A Night in the Arboretum, part 1

Posted on Sun Jun 27th, 2010 @ 9:47am by Commodore Samantha York & Lieutenant JG Elizabeth Jackson & Colonel Damon Raine

809 words; about a 4 minute read

Mission: Transitions
Location: Arboretum
Timeline: Current

ON

The arboretum was finished several days ahead of schedule, but Samantha didn't mind. She was eager to spend a night in the arboretum. A night of peace and quiet -- she hoped. She'd invited Damon to join her, but had yet to hear back if he could. But, either way, she was going to enjoy herself.

She met Lizzie as she walked in. "Hi. I really appreciate this," Sam told her.

"No problem," Lizzie replied. She looked past Sam, "Is Captain Raine going to join you?"

Sam shrugged. "I don't know. But the computer is programmed to let him in if he comes."

"Good enough," Lizzie replied. "The place is all yours. Have fun." With a cheerful wave, Lizzie left, locking the door behind her.

Sam set up her 'camp' in a corner of the fern grove behind the waterfall. Then began a took a slow tour of the main floor, meandering through the pathways, exploring the hidden areas. It was a lovely place, one she would enjoy visiting when she needed to get away.

Damon walked through the halls of the new ship with a pack hanging loosely on his shoulder. He knew he was running late from the invitation Samantha had extended to him, however, there was little he could do considering the stressful day he had. Instead of being in a bad mood from the way things went today, he was the opposite given the opportunity to spend the evening "away".

He walked up to doors unsure of what to do since it was clear the area was closed down for the evening. He was looking over the door controls when the red light suddenly flashed green and the panel chirped twice before the doors parted automatically in front of him. He stood confused for a moment before walking into the arboretum.

He didn't see Samantha on first glance, but he assumed she would be in the room somewhere. He considered calling out, but the thought was washed away as he came up on a beautiful bush of flowers in a variety he had never seen before. He moved off the pathway and began to closely examine them, enjoying their scent as he leaned over the bush.

Samantha had always wondered what it would be like to stand under the waterfall. She'd never tried it before as the room was open most of the time, but tonight the thought was appealing. She had plenty of time. And the room was locked -- except for Damon, when he arrived.

So, giving in to temptation, she slipped behind the waterfall on the main level and stripped down to her underwear. Then she used her command override to make the force field penetrable for humans and walked through.

The water was cool, but not too cold, and not as hard as she'd expected. She stepped into the middle of the waterfall with a delighted laugh and stood there for several minutes, enjoying the experience. She would, however, have to make sure others didn't take advantage. It would be too big a distraction if others decided to play in the water, too. But for now, she was going to take full advantage of the situation.

Because of the sound of the water and the size of the arboretum she didn't hear the doors open, but she slowly became aware that Damon was in the room. ~I'm by the waterfall,~ she sent. He'd pick up on her telepathic message and find her. It would give her a few minutes to enjoy the water before he got there, too.

Damon heard Samantha's thought's enter his head as he was looking at the flowers. He smiled as he straightened himself out and started out in the direction of the waterfall.

Surprisingly, the path to the waterfall took Damon on quite a trip through shrubs and tree's. He was impressed by how much space Starfleet had opted to devote to an arboretum on a starship, especially considering the dual nature of such a ship during times of distress or war. Perhaps, he thought, his mindset was too far-gone as a Marine to see the value in projects like this.

As he rounded a large shrub he finally spotted the waterfall. He didn't see Samantha at first as he imagined she would be sitting near the edge, however, when sight of her was taken he found himself amused by the fact that she wasn't indeed near the waterfall so much as IN it.

He laughed to himself as he dropped the pack he was holding on the grass and walked over to the edge.

"You certainly have an affinity for water, don't you?" He said with his hands at his sides.

(To be continued...)

Marjor Damon Raine
Marine CO
USS Calypso

Commander Samantha York
Commanding Officer
USS Calypso

Ensign Elizabeth Jackson
Botanist
USS Calypso

 

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