Getting Lost Part VII
Posted on Mon Oct 9th, 2023 @ 12:58am by Captain Edmund Merrick & Petty Officer 1st Class Kaylara Loran
Edited on on Mon Oct 9th, 2023 @ 10:38pm
0 words; about a 1 minute read
Mission:
Episode 14 - The Poseidon Adventure
Location: Aquil
Timeline: MD008 2100 hrs
Stefan paused when he stopped to where the boat was, closing his eyes as he felt the wind tease his hair with its invisible fingers and then it moving along to pick up a leaf, the leaf skipping along until it landed in the water, floating there before it sailed further out towards the larger portion of water.
Stefan opened his eyes, turned to face Kaylara to check on her.
Kaylara was looking up at the sky. "Learning to navigate by the stars is important in lots of situations," she said when she felt him watching her. She wasn't familiar with this particular formation, but if she came her often enough, she would. She looked at Stefan and smiled. "I'll follow your lead, captain."
Stefan gave a return smile, "Okay so onto the boat, I'll cast off the mooring lines and then we'll hoist up the sails in preparation for us to catch the wind and see what we can see." Stefan stealing a kiss before going to untether the lines.
Once that was done, Stefan agilely leaped onto the deck, and made his way to pull up the anchor, cranking up the chain, it making a metallic rattle as he did so. Locking it into place, he looked at Kaylara, "Okay now, let’s get the sail raised." he showing her how to raise the sail, with the pulley system.
"Okay hoist away!" Stefan called out, as he assisted. He grinned as he heard the raising of the sail, the wind already trying to catch the sail cloth in its breath to let the boat sail out towards the open water.
She did so, then made sure she didn't get in his way. It was a small craft--especially compared to the pirate ship--and she didn't want to end up falling overboard by accident. On purpose was another matter.
This boat which was a 40 ft sloop, wasn't going to be steered by a wheel but by the tacking of ropes and also the tiller rudder. There was a small electrical motor, which helped to move the sloop out to the more open water and away from the dock. "Kaylara have a seat beside me." Stefan indicating the bench area next to him. "And I'll let you have a try at guiding the boat." giving a smile and also giving some simple instructions as to the workings of the rudder.
To turn to the right or starboard, the tiller would be pushed to left or known as port side. To go left it would be the tiller moved to the starboard side. Keeping the tiller more in the middle would keep the sailboat moving forward.
Tacking was one thing, but she knew how to handle a rudder. At least in good weather. "Got it." It was a lovely day and the company was growing on her.
Between the two of them, the boat both Stefan and Kaylara were on, moved forward and they were soon out in open water. While they were out, with a good wind being caught in the sails, Stefan would demonstrate to Kaylara how to do tacking for the sails and to maneuver them to catch the breeze.
"By the way there is a below decks to this boat. Want to go have a look? I can drop anchor here and we can go below."
Kaylara raised an eyebrow. "That sounds intriguing. Yes. Drop anchor and let's see how they've arranged things." She honestly didn't expect much, but it would be interesting to see how the bunks and eating area were set up--and what was considered mandatory for a small craft like this.
Stefan did as what was requested, the anchor hitting the water with a splash and it sinking downward. Once it was secure, Stefan led the way down the stair and in to the hold below. He pursed his lips in a low whistle as he'd not been below deck before. "This is very nice."
The layout was comfortable, behind the stairs which led down, was a sleeping area where one or two persons could sleep comfortably. On the right of the stairs was a sofa in U shaped area, with a table in the center. on the left side was the kitchen area complete with a small sink and a stove along with a small oven. There was a bathroom with a shower and on the bow area was another bed that one or two can sleep in. There were portholes that allowed for light as well as a view to see outside, framed with curtains that could be drawn closed. There were several cubicles as well as cabinets where food and utensils could be stored and also a rather small utility closet. The color of the sofa was a dark brown in color.
"Well now, a home away from home so to speak." Stefan commented to Kaylara, then went to take a seat upon one of the beds, the one behind the stairs, then laid back upon it. "This is surprisingly comfortable."
