STF

Sometimes a Lunch Break Works Wonders

Posted Sept. 16, 2021, 4:33 p.m. by Lieutenant Commander Gravel Mardusk (Chief of Security) (James Sinclair)

Posted by Lieutenant Cara Esmé O’Farrell (Counselor / Education Specialist) in Sometimes a Lunch Break Works Wonders

Posted by Lieutenant Commander Gravel Mardusk (Chief of Security) in Sometimes a Lunch Break Works Wonders

Posted by Lieutenant Cara Esmé O’Farrell (Counselor / Education Specialist) in Sometimes a Lunch Break Works Wonders
Posted by… suppressed (9) by the Post Ghost! 👻

(snip)
Much later Cara, braid undone, hair splayed across his arm, gently kissed him across his chest. Then rolled to his side breathing heavily, her hand finding his and gently entwining her fingers with his.

O’Farrell

Gravel lay on his back, his arm behind his head and his eyes closed… and a huge smile on his face. “Ok… you are gonna have to tell me just how a nice Irish girl like you learned how to do that. Keep that up and I may lose my Orion rep as a sexual powerhouse. Look at ya… downgrading the reputation of an entire species.” and he laughed.

Mardusk

Cara turned her head to the side and looked at him with a grin, blushing several shades of red, still out of breath. “No…worries…you can…talk…I’m…outta....breath.” She closed her eyes with a huge grin and lay there breathing for several minutes. Then she sat up, curled between his arm and his side, her gaze hot and teasing staring into his. “See tha’s the thing. I’m Irish, Grah-VEL. I can do things with my eyes tha’ other women canna do with their bodies.” Then her gaze slowly traveled down and back up the whole time she was smiling.

O’Farrell

“And you keep looking at me like that, and we will never get outta this bed.” and he smiled and then kissed her. “But out we need to be.” And he slowly sat up. He looked down at her and said “Ya know… I could stand waking up to that-” and he wiggled his fingers over her naked form, “- every morning, I think. Hell of a way to start the day, that’s for sure.” He stood up and said “Okay… shower, then food. Deal?”

Mardusk

Cara could happily wake up every morning to Gravel, but....”No deal. It’s my day off I’m no gettin’ up. Now I can not get up right here or I can go next door and no get up.” She looked him over again, “Besides didna ya say somethin’ about 24 uninterrupted hours? Ya makin’ promises you canna keep, Malachite?” She curled up against the pillows, since he was up, and closed her eyes. She was tired, and it was his fault....and that made her grin.

O’Farrell

“Then dining in it is. Now get your butt outta that bed and into this shower. Then food. Then back to bed. Now chop chop, shower time. And don’t worry, I’ll help ya get those hard to reach spots.” and he walked into the bathroom.

Mardusk

Cara didn’t move, not right away. She started to tell him she’d just wait her turn, or not saying anything at all and just staying right where she was. But Cara had the distinct impression she would not win if he decided he had to come back out after her. She got up with an over exaggerating groan, walked into the shower, not sure if she was hoping the water was hot or cold. She looked up at him. “Ya better be glad I’m ta exhausted ta argue with ya.”

O’Farrell

Gravel smiled and said “I love you too.” and pushed her gently into the warm water…

About twenty minutes later, he emerged from the shower having washed every single part of Cara. He toweled her off, and then steered her back to the bed by putting his hands on her shoulders. “Now.. lay down. Don’t fall asleep. You need to eat.” and he left the room.

Cara grinned; she wasn’t sure which of them enjoyed that more. She kissed him as her fingers gently caressed his face. His hands were warm on her chilled skin after the warm water and she laughed softly as he left the room. She climbed back into the massive bed but didn’t lay down or she would fall asleep. Instead she sat up against the pillows, pulling the sheet over her.

He came about a minute later with a tray of traditional fish and chips. “Here. Put something 8n that stomach. Then you and I are gonna curl up and sleep.”

