New Paris at Night, part 1

Posted on Mon Sep 6th, 2010 @ 12:14pm by Commodore Samantha York & Colonel Damon Raine

1,086 words; about a 5 minute read

Mission: Peace, or Something Like It
Location: New Paris, Turkana IV
Timeline: Current

ON

Samantha hung her dress uniform in the tiny closet and turned to face Damon. "Do you want to see what the city's like at night? We could get a good look at security measures and maybe find some place to eat while we're at it."

Damon had also changed, though it was only his shirt. He favoured a khaki coloured shit with his combat fatigue leggings. "Yeah, that sounds like a good idea." He said coming out of the washroom having just shaved. "I'm not holding out much hope for a classy restaurant though."

Sam smiled appreciatively as she walked over to him and gave him a kiss. "Nor do I. I'll be happy to find decent food, to be honest. But I do want to see what the city is like at night -- to see if things have really changed as much as Xon says."

He gave her a quick hug before making his way over to the nightstand where he kept his pistol and belt. He pulled the weapon out and looked it over once before returning it to its holster and clipping the belt around his waist.

"Just in case, love." He said as he moved to her side.

She nodded, not liking the thought that he might need that weapon before the night was over. "I'm glad you're with me," she admitted softly before slipping her hand through his. She knew that she would be safe with Damon.

"So am I." He gave her a warm smile. " We don't often get a chance to get out like this; even if it is to a politically destabilized conflict zone." He flashed a quick wink.

"I'll have a talk with the Captain when we get back to the Calypso," she teased. "Although, I've definitely enjoyed our moments on away missions." Her smile turned mischievous. "I'll never be able to go swimming without remembering the pirate planet."

"And I'll never look at a fish again without getting jealous." He grinned back at her. "Maybe we'll find a nice pool of water here for a dip."

"As long as it's very private," she agreed, chuckling. "But you don't need to be jealous, my love. You've gone where no fish has gone before."

"To that I will say I am glad." He smiled widely before tilting his head down and kissing her.

She kissed him back and grinned. "So am I. Come on, let's see what this place has to offer at night." She wasn't expecting much.

They locked the room and made their way to what passed as a 'street.' Even though they were several kilometres underground, there were still passageways between buildings. Someone had gone to the effort to put old-fashioned streetlights on the corners, making it feel a bit like being on the surface. The top of the 'street' had a ceiling clearance of at least 15 metres. Faint lights flickered at the top giving the illusion of stars.

"Eternal night," Sam said softly as they passed a cluster of people dressed in worn-out clothes huddled over a small can of something.

Damon watched as a group of children play in a notch of the street walls not far from where they walked. Despite the conditions they lived in, the children still shrieked in laughter as they huddled around a ball that rolled between them.

"It's kind of sad, really. Entire generation of children growing up without sunlight." He shook his head remembering how much of his childhood was spent outside.

"At least they can play," Sam said. "It's an improvement. But I agree with you. I want them to be able to run in a meadow and climb a tree -- be a kid. I wouldn't want to raise kids in a place like this." She squeezed Damon's hand tighter.

He nodded in agreement as they continued to walk through the passageway.

Despite being out of site, he continued to think on the idea of raising children well beyond the carry of their laughter. The way Samantha responded to a family started something in his mind. They had both mentioned it in passing but never really broached the topic before. Likely it was due to his own apprehension about it; an apprehension that had diminished dramatically since knowing her.

"Sam," he started tentatively "do you think about having children often?"

"Often is a relative term," she hedged. They walked a little farther before she spoke again. "I don't know if it's often, but yea, I think about having children. Do you?"

"To be honest the thought has never occurred to me until recently. Not seriously anyways."

"So," she continued, sounding casual, "you've been thinking about it lately?" She wanted to marry, raise a family. Before it had always been "some day." But now, she wanted that to be with Damon. She just wasn't sure if he was even thinking along those lines. She had a hard enough time keeping him from running at the first sign of their relationship getting serious. She wasn't going to do anything to risk losing him now.

A closed storefront caught her eye. It was a furniture store of some sort. Simple, utilitarian tables and chairs. One or two metal sofas with pillows. Nothing fancy or expensive in the place. She wondered what the homes of the Turkanans were like. Were they warm and inviting? Cold and dark? She thought back to the children in the street. She hoped they were at least warm and friendly places.

Damon's eyes also scanned the storefronts in the area. It took him a few minutes longer than what he had hoped, but he did spot what might be a restaurant up ahead. "That looks promising." He said as he turned towards the shop.

When they got closer it became clear that his eye was accurate in determining the type. The tables inside of the restaurant were full of people all smiling and enjoying simple meals. There was close to twenty people in the tight space and yet the volume level was light. The people seemed to be talking quietly in amongst themselves in a very reserved manor. The decor of the establishment wasn't by any means elegant but it served its purpose.

"Want to give it a try?" Damon asked. Damon had a feeling that this would likely be the best they were going to find.

(To be continued...)

Commander Samantha York
Commanding Officer
USS Calypso

Major Damon Raine
Marine CO
USS Calypso

 

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