Posted by Commander Jason Reilly (XO) in Perhaps just once… (Reilly)

Posted by Lieutenant Kadence Argona (Counselor) in Perhaps just once… (Reilly)

She had done it.

Kady had gone down to Risa on her own. She hated Risa. It was an overused, overspent, redundant ‘port in every storm’. So why was she here? Because the tiramisu was amazing and so was the real coffee. And she had Reilly to blame. She had asked for authentic Italian food and he had shown her. Now she was hooked.

As the sun crested down around dinner time, she sat, sketchbook in hand, bare feet on a nearby chair and was drawing those wandering around below. The wind was blowing her ponytail and she was humming softly to herself.

Kadence Argona
CNS

The people in the little plaza moved with a fluidity that was predictable… moving slowly from bar and shop, holding hands, talking softly… it was a slow rhythm that seemed like water flowing. As she looked up from her sketch, however, the water now had an island in it. One figure, not moving, standing in the exact center of her vision.

Reilly.

A light gray jacket was thrown over his shoulder, held in place by one finger hooked in the back of the collar and the weight hanging it down his back. Blue shirt with a slight v-neck and gray trousers that matched the jacket. He was standing absolutely still in the middle of the square looking up at her, as if he had been there the whole time. The people around him seemed to simply flow by him, paying him no attention. He looked at her… and smiled. He then made a gesturing, asking if he could join her.

Reilly, XO

Look up… look down… sketch
Look up… look down… sketch

The rhythm was like breathing to Kady. Sometimes her head tilting one way or the other as she drew this face or that flower.

Look up… look down… sketch
Look up…

He was standing there and she hadn’t seen him enter the plaza. Her head cocked sideways a moment wondering if her mind had put him there. Seeing him gesture, a soft smile touched her lips and she nodded, her feet moving to the tiled floor as she sat up. She started to put the colored pencils in the box and clean up the scattering of balled up unsatisfying papers into a small pile on the chair her feet had been propped on.

Kady
CNS

At her smile and nod, the man positively sprinted to the door and out of sight. Less than five seconds later he came onto the balcony, exaggerating his calmness and sauntering to her table. “Well hello, there. I would quote a very old movie line about gin joints, but I don’t think we’ve reached the ‘Casablanca’ stage of our relationship just yet.” and he smiled at her and laughed. “May I join you, my dear Kadence?” he asked.

Reilly, XO

She laughed as he suddenly appeared and tried to look like he had just happened upon her. “Of course. I do believe it’s your table I have commandeered after all.” She had closed the pad and it was on the far side of the table with the pencil case on top of it. “I hope you gave them your drink order. I told them they didn’t have to keep checking on me.” She leaned back and pulled one heel up to perch on the edge of her seat as she sipped her drink. “So what brings you to your gin joint?” She smiled and nodded to the building.

Kadence
CNS

“I was just in the neighborhood.” he replied as he sat down. He left off the fact that he owed the Captain a bottle bourbon for letting him planet-side to attend to a personal matter related to a previous case… which reminded him that he would owe the Captain another bottle for forgetting to mention that the ‘case’ in question was seated in front of him. Oh, and probably another bottle for implying something about twins…

The waiter came and set an double espresso in front of Reilly, who nodded in thanks. “So is it just a dessert trip? Or did I miss dinner?”

Reilly, XO

Kady indicated needing a refill and smiled as the waiter left.

She laughed and nodded at his comment to her half eaten tiramisu. “Just a dessert and quiet moment before heading back into deep space. May not be fond of the planet, but definitely fond of the breeze and lack of a major ceiling.” She nodded up to the awning over the balcony that would do little to keep more than a light drizzle off them if it occurred. “But if you want to eat, please don’t let me keep you.

Kadence
CNS

He smiled and sipped his coffee. “I think I will wait for dinner, actually. I’ve been looking forward to that, for some reason. ” He looked out over the plaza. “It’s a fantastic view. You chose well.” and he nodded at the sketch book.

Reilly, XO

She smiled. “Only place on the ruddy planet I actually enjoy. Well, and the riding, but I’ll do that another time. My sweet tooth got the better of me this afternoon.” She laughed and nodded to the nearly finished dessert. “I’m looking forward to dinner tonight as well. Any hint where we’re going or what we are eating?” She was fiddling with the end of her fork, but thankfully it still rested on her plate.

