he said it, Greta Lazio’s face flashed through his thoughts. He felt her hands over his eyes, along with the warmth of her body against his back.
His fingers tightened around the mug.
Counselor Zaa studied him closely. “It doesn’t feel like indigestion.”
Smythe exhaled slowly. “I’m worried about the command.”
That much was true. He didn’t want to leave the Hurricane or be separated from the counselor. He tried to focus on those thoughts instead.
Zaa reached across and rested one hand gently over his. “I know those things worry you.”
He nodded. “I did see Greta Lazio today.”
The counselor’s expression changed only slightly. “Did you speak?”
“For a little while.” He looked into the crystal forest. “She said Captain Raku was watching Enzo while she explored.”
Zaa remained quiet before she answered. “I probably shouldn’t tell you this.”
He looked nervously to her, scared of what she might say next.
“Captain Raku once described their relationship as an obligation.”
Smythe frowned. “How so?”
“He never explained everything, only that the circumstances were complicated. It didn’t sound like they have what most people would call a traditional marriage.”
A knot formed in Smythe’s stomach as he spoke. “There was something I wanted to show you, back in town. There’s a shop that sells local crystals. We can go back tomorrow.”
“I’d love that.” She scooted closer against him.
“Marlon…”
“Yes?”
“We’re going to make this work.”
He searched her eyes. “Even if we’re assigned to different ships?”
“Especially then.” She rested both hands against his chest. “I love you and have so much faith in our relationship.” The words came easily as she smiled warmly. “Even when we’re apart.”
Smythe wrapped his arms around her.
She leaned comfortably against him beneath the crystalline shelter while pale blue reflections shimmered across her dark hair.
He held her a little tighter than usual as a painful lump rose into his throat.
Behind his closed eyes, Greta Lazio smiled once more.
