Taking a Break

[Daena 0]

The science lab was quiet for the most part. It was after hours and much of the staff was off. The only flicker of life in the lab seemed to come from the office. Here Daena sat, her maroon eyes gazing upon the computer console which was currently playing the recording she took from the ancient computer on Nevulz.

 

Tom was nearby after returning from their mission into the caverns, looking over, watching Daena focused on the screen in front of her. "Have you learned anything more from the recording you took?"

 

The Mithraan scientist's ears twitched as she flinched from the voice. She had almost forgotten Tom was still with her. He could have been anywhere on the ship, and certainly not here going through the boring recording, but he was. Daena turned to the security officer, smiling brightly at him as her tail lashed about. "Almost..." she said softly. "There are still a few spots that I need to go over."

 

"Well, I'm sure that you will figure out this whole mess", Tom said as he rested his hand on her shoulder, "this is certainly your area of knowledge." Tom hesitated for a moment then sat down next to her, looking into her eyes, "You know, the impromptu trip through the caves might not have been the safest thing..."

 

Daena purred real lightly as Tom had placed his hand on her shoulder. She brushed her cheek along his hand, and then turned to look at him. "The others hate me right now, don't they?" she asked, frowning.

 

He scooted closer to her, trying to reassure, and held her tightly, "Well, I think there are a few that may have been concerned that you let your curiosity get ahead of your safety."

 

"I...I am sorry..." she said as she rested her head on his shoulder, strands of purple hair covering her face.

 

"Well, despite your rush to search the caverns, I think that we were at least safe. Regardless of my feelings towards you, or maybe even because of them, I have a duty to protect not only your safety but the others as well." He brushed her hair slightly to the side, allowing him to see her face.

 

Daena nodded, as her eyes glanced up to meet his. "You are right. I will try harder next time..."

 

With those thoughts and concerns out in the open, Tom felt much better, having been able to discuss not only personal things with her, but work related as well. Tom smiled, looking down on Daena's beautiful eyes, "Would you like to take a little break from this stuff?"

 

Her tail happily danced about at the mention of a break. She sat up, smiling as she gave a little nod. "Yes..."

 

Tom took a hold of her hand, as they walked out of the science lab, "So I'm still trying to learn about the girl that keeps me in so much trouble"; he said with a smile, "why did you join up with Starfleet?"

 

"I wanted to see the stars..." Daena said looking up at Tom as they walked. "My people are somewhat closed minded when it comes to some things. Many would rather stay comfortable in their sheltered lives. When the Federation first came to my planet, some thought it was a sign of the end of our people. Others thought it was a blessing. I just wanted to prove that our dreams can go beyond one planet..."

 

Tom smiled, "Well, you certainly are the type that enjoys adventures." As they continued walking around the ship he held her hand feeling for the first time in a long time, being able to get close to someone emotionally. "What about your family? How do they feel about you travelling the stars?"

 

"I have a large family. My people have always lived in the ways of matriarchal clans. My siblings, along with my parents and grandparents all live together. And as far back as my clan can be traced, we have always followed the ways of Nouvelle, the Goddess of the Arts and of Passion..." Her eyes followed the lights along the walls. "So imagine how my grandmother, who is the High Elder of the Nouvelle Tribe, felt when she found out her granddaughter and star pupil wanted to travel the stars..."

 

"I would imagine that she was not exactly thrilled about it, but as is with most grandparents, I'm sure she was still proud of your spirit. You still seem to enjoy art still, and that must at least mean something to her." With each passing corridor, Tom realized they were almost full circle around the deck and returning shortly to the science lab. "If it is any consolation, I am certainly glad your here." He smiled and looked at her, squeezing her hand as they walked.

 

A tint of rose colored Daena's cheeks at the sound of Tom's words. It was then she realized they were right back where they started. She stopped at the door, turning to Tom. "As am I..." she said smiling, her tail swinging with the mood. "I should get back to the recordings..." she said glancing back at the lab door, before fixing her eyes back on Tom. "Thank you for the break," her last sentence had a little purr mixed in with it. Daena softly leaned up closer to Tom, setting her lips on his cheek in a gentle kiss. She then released him, stepping back, the lab doors hissing open.

 

Tom felt his face go red as Daena kissed him, "Well, I best be getting back... I'm sure that Cmdr Marx is waiting for a report on what happened down there." Just before letting her return to the lab, he pulled her back close, and gave her a kiss and an extended hug. Tom watched her go into the lab, giving a small wave as the doors closed behind her. He then headed for the security office to provide his report on the mission.