A New Day
Posted on Thu Oct 26th, 2023 @ 6:30pm by 1st Lieutenant Marjani Smith & Ensign Connor Turner
Edited on on Tue Dec 26th, 2023 @ 7:06pm
4,601 words; about a 23 minute read
Mission:
Episode 14 - The Poseidon Adventure
Location: Marjani Smith's Quarters - Deck 3 - USS Pioneer
Timeline: MD014 0700
Falling asleep holding Marjani was surprisingly much more comfortable and natural than Connor would have ever suspected. He did not remember any dreams but waking up, he could see that yesterday was definitely not a figment of his imagination.
Marjani's thick, curly hair tickled his face as he roused. He nuzzled into it and the back of her head, wondering if she was awake. Though they had long washed off from their trip down to Aquil, he still imagined that she smelled like the sea. Although Connor was not an outdoors person, the smell of Marjani was becoming more familiar and comfortable to him. He considered that perhaps, for her, he would do more outdoors. Ideally, however, it would be on a holodeck program.
He raised himself slightly against Marjani and looked over to her face to see if she was awake, giving her a kiss on the side of her neck, as he observed her.
Marjani's eyes fluttered open, feeling the warmth of someone's lips against the side of her neck, along with light weight against her side. She turned slightly giving a smile. "Good morning, Connor. You are a lovely sight to see when I wake up in the morning."
"You're a lovely sight to see any time," Connor countered. "Sorry that I woke you up," he told her bashfully. "But, I did want to have some time with you before we do final preparations today."
Marjani adjusted herself to where she was facing Connor, giving a bright smile. "It's okay that I've been awakened." She leaned in for a kiss and pulled him close, just wanting to savor this moment with him when their lips separated. "I don't know when we will be leaving but hopefully, we will have a few hours to do something, I'm not certain what we could be doing though."
Connor tilted his head. "Well, I'm sure we could think of something." He paused for a moment and suggested, "Perhaps breakfast would help sort it out?"
"Ah yes, breakfast would be good." Marjani replied, giving a huge smile and another kiss for Connor. She climbed her way out of the bed, towards the kitchen area her bare feet hardly making a sound. "What sounds good to you Connor? I am planning on having pancakes with eggs and bacon. With a glass of orange juice."
It took Connor more than a few seconds to respond as he watched Marjani walk about, as if on air. There was a certain grace with her movements and he was mesmerized by them. "Huh?" he asked before coming to his senses. "Um, oh, breakfast. I did say something about that, didn't I? A traditional English breakfast would be just fine," he replied practically on autopilot.
Marjani blinked, "A traditional English breakfast. Um... what does that consist of? I've not had anything of that nature. Or will the replicator know what that is?" turning towards Connor.
Connor sat up and looked at his girlfriend incredulously but smiled with good humor. "Bacon, eggs, sausage, bubble and squeak, fried tomatoes, sauteed mushrooms, black pudding, and toast on the side." He thought about it for a moment and said, "A spot of English breakfast tea would do well, too."
As he named off all the foods that the traditional English breakfast consisted of, Marjani's eyes grew wide. "Oh my goodness that sounds delicious!" She turned around and replicated two of the English breakfasts, including the tea. While it was being made, Marjani was humming, as she set the table.
The tune she hummed was from a song sung by Justin Timberlake 'Can't stop the Feeling' Then she said to the computer. "Computer please play Justin Timberlake's 'Can't stop the Feeling.'"
As it played, Marjani danced, slightly rocking her hips to the music as she finished setting the table and brought over the English breakfasts one by one. When all was ready she did a twirl, at the end of the song then said, "Ta da, breakfast is ready," giving Connor a smile.
Connor had been about to ask who Justin Timberlake was, and also inquire about the song. However, as Marjani started to dance, he started to stare at her hypnotically. She moved with such ease and grace, whereas he knew he could never do anything like that. Marvelling at his girlfriend, he just continued to watch her to the point that when she stated that breakfast was ready, he did not answer immediately, still just gawking at Marjani.
"Um, uh. Sorry," he apologized to Marjani. "Must have zoned out there for a tad." He then teased her, "Of course it is all your fault, you know...."
"My fault?" she tilted her head to one side regarding Connor for a moment. "Wait you liked my dancing?" Marjani giggled. "Oh, sorry I got a little bit carried away. I am feeling pretty good this morning, Connor. I can blame you for that." She walked over and gave him a heartfelt kiss.
