Straight Up

Chapter 16

    James woke from his nap as he checked the time realizing his nap had lasted five hours. Throwing back the covers he sat on the edge of the bed trying to get rid of the sleepiness which was still haunting him. Moments later James made his way into the shower to not only finish waking up but also to get rid of the last mission’s sweat. When finished he dried and dressed then went to grab a hot cup of strong black coffee.

    Sitting at his desk, while sipping his brew, James created a report concerning their last Mission ,also detailing their run in with the Ferengi, and sent it off to Commodore Chi. With the report out of the way James had at least the rest of the day to himself; but what to do. He certainly didn’t want to sit around all day, since Katlyn had informed him that she had met someone else. After thinking it over she felt their relationship probably was a bad idea for everyone concerned and she was most likely correct in her thinking.

    Tapping his desk comm “Commander Reese, Lake here, I was wondering if you had any plans for this afternoon” he inquired taking a shot in the dark.

    Hearing her comm “This is Reese and no I don’t have any plans for today. What did you have in mind” came the reply.

    “I thought of going rock climbing down at this place on the Promenade if you’re up for it.”

    Racheal thought for a moment having never done that sort of activity before “Sure I’m game, besides I could use a good old fashioned workout for a change. About what time were you thinking” she replied looking forward to the exercise.

    “I thought thirteen hundred if that works for you” James answered looking forward to something different. 

    “Yes that works so I’ll see you out in the corridor at thirteen hundred, Reese out.”

    At the appointed time James walked out into the corridor wearing a pair of shorts, a polo shirt, and a pair of hiking boots with his gloves shoved in his pocket.

    James looked up seeing Racheal leaving her quarters dressed in kaki shorts, short sleeved shirt to match, and hiking boots of her own “You ready for this” James asked with a grin.

    “Yup let’s do this” Racheal replied with a smirk as the two headed for the Promenade Deck.

    When they arrived they headed right for the Rock Climbing Shoppe and walked in with James asking “Have you ever done this before.”

    “No but I’m no stranger to physical activity so I think I’ll be just fine” she replied with a smirk.

    James walked up to the counter “Hi, we would like to do some climbing; anywhere special you want us” he inquired.

    The employee looked up “Yes, please come with me and I’ll get you both hooked up then you can have at it” came the reply. The two followed as the employee walked them over to the far left wall and grabbing a harness then looking at Racheal “Here you’ll have to put this on; it’s for safety.”

    Racheal just looked at the guy with a puzzled look when a James spoke up “That’s fine, thank you…we’ll take it from here” as the guy nodded and turned to go back to what he had previously been doing. Taking his harness James stepped into it and adjusted the straps for comfort “See just like this….let me know if you need a hand.”

    After seeing James put his on Racheal grabbed hers and did in a likewise fashion “You know this isn’t too bad comfort wise” she stated with a smirk. James checked her harness to be sure it was correctly done; the last thing he wanted to do was have to replace his First Officer.

    James spent several minutes going over how to climb and how to best navigate the hand/foot holds on the wall “Here, put these on” he instructed her pulling another pair of gloves out of his back pocket “These have special finger grips to help you hold on better” as he put his own pair on. “So do you want to go first or do you want me too. Just remember take your time this isn’t a race or competition….the whole idea is seeing how far up the wall you can get before falling off…hence the reason for the safety harnesses.”

    Racheal smiled “I’ll go first, this looks like fun” she replied then approached the wall and taking a deep breath thinking “Ok Reese, let’s see what you got”. Slowly and methodically she began her assent realizing this definitely wasn’t as easy as it looked from the floor. She managed to get about one third up the twenty foot high wall when her arms just gave out and down to the floor she went; “Thankfully I’m wearing a harness” was her thoughts on the way down.

    James stood watching with a grin on his face “That’s actually pretty impressive for your first time climbing a wall” he commented trying to be encouraging.

