Welcome to Star Trek Simulation Forum

Register now to gain access to all of our features. Once registered and logged in, you will be able to contribute to this site by submitting your own content or replying to existing content. You'll be able to customize your profile, receive reputation points as a reward for submitting content, while also communicating with other members via your own private inbox, plus much more! This message will be removed once you have signed in.

Sign in to follow this  
Followers 0
Mark Garrison

"Ties That Bind"

Mark managed to wait until the lift doors closed, sealing him and Victria off from the bridge before letting out a loud sigh. The debriefing, what it was, was finally over. The walk from sickbay where they'd transported to, to the bridge told enough of the tale. Now he had to return to Security and see who was still alive. Oh, and he had Scorpiad DNA floating around in his body. To say his nerves were frayed was an understatement.

 

Victria stared across the lift at him silently. Even without the bond they shared, she could easily read his mood from his body language. He was exhausted. They all were. But there was something else bothering him. She could guess what his concerns were, for she had them as well. To suddenly discover that the Scorpiad, her now most hated enemy, had used their own genetic material to create her race was repugnant. Finally, she offered, "What we have can be severed if you are inclined."

 

He turned and stared her down for a few moments, before speaking. "I'm thinking about it, to be honest. Though, the Scorpiad DNA isn't my biggest concern in the recent string of unexpected events. I'm more concerned about back at the lake. You didn't bother to mention that there would be physical sensation... eventually." He turned away, and stared back at the door, torn between confusion and a genuine fear at where this was all heading. He let out another small sigh upon realizing the turbolift was still sitting at the bridge. "Deck fourteen..."

 

"Honestly, I could not know for certain what we would share. I have never attempted anything remotely similar with a human. I told you as much, but you were just a curious as I. The longer this bond is shared, the closer we will become in mind and body. If that frightens you, I will speak to the doctor this very day about aiding us in removing the burden."

 

"So I have some frame of reference, just exactly how far does this bond go between two Al-Ucard?" The lift opened, depositing them on deck 14. This deck was even worse, as he suspected. Main Security lay on this deck, and they wouldn't have given it up without a fight.

 

"We are able to share thoughts and feelings through the bond. It has always aided us in the Hunt. What one experiences, the other feels. It is difficult to describe the sensation." Her face tightened slightly as they stepped out into the wreckage, memories bothering more than the destruction of the ship. "We consider it an advantage."

 

"Not exactly... an advantage... when one breaks a few ribs." He paused each time to step over random debris, then paused his walking he realized what she said. "You said thoughts and feelings? You're saying there's a possibility we'll be able to communicate telepathically? Not just... what we have now?" Once again curiosity was getting the better of him as he did contemplate the potential advantages of it.

 

"To some degree, perhaps. The Al-Ucard have always had the ability within the clans, but the bond drew us even closer with our chosen siblings. I do not know of what your human brain might be capable." She shifted a displaced wall panel to one side and continued, glancing back at him only briefly. "I heal quickly. You do not. It is more of a disadvantage to me when all things are considered."

 

"Perhaps I'm not the only one with reservations then. Besides, my Human brain seems to have handled things well so far. I'm just worried how far this will go. I guess I never took the time to think about it but the Scop- your DNA is rewriting mine in some small way, to make the emotional and physical transfer possible. I'm not afraid of the bond... I just don't want to lose myself to it." As they neared main security he pulled her down different corridor, stopping after a few feet. "Do you want to continue?"

 

"I really think that should be you decision," she said, facing him squarely. "The bond is not the totality of our relationship. We would still remain friends and nothing else would need to change. You could simply file it away as an experience to be mulled over later in life." Though her expression remained neutral, internally she was torn. Mark was her closest friend and had been since she arrived. She wanted none of that to change, nor did she wish for it to affect the more intimate relationship they sometimes shared.

 

"Well..." He glanced around at all the destruction. "I suppose I'll have time to think about it. No doubt I'll be busy until we return to Camelot." Mark sighed, and looked past her. "I'm not exactly eager to walk into Security right now."

 

"You do not have to report to duty right at this very minute. Considering the circumstances, everyone is due a rest." She touched his chin lightly and turned his face back to her. "Give it serious thought. It is your decision," she said softly. "Whatever you decide, it does not have to be a permanent situation. I am retiring, even if you are not. I need to feed."

 

She paused, waiting to see if he would offer. He had yet to issue the invitation and she would not ask. When he merely nodded, she continued. "I cannot say what might happen if I am pestered by an over-eager Ensign."

 

"You're right about the rest, though I won't take it. Wouldn't feel right, but you should. You deserve it, and that overeager Ensign doesn't." He let his hands slide down her sides and rest on her hips, staring into her eyes for a moment. Their lips met and his previous doubts wavered, for he sometimes wanted nothing more than to share everything he had with her. Outside of battle, the indecision of Mark Garrison was infamous. As he drew back, he could only crack a smile, the first one in what felt like a long time. "Well, I'll see you later."

 

"Yes," she promised, gazing at him, forcing her attention to remain on his face and not the pulsing artery in his neck. Her fingers brushed his lips, tracing his smile. "We will discuss this more when you have the inclination. I will be in my quarters… if they still exist." She broke away gently, hesitantly, and picked her way through the battered corridor without glancing back.

Share this post


Link to post
Share on other sites

Create an account or sign in to comment

You need to be a member in order to leave a comment

Create an account

Sign up for a new account in our community. It's easy!


Register a new account

Sign in

Already have an account? Sign in here.


Sign In Now
Sign in to follow this  
Followers 0