Posted by Ensign Kristiana O’Larria (Engineer) in Presim- Wrenches everywhere continued…

Posted by Lieutenant Mike Stone (Chief Engineer) in Presim- Wrenches everywhere continued…

Posted by Ensign Kristiana O’Larria (Engineer) in Presim- Wrenches everywhere continued…
Posted by… suppressed (2) by the Post Ghost! 👻

SNIP

Kristi laughed. “I guess I don’t think about it. If I get too used to good actual cooking, I may not use the replicator again. Though meals like this are definitely worth the tasting.” She sipped her drink and looked at him a moment. “I know you have to hide a lot of who you are. But what do you do to unwind? I mean, surely there was something you did. Well, before I came around and started bugging you, I meant.” She smiled hoping he would take is as innocent teasing.

Kristi

“I cry myself to sleep.” He waved with his hand. “Nah just kidding. Hm good question. I guess I just kept myself busy so far. As engineer there’s plenty to do, as CE even more so. In the spare time I learned about Viking’s systems or tried to catch any spies on board. I guess I could now find.... excuses to do other things and unwind from time to time. Do you have any hobbies? “

Mike

She was glad for the quick editing of his crying comment, cause Kristi’s heart had tightened a moment. She smiled and shook her head. “Yes, you definitely need to find something outside of engineering.” When he hinted about his relationship with her being a new distraction, she blushed. “Honestly, my hobbies tend towards studying as well. But I admit I have a love of holo programs that let me explore places I can’t actually go. Like planets we can’t land on, or sitting on a moon as the nearby star goes supernova. I guess being able to see space in her glory, from the Viking or some uninhabitable rock is something I’ve always enjoyed.” She felt it was a silly thing to confess, but he had asked.

Kristi

“The holodeck.” Mike nodded. “I love those as well, you can do almost anything in there. Can’t remember when’s the last time I went there to enjoy myself and not just to fix something that broke.”
He gave it a thought for a second… last time he used holodeck , was before he took CE position. After that there simply was no opportunity. “I can’t imagine anyone else, I’d rather see a supernova blow up my face with then you. Maybe we should make that our next date… if you’d want one of course.”
Watching a explosion of any kind, while on holodeck with questionable security measures could be quite dangerous. maybe even lethal. It would be a date to die for though.

Before Kristi could reply though he added quickly. “But what am I saying, this one isn’t over yet. We haven’t had desert yet. Be right back.”

He disappeared into the other room. After about a minute he returned with two plates and a small bowl.

“I thought of making some kind of desert from these, but to be honest I didn’t have the time, besides I think they are perfect the way they are…”

He placed a plate with six strawberries in front of her, his plate had five. Between them he placed a bowl with hot chocolate inside.

“It’s not much and I already ate one when I tried them if they were any good. But they are as genuine as they can be. We can replicate some chocolate ice cream to go with them, though I prefer them with hot chocolate.” He smiled.

Mike

She laughed as the strawberries and chocolate sauce were put before her. “It’s perfect, Mike! Wow…” She picked one up and without even using the offered dip, she bit off all but the step. “I hadn’t considered seeing if the replicator could make strawberries. I haven’t actually had any since leaving Earth. And they are one of my favorites.” The elation on her face was as open as if she had been injected with some euphoric chemical.

Reaching across to squeeze his hand, she nodded. “Cocoa sounds perfect. And of course I would like a second date. And hopefully more after that…” she let her voice trail off. If he hadn’t realized before now how she felt… hopefully this had made it clear. “And I’d love to blow up with you as well.” She laughed at his comment about teh supernova program.

Kristi

Mike returned the squeeze, before letting go of her hand. He was really happy she enjoyed what he prepaired, as this was what he enjoyed as well.

“Well I made what I love to eat. I love strawberries. But don’t bother with the replicator. They look great but have no taste at all present.”

He dipped one of his slightly into the chocolate and took a bite.

” You know, I believe holosuit 2 might need some tests soon, which is a job for two engineers.... we have to be thorough and make sure everything works… right? “

Mike

She laughed, her leg curling up under her as she leaned to take a strawberry and dip it before taking a bite. A bit of chocolate remaining on the side of her lip as she smiled. “Of course. Can’t risk others going in there if we won’t, ourselves.” She watched him and smiled brighter. Something told her this conversation had little to do with an iffy holodeck. “So what do you recommend we do about it?”

Kristi

“Well I think that may be the job for the CE… and he’ll need a sidekick of course. A trustworthy assistant… unfortunately as it’s not a priority and a crucial element of the ship, it’ll have to be done after regular work is finished… say 7pm? Might you be free around that time and willing to sacrifice your free time?”

He gave her a second to think about and added: “I’ll sweeten the deal and prepare some sandwiches.”

Was it wrong for him, to talk about a second date, when the first one wasn’t even finished? Mike was excited to spend time with Kristi, and there was still so much he wanted to do with her.

Mike

Kristi laughed and nodded. “Definitely after work. And seven sounds perfect. I mean, no point in going later,” she smiled. “What would be the point of making sandwiches after dinner? Right?”

She picked another strawberry to nibble on and stood up, wandering over to his window. “You know, my room looks out the other direction. Seems strange to watch the stars go by, seemingly the other direction.”

Kristi

Mike joined her by the window, and gazed outside. “They are an amazing sight to see. They appear so peaceful, as they twinkle in the distance. Yet they are giant balls of fire burning with intense heat and solar storms all over the place. Space if full of wonders. That’s why I joined Starfleet. To see what’s out here. And the sights are getting better and better.” He said, and looked at her.

Mike

She blushed. Something told her he wasn’t talking about the stars anymore. “I’m finding things I never expected, either.” She smiled and looked at him.

She lifted a hand to rest on his chest, her gaze going to the contact point as her thumb slowly moved back and forth against the fabric of his top. “Do you still think kissing me was a bad idea?” She looked up at him. “Cause I don’t…”

Kristi

“That may have been the best idea I had made since I’ve been on this ship.” He leaned closer to her and softly kissed her lips. As they parted he added. “Nope, no regrets at all,” and smiled.

He looked out the window, where stars were still zooming along. “You think you could get used to the view?” He asked jokingly.

Mike

Kristi rested her head sideways on his shoulder and smiled. “Are you asking if I like the direction of the stars on this side of the ship, Lieutenant Stone?” She didn’t look up at him but at the stars as they went by. She already knew her answer, but she wanted to hear him confirm it.

Kristi

“Well we’re engineers aren’t we. Nothing’s impossible for us. Imagine this, a holoprojector or maybe even one of those old displays, and all it does is project the stream from outside, but reversed. ” He waved with his left hand in front of the window where it could be placed. “So when you come around you’ll feel right at home.” He was grinning. It was silly and he knew it. Although he wouldn’t mind, if she’d move in with him, they just started dating. The last thing he wanted, would be for her to feel rushed into something. But he was willing to go to many lengths to make her feel wanted, secure and relaxed. Just like she was making him feel most of the time, when he was around her.

Mike