Kadence
CNS

“In perfect stereotypical star ship dating protocols, I have reserved us the holosuite for two hours. We will be dining on fresh fruit, cheese, and bread compliments of our our esteemed Alto. Additionally, as we will probably not be able to avail ourselves of it much longer, we will also be having pasta. Linguine with white clam sauce, and garlic bread. The table is set at 1900, dinner served promptly at whenever I can get everything laid out on said table. Wine will be served. Dessert is flan with caramel sauce.” and he paused and sipped. “Is that acceptable?”

Reilly, XO

She smiled. “Sounds great. I haven’t had a nice clam sauce in a while either.” She sighed. “I wholly blame you if I lose weight this rotation because you spoil me against ship faire.” She took a sip of her just delivered fresh coffee. “So what brought you down today?” She paused a frowned a moment. “You aren’t tracking my transporter logs, are you, Commander?” She smiled.

Kadence
CNS

“Moi?” he said with feigned indignation. “Why I never…” and then he laughed. “Nothing so technical. I get alerts anytime anyone or anything transports outside of regular planning. Helps keep the… creative logistics… some aspire to to a manageable level. Saw them drop you near here… took a chance.” and he grinned as he finished his coffee. “Also, Alto told me.” and he winked.

Reilly

She shook her head and laughed. “Of course he did. I’ll have to have a word with him, and the Transporter Chief, in the future.” She leaned back and rested her left arm on her up propped knee. She was looking at him with a small touch of curiosity. “I’m wondering if you will be this forward and open with me when we are space locked and there is no ‘here’ to retreat to.” She spoke to what she was sure would be his next question.

Kadence
CNS

He looked at her, his green eyes filled with humor… and sincerity. “I learned at our very first meeting that ‘forward’ is the direction you most prefer. As far as open? Well… it is my goal that soon we will be each other’s retreats… space locked or not.” and he looked at her directly, speaking truth… which still took some getting used to. But with her, it was enjoyable.

Reilly, XO

She looked at him for a long moment. Her experience was that men always had hidden agendas. Yet here, before her, he took the direct route. His end goal lay plain and bare between them like her empty plate of dessert. “Reilly…” the word was soft. “I.. I don’t know what to say. I would like that. To have a place to go, even in the depths of darkness, to have a retreat. And I will always be as honest as I can be. But I want to take it slow… please. One, because I fear hurting you if I panic and bolt. And second, to keep from hurting me.” She smiled and it was soft, “In case I panic an bolt. Does that make any sense? I need to get my feet under me before I’m swept off them. And I admit, you leave me on shaky ground.” She looked at his eyes and shook her head. “Just… let me find my bearing first. Please?”

She held a proverbial breath wondering if he would cancel dinner in ‘giving her space’. It was a new ship, new people, and she’d only met a small handful. How could she allow herself to merely leap into the arms of the first man she felt safe around? The ship was full of capable, able men who she would, in time, find that level of trust with that she had with Reilly. I mean… they are all trained that way. Right? So what if her feelings and security were found in others as she found them in him… then what?

She didn’t realize she was biting her lip and her hand had gripped the edge of her folks like a lifeline.

Kadence
CNS

He looked at her, his smile never wavering and his eyes never leaving hers. “Kadence… of course. I said ‘soon’, not tonight for god’s sake.” and he chuckled softly. “Slow is fine. But you asked me to be open and honest… things we both know aren’t necessarily my strong points in the grand scheme of things. But… for you… I will not only be open and honest. I can also be patient. Because, honestly…” and he grinned broadly, “… I think you’re worth it.”

Reilly, XO

She blushed. It was the only response her body could think of. “Thank you, Reilly. That means a lot. And yes, we did agree to be honest and I’m sorry if my response upset you.” She smiled and shook her head. “If we ever got paired on a mission, something tells me target or not would be safe.” She laughed and set her foot down. Her toes tucking into the opening of her boots like slipping under the edges of the covers. “So did you have any other errands to run before heading back to the ship? I was about to head up and get ready for tonight.”