    “Thanks but I’ll let the expert show me how it’s done” Racheal replied teasingly wanting to see just how far James would get.

   He just grinned as he approached the wall. James was hoping not to make a fool of himself since it had been well over a year since he had climbed. Taking a deep breath he started up the wall taking his time to make sure he had a good grip and his feet were well planted to help take some of the pressure off his arms. James actually made it about four feet higher than Racheal did before his arms gave out on him and off the wall he fell.

    Racheal watched him progress thinking “Hmm, the man has a pretty nice looking tush….who knew” before watching him descend off the wall. “Well you made it further than I did….of course you are the expert” she stated with a chuckle.

    James couldn’t help but laugh “Ok wiseass, you want to try it again…..lets see how far you can get on your second try” he commented with a bit of a jab.

    “Why James it that a challenge you’re throwing my way” she inquired with a grin. Her second run at the wall was better getting almost to the halfway point before her body disappointed her and she came back down again.

    “Now that was a really good climb and I suppose you want me to try and beat that” James commented with a grin.

    Smiling “Go for it….that is if you think you can beat my assent” Racheal replied having almost as much fun teasing James as she was having climbing.

    “Now whose throwing down a challenge” he mused then approached the wall. Slowly James went up the wall until he reached the same height Racheal had just reached as his arms were burning from the stress. He could have gone further but probably tomorrow he would regret the attempt so he allowed himself to fall off the wall and back down to the floor.

    “Nice climb James but I think I’ve pushed myself enough for one day” Racheal commented with a grin.

    “Ya that makes two of us” he replied “Here let me help you out of that thing” as James unfastened the straps allowing her to escape followed by removing his own harness.

    The two left the place walking the Promenade when Racheal commented “That was fun, maybe we could do that again sometime.”

    “Sure and I had fun too; it’s great exercise” James replied.

    “And I get to tease you which is almost as much fun” Racheal replied then bumped up against James.

    “Yes I can tell that is one of your favorite past times” as he returned the bump with a grin.

    The two talked as they entered a nearby lift with Racheal turning to James “If you don’t have any plans would you like to have dinner at my place….we could talk some more and relax.

    James smiled “Let me check my social calendar” he replied then a few seconds later “Nope I’m free. About what time.”

    “Give me a half hour to grab a quick shower and get all this gross stuff off me then you can come over” she answered with a grin.

    Each returned to their respective quarters and grabbed a quick shower. A half hour later James walked across the corridor dressed in relaxing attire and smelling a whole lot better. Palming the door chime James soon heard “Come in.”

    Entering Racheal’s quarters he noticed her in her lounging attire of shorts and a half shirt, showing her bare and well toned midriff,  along with having her hair down, and barefoot “Don’t you look nice and comfy” James commented with a grin.

    “Thanks and I am quite comfy” she replied returning the grin “So what would you like to eat.”

    “Whatever you’re having is fine” James answered as he sat on the couch.

    “Then a dinner salad it is” Racheal stated then she went to the replicator to make their dinners. A few minutes later she returned handing James his meal along with a bottled water “Here you go, I hope water is ok.”

    “Thank you, water is just what I need after all that climbing you put me through” he replied jokingly. 

    Racheal smiled as she sat beside James “I know what you mean; I’ve been drinking waters ever since I returned” she replied. The two sat eating their dinners talking about their climbing and a few other non work related things. When dinner was finished Racheal disposed of the dishes through the reclaimer coming back with a Brandy for each of them “Brandy ok?”

    “Yes Brandy is fine after that delicious meal” James replied as he took the glass from her and took a sip of the warming liquid. When Racheal sat James noticed her stretching her neck from side to side when he asked “Something wrong with your neck.”

    “My neck seems to be stiff from all that exercising you made me do” she replied with a grin.

    

    “Here I can help with that” James commented as she turned her back to him. He firmly and carefully started to message her neck as she started to melt under his touch “Oh that feels so good…..where did you learn how to do that” Racheal inquired with her neck starting to feel better and enjoying his touch.

