Over Protection

"This is Captain Devore of the USS Leviathan, I would be honoured to personally meet you. If you could provide us with coordinates, we will transfer across in one of our shuttle vessels. Also, I would like to perform some tests to ascertain whether we can use our transporters in this SS bubble."

[Tell me more about this 'transporter' and these tests ?]

"We have the technology to 'transfer' matter from one location to another. These tests will consist of transporting several test items through this process and then return them back to the ship. There will be no danger to your vessel or it's inhabitants." The Captain explained.

[Then I will provide you with the coordinates of one of our empty cargo stores. If you pilot your shuttle to this location, you will come to a landing pad, where I will meet you in one hour.]

"Captain, we've received both sets of coordinates" Ambrose said.

"OK people, this is our first contact with inhabitants of the Beta quadrant, let's not start a fight unless we have to. It seems that everyone we meet want's to destroy us. Toran, Shaka, Ambrose meet me in shuttle bay one in half an hour. Commander Harris, you have the Bridge. Mr. Hansen, now that you've got the coordinates, start the transporter tests." Devore said.

"Yes sir."

Captain's Quarters

In his quarters, Devore was taking a sonic shower. He had an hour and wanted to make sure that first contact was a pleasant experience. His dress uniform was neatly hanging up perfectly tailored and ready for presentation.

"Mark !" Sierra said as she rushed in the bathroom. This startled the captain. He wasn't used to having someone share his quarters.

"What hun ?" Devore said realizing that it was his wife. Obviously there wasn't anything she hasn't seen before.

"You are taking a Shaka, Ambrose, and Toran on an away team but not taking me ?" Sierra was slightly upset.

"Yeah. Shaka is our slipstream specialist. Seeing that the Catatonians have SS technology she is a logical person to bring along."

"Okay, why Ambrose ?"

"I need a shuttle pilot. I guess I could fly it myself, but it would be better if he flew it."

"Don't you think that I should come too ?" Sierra was slightly hurt. She figured that the ship's counselor should be present to help with first contact, however the Captain thought differently. He stepped out of the shower and modestly wrapped a towel around his waist causing Sierra to smile. "Mark. It isn't anything I have seen before."

"I know, but still." Mark said blushing.

"Fine. So shouldn't I go ?"

"Not this time, Sierra."

"Why ?"

"We don't know anything about the Catatonians. What if they are hostile ? I couldn't bear the fact of losing you again."

"Captain Devore ! Protocol states that the ship's counselor should accompany the away team on any first contact and seeing that I am the ship's counselor, I should be there."

"Well I am the Captain and I say no ! At least this time."

"Mark !" Sierra was getting slightly upset. Her face was beginning flush. "Look. I am still a Starfleet officer and your wife. I must still do my duty even if it puts me in danger. I am going !"

Mark looked at Sierra who was now going through the closet looking for her dress uniform. If there was anything that he hated was being overridden by anyone let alone his wife. But she was right. She was a Starfleet officer with duties and responsibilities, but he still didn't want her to go.

"Lieutenant Devore. You are not !" Sierra turned to him. She noticed that his tone changed. "I am still the captain of this ship and your husband and by both accounts you will do what I say. I don't want you to go, because there is no apparent need for you to go. I need you to stay on the Leviathan, please."

Sierra was hot now. "Do what you say !"

"Yes. I am looking out for you. I have lost you once... I will not lose you again to anything."

"But, Mark. I still have a job to do."

"I am the Captain. I can have you reassigned and you won't have to worry about this again."

"You wouldn't dare !"

"Oh really.... Computer... Effective stardate 60378.2, Lieutenant Sier......." Sierra lunged for Mark and covered his mouth realizing that he was serious.

"Computer belay that command." Sierra said. "I can't believe you sometime."

Mark smiled. He wrapped his arms around her and whispered, "Can't believe how much I love you."

"Stop, I am still mad at you !" Sierra said unconvincingly. "But I guess I can forget this incident if you promise to remember I am an officer on this ship with the same duties and responsibilities as you. Please just remember that I don't try to protect me so hard."

"Okay." Mark said softly as he pulled her close and kissed her. Surprisingly the towel disappeared as did the lighting in the room. "Sierra. I don't have much time."

"Well! That is why they call them 'quickies'."