Water Water Everywhere. pt 1

Posted on Fri Jan 21st, 2022 @ 7:27pm by Lieutenant Commander Shoniara T’ghann-Travis Dr & Lieutenant Seth Travis

Mission: Respite
Location: M Class Planet Mizu
Timeline: Respite

Dex piloted the shuttle down into the largest clearing she could find. It had taken four hours to get there but scans had proved that it was an unpopulated M class planet with a climate similar to that of Earth. It was mainly a water planet with 80% of the surface containing lakes, rivers and waterfalls. The rest of the land mass covered by forests and meadowland. There was no sigh of any humanoid lifeforms but a plentiful animal and bird community.

The decision to leave the ship had been Seth’s idea one in which Shon had heartily concurred. She had not realised just how much she needed a vacation until she drank herself into a stupor in her quarters, she had been having nightmares more often now and was drinking to try to erase them, it had not. Sickbay would be covered by the doctors, nurses with EMH cover if needed.

The hatch opened on a beautiful sunny evening the sound of running water everywhere. Shon opened her tricorder and scanned the surroundings.

Seth came up and stood behind her, "Why bless me Doctor but I do believe you've found paradise."

“Well it depends if we are camping here or trying to find somewhere away from the shuttle. I would recommend us setting up camp here for the night until we know what kind of indigenous animals and birds there are here. Then if everything is okay we can push out tomorrow, find that source of running water I hear, what do you think?”

Seth saluted her and grinned, "Are you sure you aren't an Intel officer in disguise? That is an excellent idea and one I support fully."

She kissed him on the nose, “I am a doctor and I do not plan to do much doctoring on this trip so I like to be prepared, I seem to remember you telling me you were once ‘prepared’ as a scout. Now, I shall collect rocks if you can collect some wood for a fire? Please,” she pulled him to her and kissed him deeply and with longing.

Seth smiled at her and then held her close as she kissed him. when the kiss broke he spoke, "Your memory serves you well Doctor. I was a scout. You know what would be better though? A fire pit."

“That sounds like it involves digging?” The shovel is in the blue pack, let me just finish scanning this clearing, the sun will be down soon and I do not want to be surprised.” She walked slowly to the edge of the clearing, it appeared to be on the top of a deeply wooded escarpment, far below she could catch tantalising glimpses of evening light hitting the water. ‘There is a lake down there” she called. “Looks like good swimming hopefully.” Her scan brought up nothing apart from birds seeking their roosts for the night.

Seth had a shocked look on his face, "Dig? Are you kidding? First thing you need to know about being a scout is to improvise." He finished as he reached for the phaser on his hip. "I can just cut one out with the phaser, Faster and better than digging." He pointed out.

She shook her head in amusement, “how the modern man has fallen.” Are we using the tent or just sleeping bags? Possibly you might like to use your phaser on those?” She laughed aloud and went into the shuttle to grab the overnight packs.

The sky was clear, a stunning Violet blackness that fell suddenly. Then the stars came out, nothing familiar yet very familiar. She felt the sudden urge just to lay on the ground and look up at the majesty of it.

"Not fallen, improved." Seth countered. "Just sleeping bags I think will be fine." As he fined tuned the phaser and began to cut out the fire pit.

Seth lay beside her, Looking up at the night sky. "Amazing isn't it? So beautiful, so majestic and awe inspiring."

“Amazing to think we come from up there, but the view from down here is always the most beautiful.” She sighed. “So, let’s get the fire going? she got up and went into the shuttle bringing out the sleeping bags and food. The quiet around them was beautiful and all encompassing apart from the constant sound of water.

"Couldn't agree more Shon." Seth replied softly before brightening "Sounds good!" As he worked to get the fire using a short burst from his phaser. "What have we got for tonight's dinner?"

She opened the pack that contained their victuals. “How about hot stew with sourdough bread?” That should be enough to keep the cold away, and it is getting a little cold.” She shivered in the cool of the night.

Seth nodded in approval, "Sounds good, bring it on Shon. It will keep us warm if not we have the sleeping bags." He pointed out.

She put the stew into the pan and placed it on the fire which was by now warming her up. She found some stones to serve as a platter and laid the bread by the fire to warm. She sat back. “I never imagined a few days ago I would be on a beautiful planet looking up at the stars next to a man I…” she hesitated, “a man I think a lot of.”

Seth inhaled deeply, "Smells good." As he looked at her, saw and heard her hesitation and took no offense. "I care and think a lot of you as well Shon."

They sat in silence whilst the stew heated and the bread warmed. There was the beginnings of a breeze in the treetops above and what sounded like a owl hoot somewhere far off. She ladled the steaming stew into bowls and broke the bread up giving Seth a fork. She began to eat “Seth, do you believe in love at first sight?” She kept her head down eating.

Seth accepted the stew, bread and fork in silence. He had taken a forkful of stew when Shon asked her question. He didn't rush an answer but the answer he gave was straight from his heart. "Yes I do Shon. I believe that there are those rare occurrences when two people do fall in love at first sight." He took a breath, "I know this because I love you Shon."