Kadence
CNS

“I have a stop at that little shop we went to, then I’m heading back. You are welcome to accompany me, if you’d like. But I know how much you really want to make an impression on this fella you’re seeing, so I will understand either way.” and he laughed and stood up. When her boots were on, he pulled her chair back slightly and then offered his arm. “Either way, I can at least walk you downstairs, correct?”

Reilly, XO

She slid her boots on. If he looked down, inside the left boot, against her outer calf, was the hilt tip of a blade in a sheath inside the lining. She stood up and slid the tablet and pencil case under her arm and the palm size pocket knife deftly slipped into her back right pocket. “I don’t mind. If you don’t. And the fella I’m seeing tonight is a simple and pleasant man and would probably be content if this was what I wore. So no rush.” She smiled teasing and nodded as she took the lead into the building to head down.

Kadence
CNS

“I’m sure he would be, as well.” They went downstairs and headed out of the plaza, walking slowly but with purpose. As they arrived at the shop, Reilly opened the door and gestured for her to go inside. Seeing the jeweler, Reilly said “Marguerite… How are you, dear?” and she smiled at him and came around the counter and embraced him, her face to Kadence. As they hugged, she looked past Reilly’s head and gave Kadence a look that conveyed a small amount of concern. A expression on her face asked “Did you get my note?”

Reilly, XO

Kady nodded her head with a smile and mouthed ‘later’. Before returning to her cheerful face. “A pleasure, Seniora. And thank you for the jewelry. While I know Reilly mentioned the desire for it, the gift bag and all that was in it were most appreciated. Your care in such things is to be commended.” She gave the woman a look, she hoped, would convey she had read the note and understood it.

Kadence
CNS

She smiled and said “It was all Jason’s doing. I’m glad you like it, my dear.” and she looked at Reilly and said “I have that piece you wanted. I’ll fetch it form the back.” and she patted his arm and walked away. Reilly looked at Kadence and smiled. “I think she likes you.” and he turned as the woman returned.

In her hand was a small black box, which she handed to him. Opening it, Reilly let out a low whistle. He took a ring from the box: it was gold and etched with intricate detail. But the show piece of the item was the center stone. It was a brilliant green gem the width of Reilly’s thumbnail. It almost glowed, it was colorful. It was cut square and set within the ring. Reilly looked at her and said “As usual… pure art.” and he leaned forward and kissed the top of her head. She seemed more than pleased, and hugged him close. “You are too kind to a poor old lady, Jason. Now scoot. I have work to do.” and she began shooing him away. Reilly put the ring back in the box and tucked the box away as he was maneuvered to the door.

Reilly, XO

She watched the exchange and headed for the door. “I’m going to have to make one more trip down here to see her. There are a couple other pieces I want.” She laughed as they stepped out. “And no,” she shook her head, “I’m not telling you which ones.”

She waited for him to join her on the street before heading to the same spot they had beamed up last time.

Kadence
CNS

“No time like the present, if you want. Besides… I have a dinner to prepare.” and he nodded back at the shop. “I’ll see you at 1900. Holosuite. Right?”

Reilly, XO

She paused a moment then nodded. “Actually, that would be perfect. Thank you. I’ll see you at nineteen hundred.” She touched his arm and turned to go back to the shop before he said anything more.

She opened the door and stepped in looking to see where the Seniora was.

Kadence
CNS

She was coming out of the back with a tray carrying a teapot and two cups of tea. “Red currant and raspberry with lemon. And some homemade shortbread.” and she set the tray on a small table in a little alcove off the store’s main floor. She walked to the front of the store and, not looking at Kadence, turned off the ‘open’ sign. She then walked past her again and patted her arm. “Come dear. Tea’s getting cold” and she took a seat.

Marguerite

Kadence smiled and followed the woman. After taking a seat, she nodded and picked up the tea. Blowing a moment across the top, she took time to let the woman get settled as well. After taking a sip, she smiled. “It’s lovely. Thank you.” She ran her finger lightly over the handle of the cup. But her eyes never left the woman. After a moment, she spoke. “Tell me, Seniora… why did you feel the need to give me the note? I assure you, he knows nothing of it.” She wanted to make her know this was just between the two of them.

