Posted by Lieutenant Riley Dekker (CNS & 2O) in Riley’s Quarters

Posted by Lieutenant David Michaels (CSO) in Riley’s Quarters

Posted by Lieutenant Riley Dekker (CNS & 2O) in Riley’s Quarters
Posted by… suppressed (6) by the Post Ghost! 👻
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David leaned forward, smiling. “I love you Riley Dekker.” He said softly, before pressing his lips against Riley’s soft and tender, and then letting the kiss turn more passionate and hungry. It was exactly what he needed, to be lost in the moment.

-David Michaels, CSO

Riley was more than happy to shelve his thoughts and feelings for the moment and give over to his physical needs. The stress of an unknown future, suddenly bereft of the advice and protection of a close friend was still there, an unformed forboding that hadn’t fully settled or been realized, but Riley could turn his back on it for now, give his full attention to the man he loved.

Deeper into the evening, mutually sated, Riley had risen to pour the two of them a nightcap. He brought two tumblers of amber liquor back to the bed unwilling to leave its comfort for more than a few moments.

“You know, whoever the new CO is may not let you get away with as much as you do now.”

Dekker, CNS

David raised both eyebrows, then uttered a short laugh. He took the glass from Riley, taking a swig. “After what I just did to you, do you seriously want to give me a lecture about getting away with things?” His lips curled up in a grin and he leaned in, kissing Riley’s neck, giggling.

-David Michaels, CSO

Riley’s head fell back in laughter, exposing his neck for even more of David’s attention, before he playfully pushed the auburn-headed scientist away from him.

“That’s your problem David Michaels, you think you can get away with anything simply because you’re charming. I’m not saying you’re wrong, but don’t assume our next CO has Julien’s big picture perspective. He placed a lot of trust in all of us. Not all CO’s are like that.”

He didn’t mean to delve to deeply into this topic, but he worried for David. David had knowledge no one else did and that created a certain arrogance. Julien could see David’s value and wasn’t threatened by any insubordinance that resulted. There was no guarantee their next CO would be of the same vein.

Dekker, CNS

David sat there, grinning playfully. “I am charming, aren’t I?” His smile lasted a few seconds longer, then he turned more serious. “I guess we will have to cross that bridge when we get assigned a new Captain.” David had no doubt that any new commanding officer would look over the crew personnel files and would no doubt know of David’s origins.

“Plus,” David said, taking one of Riley’s hands in his own, interlocking their fingers. “I have you to stand up for me and put in a good word, don’t I?” He paused. “You don’t know who they’re giving the Genny to, do you?” It was a long shot, but seeing as julien had made Riley the second Officer, he might have some insider information.

-David Michaels, CSO

“I’ll be honest with our new CO,” Riley jibed. “And no, to your question. I doubt Julien even knows. His decision wasn’t planned, so it’s unlikely Starfleet command has a line of succession planned. They may even keep us in a interregnum for a while if they need to wait for the right fit.”

Riley sipped his drink, still processing the day’s news. He knew he’d see Julien again, even if it meant travelling to Zahara himself. It wasn’t an entirely unpleasant idea. La’kia’s descriptions of her homeworld had long intrigued him. He was more concerned with how the Genny would change. A new captain always meant change and while Riley was adaptable, he knew David was far more rigid and that worried him.

Dekker, CNS

David took one of Riley’s hands into his own and gave it a squeeze. “I know you’re here with me and that’s all I need.” He sighed. “I wasn’t even sure what to say to Julien when he told me he was leaving. I just kind of hugged him and we stood there for a minute. It was…” he paused. “Kind of sweet. Which reminds me.” He got up out of the bed and grabbed his small work case which he had left on the floor.

Riley didn’t move, but his eyes lazily followed David, curious what the scientist was after.

Returning to the bed, David opened the case, producing the small box that Jackson had left for him on Risa, as well as a strange futuristic looking device that Riley had never seen before. It was shaped in a half circle with a display screen about the size of a hand.

Riley set his drink aside and pushed himself into a fully upright, seated position. “What is it?”

He handed the box out towards Riley. “I had taken this to Julien so he could open it with me, and for that I apologize. I just don’t like knowing that Jackson has you as a target now in his plotting and scheming. But with Julien leaving us… well I can’t do this alone Riley. Whatever demons from my past and the future are coming I want us to face them together.”

-David Michaels, CSO

Riley understood why David would have taken this to Julien first and took no offense, “You know I’m here for you David. And I know you can’t tell me everything, but I need to know you will allow me to help.”

Dekker, CNS

David nodded. He held up the futuristic device. “This is my tricorder from my days at DTI.” He held the device out to Riley. “Its been coded to my DNA so that only I can activate it. With it I will be able to open the box and see what Jackson has left for me.” He looked slightly worried, which was echoed in his emotions. He let out a loud sigh/grunt kind of noise, plopping himself down on the bed next to Riley. “Does this mean that with Julien leaving I need to tell Marius what’s been going on with this whole Jackson thing?” He was definitely annoyed about that prospect.

-David Michaels, CSO

Riley’s eyes were still on the tricorder. He’d surmised it was from the future, but he was able to see it, and it’s development from their time, more clearly knowing its function. It was fascinating. He had little doubt Marishka would love to get her hands on it, if only for an hour.

Riley turned to David, “Honestly? Yes. To an extent. Jackson poses a very possible threat to the Genesis. We don’t know what he’s planning to do. Marius can’t be caught unaware. That’s what he needs to know, nothing more. You have to be honest, though, about where you draw the line between what he needs to know and what you will share.”

Dekker, CNS

David scowled. “Okay. I’ll tell him.” His eyes shifted back to the box from Jackson.

“Well, should we open it and see what’s inside?” David asked, looking back into Riley’s dark eyes. “I’ve already ran it through every kind of scan imaginable. There’s no hidden bombs or poisonous gas or anything inside.” His lips curled up into a slight grin.

-David Michaels, CSO

“I’ll have to trust you on that Mr. Scientist,” Riley joked warily. “Still, let me put on pants just in case we need to make a quick exit.”

Riley pulled a pair of loose sweats and a t-shirt on and came back to the bed, sitting cross-legged.

“Alright, ready”

Dekker, CNS

David let out a sigh and then set the box on the bed in between them. Picking up the futuristic tricorder, he tapped on the screen and suddenly the top of the box shimmered away as it if had never been there. Inside were a few items - a holographic recording device much like the last one Jackson had left for David, a holodeck storage chip and a ring.

It was the latter that David reached for, slowly. His emotions were all over the place, but Riley would be hit with an intense wave of sadness.

As David picked up the ring, tears began streaming down his face. He held the ring in between two fingers, turning it over.

“This… this is… my… my… mother’s,” David said, breaking down into sobs.

-David Michaels, CSO

Riley had already begun moving to David’s side, a hand on each shoulder, hugging him from the side. The man’s emotions had drawn him over, his words took longer to process. Only as he held the crying man did he start to understand the possible implication of the ring.

“You don’t think she’s in danger?”

Dekker, CNS

It was more a sense of confusion coming from David than worry. The man slowly calmed his sobs, taking slow and deep breaths.

“I don’t know what to think,” David said. “The last time I knew of Jackson and my mother being in the same place was the night I left home to pursue him back in time.” He wiped at his eyes. “I don’t think he had interacted with her then…” His voice trailed off, as he stared at the ring, still in his hand, held between thumb and index finger.

-David Michaels, CSO