At that moment and at his words her whole life changed “I knew I loved you the minute you came and stood by me in the observation lounge. I felt this huge explosion in my heart but did not know what to do with it, but, then at our next meeting I thought you might love me also.” She carried on eating her stew as if the conversation was inconsequential chat and not the life changing admissions that they had just stated.

"Well you were right. When we talked and stood together I knew like you, that I had found that special someone that I would give my heart to and love for the rest of my life." Seth replied as he tore off a piece of bread to dip into the stew.

She put her stew down unable to eat any more. “What would you like to drink? She asked.

"Water please." Seth replied wondering if he had somehow upset Shon by agreeing he felt as she did.

She brought back two glasses of cold water and handed him one. She sat back down enjoying the warmth and glow of the fire. She touched his hand. “I never want to be parted from you,” she said softly and caressed his face.

Seth kissed the back of her hand, "Nor I you Shon. I wish us to enjoy life together and grow old together." He stated openly and honestly.

She stood and went into the shuttle returning with their sleeping bags and pillows, she unzipped one and placed it on the softer ground the other side of the fire. The other one she unzipped and placed it on top as a cover. “I do not want to be separated from you tonight.” She stated. The air had a sweetness about it that worried her, she scanned for anything that might appear harmful to them and discovered it was a pollen blowing on the wind. She walked to the edge of the escarpment once more her long hair blowing in the breeze. There was no light in the valley below and darkness had covered the water. She walked back and sat next to him. “What do you want to do tomorrow ?” She asked.

"Nor I you my love. Other than spending the day with you, how about we do some exploring by the way of hiking and see what we can discover."

“Somewhere to swim I hope!” She exclaimed. She took off her boots and got into the open sleeping bag tricorder and phaser set on stun by her side. She yawned very theatrically.

"Of course to swim and you don't even need a bathing suit here!" Seth grinned at her.

“Well we had better get some rest then if we are to set out early, I set a perimeter scan from the shuttle, if anything comes near us we will soon know about it, stoke the fire up and come be with me.”

"An excellent idea and one I cannot refuse ." Seth said as he stoked the fire to keep it burning and them warm.

“It seems to be getting colder,” she said. “I am not sure we should spend the night outside Seth.”

Seth nodded in agreement. "I believe you are right Shon. The shuttle will be a warmer and safer place to sleep at least for tonight."

She ran another scan, “let’s get inside quickly there is a huge storm coming. She gathered up the sleeping bags and her phaser and tossed them into the shuttle. It began to pour with rain as if someone turned a tap on right above them. She had to shout to make herself heard. “GET INSIDE QUICKLY”

Seth dove into the shuttle taking Shon with him just as a bolt of lightning hit a few feet from the shuttle. He slammed the hatch closed keeping the storm outside and them safe inside.

She nodded her thanks to him. “That was close, now we know where all the water comes from.” She shivered they were both soaking. The shuttle rocked as the force of the wind gusted around it. “Let’s get out of theses wet clothes and have a hot drink.”

"Sounds like a plan. A darn good one." Seth agreed.

She undid his shirt and peeled it off his wet body, then she undid the string on his trousers and pulled them down. She picked up one of the towels and began to dry his hair ruffling it as she did so, then on down his chest and stomach. Then she stood behind him drying his back, his buttocks and down each leg. She smiled and handed him the towel. “The rest you can do yourself.” She laughed and began to take hers off.

He took the towel from her and smiled "Just when it was getting good too," He joked. "However turnabout is fair play so..." He moved to her, took her clothes off gently, tenderly and began to dry her off. First her arms, then her long well toned legs were dried. He moved to her breasts and lightly dried them off taking extra care and time in drying them. Finally finishing he smiled at her and handed her the towel. "As you said, the rest you can do yourself."

She laughed and flicked him with her towel before putting it round her soaking head. The rain came down harder and the thunder louder. The last clap sent her screaming into his arms.

His arms came up and around her, holding her close to him. "It's alright. It's just noise. Loud noise but just noise."

She sat in his arms shaking, “ I know it is irrational but I have always been afraid of thunder as long as I can remember.” She looked up into his eyes her own turning silver, “I need something to take my mind off it.”

"It's okay Shon, not going to let anything happen to you" He said. "Something to take your mind off it it huh? Did you bring a pack of cards?" He teased.

“No I was not thinking about playing a game and now you are embarrassing me.” Her eyes turned back to their usual green. “I do however have a chess set, I do not suppose you play?”

"I wasn't trying to embarrass you Shon, I was teasing you. I'm sorry you thought otherwise. Chess? Oh, I dabble in it." He replied.

She stood and pulled a small mother of pearl and silver chess set from her bag and laid it out between them, with that came a pair of pyjamas which she put on and sat cross legged in front of him. ‘Now I am still learning so be gentle, which do you want Silver or Ebony?”

"Silver." He replied simply and watched as Shon set the pieces up.