Mardusk

Cara looked at the tray and then at him. Her gaze twinged with apology. “Gravel, I canna eat this. It’s sweet, I love that ya fixed us somethin’, but I’m allergic ta seafood. Severely allergic ta the point if ya eat it or touch it, ya canna touch me. I know it’s replicated, but if it’s programmed right it’s no worth the risk. I’m sorry.” Cara had lived with it her whole life and it was simply something she adjusted her life around. Replicated might be safe but it wasn’t something she ever felt the need to test.

O’Farrell

Gravel smiled and said “And you think I’d try to kill you so soon, huh?” He set the tray down, took a fork, and took a small piece of the fish. “So… trust me with your life, Cara?” and he held the fork up to her.

Mardusk

Cara studied his face, determining if he was teasing her or serious. It was one thing to ask her if she trusted him, as he tossed her up in the air and let go. It was a whole different level of seriousness to eat something’s she knew could kill her just to prove she trusted him. She stared at him for what seemed like long heavy minutes but was only mere seconds. “Ya really need ta ask me that in this way?” The question was genuine. If it was anyone else she’d punch them, but it was Gravel and she did trust him. So reckless or not she leaned forward taking the fish off the fork and eating it. Ignoring the sick feeling traveling down her spine trying to warn her she couldn’t eat it.

O’Farrell

Mardusk grinned. “Covatian sea bass. It doesn’t have any proteins that humans are allergic to. You told me you were allergic to fish at our first dinner. Probably something I would remember.” and he chuckled.

Mardusk

It had been far too long since Cara had eaten any kind of fish. She had been a kid the last time she’d tried it. Not only was the Covatian sea bass alien she had no point of reference for the flavor or texture. Not one she remembered anyway. It was different, it was flaky and she supposed what people called ‘fishy’. It was a brand new experience and one that she knew on her own she wouldn’t have attempted or even considered. She laughed softly and shook her head. “Oh I ‘ave no doubt ya remember, and I do trust ya with my life. I’m just bein’ cautious.” Cara moved over next to him and kissed him gently and lingering. Then she leaned up against him and pulled the food towards them. “I had no idea there was a fish I could eat. It’s different, but I like it.”

O’Farrell

“See, that’s the thing with you humans… if it’s that way on Earth, you think it’s that way everywhere. You may not know this, love… but the galaxy is a really big place.” Gravel teased.

Mardusk

Cara rolled her eyes playfully, “Really? Well ya know, now that I can travel without gettin’ sick, ya may need to show me this big ol’ galaxy.”

His eyes opened in shock and he said “You wanna see my big ‘ol…? OH! You said galaxy. My bad.” and he grinned mischievously at her.

A small snort of laughter escaped around her food and then Cara rolled her eyes. “Get ya mind outta the gutter. Eat ya food.” Cara grinned at him and shook her head.

She took another bite and then sighed slightly, “Ya know, it works the other way too. I attended a staff dinner hosted by the Chief of Staff at Star Fleet Medical. Nice guy, really brilliant. Saw me pickin’ and choosin’ from the buffet. He suggested I try Shaysha. They are beetles that are an Andorian delicacy. 5 minutes later, I was in the ER bein’ treated for anaphylactic shock. Come ta find out they have a similar protein enzyme as Terran sea animals.” She popped a fry in her mouth and shrugged. “Probably a good time ta tell ya that there is a hypo in the top right drawer of my desk, quarters and office, just in case.”

“Then that was poor preparation on the part of the Chief of Staff. Hell, even Security knows you look at dietary needs for all attendees at an event. That’s basics.”

“Oh there was safe things ta eat, that just was’na one of them. My sister had a right fit over it. Screaming like a banshee at the chief of staff, the wait staff, the chef for not labelin’ the food, the nurses and medics. The whole time workin’ on me.” Cara looked at the food and then at him. “She’d chase ya down and cut ya down ta size for feedin’ me this. Safe or not. So I ain’t tellin’ her and neither are ya.”

“What about you. Any allergies or phobias I should be aware of?”

O’Farrell

Mardusk shook his head. “Nope. No allergies, and I’m too stubborn to be afraid of things I should be.” and he laughed.

