Johnny was sitting at his desk going over reports later that day. He had been busy with some administrative matters for a good part of his shift and lost track of the time. Paperwork seemed to do that to him. His thoughts were interrupted by his door chiming. "Enter," he mumbled, and the door slid open.
"Hello there," Jenara smiled, as she saw Johnny sitting there engrossed in his work.
Johnny looked up, then realized the time. "Oh, my God!!! I'm sorry I've kept you waiting!"
"That's all right," she replied, "I figured it was work. I've had to work long hours myself sometimes."
With that, she stepped into the office and over to the desk.
"Just so much to be done, it seems, and as if the mission to the wreck of the Kirk hadn't been bad enough, it now looks like I may have to bring one of my people before a Captain's Mast!" Johnny groaned, as he read over a report of a still being found in Engineering and several crew members, including the notorious Zelansky, having been found drunk at their posts.
"Oh no!" Jenara replied, "That's bad..." She could sense all the thoughts and concerns running through his head.
"I've never had to discipline anyone before, at least not over anything this serious. I hoped I would never have to, either!"
Jenara went to him and placed and hand on his shoulder. "This must be very difficult. I wish I knew what to say." She sighed.
Johnny sighed. The week hadn't been easy, and he was really more tired than frustrated. "It just seems like things have gone from bad to worse some days. Three of my people were seriously wounded on that last mission. We just don't have the experience base or resources to train them properly! I'd approach Lt. Wallace for help, but he's worse off than I am. He has to rebuild his entire staff. I've at least got a few reliable people!"
Tenderly she leaned over to him and embraced him, somehow hoping he knew that she was there for him.
Johnny sank into her embrace, not the least embarrassed. "And then I find myself thinking of you, and how I can help you. I really want to do more for you but I'm not certain just how much you need or want!"
Seeing an opening, she sat down on his lap and looked into his eyes. "I want whatever you have to offer. No more... No less. But know that I will be there for you, however you need me as well. I expect no less in a relationship of any sort. Guess that's just how us Tanzanians are!"
With that, she smiled and caressed his face.
How do I tell her what I want to tell her? Everyone seems capable of reading my mind nowadays, and I'm at a very deep disadvantage! Johnny thought. Somehow he had always suspected that his professional mien, not his personal manner, had given him whatever success he'd enjoyed in life to this point.
Jenara could read his thoughts as if they were her own. "I can still read your mind easily, but for me, it seems to have more to do with this connection we seem to have. Does it bother you that I can do that?" she asked seriously. Some emotions were unclear for her, mixed and mingled with others.
"When you're doing it, no. But I do have another minor problem. One of my new troops, Maxon, is a Betazoid. He's very good and learns quickly, but he's young and not altogether disciplined mentally. I've caught him more than once picking upstray thoughts from me. He's a lot better at sensing other people's emotions and thoughts than masking his own. He's been good not to let that influence his behavior and the morale of the others, but it is disconcerting. Before I used to have the privacy of my own mind. Now, I'm not so sure..."
Jenara nodded with understanding. "Well, I know that on my home world, there were ways of learning how to shield one's thoughts. I haven't practiced it in years. I've never really had a need, but perhaps I could show you. It might help. And maybe you should talk to Garek in Engineering. He might have some suggestions too since he's also part Betazoid."
Johnny thought, then a smile crossed his face. "You know, that may be a good idea after all! Aside from you, the only telepaths I've dealt with extensively have been Vulcans, and they're not usually very forthcoming. Any insights you may have would definitely be of help, and anything Garek can tell me would most certainly help!!!" Great, one problem solved! Johnny thought triumphantly. And, realistically speaking, what happens to Zelansky is up to the Captain and Security at this point. I need to wash my hands of him! Which leaves me with one other thing...
Jenara giggled lightly. One of the few giggles she'd had as of late. "I'm glad I could help!" she said. "So what's this one other thing you're thinking about?"
Okay, Johnny, this is it. It's all or nothing. Now or never. Checkmate!!! Johnny thought.
Again Jenara giggled.
"Well, there's something I've been meaning to tell someone, but haven't quite figured out how, or when. We've both been so busy, and things seem to have moved so fast!"
Gently, she placed her fingers against his lips. "Does it have anything to do with feelings that lead to things like this?"
With that, she tenderly kissed him.
Johnny's heart started to race. "You took the words right out of my mouth, literally!" With that, he took her head in his hands and kissed her in return. Deeply and passionately.Johnny then pulled away for a moment and tapped his com badge. "Chee to Barek, you have the platoon for the next 24 hours. Don't contact me unless the Borg are assimilating the ship!"
[Acknowledged, sir.] What Johnny couldn't know was that Barek was actually relieved to the point of praising the Prophets that Johnny was taking a step back for a moment before he ran himselfinto the ground!
"So what shall we do now that we have 24 hours to ourselves?" Jenara asked, her green eyes sparkling.
"Well, among other things, my quarters could use some redecoration. What few personal effects I had were lost on the Ilion. Perhaps some expert advice would be in order? Of course, for that, you'd have to see for yourself..." Johnny said, with a wink.
"I think that can be arranged," she replied, with yet another giggle, leaning forward to kiss him once again.