Making Up Is Good to Do

Captain Devore on the Bridge, was a familiar sight. For the past seventy-two hours, Devore has not stepped off the Bridge. Commander Devore and Commander Soliel have made various trips to the Bridge to get the Captain to go and rest to no avail. He sat looking out the view monitors rubbing the Bridge of his nose. It had been a stressful week let alone last few days. He has lost a lot of crew members and even his sanity at times, but now he is in debt to 'Q', a malevolent, uncaring, super-being, whose only concern is to have Devore to herself.

*What is it that he could do ? As of now... Nothing !*

"Captain.." A voice came from his right. "....I think it is time that you got off the Bridge."

"Excuse me ?" Devore responded looking through bloodshot and fatigued eyes. It was Commander Soliel.

"I think that it is time for you to leave the Bridge, Captain." Toran said with a smile.

"I can't leave at a time like this."

"Like what Captain ?. We are quickly putting space between the Zeirg and us and you haven't so much as changed your uniform. Quite frankly Marc, you stink." Soliel smiled.

Devore laughed. "I guess I am a little ripe."

"A little. Marc you are stinging my eyes with the fumes from your uniform. I mean you tunic could probably stand in the corner by itself."

"Point taken Commander, maybe I do need to take a bath."

"That you should do."

"Okay Commander. You have the Bridge."

"Don't worry Captain, I will notify you if something was to happen."

"You had better." Devore rose from his chair and headed for the turbolift. Just as he approached the door, he turned around and took in a quick glance.

"Go Captain before I have security escort you off the Bridge."

"I am going, I'm going." Devore said stepping on the lift. "Computer. Deck five, section C."

The turbolift door's closed and sped away. In the middle of the journey, Devore began to feel tired and propped himself against the lift. The room began to spin. I guess I am really tired. He thought just as the door opened. Standing in the doorway was Brayden.

"Captain. You okay ?" He said rushing to Devore's side.

"Yeah Brayden. I am fine. Just a little tired." Devore said stepping off.

"Here dad, let me help you."

Devore stood up straight and looked directly at Brayden. "That is first time that you have called me 'dad'."

"Well. I think that it may be about time to do so." He said with a smile grabbing Devore's arm and propping it on his own shoulder. "Come on. I am going to help you to your quarters." Brayden made a sour face. "Um with all due respect.. you stink."

"Brayden. I know."

The two of them walked down the hallway to Devore's quarters. As they approached the door, it opened to a dark room. "Computer." Brayden began.. "Lights, 64%."

The room was illuminated as Brayden and Marcus headed for the bed. Just as the Captain was beginning to fall on to the bed, Brayden yelled, "Dad. Shower."

"You sound just as bad as your mother."

"Well being here with you for this long, it seems that she is beginning to rub off on me." Brayden smiled.

"Thanks son. When are you supposed to be on the Bridge ?"

"I am off for the rest of the day."

"Oh. Tomorrow then ?"

"Yeah. So till then I am going to see if I can find Junora and.."

"I see. She is a pretty lady."

"Yes she is. I hope she likes me."

"I am sure that she does. By the way, if you see Major Maul then ask her to come see me tomorrow."

"Will do." Brayden said. He stood upright and headed to the door. "Well dad, I had better be going. Go get a shower and I will let mom know you are home."

"Well I think that she is sort of mad at me."

"Maybe, but this is as good a time as any to make up." Brayden said with a smile.

"Get out of here," Devore said standing up and smiling at Brayden.

"I'm going. See you in the morning."

"G'nite. By the way son, I am proud of you. You have been doing great up there."

"I have a good teacher."

"I am glad you think so."

"I was referring to you dad." Brayden turned and left the room. The door shut behind him.

Devore smiled as he removed the ripe uniform. It was true, as he threw the uniform in the corner it did stand up stiff by itself.

*How long had it been since I had some rest ?* He thought as he stripped down.

The sonic shower felt good as the dirt and grime vaporised off of the Captain's body. The more dirt came off the better he felt. Finally the last remnants of grime incinerated he decided he wanted to take an old fashion shower.

"Computer. Initiate liquid shower. Water temperature at eighty-two degrees Fahrenheit. Suddenly the shower head began to spray hot water from the wall. It hit the Captain's body and he moaned as the warmth pulsated throughout his body. He turned around letting every inch of his body enjoy the wonderful sensation. About twenty minutes later, his body began to wrinkle up. His hands looked like massive prunes. "Computer end shower."

He stepped out and dried off. The steam from the shower still lingered in the bathroom, as he made his way through. Devore smiled as he saw the inviting bed and plopped down draping his towel over his head. Devore finally drifted off to sleep.

Councillor Devore's Office

Her shift finally ended and she cleaned her desk. The busy work of the day had resulted in Padds all over her desk, so she piled them neatly. Sierra walked out the door and instructed the computer to lock the door as she headed for her quarters. Everyday as she walked down the hall she hoped that her husband would be waiting for her, but everyday was one of disappointment. She would walk in to find an empty room and be forced to conclude her day with a solo meal and going to bed alone. When she awoke, her husband's pillow was not slept in.

So now she no longer expected or even hoped that the Captain will be there. It was almost as if he had another wife, the Leviathan. Sierra approached her door and noticed that it didn't open. It was locked.. From the inside. "Computer. Unlock the door."

<Enter code.>

Sierra was confused and entered her unlock code as the door slid open. A blast of humidity caught her off guard as she walked in cautiously.

*Did I leave the lights on this morning ?* She thought as she looked around. As she passed the threshold of the bedroom, Sierra discovered why things were out of whack, there in her bed was her husband, naked and asleep. She smiled.

"Computer. Lock door and set the chronometer for 05:30."

<Acknowledged.>

She smiled devilishly and removed her clothes to mimic that of her husband. However, before crawling into bed, she looked at him. His still wet body glistened in the passing light of the passing star. Taking in the sight she laid down next to him and kissed him softly. He stirred.

"What ?" Marc said surprised by the unexpected soft touch.

"It is just me, Marc," Sierra said kissing him again. Marc didn't respond but turned towards his wife and returned her kiss passionately. "Now this is what I like."

"Shhh." Marc whispered as he threw the towel to the side and held Sierra closer.

[Bridge to Captain Devore.]

Marc stirred. It repeated. Oh man. "What is it Commander ?" He finally asked. Sierra who was propped up against his shoulder stirred as well.

[Captain, we are picking up a garbled message from the Ronin.]

"Garbled ? Why ?"

[Unknown Captain.]

"Do we have a fix on the position ?"

[Aye sir. It is about twenty-five light years from us.]

"Very well old man. Set a course. I will be there in a little bit."

[Captain it is 02:30. Don't worry we won't be there for another three hours so just rest. When you get here for the shift we will be ready for you.]

"Very well Commander. Devore out."

"Marc," Sierra said turning to him. "Just relax here. You can still get some rest before going back on duty."

"I know, hon. But my place is on the Bridge."

"No right now your place is next to me." She said turning his head towards her and kissed him.