Preparations

[Ian Johnson 0]

"Why do they want you to assist with that project on Avalon? I mean seriously, a toxicologist?" Katy watched Ian pack up a few of his personal belongings and ranted about how illogical his new orders were.

 

Grabbing a few uniforms he had put on the bed earlier Ian turned around briefly to look at Katy. "I already told you that I've got no idea what they need me for but I've got my orders." When he saw the expression on his fiancée's face he walked over to her, took her hands in his and kissed her. When they broke apart Ian ran a hand gently along Katy's cheek. "Listen, I'm sure this won't take long. I'll be back in no time."

 

Katy didn't reply. She just stood there and looked into Ian's green eyes. After what seemed an eternity Ian turned around and stuffed a few more things into his bags. "I need to go to sickbay and notify Commander Xavier that we've found an antitoxin. The timing couldn't have been better, just before this mission."

 

"You know, I should have listened to Johnny," Katy said with a smirk.

 

Ian chuckled. "Let me guess. He told you not to run off with one of these Starfleet punks. He never liked me." The memory made Ian smile. Johnny was Katy's cousin and he had never liked 'this Doctor Johnson'. Johnny had actually tried to set Katy up with several of his friends. "Maybe he was right. I mean look where it has landed you."

 

Katy's grin widened. "It has landed me exactly where I want to be. Besides, Paige was a bit sceptical, too." She moved up behind Ian and put her arms around him. Then she leaned forward and whispered in his ear, "I think she was just jealous." Katy kissed Ian just below his right ear.

 

"Paige, jealous?" Ian asked incredulously while turning around in Katy's embrace. He grinned broadly, wrapped his arms around her and let himself fall backward onto the bed. Katy lay her head onto Ian's chest and Ian tightened his embrace.

 

After a few minutes Katy rolled herself on one side and lay beside Ian. She slapped him playfully. "You had better get going. I bet you still want to say goodbye to your mistresses you keep locked up in your lab. I'll finish packing for you."

 

Ian got up slowly and walked towards the door. Just before leaving the room he turned around. "I'll be back to get my bags and maybe we'll even have enough time to have lunch together. I can't promise anything, though."

 

Katy just nodded. She knew Ian would take at least an hour in the labs with his animals. He'd pretend to give some last minute instructions about the care of spiders, scorpions, snakes and whatever else he kept in the tanks and terrariums. She also knew that Commander Xavier would have to wait until Ian had finished in the labs before he'd get his treatment. Katy herself was most likely the only living being Ian cared more about than latrodectus mactans mactans* and all those other poisonous animals.

 

Ian slowly made his way to his lab. He knew his staff was more than able to take care of the animals while he was gone but he wanted to leave a PADD with instructions anyway. He got into the Turbolift and leaned against the bulkehead, hoping the mission on alavon wouldn't take very long.

 

 

*Black Widow Spider