It took several moments before Connor could obtain the fortitude to break the kiss and respond, "You can get carried away any time that you want."
With another dazzling smile, Marjani kissed his cheek. "Awww thank you Connor." She then gave him an embrace. I am looking forward to eating this delicious breakfast my boyfriend recommended." She held out her hand towards him.
Connor took Marjani's hand without hesitation. "Well, you made it, so I cannot wait to see how you replicated it." He got out of the bed, stood up, and brought Marjani into him and kissed her passionately for several moments. "I suppose that we should eat," he finally told her sheepishly.
Marjani smiled, feeling her cheeks warm up. "Well let's try it." She was hoping it tasted good. She took a seat at the table and picked up her fork to taste the bubble and squeak. She paused to see how Connor would react to it.
He watched Marjani dreamily, not yet paying attention to his food.
Marjani had taken a bite of the food and her eyes widened yet again, it was really, really good! She noticed that Connor was still gazing at her, and Marjani could feel her cheeks warm up again. "Earth to Connor." reaching out to touch his hand.
"Huh?" Connor asked dreamily. "Connor Turner reporting for duty."
"Come on Connor get something to eat, you looking at me like that is making me feel rather shy," her cheeks darkening once more. Marjani moved her hand back to continue to eat.
"I can't help it," he answered bashfully. "You're just smashing." He bent his head down so he would not see her directly and put his fork into his eggs.
Marjani quieted to pay attention to her breakfast but found herself eating a bit more slowly than normal, as she would just stop and gaze at Connor, in between bites. "It is just amazing just seeing you here with me, across the table."
"Why is that?" Connor asked, after he finished swallowing his bite.
"I guess I don't have a real reason except for, it makes me feel good." Marjani replied, still smiling. "Any idea what we want to do once breakfast is done? What to do before the Pioneer heads out back on its next assignment. I may be on the ship with you unless I get sent an assignment with my fighter. Either way, we've got a few hours to spend together before the time arrives."
"Well, at some point, I have to report in to ops, due to my transfer for the next month," he replied with his smile fading from his face. "But, I will take every minute with you that I can get, Marji."
Marjani gave a nod. "At this moment, I don't know what else to do. There are museums on this station. Live theater. The Arboretum has places to look at. Heck we could watch a movie all snuggled together. Even go do something in the holosuite. Even do something you would like to do."
Connor took another bite of his eggs and thought the matter over as he chewed. Of all the things that Marjani listed, staying in and holosuites seemed the most within his comfort zone. "I did interrupt your time on the holodeck. Perhaps I could make it up to you in a holosuite?"
"That sounds good, but show me something that you like to do. This being the last of your shore leave." Marjani stated. "We've basically been doing mostly what I like to do, so, how about we do something you like."
Any normal man would probably have told Marjani that he would like to do her. However, Connor was not typical. He thought about it silently while picking at some beans. Computers were his love. A good game of football was fun, but he was absolutely rubbish at doing it himself. So, what could he do with Marjani?
He kept chewing until he bit his inner cheek. "Ow," he calmly exclaimed softly as he rubbed it. "Guess my teeth forgot where the food was," he told Marjani with a self-effacing smile.
"Oh, I've had that happen a couple of times, I've even fanged myself, biting my lower lip with my canine. That wasn't fun at all," Marjani replied, giving a light laugh. "You and I were rather active yesterday what with the swimming we had done. If you want to just do something relaxing, something quiet, that would work as well. Even just returning to bed and just snuggle, and watch a movie."
"They all sound lovely," Connor admitted. Just being in Marjani's presence was a pleasure. Holding her was electrifying and always quickened his beat. How had he gotten here. Only 24 hours ago, maybe less, he was still morose over Holly and now this.... "Maybe we can combine them all somehow," he replied pondering as he ate another bite of his breakfast.
"Well there is a viewscreen in the sleeping area. I just hadn't activated it. It's behind a panel. So, that will help out in solving this dilemma. We choose a movie. We snuggle and just make the most of what time we have on shoreleave. How does that sound?" she asked, taking a drink of her tea.
"I think that sounds lovely," Connor replied beaming a smile at Marjani and relieved that he did not end up making a choice. "I cannot think of anything better than holding you in my arms."
"Then let's finish eating and then you get to decide what the movie will be." Marjani just beamed at Connor, then set to work on finishing her breakfast. She was very eager to just get the most out of this last day of shore leave with Connor. She put aside the small niggling of worry about whether she would be with Connor on the Pioneer, or sent off somewhere else.
