Love in the time of Employment

Posted on Thu Mar 26th, 2026 @ 7:28am by Ensign Kevin Mitchell

679 words; about a 3 minute read

Mission: The Shuttle Incident
Location: Kevin Mitchell's Quarters
Timeline: current

Ensign Gina Jaye had just finished fastening her red-shouldered Starfleet uniform and was stepping out of Ensign Kevin Mitchell’s quarters when she nearly collided with Ensign Na’Riss from Engineering. The Vulcan’s dark eyes flicked past Gina’s blond head, surveying the doorway, then settled on her.

“I—I was just…” Gina stammered, suddenly self-conscious under that unblinking gaze. “Hi. I’m Ensign Gina Jaye, a recent transfer from the starbase. Were you looking for Kevin? He’s, um—”

“Mind if I come in, Ensign?” Na’Riss asked, her tone so flat that Gina scarcely had time to answer before the tall, slender Vulcan slipped past her. From inside came the hum of Kevin’s sonic shower.

“Hey Gina! Forget something?” Kevin’s voice rang out, higher than the sonic cascade that was erasing last night’s evidence. He startled so badly he almost slipped on a stray uniform sock.

When he stepped into view expecting to see a fully naked blond from the Starbase, he instead froze at the sight of Na’Riss—fully clothed—standing in his quarters. “Na’Riss! What are you—?”

Gina flushed scarlet as Kevin quickly brought his hands down in feeble cover. Na’Riss remained statuesque, hands clasped behind her back, as if surveying the décor rather than two embarrassed lovers.

“I was invited by your new…girlfriend,” Na’Riss said evenly. “Your department head, Reid asked me to remind you that even without a full command structure aboard the Washington, you are still expected to report to your duty station promptly, regardless of extraneous activities.”

“He didn’t say it like that…” Kevin muttered.

“Not verbatim,” Na’Riss acknowledged. “My phrasing is more succinct and professional than the original.”

Kevin ran a hand through his hair. “Look, we lost track of time. It happens. You Vulcans wouldn’t get it—but that doesn’t mean you need to stand in front of me while I’m naked.”

“First, there is nothing to see,” Na’Riss replied, arching an eyebrow. Her gaze drifted down for a heartbeat before returning to his eyes. “Second, I also spent last night indulging in carnal pleasures with Reid, who is, as you know, human. Despite that, I was on time and fully rested for duty. Would you like me to request a tutorial from my…mate on balancing work and pleasure?”

“Uh, hell no!” Gina interjected before Kevin could respond. “Wait—I thought Vulcans only…once every seven years?”

Na’Riss turned her cool stare on Gina, as if weighing whether the question deserved an answer. After a brief pause, she decided to elaborate. “Once more, I could inquire if Mister Reid is comfortable with exhibitionism and arrange a demonstration for your benefit.”

Kevin paled. “No, really, that’s—”

“Reid expects you on duty now,” Na’Riss announced, ignoring his protest. “If you’re not there promptly, the executive officer will be notified— your friendship with my mate and your department head notwithstanding.” She stepped back, folding her arms, leaving Gina and Kevin to gather their scattered dignity.

Na'Riss pivoted on her heel and strode from the quarters, the door hissing shut behind her. Gina folded her arms across her chest, watching Kevin fumble with his uniform fasteners, his fingers clumsy with haste.

"What crawled under her skin? Dating the ex-intelligence executive Chief doesn't give her the right to lord it over you. You hold the same position!" Gina's voice dripped with disdain.

Kevin shook his head while wrestling with his boot. "Be grateful she didn't report me to Dalton, or I'd be finished. Dalton's probably with Reid right now—Reid's covering for me, which explains why Na'Riss showed up instead."

"She still carries herself like she's somehow superior. That smug attitude just—infuriates me!" Gina's cheeks flushed with irritation.

"First time around a Vulcan?" Kevin's mouth quirked into a half-smile as he leaned toward her. "I need to run. Still on for tonight?"

"Absolutely. Maybe we'll record a tutorial for Na'Riss about the fine art of workplace leisure," Gina murmured between soft kisses.

 

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