“Silver goes first, your move.” Th shuttle had now started to rock as the wind shear increased, the lightening sheeted down all around them and the rain fell vertically from the sky.

He moved a pawn and sat back and waited even as the shuttle rocked from the wind.

A particularly strong gust of wind rocked the shuttle once again and the chess board went over. Lightning struck again and she gave up and scuttled over to him once again, “hold me.” She asked.

"Your wish is my command." Seth replied as his arms came up to encircle her in a gentle embrace. :You are safe Shon, just try to relax."

Trying desperately to take her mind of the increasing frequency of the lightening bolts she attempted to make conversation. “Seth want do you know about Risan women?”

"Very little Shon, so any information you would like to impart will be gratefully accepted." He replied as he continued to hold her easily in his arms.

She nestled into him trying not to notice the storm. Riasa used to be know as the Pleasure Planet where every sexual more could be easily explored, over the last 30 years or so it has had a revival as a place of exploration, a place for those seeking peace and knowledge. Yes sexuality is still a large part of the culture but Risan women have changed. Biologically however we still have the same drives, an imperative for love and for sex. Being with me means more lovemaking than, say, with a human woman. It helps maintain our natural being. You have noticed my pupils turn silver when we were making love?”

Seth listened with rapt attention as she spoke and gave him a little insight to Risan women and what drove them. He nodded when she asked him about her pupils. "Yes, I have Shon may I ask why that is?"

“That is a sign that our minds and bodies are craving romantic or sexual activity, it is our sign that we are receptive and wanting the physical side of love. To maintain our health then lovemaking twice a day is..” she paused blushing..”most helpful. So do you see what you are getting into?”

"Of course I do." Seth replied with a smile. "It means I get to spend even more time with the woman I love. Who can find fault with that?"

She smiled, “ I like your answers, they give me hope but now, we come to the Vulcan side of me, this is way more complicated.” She stood and went to the view screen. “I think the lightning is less now but the rain is totally elemental. I hope it clears by tomorrow morning. Would you like anything to drink whilst I am up?”

May be more complicated Shon but doesn't change how I feel about you and never will. So tell me about your Vulcan side. I want to know all I can." Seth answered.

She sat back down and nestled herself into his chest. “Most Vulcans value logic and lack of emotion above all else. Being half Vulcan I see the value of logic and use it everyday in my decision making. Lack of emotion I find rather difficult and my two halves sometimes war against each other.”

He kissed her neck, "I think that is true with most people. Doing what you know is right, what your mind tells you or doing what your heart wants can sometimes lead to a battle of conflicting emotions Shon."

If you want to be with me Seth you might find it difficult to deal with at times, I can be…shall we say changeable. By the way the tips of my ears are one of my most sensual zones so stroke those at your peril.”

"I'm in this for the long haul Shon, so I'm not about to get up and run away now or out on you. I've had difficult situations before, I can handle this." He replied easily and confidently.

“Could you handle not having children?” She regretted the words the minute she uttered them but, there they were out.

Seth saw the pain in Shon's and the loss as well. "I could." he answered. "For I would still have you and we can have a wonderful life together. A life to share and enjoy." He replied softly,

“I need to tell you, it happened when I was trying to save my husband Mark and my little girl during the fighting on Ensara. There was a fire, I was hit by falling burning masonry and was told I would not be able to bear any more children. At the time..I..well nothing mattered apart from the fact that they were gone.” She was silent for a while and the only sound was the rain sheeting down on the roof. “I never thought that..I would meet someone I might want children with…..until now.” She shivered. “That is where the scars on my back come from, that day.”

Seth held her, not saying anything for several moments before he turned her head and kissed her softly, tenderly. "I'm so sorry for your loss Shon. I truly am to lose your husband and child is a devastating blow and shock. One that will be with you for all time. However I can soften the loss by being with you and loving you each and every day."

She turned to face him and took his face in both her hands and brushed a damp lock of hair from his eyes and traced the line of each of his brows with her finger, then placed her fingers on his mouth gently tracing them over his lips her eyes never once leaving his. “I love you” she whispered.

Shon's words filled his entire being with a feeling beyond elation. It was a feeling of completeness to have another person say they loved you. He kissed her passionately as a man kisses the woman he loves and looking into her eyes he answered, "I love you Shon."

She no longer heard the rain beating on the window but heard instead the beating of his heart, her pupils turned silver and as she breathed his scent in she knew she wanted to be with him forever. “To the end of all time my love” she whispered.

He kissed her again and again, feeling the softness of her skin, and seeing her gentle, loving spirit. He held her tighter, not wanting to let go of this remarkable woman. "Forever and a day my sweet love." He replied.

She knew she could wait for him no longer and lay down on the sleeping bag pulling him down to her. “Touch my ears my love”she whispered.

"Nothing would give me greater pleasure and enjoyment." Seth whispered to her, as he began to stroke her ears.

She took a breath and pulled herself on top of him throwing the extra sleeping bag over them she moaned with pleasure as she made him hers.