"Sounds great." He ate more rapidly but his voice dropped sadly. "Only, I have to leave for my shift at noon. Not sure what the Ops Chief is like, other than rather aloof and odd, even for an Andorian." He sighed heavily, dreading leaving Marjani, after just having started their relationship.
"That soon?" Marjani looked at the table and then at Connor. "Okay look let's not worry about cleaning up, I can take care of it afterwards. I just feel the strong need to have your arms around me while we watch something. Why so soon?" Marjani huffed slightly.
Connor's eyes downcast the moment that Marjani asked, "That soon?" He finally answered, "I don't know. I'm sure it is last minute things before we leave. It is still part of my punishment for having called Ensign F'rar a bint." He blushed furiously, remembering his out of character outburst. However, Paisley had teased and picked on him so much, he lost his normal restraint. "I'm sorry that it will cut our time shorter. I do rather enjoy it. I've yet to find anything about you that I do not like."
Marjani took a look at the time, then towards Connor. "We have almost five hours to spend time together. "From what you had told me, she really did push your buttons and proverbially pushed you over the cliff. I am sorry that happened, but I am also glad you stood up to her," Marjani said with a kiss. "Go pick a movie and I'll be back in bed soon."
A glance towards what needed to be cleaned up, Marjani at the very least cleared the table off, and put the dishes on the counter. Those did need to be washed, and put away in the cupboards later. After last night, and Marjani embarrassing herself, she wasn't going to press for any other intimacy except for the cuddling. If that was all that Connor was up for that will be fine. If he wanted more, that would have to be his decision. The man needed to learn to be a bit more assertive and that is something Marjani wished for Connor to learn.
She slid the panel to one side to reveal where the viewscreen was and moved towards the bed. "Do you have a movie that you liked to watch?" Marjani asked coming to the bed and making herself comfortable.
Connor had placed himself back in bed and had furiously started wracking his brains to try and figure out a movie that he like that Marjani would desire to see, as well. Would she like James Bond? Princess Bride? Fifth Element? The Matrix? "Um," he started pulling Marjani into the bed and his arms. "Well, I've been having a hard time deciding. I've sort of narrowed it down.... Most of the movies are rather ancient, but I rather enjoy them. Could go with any of the James Bond movies or maybe something mind bending, like the Matrix, or something more on the quotable/cute/romantic side like Princess Bride or Fifth Element...."
"Well now, the movies you have referenced to are ones I do like to watch. James Bond, one I really liked was 'For Your Eyes Only', Princess Bride is wonderful, and Fifth Element is another. So, now you get to choose between those three." Marjani laughed teasingly and moved in for a kiss from Connor.
Overjoyed that Marjani shared some theatrical taste with him, he overexuberantly wrapped his arms around her and kissed her passionately. Her lips tasted like the sweetest nectar, and he simply had to drink it all in.
His kiss left her breathless, Marjani was going to be needing a cold shower after this kissing session was over. She deepened the kiss, then slowly pulled away to catch her breath. "Oh my, Connor." Her eyes sparkling, breathing heavily from that heady kiss he had given her. "You keep kissing me like that, we may not end up watching the movie." ice water, ice water, ice water, Marjani. Cool yourself down.
Would that be so horrible? Connor wondered. Of course, she did suggest a movie and she did say, "we may not end up watching the movie," so she must have an expectation of it. Unless, of course, this is one of those situations where I should not be taking things literally.... He slightly wrinkled his nose while he thought. "Well, can't have that, can we?" Connor kissed Marjani lightly again, keeping Marjani close to him, in his arms.
"Computer, please play 'Princess Bride.'" Connor informed Marjani before it started, "It is a shorter movie and will give us more time together, for whatever. I have memorized most of this movie, so if I start quoting too much, feel free to let me know. It is just so quotable...."
A giggle and a snuggle down in his arms Marjani, "You may quote all you want, I don't mind at all." She moved to watch the screen, and also feel his closeness.
The movie started and true to his words, Connor started quoting the movie at many key moments. Each time that he started quoting, he would steal a look at Marjani and look at her wonderously.
She would quote at times as well, getting caught up in the movie. She would steal glances at Connor as well, just enjoying hearing his quotes in his accent. She pulled his head down to where she could steal a kiss or two, then went back to watching the movie.