Kady

The woman scoffed, but then smiled. “I have known Jason for some time… and even I don’t know what he knows and what he doesn’t. But I applaud your optimism.” and she laughed. “Ah…” and then she looked Kadence in the eyes and said “And I gave you the note because in all the years I have known him… I have never known him to buy a companion a gift solely because he thought they would like it.”

Marguerite

Her eyes raised in curiosity. “Then why would he buy it?” She took a sip of her tea and moved her pad n pencil box to the floor beside her. “We are merely coworkers and he wanted to give me a welcome aboard gift as the new Counselor to the ship.” She kept her voice even, and her smile subtle. She had the feeling Lady Marguerite would sense false familiarity.

Kady
CNS

Marguerite laughed… loudly. “Oh by the Prophets you are adorable, you know that? Just adorable…” and she raised her cup to her lips and took a sip, never taking her eyes off of Kadence. “Listen, I so rarely get to have… what do you humans call it… ‘girl talk’… I’d really prefer if we could at least be respectful enough to each other to not think the other one is stupid. Okay?” and she took a sip. “So tell me… is your interest in Jason professional? Or something… else?”

Marguerite

She nodded. “My apologies. Part is professional hazard, the other part is personal habit.” She nodded with respect once more. The woman was smart. “And, my dear, Seniora, are anything but stupid. I knew that the moment I saw your eyes. The locals may not notice, but I do. And my guess is you know far more than any of them would desire.” She laughed slightly.

“As to Reilly… I don’t know. And that is honest. He has swept a part of me aside that I hold so tight I physically feel its absence. And yet, as keenly as I feel it, I do not miss it. And it troubles me.” She looked into her tea as she skirted the words that may jeopardize both their careers. “I have been with the ship a total of three days. And for three days I have known him. And already I am having trouble finding my feet.” She looked back up. “I told him so, today. Yet we are still having dinner tonight.” Set her saucer on her knee and looked straight at the woman. “I give you my word. I know what he is, dear Lady. And I assure you,” she curled her lip up slightly, almost apologetically. “And I come from the same jungle. I will watch my back. It’s the rest of me that is not as safe at this moment.” She looked back at her tea and raised it to her lip, realizing half way up, she was shaking. She took a deep breath and was steady once more as she took a sip.

Kady

Marguerite looked at her for a long time, not hiding the fact that she was judging her. Finally, she said “What do you know about the Cardassians? Specifically, the camps they ran for Bajoran prisoners and those found to be enemies of the Cardassian State?”

Marguerite

Kady frowned slightly. “I know only what we heard in news and accounts of those who came from them. I was a trauma specialist on a ship that some came to when they were rescued. But I never had a chance to talk to any of them. So I fear my accounts are either highly askewed or wrong all together.” She sipped her tea and thought that this, perhaps, was somehow, extremely important.

Kady

Marguerite sipped her tea. “The camps were… brutal. Hellish, even. And those were the good ones. For the lucky ones who found themselves in the custody of the Cardassian Special Services Division… it was especially horrendous. And then the Federation came, freed the prisoners… and spent months ‘debriefing’ them. Months of questioning… over and over and over again. Those prisoners were fed, allowed sleep… but were kept isolated from everyone. Secret facilities for ‘sensitive’ personnel.” and she looked at Kadence and smiled. “I was one of those. Alone… tired… oh my, so tired and weary. And then one day they just… open the door and send me on my way. Just like that.” and she refilled her tea. “No thought that there was still a price on my head… that my every breath was a threat to powerful adversaries. Just… ‘Goodbye’. And for the first time in years… I was actually afraid. I had no where to go, and so many enemies… well, I’m not sure how long I tried to remain hidden. But then one day a human man with dark hair and the best damn smile and the greenest eyes I had ever seen walks up to me. Just on the street. Walks right up in the middle of the street and says ‘You deserved better. And I am here to make sure you get it.’” and she clapped and laughed, and tears welled up in her eyes. “Oh my oh my oh my… You have no idea how stunned I was. Bounty hunters, secret police, zealots, and mercenaries from all over the quadrant on my heels and he just… fixed it. In a week. To this day I have no idea how he found out that my grandfather taught me to make jewelry. No clue. But here I am… and I get to talk to my family and I get to walk down the street and I get to live my life… because that boy made it so I could.” and again she laughed and teared up. Dabbing her tears away with a napkin, she sighed. “And now… here he is, in my shop, with a beautiful woman that he smiles at like he has never smiled at me…” and she giggled at Kadence, “… so I needed to make sure of two things. One, that you knew what you were getting into. And two…” and she sipped her tea, “… that you are worth him going through the effort.”

