An Enjoyable Evening

Chapter 11

    The Computer woke James at fifteen hundred so he would have time wake up and get ready. First item on the agenda, a nice how shower; he didn’t want to offend Katlyn. After he dried off, shaved, and combed his hair James went into the other room for a hot cup of strong black coffee and sat for a few minutes. As his mind wandered he could recall some of the great times he had with Kat, that’s what he used to call her, those many years ago which made him smile. Getting up from the couch he went back into the bedroom to dress. Knowing she liked to be comfortable he decided on a pair of jeans, a burgundy shirt with the sleeves rolled up to three quarter length, and his black boots that went under his jeans. After splashing on some aftershave and grabbing his Comm, he headed out the door for a nice time with a longtime friend.

    Katlyn was about as nervous as she had ever been going to have dinner with James. After her shower she decided to be comfortable and grabbed a pair of low rider jeans, a denim vest leaving the top two buttons undone to show some  cleavage, and a pair black flats along with a waist necklace just to break up the skin showing.

    Shortly Katlyn heard the door chime “Ok you got this” she thought as she went to the door and opened it “James as punctual as ever” she commented as she walked into the corridor and closed her door. “Don’t want to keep a lady waiting” as he looked at her “My don’t you look lovely” he replied with a smile. “Thank you and you look as handsome as ever” she replied returning his smile as the two headed for the nearest lift with each as nervous as the other but trying not to show it.

    Arriving on the Promenade James saw a nice little Pub not too far away as he looked at Katlyn “There’s a Pub over this way; would you like to have dinner there” he inquired with a smile. “Yes that would be nice” she replied as the two headed that way. Once inside they found a table for two in an out of the way area and sat.

    After ordering their dinner, and an adult beverage, the two friends began catching up from the last few years. During their conversation James asked “So why did you decide to leave Star Fleet and strike out on your own” as her gazed into those beautiful steel blue eyes.

    Katlyn decided to be honest with James “Truthfully, after you were promoted to First Officer and transferred to another Ship I was rather lost. There was no one else I wanted to hang out with and I felt so alone. Then when Star Fleet downgraded my security clearance, well lets just say that was icing on the cake and I knew I needed a change; away from the stupidity and the memories” she explained feeling this weight lift off her shoulders as she confided in her old friend.

    James sat for a moment taking it all in “I was wondering when I heard you left and you never  bothered to get in touch with me. Truth be told, I have thought of you often” he replied with a smile.

    “Just so you know the reason I never contacted you was because that would have been too painful bringing up those old memories” then she paused “It was better for me just to leave the past behind me” Katlyn shared.

    “I guess I don’t blame you; it is easier to forget” he commented then decided to change the subject somewhat “So what made you decide to come back then.”

    Katlyn thought for a moment before answering “A few things really. First I was tired of being alone on my Shuttle all the time. I mean I would travel to my client, do the work and get paid then get back on my Shuttle and travel to my next destination. I opted to be a one person crew because I didn’t want the hassle of finding someone I could trust and have to train” then she went on “Secondly the Commodore offered to pay me an obscene amount of money to work for Section 42, along with buying my Shuttle and all my gear at a handsome profit, and offering me a twenty year contract as a Computer Specialist subcontractor” then she paused looking James in the eyes “And last, probably what sold me on the idea, the Commodore told me there was a really good chance to work with you once again and maybe, just maybe we could become friends once again like we were before” she concluded nervous about his response.

    After listening carefully to her explanation, James smiled like he hadn’t smiled in years “Katlyn I am so glad you decided to come and be part of my Crew” then he paused “And my life again” he replied with sincerity. But I’m a little confused, if your a subcontractor why the Star Fleet uniform and your old rank back; no offense but technically your not really part of  Star Fleet” James commented thinking this could prove to be a nice loophole if needed.

    “The Commodore felt it would make things easier with my being on your Crew not having to explain myself to everyone else; I still am required to abide by the rules and regulations. I would appreciate it James if you would keep this to yourself and not share it with anyone else; including your First Officer.”

    James grinned “Your secret is safe with me; I thank you for sharing it with me which makes sense now that you’ve explained it” he replied as he paused for a moment “Do you remember that old broken down Star Base we had to fix and bring back to life for Star Fleet; I was thinking about that the other day.”

    Katlyn laughed “How could I forget, it was the worst. Trying to get that old obsolete Computer back online, not to mention the outdated LCARS system, was the hardest thing I have ever done. Actually I was surprised I was able to pull it off” she replied.

    “I have to agree that was probably the worst away mission ever” he answered, then continued in a low voice “And do you remember what you did when you were able to breathe new life in that old thing” James inquired hoping she remembered.