Connor was amazed that Marjani was quoting along with him and more amazed that she was stealing kisses. Time with Marjani never lacked any dullness. Truly, he could not remember the last time that he was this free. He chuckled lightly and let one of his hands tangle in her hair, as he waved with his other, "Have fun storming the castle!" wondering if Marjani would continue along with him. How much did this woman know about his world?
"Think it will work?" Marjani answered as the next part of the quote came up. "This movie is great." reaching up to caress Connor's cheek.
Marjani didn't know much about Connor's world, she was just enjoying this time, this movie, this moment. A bit of peace, of tranquility. A touch of romance. A touch of closeness with another human being. One that can be of a rare occurance within the life of a pilot.
“It would take a miracle,” Connor quoted back with a small laugh and then nuzzled his face into Marjani’s hand. The moment was overwhelming. He could not remember a time where he could not think, but his head was so clouded with everything that was Marjani. He sighed pleasantly and deeply. “Marji?” he started, not even knowing where he was going with his query.
"Yes, Connor?" Marjani's eyes searching his. She adjusted herself a bit more, she could see the movie in her peripheral vision, but at the moment her focus was turning more towards the man who she was cuddling with. She could feel her heart rate pick up even more than what it had with his kisses.
“Marni,” he started again hesitantly, searching for the right words, or frankly, any words that might come out to adequately express himself. “Um, I wish I did not have to work in a few hours.” He cleared his throat awkwardly and tried to continue. “I don’t know how much time we have together or well, how long distance this will be. I, um, just know, um, well, I would hate to have any regrets.” He pulled her in closer and kissed her sweetly. “Am I, um, being clear?”
Her dark brown eyes widened and she knew what Connor was getting at. Marjani slowly nodded. "You are being very clear to me, Connor and- as you wish," she uttered softly before she pressed her lips against his. Breaking the kiss just for a moment Marjani also whispered, "as we wish." Marjani did this just to let Connor know that she wasn't against what would happen next. Then she resumed kissing Connor. Marjani was bound and determined to make the most of this time she had left with Connor.
===============
Sometime Later
===============
A flushed Connor heaved a heavy, yet pleasant sigh, as he held Marjani against him. "I think I'll keep you, Marji," he told his girlfriend with an extremely satisfied grin. He looked into her eyes and gave her a gentle and sweet kiss on the lips. "I just can't believe any of this...."
Marjani had that pleasant after glow feeling, accepting Connor's kiss and giving him one in return. She was feeling sublime. "I never thought this would happen when I wanted a wizard to work on Talon," she murmured softly. "And you definitely, did fabulous work." She listened to his heartbeat, then added "This was unexpected, and words are just failing me. I think you are getting what I am trying to say? Wow is another word I will also use."
Connor nodded a bit more vehemently than he should have, narrowly missing clunking Marjani's nose with his chin. When he realized that he nearly clunked her, he moved back slightly, so he could see her, loosening his grip to put a bit more distance between their faces. "I am. And, I was not expecting this, either. I'm certainly not sorry for it. Quite the opposite. Had you not, well, kissed me several times during that and I not, um, talked this out with a counselor, I may have missed out on you. It is not easy for me to talk to women, especially beautiful women, such as yourself." He lightly stroked her cheek with his thumb and forefinger.
Marjani nestled her cheek against Connor's caress. "This certainly has been quite the shore leave," she observed as she leaned in for another kiss. "And our time together for now is coming to an end," she said regretfully. "Who knew that I'd get a boyfriend out of this. And Connor, you do have the capability of talking to beautiful ladies, ladies in general. After all, you've been speaking to counselors who are females," she informed him, smiling at his compliment. "And thank you for the compliment, my lovely boyfriend. Women are just people," Marjani told Connor, reaching out to caress his cheek once more.
"I actually talk to the counselor's dog more than her; but you have a point," he replied with an uncomfortable chuckle and shrug. He kissed Marjani sweetly. "But you're special. No doubt about that. Somehow, you just understand me. But our time is not at an end. It may be coming to a pause, but definitely not an end. We have whatever time you have left on the Pioneer during my non-duty hours and we will arrange shore leaves together, right?" he asked hopefully.
"What you say is true, we've got the time while I am on the Pioneer and I agree plan on shore leaves together." Marjani gave Connor a happy smile. She moved in for another kiss. The kiss was interrupted by a chirping sound coming from her commbadge. "Er, sorry I need to answer this." Marjani got out of bed and headed to the table.
