Friendly Advice

".... and finally Ensign Rodriguez. I want you to set the sensors at maximum ranges. We are on an exploratory mission so let's explore." Devore said patting the new ensign on the back.

"Yes sir." She said heading back to her station.

Devore began to head back to his chair when he was stopped by Commander Harris. "Excuse me, sir. May I have a word with you in your ready room ?"

Devore turned to face him. "Of course. What is it you want to speak with me about commander ?"

"It's of a personal nature, sir."

"Fine. Come on." Devore said with a slight nod of his head. The two officers walked to the ready room. In his mind Devore milled what it could be but whatever it was, it must've been important seeing that Grant hardly ever talked about personal things. As they entered the ready room, Devore headed straight for the replicator. "Coffee. Black. Grant would you like something ?"

"No sir. I am fine."

"Suit yourself," Devore said as the coffee appeared. Harris had all ready sat down when the captain went around his desk to his chair. He sat down and sipped his coffee. "So what is Grant ?"

"Sir I need your advice about dating and women."

Devore laughed because he knew what was on his first officers after duty schedule. "I've heard about your date, Grant. In fact, Ensign Ambrose damn near announced it over the ships intercom."

Grant grew angry that his friend spoke about what was going to happen. His cheeks turned red. Then the Captain finally sat back in his chair. "So what is it you wanted to know ? But first why me ?"

"Well Captain, " Harris began. "I have seen you with the ladies on the ship. I have noticed that you have a very good repor with them. Also your relationship with Dr. Clairidge..., oh I am sorry sir."

"That is okay Grant. I am actually over it. It was a casualty of war." Devore lied through his teeth, but then again he didn't. On the Bridge earlier, another feeling was stirred up one of the his late wife, Sierra. Sierra Mitchell Devore was a wonderful woman, beautiful, smart and just plain fantastic. He has always wished that one day he may find another woman like her, but so far he has accepted the fact that he has been cursed to walk the rest of his life alone with only these one night stands to keep him company. But once he would like to return to a serious relationship and be with someone to share the rest of his life with, another woman like Sierra. One day he reminded himself.. one day

"... and I don't know sir." Grant said. He was talking as Devore's mind was wondering.

"I am sorry Grant what was that ?"

Grant looked at the captain and was amazed. He had just spilled out his guts to the captain and he wasn't even paying attention. "Well I was saying that I met the woman and I would really like to start a new relationship. My wife and daughter are dead. I have come to the realization that I must accept that fact. So to do that, I must go on. I think that by dating I am going on."

"That is true. Let me get this straight though. Wasn't she your ex wife ?"

"Yes sir. She was. However, I always have loved her. Just because we were divorced didn't mean I didn't"

"I never said it did. Well listen, you like this girl, Rea is it ?"

"Yes sir."

"Then go ahead and date. But take it slow, be her friend. This is going to be a long trip, and she is here for the long haul, so don't rush things my friend."

"I know sir. I didn't plan to do otherwise."

"Then what kind of help did you need? It seems to me that you have everything under control."

After a few minutes Grant realized the Captain was right. "Yes sir. You are right."

"Well your shift is up. Go! Have fun. and..."

"Yes sir ?" Harris said as he got up and headed for the door.

"Don't do anything I wouldn't do." Devore said with a huge smile.

"Well I guess sir, that leaves me open to do whatever." Grant said with an equally big smile. He walked out the door.

*I guess so.*