    “I learned this a long time ago from a young girl that was on my first Ship assignment; she had some amazing hands” James explained as he continued working on her neck. 

    After several more minutes “I think I’m good and my neck feels so much better” Racheal commented. As she turned her head looking at James the unexpected happened; their lips were suddenly centimeters apart and without thinking James leaned in and gave her a nice kiss.

    Moments later James realized what had just happened and as he started to say “I’m so sorry” Racheal smiled and placed her fingers over his mouth “Shh” she whispered and returned his kiss in a very passionate fashion enjoying herself immensely while pushing James back against the arm of the couch. After quite a few minutes of enjoying this passionate kiss Racheal smiled as she lay next to James being quite content.

    James could smell her perfume as it filled his senses; not to mention he could feel one of her full and firm breasts pushing against his chest which he was rather enjoying at the moment when a thought occurred to him. Looking at Racheal “I’m confused….I thought you liked being with other women and not men.”

    Racheal raised herself up looking at James “That’s true I do, but every once in a great while a nice, sweet, and rather good looking man comes along that makes me want to bend my rules” she replied with a grin before kissing James on the neck.

    James grinned “Bend them? I think you just outright broke them” he answered being quite glad she did.

    “I suppose I did….is that a problem” she inquired sensing his contentment; she was Betazoid after all.

     

    James smiled “Are you kidding me…..I’m laying here with an intelligent beautiful women, whose is smoking hot I might add, so no this is definitely anything but a problem.

    Racheal looked at James “I don’t understand…..smoking hot…..I haven’t heard that term before but I assume it’s good” she inquired with a grin.

    “Yes it’s good. It’s old Earth slang and refers to an intelligent, sweet, very gorgeous and extremely sexy women…..so ya it’s very good” James explained.

    Racheal just smiled “Thank you and you’re pretty special yourself” then she paused looking at James “How did this happen anyway; I certainly didn’t plan on it.” 

    James thought for a moment “Honestly, I have no idea….it just sort of did; but I’m glad it did” as he smiled looking at this beautiful women next to him.

    

    “So am I” Racheal replied with a smile as she snuggled up next to James wondering how this could happen, but was very glad things worked out the way they did.

Uncertain Mission

   Chapter 15

    By zero eight hundred everyone were at their Stations ready for departure from DS7. After they were underway Captain Lake sat at the Conn and for the first time had a feeling of uncertainty about their Mission; probably because he didn’t like the idea of two of his Crew being someplace else with a hidden agenda to execute.

    Finally James was snapped back to reality when T’Sol asked “Captain what warp should we proceed at” he queried. “Sorry Lieutenant, warp eight please” James responded. “Aye Sir, going to warp eight. Science and Tactical did their usual scanning ahead for any dangers.

     About mid morning, on the second day, Tactical called out “Captain sensors are picking up a Ship directly in our path” Maria informed James. “Who is it; friend or foe” James asked. “Uncertain Sir, their ID isn’t in our database.” Maria replied; but before James could ask another question “Sir they’re powering up weapons.” “Red alert” James ordered “Lieutenant bring weapons online” “Aye Captain.” James opened a channel “Hostile Ship this is the USS Vigilant, we are a Science Research Vessel. Bring your weapons to bare on us is an act of War.” he stated matter of factly. “Sir they’re firing weapons.” “Helm evasive maneuvers, bring us up behind them. Tactical take out their weapons array; let’s see how they like being fired on” James commented. A few minutes later “Sir we’re in position” T’ Sol stated. “Firing now Captain” Maria called out “Direct hit. Their weapons have been neutralized Captain.” 

    James opened a channel “Hostile Ship what are your intentions” he inquired but before a response came “Sir they’re powering up their warp engines” Commander Reese stated and moments later the Ship was gone. Helm looked over at James “Do you want us to pursue” T’sol queried. “No let’s be on our way. Tactical, Science keep checking your scans; I want to know the moment that Ship gets anywhere near us” Lake ordered as he heard “Aye Sir” from his Crew.