Mardusk

Cara nodded seriously, “I noticed, else ya wouldna be here with me.” She kissed his cheek and laughed. And to her own pleasant surprise finished the last bite of her fish.

O’Farrell

Mardusk looked at her, emerald eyes flashing. “Of anyone and anything in this whole universe to be afraid of, you aren’t one of them. In fact, the only about you I think I would be afraid of is being without you.” he said with a level of gravitas that could not be misinterpreted.

So they were at that point then…Cara smiled up at him, “I love ya too, Gravel.” She tucked her hand into his and squeezed gently. “And ya donna have to be afraid of that, I’m not goin’ anywhere.”

“So tell me about this sister of yours. And the rest of your family.” Gravel asked, the tenor in his voice back to normal.

Mardusk

“Well let’s see, I told ya about my mum and dad, already. Emilia works at Star Fleet Medical in San Francisco. She’s the one who took me ta Mike’s Place in New York. She was head of emergency medicine for the last 3 years. Just found out she’s been made chief surgeon. She gets ta bump elbows with all the big fancy people that pass through Command. Ava’s the baby. She’s still in school. Has no idea what she wants ta do after. She’s a talented painter, but she says she don’na want ta do that. If it was work it would’na be fun anymore. Emilia got that strawberry blonde hair and Ava the auburn. And we all got da’s temper and mum’s sense of humor.”

O’Farrell

Gravel looked at her for a moment and then said “So I gotta ask… how you think they’ll react to you being with someone who ain’t human?”

Mardusk

A lock of hair appeared in Cara’s hand, twirling it around her fingers while she though. “I doubt they will care much. Ya aren’t the first non-human I’ve dated. Ya will be the first I introduce them ta.” Cara grinned, “Mum, you’re safe with. She always said she can judge anyone by their taste or lack of, in music. And ya have great taste in music. Ava, she’s 17 and there is no tellin’ what will come outta her mouth. Now, Emilia won’t even blink, but having not met many Orions she’ll probably pester you with all kinds of medical questions to sate her curiosity. Dad, well, he will be mostly the same. Loves ta learn about other cultures and people. He’s got a temper, but a long fuse, so as long as he knows ya aren’t a jerk he wonna care if ya human or not. He’ll make a big show of being intimidatin’ because he’s my dad, and ‘it’s his job’ as he puts it. Of course Dad might be afraid to do that now. Emilia dated a Denobulan for several years. Dad did his big bad guy routine…and Mettus blew up like a puffer fish.” She set the empty plate away from her. “What about yer mom? She’s an ambassador right? Been around other species a lot, but ya still her son.”

O’Farrell

Gravel chuckled. “No, mom isn’t an ambassador. And mom will be… well… she is Vice Admiral Serchena Mardusk, Commanding Officer of Fleet Development. So meeting her will be awkward, I’m just sayin’. Not because she will mind you. But she has to be cognizant of the rank structure. Hopefully when you meet her, it will be in an informal setting. Otherwise it could be a bit weird. And you can expect a call from her office when she finds out about us. And a background check. And a security screening.” and he looked at her and grinned. “That’s her way of being intimidating.” and he chuckled.

Mardusk

Cara blinked. Admiral, his mom was an admiral, he told her that…what did she say? Oh good lords, she was tired. “Sorry Gravel. I was payin’ attention when ya told me, I promise. And I promise ta be the epitome of a model officer when I meet her. I would be disappointed if she was anythin’ but a Vice Admiral. Nothin’ awkward about it. Ya ain’t the first family to deal with rank differences. We’ll make time for informal settin’s if ya want.” Then she grinned at him. “So does that mean I should or should not go ahead and send her all my pertinent information along with a fruit basket? I don’na want ta spoil her fun.”

O’Farrell

Gravel laughed once loudly. “HA! Hell yes, do that. Put a note on it that says ‘Vice Admiral, or should I call you ‘Mom’? Just wanted you to know I’m schtupping your son. But it’s all good, we cuddle after so I guess it’s pretty serious. Anyway, here’s some pears. Looking forward to my background check! Your loving daughter Cara.’” and he fell over laughing.