Forlornly, Connor watched as Marjani left the bed, but watched every movement she made, as she left him. I don't know how I got so lucky. She's gorgeous.
"Yes, Lieutenant Smith answering," she answered, tapping on the commbadge to open communication.
"Voodoo, we've got an assignment for you. Get in touch with Pappy, and we'll fill you in soon."
Marjani's shoulders drooped down; she wasn't expecting this so soon, but duty called. "I'll do so shortly." Marjani looked over towards Connor with an apologetic expression in her eyes. She tapped the commbadge to close up the communication.
"Looks like plans are being changed for me, as well," she told Connor walking back over to sit upon the bed. "I'm sorry Connor." Marjani whispered softly.
Wistfully, Connor smiled back at Marjani. "Nonsense," he told her, trying to sound more admirably than he felt. "We both have duties. We've had a lovely couple of dates. The day is going to be great. And hopefully, we will have tonight." His smile broadened as he hoped for that.
Moving himself across the bed to hold Marjani he informed her, "Besides, I'm not sure that anyone will be able to wipe this smile off my face today, even with duty interrupting the last hour or so that we could have had."
Marjani gave a bit of a smile, when she felt Connor's arms around her, she leaning against him. "I hope that we will have tonight, before the ship leaves. For now though, time for us to take care of what is expected of us, and then we go from there. And definitely let's keep in touch, okay? And meet at Empok Nor or wherever the Pioneer ends up at." She turned to give him a kiss.
"How could we not keep in touch?" Connor asked. "You're my girlfriend," he told her proudly. He then kissed Marjani as they both desired. Breaking the kiss, he sighed heavily. "Well, I suppose that we both have to get back to reality. You sooner than me now. Don't want to get you in trouble, so...." He gave her a final squeeze and started to break away.
With reluctance in her eyes, Marjani gave one last kiss and embrace to Connor and moved away. "Tonight, if we have time or make the time. Spend a few moments together before we go our different directions. Sound good?"
"I can think of nothing better," Connor replied, reluctantly letting go. He reached his arm towards her and placed it gently on her shoulder while he rose from the bed. "You're on duty quicker. Take the sonic shower first. I can let myself out. Don't want you in trouble or else I might have less time with you."
With a nod, Marjani turned and gave Connor a kiss. "Thank you." then disappeared into the shower to get ready for her meeting. This had been an extraordinary shore leave resulting in her getting a boyfriend, and there wasn't much time left before Connor had to leave. And the same for her. Hopefully the meeting wouldn't take too long, and they could have some stolen moments together. It didn't take her long to shower, neither did it take long for her to get dressed. With a work meeting coming up, Marjani went into work mode which included her getting ready rather quickly.
Stepping out dressed in her marine outfit, her hair pulled back in a French braid, Marjani looked at Connor. "Well, here's to hoping we get to see each other before the Pioneer leaves."
Connor properly had changed back into his pajamas before he headed to the shower. Seeing Marjani dressed, he grinned stupidly at her. "Maybe you should just make sure that your ship does not work if ordered to leave," he replied with a bashful chuckle. "I know a top notch engineer who could have a look inside it...."
He reached to Marjani and gave her a sweet kiss. "Well, it is a thought, anyways. Quite inappropriate, but a thought, nonetheless." He sighed heavily. "I guess I should get ready, too. I'll make sure that I keep you informed as to my whereabouts."
She chuckled at his thought. "Yes, I most certainly do know of a wonderful, sexy engineer who is top notch. And, that idea of yours is very tempting...." She contemplated over what he had said, then Marjani shook her head. "I can't, though. I won't let myself do something like that." She pulled Connor into a rather passionate kiss, holding him close to her. Reluctantly she broke the kiss, leaning her forehead against his.
"Definitely, let me know your whereabouts. And I'll keep you informed as well. Be safe Connor." She gave him another quick kiss and she stepped back from him, heading towards the door. "See you later, Connor." Marjani then stepped out of her temporary quarters, the door closing behind her.
Connor sighed dreamily. Marjani had not understood his joke about making sure her ship did not leave. Well, perhaps it was not entirely a joke. However, in fairness, he did not often tell jokes. Mentally, he shrugged before heading towards the shower and the beginning of his day.
A Joint Post By
First Lieutenant Marjani Smith
Pilot
Ensign Connor Turner
Computer Systems Specialist, USS Pioneer
RSS Feed