    She looked James in the eyes being serious “How could I forget, it was the first time I ever kissed you; although I did freak out afterwards afraid that women you had a relationship with would kick my ass if she knew about it” as her smile returned.

    “Well that relationship went by the wayside years ago; but I have thought of that kiss often over the past few years which I did rather enjoy” he replied with a grin “By the way while I think about it, I see you’ve changed your hair style and may I say it suits you well.”

    “I think remembering that kiss is what has kept me going at times” as she reached over and placed her hand on top of his “I was wondering if you’d notice my hair or not and thank you for the compliment” Katlyn replied with a warm smile.

    “I noticed your hair the moment I laid eyes on you on the Divergent but I didn’t think that was the time or place to say anything” he commented as the two continued to reminisce about old times. Finally James asked “Would you like to leave and maybe wonder around the Promenade since we will be here some of the time” he queried.

    “Yes I’d like that and see what’s here for maybe the future times we hang out together” she replied being hopeful. They walked around the area for some time talking and becoming good friends once again.   

    James and Katlyn weren’t the only ones having an enjoyable evening. Mark and T’Sol were in Mark’s quarters seeing who was the better 3D Chess player. The game was starting to get very interesting as Mark was trying to use his intellect against T’Sol’s logic. As each person’s chess pieces were disappearing from the board, Mark made a bold move. Looking at his opponent T’Sol commented “Mr. Benna that move was illogical” as he countered Mark’s move. Smiling Mark made his next move “Checkmate” he stated with a smile “It looks like intellect trumps logic this time.” T’Sol looked at the board then at Mark as he raised one Vulcan eyebrow “Indeed” he replied.

    Daniel was having a fun night at a gambling establishment trying to win back his money from earlier with some success. One of the Dabo girls was watching him making sure he didn’t win too much; that would be bad for business. She walked over to him looking rather sexy “Hey handsome, looks like you’re on a winning streak” she commented with a smile. “Hi yourself; yes I am so feel free to move along to another sucker” he replied matter of factly. The girl gave a ‘humph’ and walked away as Daniel thought “Dumb bitch, this isn’t my first go around.”

    Meanwhile Nox and Maria were on an adventure of their own going to a ‘ladies only’ Club looking for whatever might happen. Maria was sitting at the Bar, while Nox was off dancing with someone she had just met, sipping her drink. A few minutes later “Hi cutie, buy you a drink” a stranger offered. Maria looked to her right seeing this young women with short blonde hair being dressed for the occasion; she was about her age and size. Smiling Maria replied “Hi yourself sexy, sure you can buy me a drink only if I can return the favor.” “Sounds good to me what are you drinking” she asked with a smile. “Gin and tonic” Maria replied. Moments later another drink was sitting in front of her “Thanks; so would you like to get a table so we can get away from the Bar; maybe get to know each other a little better” Maria inquired. “You read my mind” as the two found an out of the way table.

    As the two were sitting Maria stated “By the way I’m Maria SanChez.” “Nice to meet you Maria SanChez, I’m Rebecca Snow but my friends call me Becky” she replied with a grin. Maria sat for a moment looking at Becky’s rather impressive cleavage which was prominently on display “Nice to meet you Becky Snow.” The two ladies sat and talked for awhile about this and that getting to know one another. After awhile Becky slipped her hand on top of Maria’s offering a very sexy smile “So would you like to get out of here and maybe come back to my quarters so we can have some privacy” she inquired with a smile. “Yes, I think I’d like that; first let me tell my friend over there I’m leaving” she commented getting a nod from Becky.

    Maria walked over to Nox and her new friend “I’ve met someone and I’m going back to her place for hopefully some fun” she explained with a big smile. Nox just grinned “Have fun but be careful she looks like she might put the hurt on you.” “Nothing I can’t handle” Maria replied with a chuckle. “Poor girl doesn’t know what she’s getting herself into since I’m sure it’s been awhile” Nox stated teasingly to her Shipmate. Maria giggled “Never mind about me, you look like you could use a good romp” as she turned to go spend some time with Becky. Nox looked at her friend “The girl has a point” she commented with a laugh “Would you like to come back to my quarters” Nox commented with a grin. “Ok lets go” her friend replied as the two finished their drinks and left the club.

    Once inside her quarters Becky pushed Maria against the wall kissing her as she unbuttoned her vest. After a few minutes Maria turned the table on Becky doing much the same “Wow you’re strong” Becky commented with a grin. “Sorry I hope I didn’t hurt you.” “No that’s fine, I like my women strong” Becky replied. The two ladies then kissed their way into the bedroom.