"Good. I like comfortable beds." Kaylara flashed him a smile and went to explore. She wouldn't mind anchoring in a secluded bay and spending a night on board with these accommodations. But then, she wasn't sure what Stefan had in mind.
"So, we have this lovely place to sleep, and then there is the cabin as well. Now the selling point for this is. Is there food in the cupboards?" Stefan giving a grin, propping himself upon his elbows, and looking at Kaylara, "I'm game for whatever you wish to do. It would be great to stay here overnight and feel the sway of the ocean beneath us. Then there is the cabin on the beach..." his voice fades as he thought over something. "Or we can do both." flashing a huge smile. "This is your shoreleave, and I am yours to command. Unless you want me to..." he moved from the bed in a swift motion and is right next to her pulling her into his arms and kissing her rather soundly..
He was far too good at kissing and she found herself responding more openly than she intended. She would answer his questions shortly. Maybe. Or maybe they could wait...
Reluctantly their lips parted, Stefan needing to catch his breath. They had been kissing for a little bit still standing in the same place where the kissing began. He leaned his forehead against Kaylara's, brushing back some of her hair behind her ear, caressing her cheek gently.
"You've got some powerful kisses there." he whispered softly, running a thumb across her soft supple lips. "Any idea what we were talking about, before we started kissing?"
Stefan wasn't certain just where this relationship was going. Was this going to turn into something more than just a shore leave fling? He could feel a connection developing even more. Stefan recalled something his sister had said about him. She was concerned that he wore his heart on his sleeve, opening himself to getting his heartbroken too many times.
"Umm..." She had to think about that. The feel of his thumb caressing her lips was distracting. She sighed and playfully bit his thumb before answering. "I think we were discussing staying here tonight or going to the cabin on the beach." She looked into his eyes, then regretted it. He made her want things she didn't think were possible. But then, she didn't think she'd feel this way about anyone, either. "I think I'd like to spend tonight on the boat. With you."
"As you wish, Kaylara." Stefan uttered. He placed a gentle kiss upon her lips, then pulled away. "Dinner if there are some provisions?" he going over to check on the contents of what was on the boat. In his exploration, he found some eggs, cans of soup and stew, some canned meats, flour, water and milk there was also some cheese. And some canned fruit.
"Well looks like we've got something to eat, and they are all still good to eat, by the dates listed here. I can whip up a simple repast, and we can eat soon." Stefan remarked. He was getting a bit peckish and wanted to get some food in them both before they turned in for the night. "And oh, what do we have here, a bottle of bourbon and one of wine." pulling out the two bottles. "Which would you like?"
"I think bourbon suits the theme, don't you?" she said. She was hungry and the meal he suggested sounded wonderful. "While you do that, I'll look for dishes and set the table."
"That sounds great." Stefan replied, he found some butter and decided what he would make, egg and cheese crepes to go along with the stew. Soon the scent of savory stew permeated where Stefan and Kaylara were, plus the scent of the egg and cheese crepes. A can of fruit had been opened and placed inside a bowl, and the bottle of bourbon was placed upon the table. "Gosh this smells great." Stefan breathing in deeply.
"It does." She'd found an ocean-blue tablecloth and white dishes for the table. She almost lit some candles, but then decided against it. This was not a romantic dinner. It was a meal because they were both hungry. What they chose to do after was up to Stefan. That way, Kaylara gave herself space to breathe before she completely lost her heart.
Stefan brought over the plate which contained the crepes he had made, and also brought over the stew which held a ladle for which they could dish up the stew. He also brought over several slices of bread to sop up what remained of the stew. "This looks fantastic Kaylara." he waited for her to scootch in to the u shaped seating behind the table he almost forgot the glasses for the bourbon and brought them over. Plus, a pitcher of water. He opened up the bourbon and poured himself and Kaylara a glass. Then he took his seat.
A Joint Post By
Lieutenant JG Stefan Zamfir
Field Officer, Poseidon Station
Petty Officer First Class Kaylara Loran
Data Systems Analyst, USS Pioneer
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