Posted by Lieutenant Corinne Dalton (Scientist) in Ships In The Night No More (Tag Dalton)

Posted by Commander Dr. Royal Sinclair (Executive Officer) in Ships In The Night No More (Tag Dalton)

Posted by Lieutenant Corinne Dalton (Scientist) in Ships In The Night No More (Tag Dalton)
Posted by… suppressed (4) by the Post Ghost! 👻

(snip)

He smiled. “Standard repairs. I asked Engineering to send me some when they could. And the Lounge was redecorated. The wood bar was replaced with a synthetic stone one. It looks really good.” He reached into the box and lifted the foam that cradled the model. From underneath he took out a clear stand. It was almost totally transparent. “You can set it on this. From most angles, you won’t even see it.”

Royal

Cori stepped away and set the box down on her workstation and then returned for the stand. She placed her hand on his to take the stand, but stepped that half step closer, lifted up on her toes and kissed him on the cheek. “This is one of the most beautiful gifts I’ve ever been given, so thank you.”

As her lips touched his skin, his cheek became hot as he flushed bright red and took a sharp breath in. “Y-… you’re welcome.” he said as the sound of blood rushing through his ears muted his words to himself.

She didn’t really have a place to put it right now, but she placed it on the bedside table where she could see it each morning when she woke up and each evening when she fell asleep.

The pause gave Royal a moment to collect himself, and with a soft exhale he calmed the redness and racing heartbeat.

Moving back to Royal, she gave him a tender smile. “Any other surprises or should we head to the lounge?”

~Cori

He smiled and said “No. Not yet, anyway. No pressure, remember?” and he stepped to the door so it slid open. “After you.” he said, and gestured out the door.

Royal

No pressure indeed, and yet there was this tangible energy she couldn’t remember feeling before, or rather in so very long as to be lost to memory. It wasn’t about expectations, it was about the anticipation, about the hope that things would go well and progress… somewhere.

A short while later they approached the Lounge and she slowed, eying the doors. Well, here goes nothing. She turned to gaze at him as their presence triggered the door. The plan in her head was just to casually walk in together and find a table, but suddenly she was feeling self conscious. Was it being in a social setting? Letting more of the crew see her and thus solidifying her existence here? She wasn’t sure, but she looked to him for reassurance. “Preference for table?”

~Cori

Royal set his hand very gently on the small of her back and said “Let’s go over there by the window.” and escorted her to the table with two chairs.

Their arrival did illicit some looks and Royal caught a table of four start whispering. He chuckled. As they got to the table, he pulled the chair out for Cori and helped her slide forward before taking his seat. He gave her a small smile and said “And so the rumor mill begins.” and his eyes flicked to the table and back. “Starships… what can you do?” and he shrugged.

Royal

She grinned as she sat. Who said chivalry was dead? It wasn’t like she was incapable of sitting in her own chair and her garments did not require help to make it easier to sit, but something about the thought behind the gesture spread warmth through her. “Absolutely nothing, unless you want to have some extra fun and fans the flames the gossip fire. Which can be fun actually, if a little inconvenient at times.”

~Corinne Dalton

Royal chuckled. “Well, let’s see how dinner goes… who knows? Maybe we will have reason to give them something to gossip about.” He smiled and stared deeply at her. “I need to tell you something… now… before I lose my nerve.” and he took a deep breath and slowly exhaled.

Her vivid blue eyes gazed at him, piercing in their intensity. “Okay,” Cori said softly.

“No matter what the future holds after this meal… or after a hundred more if that is what comes to pass… I really am so happy you are alive. There were times I…” and his voice cracked slightly and he took a breath. “I never lost hope you would be okay. I never expected this… but if I had had one wish for anything in the universe… it would have been to see you just like this.” He took another breath and then looked around. “I think the life support is going down. My mouth is super dry for some reason.” and he smiled at her.

Royal

Her eyes glistened at the same time as a a coy smirk graced tugged at her lips. “Good thing I was trained as a medic, now. Not to mention we’re on a medical ship. We won’t let you perish from dehydration.”

For a moment it might have seemed like she was going to wink at him, but Dalton leaned in, her smile softening. “For what it’s worth, there were times when I wished I could have some sort of eventual death, if only so I didn’t go eternity alone. But I’m glad that I get to exist in the here and now, and that you’re here too. Nothing made me happier than learning you were here on this ship, Royal. I know this is a lot, for both of us, but if my story doesn’t remind you that life is short and you should make use of every opportunity, I don’t know what will!”

~Cori

Serving individual tables more than drinks was not something he normally did but today was different. Besides, this was his domain and if he wanted to go out of his way to make this special for a certain pair of officers tonight, well, that was just what he was going to do dammit!

Sam strolled over in his nicely tailored dark grey slacks and vest, with a dark red shirt under the vest, sleeves rolled just below the elbow. “Commander, Lieutenant,” he greeted with a smile. Yes, he knew about the new addition to the manifest… somehow. “What are we wanting this evening? Can I start you with drinks first?” He eyes Dalton. “Just ask Royal here, I make a mean cocktail.”

~Sam, Host of Florence’s