Marguerite

Kady listened. She couldn’t imagine that kind of worry on a day to day basis. She had lived small snippets of it. A few days, maybe a week, at a time. And they were few enough count on a single hand. “I am so sorry for what you had to endure, in both situations. And I am glad a dark haired man,” she winked, smiling, “with an incredible smile, finally gave you your life back. I cannot tell you how he did it. But I am sure he did it because he cares for you.” She sighed and took a sip of tea.

“As for me.. I have lived a similar life, though on a different arm of it. So yes, I am well aware of what he is, what he is capable of, and how he could do it. But I can assure you. If he finds an interest in me to that level, I can only ask you to trust him in his decision as you trust him with your life. If he chooses me as more than a crewmate, something tells me I would trust his judgement as well. Which is why, right now, I don’t want him to choose. Not yet…” She smiled, but it was hesitant.

“If anything,” she laughs, “it’s my judgement in myself that wavers right now.” She shook her head like she couldn’t understand why.

Kady

Marguerite looked at her, and she said simply “Oh, my dear… you know he has already made that choice. I see it in his eyes… and yours. He’s just waiting for you to realize it, too.” and she stood up and moved towards the counter. “He’s a patient one, that boy. Yes he is…” and she came back around and set a red fabric bag on the table. “Take that. A gift from me to use as you see fit. But a piece of advice, one woman to another. Males are worthless, pointless, ignorant little nuisances whose constant braying is worth less than the dung of a dead krot’v. Men… men are few and far between. And that man? He is a gift to anyone fortunate enough to find themselves in his care.” and she smiled and whispered loudly “And you will never find more loyalty in anyone… ever.” and she giggled again. “So don’t wait out of fear, my adorable little Operative. He will wait… but you are the only one he’s waited for.” and she winked.

Marguerite

Kady set her tea down and took the bag. She looked at the woman in silence then opened the bag and emptied the contents into her hand. “Marguerite?” She looked up with mild confusion on her face. “I don’t understand. This is so beautiful.” She looked at her and shook her head. “I can’t promise I can ever admit it. At least, not for a while. But I give you my word I will not let him hang out there on the precipice for me. If I cannot say yes, I will tell him no. But I also give you my word, I will never abandon him. Whatever else does or doesn’t transpire between us, that one thing is something we are bound by now. Neither will leave the other alone.” She wasn’t sure how she knew that… she just did. And it was part of the reason she was worried.

Kady

Marguerite looked at her and just shook here head slightly, a disappointed look on her face “As you say, then…” and she stood up. “Time for you to go, my dear. I have a date.” and she gestured to the door.

Marguerite

She felt she had somehow failed a test of some kind. She rose, picking her pad and pencil case from the floor. She moved to head to the door. “Be well, Seniora. I will see you before I go. There are a couple more pieces I don’t wish to leave without.” She absently tapped one of the cases with a pair or jeweled hair combs next to a matching coiled arm bracelet in a similar silver color to her previous set she had gotten. She set her hand on the knob and smiled. “If I am welcome, of course.” She hoped she would not be turned away. She knew it would be politely phrased, but her breath paused waiting to hear it.

Kady

She smiled softly and said “You are always welcome, my dear.” and she turned to go behind the counter and stopped. Without turning back, she said “Our lives… what we did and what we do… leave a stain on our souls that no water will ever wash away. But that does not mean that you can’t be happy… no matter what… we deserve to be happy. We paid the price for happiness for those who will never know us. But no where does it say that we can’t reap the rewards of that price.” and she continued on towards the door in the back. “Take care dear… be well.” and she disappeared.

Marguerite

Kady sighed. The woman was right. But knowing a thing and doing a thing… those were two very different beasts, all together.

The woman walked outside and headed to the end of the street before tapping her badge for beam back to the ship. She had a date to get ready for. And a long talk to have with herself in the interim.

Kady