    The Mission was progressing nicely on this the third day as T’Sol informed James “Captain we are about three hours from Draylax Sir.” “Good the sooner we get the Summit over with the better I’ll feel” James replied being very serious when SanChez spoke up “Sir we have a very big Ship directly in our path” as she paused for a moment checking her Screen “I mean it’s Galaxy Class big Captain.” “Lieutenant hail them” James ordered hoping for a response as a rather stern looking man’s face appeared “I am Prefect Dobas, who are you and what are you doing here in my Muratus Sector.” “This is Captain James Lake, Commanding Officer of the Shuttle Vigilant; we are on our way to Draylax for a Tactical Summit. “So you’re the one that fired on one of my scout ships and killed their weapons. It would seem that Shuttle of yours packs quite the punch. I’m going to need to scan your Shuttle before you are allowed to proceed any further.” Prefect go ahead with your scans and you’ll see I’m not trying to deceive you in any way” James replied knowing he wouldn’t find anything unusual for a shuttle. “Captain we’re being scanned” Reese called out. After several tense minutes the Prefect hailed the Vigilant “We have completed our scans and have found nothing that is out of the ordinary for a Shuttle of your size. You may be on your way and thank you Captain Lake for your cooperation” Dobas stated sternly. “You welcome Prefect, so if there’s nothing else I would ask you to move your Ship so we may proceed” James replied being more at ease now. Moments later “Captain the Ship is leaving the area” Number One stated with relief in her voice. “Good, lets continue on our way” James commented.

    The next few hours went by rather quickly with Science and Tactical keeping a close eye on their Screens not wanting anymore surprises. Turning towards James “Captain, we’re entering Draylax’s space. Standard orbit Sir” T’Sol queried already knowing what the response would be. “Yes Mr T’Sol standard orbit would be fine” James stated then turning to Maria “Lieutenant SanChez you are relieved from your post. Please get whatever you’re going to need and have Lieutenant Nox join you and we’ll beam you down to the Surface” James ordered as he rose from his seat and moved over to Tactical. “As you wish Captain” then Maria made her way to deck two where Nox was waiting for her with gear and a different uniform.

    Maria walked into the Intelligence room where Nox was waiting for her with an all black uniform void of any insignias. Nox smiled “Please close the door”as Maria did as requested. Handing her a uniform “Here Maria, put this on for the mission” she commented as Maria stripped of her Star Fleet attire and grabbed the provided uniform. Nox stopped her “This  works better being braless, unless you have an issue with it” Nox explained. “No that’s fine” then she removed her bra with Nox noticing how nicely put together she was. After she was redressed Nox changed into the uniform the same way. Maria couldn’t help but think “Maybe there’s a future date here” while she just smiled at her.

    Maria and Nox went back up to Deck One to the Transporter Pads where James and Racheal were waiting for them “Ladies please be careful; I expect you both back aboard safely and in one piece” James commented with a smile trying his best to hide his concern. “Not to worry Captain, we’re both armed and I have the necessary Tech for the Mission” Nox reassured her Captain. “Good luck ladies and we’ll see you when you get back” Racheal commented with a smile. “Energize” Nox stated then Number One beamed them both to the surface. The Officers turned “Now we wait” James commented while they both returned to the Bridge.

    The two ladies materialized near the meeting place and walked to the building where the Summit was to be held and into a large room where they presented their invitations. With everything in order, the ladies were instructed to have a seat. They decided to sit halfway back just in case they needed to make a quick exit for some reason. Several minutes passed with Nox noticing Maria was very uneasy as she leaned over towards her, which also gave her the chance to insert the round microphone into her ear “Maia relax this will all be over soon” Nox commented with a smile. “Sorry but I hate these things. Most of these knuckleheads look like they wouldn’t know one end of a phaser from the other” Maria stated with a chuckle. “Maybe we’ll get lucky and the person I have to record will be one of the early speakers” Nox commented hoping she was right.

