"Computer, time," said Nori as she awaited the end of her shift.
<Nineteen hundred hours.>
"Just then the door to sickbay opened and in walked Nori's relief. Nori finished up her report and left sickbay heading for the turbolift. In a few seconds, Nori stepped out onto the bridge.
A science ensign announced, "Commander on the bridge."
"As you were." Nori blushed; she was still not used to that happening.
She looked around and seen that all the other people were briefing their relief. Nori walked to the captain's ready room and walked in. Nori saw the captain sitting in his chair looking out the window watching the stars go past like little streaks of long lights.
As she walked over to him, she said, "Good evening, Stephen. I brought my daily report for sickbay for your signature." She sat down on his lap and put her arms around him. "We are off duty now! Care to join me in the mess hall? I am starving to death here."
Maruu smiled. "Hmmm." He looked into Nori's eyes."
"What?"
"If i say no, might I stand a chance of being struck again?" he said with a smile.
"Stephen! That isn't funny. I really feel bad about that."
He laughed. "It would be an honor to have dinner with you my love." He pulled Nori close to him and kissed her very lovingly. After the kiss was over, Nori laid her head on his chest.
"So where were you when I walked in?"
"Oh, I was just thinking about the past few days and the effect that it had on the whole crew. I just hope it never has to happen like that again."
Nori lifted her head off the captain's chest as she looked at his lips and traced them with her left index finger.
"I love you so much; you have no idea what you mean to me." Nori looked up into his eyes with her big baby blues.
Stephen thought to himself how much they sparkled, how beautiful Nori looked, then he kissed her again and left with her for the mess hall. After dinner was over they went to the captain's quarters.
Nori smiled playfully and said, "I have a surprise for you."
Maruu returned the smile. "And what may that be?"
"Computer, replay program LCN 14A and dim the lights to a low glow."
As Nori sat down on the couch and cuddled up next to Stephen, the lights dimmed way low and a song came on. The voice was very soft and delicate.
Maruu was surprised. "That is you singing!"
Nori smiled. "Yes, I wanted to give you something that you could have with you wherever you go on the ship." Nori smiled as she put her head back on his shoulder and started to rub his chest.
Maruu smiled playfully. "You know you've never spent the night in my quarters before." He softly placed Nori on the bed and began to remove his tunic.
"You're right." She nervously moved from under him. "So, do you want to sleep on the floor or should I?"
"Dana, I meant that we should..."
"Stephen, I can't."
"What do you mean?"
"Because I never have."
"You're a..."
"Yes."
Maruu was surprised. "Wow. Well, we'll deal with it. So I guess you want to..."
"Yeah. That'd be a good idea."
"Yeah." He paused. "So, I'll see you tomorrow?"
"Yeah." Nori started to leave. "Good night." She left the room.
Maruu dropped on the bed and placed his hands over his face. "Oh, man."