When Commander Jonathan Lataro materialized, K'Lara wasted no time in showing how much she missed him. She wrapped her arms around his neck and kissed him hard. When she finally let him go, Lataro looked at her, drinking her in.
He then said, "The baby! K'Lara what were you thinking endangering the baby like this?!"
"I was thinking of how much I missed you and wanted you back! Is this the thanks I get?"
Lataro knew then that he opened up a can of worms. He took a deep breath and let it out. No sense in getting angry now.
"I'm sorry, K'Lara. I'm sure Captain Maruu made sure that it was safe for you to join the search party."
"Of course, Jon. He made sure that I went to Dr. Nori and let her take some tests to make sure that it was safe."
Lataro nodded and embraced K'Lara. He sighed as he let the relief of being back wash over him. Now he could finish proposing to K'Lara. He smiled at the thought of her expression when he asked her to marry him. Now, he just needed her answer, which he was sure was going to be "yes."
"Lambda Flier to Virgo. Come in Virgo," Garek said, breaking Lataro's thoughts.
[This is Captain Maruu. Is Commander Lataro with you?]
"Yes, Captain. He's alive and well. And very happy it seems," Garek replied with a knowing grin. "Are we clear for landing?"
A pause. Then, [You are cleared for landing, Flier. Welcome back. Maruu out.]
In the briefing room, Commander Lataro related to the senior staff his ordeals on the planet. He received their sympathies and Captain Maruu congratulated him on a job well done. He didn't even mention the Prime
Directive since he knew he would have done the same thing himself.
Lataro more or less wanted this to be over. He knew he would not get the image of Nalia's death out of his head. He wanted a distraction and he knew where he could find it. He looked across from him and caught K'Lara's eye.
K'Lara stared into Lataro's eyes. She saw the love for her in those depths as well as something else. There was a haunted look behind his eyes and she wanted to know why.
"Commander Lataro," Captain Maruu's voice interrupted Lataro's and K'Lara's thoughts. "I'm going to give you a commendation in my report. I'm also going to adding commendations for those that helped in the rescue mission. Congratulations all of you. Dismissed."
K'Lara stood up and went out the door. She was walking on air as the thought that she had Jon back raced around in her mind. She was so deep in thought that a slight touch on her shoulder made her jump. She spun around, ready for a fight. She stopped when she saw Lataro.
"Don't do that!" K'Lara hissed. She then smiled brightly.
"I missed you, too," Lataro said. "How about we make up for lost time, tonight at my place say at 1800?"
K'Lara smiled wider, "I'll be there."
"Good," Lataro whispered close to her. He then kissed her before he walked away.
K'Lara shook her head as she thought of the things she was going to do to Jon. She laughed and made an ensign jump.
At 1800 hours, Lataro lit the last candles and asked the computer to play soft music. He stood back and admired his work. He smiled and thought of how K'Lara would enjoy this. He jumped when he heard the door chime.
"Enter."
The door opened and K'Lara stepped in. She was wearing a dark blue dress that sparkled when the lights hit it. Lataro's jaw dropped, and K'Lara smiled. She walked in and over to Jon. The two embraced and kissed for a long time. Lataro then reluctantly let go and took her over to the table.
"You did a wonderful job with this, Jon," K'Lara said noticing the candles and music.
"Glad you like. Now for dinner."
Lataro lifted the lid to reveal chicken primavera. He watched as K'Lara's eyes took it all in. He smiled and sat down across from her and began to eat.
"This is wonderful, Jon. I'm glad to have you back."
Lataro smiled, "It's great to be back. I thought about you often."
K'Lara returned his smile, "As did I. I fought to be on the rescue mission. I was going crazy without you."
Lataro took her hand in his and stared into her eyes. He saw the truth there and he knew more than ever what her answer was going to be, but he still wanted to know.
"So are you going to give me answer?"
K'Lara stared at him, "What answer?"
Lataro almost laughed, "The answer to my question. Will you marry me?"
K'Lara couldn't believe that she had yet to give him an answer. She thought he knew already. She was wearing the ring after all.
"Yes, Jon. I will marry you."
That was all he needed to know as tears built up in his eyes.