Updated – December 16, 1998
BEHIND LINES
Chapter 2 - Part C
Hunched over his sink, John Samarra stared at the face in the mirror. The previous night had been…indescribable. Charles Dickens had talked of the best of times and Samarra had no doubt that this was one of them. Katherine was the best thing in his life, incomparable, above exploration, research, archaeology, Starfleet, or the Endeavor. Still, the face that stared back at him from the looking glass now was not one expressing satisfaction, joy, or good humor. It reflected the other side of Dickens’ words, the worst of times. It was a concerned and weary face.
Starfleet had been Samarra’s means to explore his scientific interests. It was more expansive then the Federation Science Council, as well as more fun. To explore, discover, and learn, that’s what he thought he was getting a chance at. It was a time of war when he joined, so he knew their were priorities other then his. He had served Starfleet to and beyond what he thought his limits were. He analyzed, conjectured, killed, and played hero for them. The battle in Yuresh Field was still giving him nightmares.
Looking into the mirror, Samarra looked into unfamiliar eyes. Eyes that were lost and off the course he had tried to set for his life. He’d gone from scientist to captain to…well he didn’t really know what he was now. He spent more time in the last couple months playing staring games with the Romulans then actually doing research and exploration. He sometimes wondered what kept him in Starfleet.
Suddenly, from behind Samarra felt a sharp pinch. Jumping and turning around, Samarra found Moore watching him with a mischievous smirk on her face.
“My god Katie, you scared.”
Grinning a little more, she shrugged her shoulders. “Sorry. I was trying to talk to you, but you weren’t exactly here. I don’t like one way conversations, I hate them…and it was just floating there, tempting me.”
Leaning back against the sink, he nodded, saying, “Alright, you have a minor point. I was just thinking about things.”
“I hope it wasn’t about me, it looked nasty.”
Moving close to Moore, Samarra said, “No, never, I was just thinking about life, the universe, and my place in it.”
“Having some doubts about your life?”
Looking around the small room, he finally said, “More like some thoughts about what I’m doing and what I want.”
Curious, Moore asked, “Anything I can help you with? Why don’t we talk about it.”
Shrugging, he moved Moore and himself into the main section of the quarters as he said, “Sure…say weren’t you trying to say something to me before, while I was off in my little world?”
Pausing and tensing up, she stood quietly for a moment before saying, “…Uh, yeah. I guess I was. It can wait though.”
Placing an arm around her and moving to face her, Samarra asked, “Are you sure? You don’t sound sure. You sound more like you’re avoiding the subject. What's up?”
Smiling at him, she responded, “What about you, John? Are you trying to get out of talking about your life?”
Frowning slightly, he peered into her eyes saying, “I’m serious Katherine. I hate talking about myself, but if you asked me to I’d tell you anything you wanted to know. But sometimes you shield yourself up. I don’t want you to ever think you need to hide from me. If you need to talk, if you want to, just come and tell me. I'm here for you.”
Some sadness entered her face and she looked down slightly saying, “There are a couple things I’d like to talk to you about.”
“Then let’s do it. We should have enough time right now to at least get a good start.”
Wincing a little, Moore said, “Well…this isn’t exactly something I want to just start. I need to lock the door and keep it locked until we’ve said everything.”
Samarra gave her a concerned look with this. “This doesn’t sound good.”
Slipping past the questions, she said, “Besides, the Commander is about to come and check on you.”
Shaking his head, Samarra said, “Come on Katherine, I’m not trying to force you to talk. You don’t have to make up excuses.”
Moore gave him an innocent look as the door’s chime suddenly sounded. Looking from her to the door and back, he gave Moore a perplexed look as a smile appeared on her face.
Calling to the door, Samarra said, “Yes?”
Dunnedy’s voice came through the comm system saying, “Dunnedy, sir. I just thought I’d stop by, Admiral Devaney should arrive soon.”
Looking at Moore, his brow furled as he said, “That’s a coincidence.”
“You shouldn’t doubt me. Maybe I just know these things because of some strange powers…or maybe Major Lark contacted me while you were in the head.”
Samarra sighed and then told Dunnedy he needed a minute. “My mind is just putty in your hands, isn’t it Katie?”
Moore smiled at the remark. Taking his hands, she said, “Well my heart’s putty in yours.”
Letting him go, she began to pull away. “See you.”
As she pulled away, he took grip of her hands. “Do you think we’ll have time to talk tonight then? I haven’t forgotten.”
Reluctantly, she nodded saying, “Okay, hopefully Devaney won’t have us do any more prepping before we reach the starbase. Tonight we’ll lay all our cards out then.”
“Sounds good.”
Moore stood quietly, working through her own thoughts. Putting his arms around her, Samarra gazed into her eyes and smiled. After a minute, a smile cracked its way through her solemn exterior.
Sarcastically, she asked, “Okay sweetie, why are you giving me that idiotic grin?”
“Even with this mission looming over us and Devaney coming, having moments like this with you makes me feel lucky.”
Moving forward she met his lips in a long and emotional kiss.
As she finally stepped back, she said, “I couldn’t agree more, John, except I have to admit you’ve been a bit of a strain on my lifestyle. But I think it’s all been worth it. I suppose I love you too much.”
As she activated the door Samarra tried to say something, but Moore cut him off saying, “We’ll talk tonight, John.”
Grabbing her satchel, she stepped passed Commander Dunnedy. The two nodded to each other and Katherine Moore hurried down the corridor, slipping the bag over her shoulder and adjusting her uniform coat.
Slipping her head in, Kara Dunnedy asked, “Permission to come in, sir.”
Waiving her in, he said, “It’s alright Kara. What do you need?”
Samarra brightened the lighting to normal levels as she quickly surveyed the room and the dining table.”
“Oh nothing, John. I just thought I’d stop by.”
Picking up his uniform coat, he said, “And seeing if I am going to be cognizant when the Admiral arrives. You know, you officially can no longer make any remarks about me mothering you.”
Smiling a little, she said, “I don’t know about that.”
“A guy can hope.”
“Keep hoping.”
Pulling his jacket on, the Captain refocused his mind on the matter at hand. “Is everything running smoothly?”
“Yes, everything is nominal.”
“Theirs that at least. What’s the admiral’s ETA?”
“One hour, forty minutes, sir. But you never know.”
Smirking, he said, “You’re getting paranoid in your old age. Hey, I’m sorry I missed breakfast today, Kara.”
“No you aren’t. It’s alright, at least you’ve staved off Meg’s maddening curiosity, for now.”
Sighing, he said, “I can’t wait.”
“Still, I did get a chance to renew an old acquaintance.”
“Really? That’s good. Well, I suppose we should go double-check the preparations for the Admiral. Why don’t we…”
Suddenly, the comm line came to life.
Dunnedy nonchalantly said, “Speaking of the devil.”
A young lieutenant, currently in command on the bridge, spoke saying, “Captain, the Sherman is ahead and is asking us to come out of warp and come along side.”
The Captain nodded and said, “Very well, comply with the request.”
Giving Dunnedy an exasperated look, he asked, “Why are all the women in my life suddenly psychic, Kara?”
Smiling, Dunnedy said, “You just have good taste.”
“So you say. We better get over to the transporter room. I’m sure the Admiral will be asking to come aboard the moment we come along side. I can’t wait.”
The Commander nodded, agreeing with his sentiment.
*****
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