Updated – December 5, 1998
BEHIND LINES
Chapter 1 - Part E
Samarra held Moore a little tighter as she lightly laughed at his attempts to sing along with the computer. He wasn’t the best singer, especially in a soprano part. Overall, Moore enjoyed his, well, questionable skill. Something in his passion for it endeared him to her just that much more. Neither of them was perfect. It seemed nothing in her life was ever remotely that. Still, who cared as long as she got these moments?
Samarra was about to try to pry into the mission again when the door chime sounded. Collectively, the two sighed and Samarra opened the door. The two were blinded by the hall lights as a feminine figure entered. As the door shut, Dunnedy spoke up, slightly uncomfortable, “Sorry to have to interrupt you two.”
Samarra and Moore slowly sat up and Samarra responded, “That’s all right, I figured my luck wouldn’t hold out. What’s happen?”
“We’ve been contacted by Admiral Devaney.”
At the mention of the admiral’s name, both Samarra and Moore could feel the other tense up. They subtly looked at each other and then looked back to Dunnedy.
The Captain finally spoke again, “What are the Admiral’s orders, Kara?”
“He’s going to meet us in route at 1130 hours tomorrow.”
Moore put her head on Samarra’s shoulder and muttered something under her breath.
Dunnedy and Samarra looked to her, but she stayed silent.
Dunnedy continued, “In addition, he sent us a list of personnel that will be added to the crew for the duration of the mission. Their are fifty people in total.”
Samarra sighed and rubbed his forehead, “We better call the command staff together then. Let’s say ten minutes.”
“Right. I’d better go and take care of it. Captain. Lieutenant.”
She quickly turned and slipped out the door.
Moore stood up, straightened her uniform and looked to Samarra dejectedly.
“John, I should get going now to.”
Samarra stood as well now. “Well, this is annoying, I’m sorry. I haven’t seen you in days, now all this.”
She gave him smile and took his hand for a moment, leading him to the door. “I wasn’t expecting Devaney this soon either. Give me the moments and I’ll be satisfied.”
Samarra held his tongue and resisted the pointless prying impulse.
Moore stopped before the door and continued, “Besides, you’re the captain and you have a job to do.” With that, she gave him a little salute and winked. “So. Will you be free in a few hours?”
Samarra looked at her puzzled, “Sure, if you like. Why?”
“Well I thought we could have a late dinner…and talk. And yes, no shop talk.”
Samarra nodded, saying, “Sounds good. Do you want to meet in Mess Hall One?”
Moore rolled her eyes, took his hand again and said, “No. You misunderstand…I thought I could make something and we could eat…here. I mean it really wouldn’t be as pleasant in the team’s barracks, you know how Gatrinis is.”
Samarra moved closer and replied saying, “How could I resist? I just didn’t know you cooked or would ever want to. You don’t have to you know.”
To that Moore took here free hand and pressed into his chest, telling him, “Hey! I’m trying to be sweet and nice, okay?”
“Okay, okay. I don’t mess with people as sweet and nice as you are.”
She smiled, staring longingly into his eyes, finally saying, “Good, don’t start underestimating me now. I’m just full of surprises, John.”
Samarra moved forward and met Moore’s waiting lips in a passionate kiss.
Stepping back, she gazing at him saying, “I wish you knew how much I love you.”
“I love you to and I do know. Sometimes it feels like you and I’ve been weaved together in my heart. You are a part of me.”
Taking in his word, she smiled a bit and gave him a quick kiss. Having said their good-byes, Moore slowly backed out the door and went on her way. Samarra stood in the door for a moment before he remembered he had a meeting to get to. Quickly he reached for his coat, deactivated the music, and ran out the door to the turbolift.
As he reached it the doors opened and his First Officer, Commander Dunnedy, was there waiting for him.
Samarra stepped into the lift and slipped into his coat. “Keeping an eye on me, Commander?”
She shrugged her shoulders. “Who? Me? Nope.”
He shut the clasp on his collar and looked to her. “Yeah. Yeah.”
“Still…”
He sighed. “I knew it.”
“Well, I was wondering if you are feeling more like yourself. Oh, excuse me. Conference Room One.”
As the lift started he gave her a quizzical look and sighed. “Are people starting to call me senile?” Deciding to answer her question, he said, “Well…it was nice to spend some time with Katherine, a little time. And as long as this mission, whatever it is, is upon us now I can deal with it and not my worries. I just wish Katherine could tell me something, or Starfleet would tell me anything.” Samarra rubbed his forehead, frowned, and continued, “I have to trust Starfleet’s decision, I guess.”
She gave him a sympathetic look as the lift stopped and the doors opened.
The two stepped out and Samarra paused and looked at her.
“Captain?”
“When was the last time you ate?”
“Are you becoming a doctor?”
He continued to look at her.
“All right, it’s been a while.”
“Let’s stop by the mess hall and get you something.”
“That would make us late for the meeting.”
“So, w…”
Now she gave him a stern look of determination.
“Okay, but right after this meeting we’ll go over to the mess hall and get you something. Then we can talk about who should be bossing who around.”
Dunnedy sarcastically responded, “Yes dad.”
Smirking a little, he replied, "Hey, I need a functioning First Officer, that's all. Besides if I don't say it you'll have to hear it from Meg." Suddenly, he paused again. “Wait. Assuming we get done under three hours we’ll do that. I…I promised Katherine I’d be free in a few, she wants to have a private dinner, or something.”
She stood silently mulling over his words for a second. She then gave him a smile and placed her hand on his shoulder, “I’m glad things are working out so well for you two. Maybe Meg was right to push you two together that first time.”
Samarra fervently shook his, “That was a giant failure! She hated me then!”
Taunting him, she said, “Meg’s been calling it a catalyst. I thought she was trying to cover for herself, but…”
“Hey, don’t mention it to her. I don’t think I could stand her gloating.”
The two reached the door to the conference room and Dunnedy turned to the Captain and smiled again. “Stop mothering me and we'll have a deal.”
*****
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