Mardusk

Cara turned and looked at him. “Where is she currently stationed? And can I use yer console? And she better like pears.”

Cara slipped out of bed, wrapping the sheet around her, and walked into the living area sat down at the desk and started making a call. “LIAM!” She proceeded to speak rabidly in Irish. “Yeah send to Vice Admiral Serchena Mardusk, Commanding Officer of Fleet Development. Yep I’ll send the note. No don’t ya dare read it.” There was silence…then over the comm....”CARA ESMÉ O’FARRELL....” and intense laughter. “Whoever her son is better run, as far and as fast away from ya as he can.” Cara shrugged, “I told ya not ta read it. And yeah I know ya gonna tell me mum and dad. Just like when we were kids. Bye Liam!”

She cut the comm off and returned to the bed room, “Now, where were we? Cause I have a feelin’ I ain’t gonna be around for much longer.”

O’Farrell

Gravel smiled at her and said “No, probably not. You’ll be counseling Tellarites in a mining colony by dinner time tomorrow.” He reached up and pulled the sheet off of her and gazed hungrily up and down her body. “So I guess we better make the most of the little time we have left, then… huh?” and he reached up and pulled her to him.

Mardusk

Cara laughed, “Do ya think she would? Cause that would be amazin’! A mining colony means no warp travel and Tellarites are a blast ta work with. Only time I get ta....” She laughed softly as he pulled her to him and there was no more talking for a long while.

O’Farrell

Some time later…

Mardusk stretched and looked at Cara, whose head was now at the foot of his bed while his was at the top. He smiled and propped his head up on his arm and said “You do realize we can’t just do this all the time, right? I mean… I’m not complaining, but at some point we will both have to work and we should probably try to find out more about each other if we are already talking about meetin’ the families… right?” and he chuckled.

Mardusk

Cara rolled to her side propped her head in her hand and laughed, a warm sound that moved its way toward him. “Now donna ya start that. Ya the one who kept goin’ on about ya ‘Orion reputation’ all mornin’.”

Cara sat up moving back to the head of the bed. “I thought that’s what all that question and tell was for.” Cara also knew they probably knew more about each other than most would at this point. They were trained and experienced in reading people, to pick up on what was not said as well as the obvious. “As for the parents I said I’d send yer mum some pears.” Cara kissed him, just because she could. “I donna think we are meetin’ anyone any time soon. How about another round - takin’ turns. I’ll start. How did ya end up Klingon nobility?”

O’Farrell

Gravel chuckled and laid his head on the pillow and looked at the ceiling. “That? Well… that is a story, for sure. So I kept butting heads with the higher ups. I have an issue taking orders from people that are stupid, you see.” and he chuckled. “Well… to get me outta my last CO’s hair, they made me a Liaison Officer to the Empire. Usually that’s a cush job, but I was sent as a observer on a Klingon warship. I guess somebody thought that would get me either hurt or killed. Anyway… I’m on the bridge of the battle cruiser Ghol under the command of now-Admiral-then-Captain T’Kor Drakenol… a real Klingon’s Klingon. Mean, stubborn, and refuses to back from anybody. So we are chasing some pirates that had been preying on trade in this sector, and we get them cornered near an asteroid field… which turned out to be their base of operations. Now, a Klingon battle cruiser is no slouch… but we were outnumbered five to one, not good odds. We took a torpedo and the tactical officer was taken out. So I jumped in and started to fire back. We managed to disable two of their ships, but the other three were pounding us to pieces. So I see that the main ship is adrift, but powered up; bridge crew probably dead. So I look at T’Kor and say ‘Give me ten of your best people.’ and he does. We beam over, and me and the Klingons just go to town on that crew. We take the ship, bridge is a mess but we make it work. I maneuver their ship between the Ghol and the other three and use it as firing platform. We take out the rest of the pirates, I get a Distinguished Service Medal from Star-Fleet and T’kor inducts me into House Noggra, the Great House he heads. Makes me his House Champion. So… there ya go. Thats how I became a Klingon noble.” and he shrugged.

Mardusk


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