Unexpected

Chapter 7

    Everyone walked back to their quarters as a group then entered their quarters separately, each wanting some sleep. James walked in and walked to his bedroom throwing his duffel on a chair, then stripping off his Uniform placing it on top of the duffel; these items would be refreshed after some much needed sleep. Getting into bed he noticed it was zero ten hundred “Computer wake me up at zero fourteen hundred” he requested, rolled over, closed his eyes and soon fell asleep.

     At the requested time the Computer woke James; it seemed like it was moments ago that he had laid his head on the pillow. Getting out of bed James stumbled into the shower to try and wake up. Afterwards he dried off and threw on some comfortable, relaxing clothes. Looking at the chair he decided to refresh his clothes from the trip then made his way into the living area for a hot cup of strong black coffee. Sitting on the couch James sipped his coffee while going over in his mind the events of the last two days; he was very pleased not only with the new Ship but also his new Crew and the way they had performed their duties. Having finished his beverage James went to the Computer and wrote up a report for the Commodore; nothing fancy but just the facts as was his habit of doing when writing up reports. There was no sense in wasting the readers time; when finished he pressed send and off the report went. 

    Moments later his door chime went off. Wondering who it could be James went to the door and opened it “Commodore what a nice surprise” he commented “Please excuse my appearance, I wasn’t expecting company; please come in.” “Thank you James; I hope I’m not interrupting you” Rebecca replied with a smile as she entered the room” “No not at all” he answered “What can I do for you” James asked. “If you have a minute there’s something I’d like to show you; if you’d please follow me” she instructed as James followed her out into the corridor. Walking to the room next to James’ Rebecca keyed in her security code opened the door as they both walked in. “ This was an empty room so I took the liberty of turning it into a Briefing Room, with couches grouped together. That way you can brief your Crew on an upcoming mission before you board your Ship. There are three Computer terminals for everyone’s use and this Comm on the desk will allow you to page your entire Crew at once. The rest of the quarters we’ve left as is” Rebecca explained. “Thank you so much, this will be a big help preparing for missions; when we get to the Ship we can just get things started for departure” James replied “Also I just sent off a report to you about out first time out with the Vigilant.” “Excellent, I look forward to reading it” Rebecca replied with a smile.

    Also, just so you’re aware of it we picked up a Romulan Warbird, about an hour out from the Base following the Vigilant and they were gaining on us; we accelerated to Warp nine point five, then they turned around and went back the way they came” James explained.

    Chi was surprised at what she was hearing “What was a Romulan Warbird doing out this far” she queried then continued “I’ll let my Ship know so they can check it out…..I doubt the Romulans will want to tangle with the Defiant. We’re putting together a another mission which will start day after tomorrow; I’ll send you the parameters sometime tomorrow morning for you and your First Officer to look over then you can bring your Crew up to speed”  Rebecca informed James “Sounds good Rebecca” he commented. “Good; well I’ve taken up enough of your free time James” she stated with a smile then turned and left the area. James secured their new room and went next door to his own to do some more reading of the Technical Manual for the Ship.

    Later that afternoon James’ comm went off  “Lake here, go ahead” he stated. “James it’s Racheal, if you’re not busy how would you like to come across the corridor to my quarters for dinner; and please come as you are” she replied. “That sounds nice; I’m actually kind of bored at the moment” he replied. “Good, see you soon” she answered. “I’ll be there” he replied as he entered the bathroom to run a comb through his hair and splash on some aftershave.

    After the ten minutes had passed James opened his door when he saw Racheal standing with her door open and a smile on his face; James walked across the way into her quarters. “Thanks for inviting me over, I didn’t just want to be sitting around the rest of the day”James commented. “I was getting kind of bored too; besides it’ll give us chance to get to know each other even better” Racheal replied with a smile “I see you came over as you are; it’s refreshing seeing the Captain wearing something other than his uniform.” James decided to have some fun “Thanks, I guess it’s a good thing I don’t sit around naked in my quarters” he commented with a grin. So as not to be out done “That would have been fine too; although I would have dressed to match” she replied enjoying teasing James. Not being sure how to respond he simply replied “You certainly look comfortable” seeing Racheal wearing a tee shirt with a pair of shorts and barefoot “Yes I am quite comfortable” she answered “I know this may sound unusual for an Officer but I’m not a big fan of clothes; they’re too constricting, so when I’m in my quarters off duty I like to dress this way” Racheal commented teasingly “And sometimes nothing at all.” James just chuckled being totally outdone in the joking department “So when do you want to eat” James inquired. “No time like the present” she stated sensing James  was accepting defeat in the banding back and forth exercise. The two grabbed a meal each, along with a drink, and sat enjoying their meals and each other’s company. 

    After the meal was finished Racheal disposed of the dishes and asked “James would you like a drink.” “Yes, I’ll have a brandy” he replied as she grabbed each of them a drink then sat beside James on the couch “Here you go” as she handed him the beverage.

    They sat and talked for while about their past assignments trying to learn about one another and their experiences which could only help with commanding the Ship. Racheal had been curious about something from the beginning “James would you mind if I asked you a personal question; feel free to tell me it’s none of my  concern” Racheal commented with a grin. “No, please go ahead, I don’t have anything to hide” he replied taking another sip of his drink. 

    “I understand you and Katlyn have, how shall I put this, somewhat of a history. Were you romantically involved” she inquired being quite interested in the response. James just grinned “To answer your question, yes we have a history. We served on the same Ship when I was Engineering Chief and she was my Computer Specialist; and may I say she’s the best I’ve ever worked with” he commented then paused “As far as romance goes; I would have to say probably not, we were just very good friends.” “Katlyn is very attractive and I’ve noticed she seems to light up every time she’s in the same room with you” Racheal explained “So did you two ever have casual sex; and again you don’t have to answer if you don’t want to.” James had a big grin “If I answer you promise to keep it yourself” he asked. “Of course. Anything you and I discuss here or while on duty will always be just between the two of us, I promise” she replied with honesty. “Yes we did a couple of times after I was promoted and was no longer her Chief. Now you answer me a question; why are you so curious about my personal life” he inquired with a smirk. “Because that tells me volumes about your character and who you are” then Racheal paused a moment “Generally I prefer having sex with another women but I may want to deviate once in awhile” Racheal stated with a grin “If you take my meaning.” James was a little lost for words for a moment “Ok then, maybe we should change the subject” he commented feeling a little uncomfortable. Racheal couldn’t help but laugh “I’m sorry, but the look on your face was priceless. Don’t worry James I promise to let you know before I decide to jump your bones” she replied still sort of laughing. James stated laughing as well “Ya I guess I sounded a little prudish at that” as he was finding himself  rather amusing. Racheal placed her hand on his arm “James you are such a breath of fresh air compared to my previous Commanding Officers; if nothing else you and I are going to have a great time working together.” “I think your right; you are definitely very easy to get along with and talk to” James replied with sincerity.

    The two Officers chatted for a couple more hours when James realized it was getting rather late “I should be going and let you get some sleep” he stated as he stood up. Racheal stood as well “Thank you James for a wonderful evening. I haven’t had this much fun in a long time.” “Thanks for inviting me over and I had fun too” he replied with a smile. Racheal walked up to him and gave him a kiss on the cheek “Sleep well Captain Lake.” “You too Commander Reese” then he turned and went back to his own quarters.