    Shortly the Master of Ceremonies stepped to the microphone “Thank you all for coming and I hope you enjoy the various Speakers and learn something from each of them” he commented with a smile “Our first speaker today is Doctor Omar, and I think you’ll benefit from his presentation” as he turned looking at the Omar “Doctor the podium is all yours for the next twenty five minutes” as the MC returned to his seat.

    Omar took a deep breath then began “My fellow Drylaxians and guests; too long have we lived under a tyrannical rule and I’m here to tell you how we can escape that with my new weapons.” He went into detail about his weaponry and how to make an impact on the current regime.

    Meanwhile Nox started recording his presentation being very glad he was the first speaker of the day. The Doctor actually went over his time limit but nothing was said. Finally when he was finished the MC returned to the podium “Thank you Doctor Omar for that enlightening presentation” as the crowd broke into applause. “Since it’s now mid morning we’ll take a ten minute break. Out in the Lobby is coffee and refreshments so please help yourselves.”

    As the crowd got up from their seats Nox whispered to Maria with a smile “I have what we came for; let’s get out of here” she stated “You don’t have to tell me twice” Maria replied as the two Officers made their way to the door and outside. After they walked a ways away Nox looked around for any prying eyes then tapping her Comm “Vigilant we’re ready to return.” “I have a lock on you both, energizing now” Number One stated and moments later they were safely back aboard. James walked over “You ladies all set then” he inquired. “Yes Captain, let me transfer the information to a PADD for you to give the Commodore and change back into my uniform” Nox replied with a smile. “Good take your time, both of you; job well done” as they both thanked the Captain. Nox looked at Maria “You coming” as the two left for the Intelligence Area.

    As the two Officers were changing back into their regulation Uniforms Nox placed her hand on Maria’s arm with a smile “Perhaps you would have a drink with me some evening when we’re back at the Base” she inquired. “Yes I’d like that” Maria replied with a grin “Just let me know when” “Sure thing” Nox replied with a big smile. “If you’ll excuse me I need to get back on the Bridge” then Maria turned and made her way back to Deck One with a smile on her face.

    Meanwhile the Vigilant was already underway heading back towards DS7 with Captain Lake hoping for no more surprises for the trip home. Hearing someone enter the Bridge James turned “Lieutenant SanChez welcome back; I take it everything went well at the Summit.” “Yes captain, everything went well but I am sure glad to be back at my Station where I belong” Maria replied with a grin when Racheal spoke up “Job well done Ms.SanChez and it’s nice to have you back at Tactical” as a smile came across Racheal’s face. “Thank you Commander” Maria replied while James returned the Tactical functions back to her Console “There Lieutenant, you have control of Tactical once again” James stated as Maria assumed her Post.

    Down on Deck 2 Nox was in the process of transferring the data from the Summit onto a PADD for the Commodore. As she was waiting she couldn’t help but think about seeing Maria topless; what a beautiful sexy women she was, someone she would like to get to know better. When the process was finished, Nox grabbed it and headed for the Bridge.

    Walking to the Bridge entrance “Captain if I may come in, I have the PADD ready for you Sir” Nox stated while waiting for acknowledgement. James turned around “Please Lieutenant, by all means come in.” Nox walked over and handed James the PADD “This is all set with everything that I recorded at the Summit” she stated with a smile. “Excellent Lieutenant” he replied “In the future you may walk onto the Bridge anytime; you are very much a member of this Crew.” “Thank you Sir, I’ll remember that in the future. Now if you’ll excuse me I’ll return to Deck 2.” “Yes by all means and thank you for bringing this to me” James commented with a smile. Nox gave a nod then looked over towards Maria. Their eyes met as each one smiled at the other then Nox vacated the Bridge; Number One couldn’t help but notice the exchange of glances between the two ladies and just grinned to herself.

    At the end of the day everyone retired to their respective Quarters for a good night’s sleep. As James and Racheal were getting ready for bed she commented “James did you happen to notice the glances between Nox and Maria on the Bridge.” “No, I guess I missed it” he replied “Why something going on with those two ladies?” Racheal grinned “I didn’t sense anything yet, but I think soon once we get back to the Base” she replied. James just chuckled “I thought Maria like the ladies but I didn’t think Nox did” he commented as he got into bed. “It would appear so” Racheal replied “Sleep well Captain.” “You too Number One” as Command fell asleep.

    The next day went without a hitch with everyone performing their duties as the Vigilant was getting closer to home. The third day however was a different story altogether as T’Sol notified James “Captain we’re about six hours from DS7.” “Thank you Lieutenant, steady as she goes. It couldn’t have been more than five minutes when Maria spoke up “Captain I’m picking up a good sized Ship on long range sensors and they’re directly in our path” she informed James while watching her Screen “It’s a Ferengi Ship Sir.” “Now what” he thought to himself  “Ms SanChez open a channel” came the order. “All set Sir” she replied keeping her eyes on her Screen. “Ferengi Ship this is Captain James Lake, Commanding Officer of the Shuttle Vigilant. What can we do for you.” “Captain Lake this is Thrawn, Captain of the Domas. May I say you have a very impressive Shuttle; I believe we shall relieve you of her so stand down and we might let you and your Crew live to tell the tale.” James almost burst out laughing at his remarks “I don’t think the Federation would like that very much” then he paused briefly “Tell you what, you move your Ship and let us be on our way or suffer the consequences” James stated matter of factly. Thrawn burst out laughing “Do you really think you can defeat my Ship” then he turned and said something to one of his Crew “Captain I tire of this. This is your final warning before we open fire and take it by force.” James said nothing but gave Maria the signal to close the Channel “Red Alert, raise Shields” he ordered “Mr. T’Sol get us into a defensive position, let’s see just how tough they really are.” “Aye Sir, moving the Ship into position.” “Tactical get a lock on their weapons array. Science switch screens and keep an eye on the area” came the orders. Both Officers did as ordered as they replied “Aye Sir.” Then tapping his Comm “Lieutenant Herek we may have a fight on our hands; keep a close eye on things down there” James ordered. “As you wish Captain” came the reply. Moments later “I have a lock on them Sir, awaiting your orders” Maria stated. Looking over at T’Sol James got the nod “Full phaser spread, Fire!” Moments later “Their weapons are down by only five percent Sir” Maria informed the Captain when the Vigilant was jarred by a direct hit. James thought for a quick moment while checking for any damage “Switch over to a quantum torpedo; fire two at will.” A few moments later “Their weapons have been neutralized Captain” Maria informed James. “Science any casualties over there” he inquired. Checking her Screen “Nothing on the scans Sir” Racheal replied. “Good, Tactical make us disappear. Helm get us around that Ship and let’s get out of here. Well done everyone” as James heard “Aye Captain” all around.

    Back aboard the Domas “What just happened; report” Thrawn screamed at his Crew. “Captain they took out our weapons and now” then he paused rather confused “They seem to have disappeared?” came the reply. “How is that even possible! A Shuttle just bested us and now you are telling me they just disappeared?” As he let out a long sigh “So much for a nice new Ship instead of traveling around in this old rust bucket” Thrawn stated “Set course for home.”

    The rest of the trip home went without any problems when T’Sol informed the Captain “Sir, we will be approaching DS7 in ten minutes.” “Good, do your thing Lieutenant and get us home” James ordered. “Aye Sir” T’Sol replied and several minutes later they were back aboard the Base safe and sound.

    After Lieutenant Herek and Ensign Benna secured the Ship everyone exited the Vigilant with duffels in hand ready to return to their quarters for some much needed rest.