First Date on a Water Planet Part I
Posted on Tue Jul 25th, 2023 @ 3:50pm by Ensign Connor Turner & 1st Lieutenant Marjani Smith
Edited on on Tue Aug 1st, 2023 @ 8:54pm
0 words; about a 1 minute read
Mission:
Episode 14 - The Poseidon Adventure
Location: Aquil
Timeline: MD013 1900
Once he arrived back at his quarters, he changed out of his duty uniform. Wearing short trousers was not something that he normally did; however, it was going to be hot and humid. She said that they might get wet, and shorts could double as a swimsuit, right?
The outdoors also was a foreign subject for Connor. He spent his life on the indoors and with computers. So, what use would he have for the outdoors? But Holly suggested a walk in an Arboretum. This was even more daring but Marjani was worth the effort. He knew that she would help his discomfort. After all, the moment he called her, she answered.
I wonder what Holly would think about this. Me and the outdoors. He laughed at the thought. If it had not been for his trying to please Holly, he would not be in space and if it had not been for Paisley, he would not have thought about Holly or been defensive about her. Had it not been for his discomfort, he would not have talked to Zhara or Holly and he would still be in his comfortable limbo. Of course, Marjani herself was the lynchpin. After all, she was the one who started kissing him without a second thought.
That made him smile. The thought of him snogging her willingly the first time made him glow. There was something about her. He did not yet know what it was, but he hoped he could find out and make sure he kept it to himself.
"Computer, I need short trousers and a short sleeved shirt for a date with the beautiful, Marjani Smith on Aquill. Something that will prevent insects and be comfortable. Can you produce something for me, please?"
The computer responded, "Yes, color specifications?"
Connor thought for a moment and responded, "Recommendations?"
The computer answered, "Beige, green, or brown have the highest probabilities for avoiding insects and blending into the environment."
He wrinkled his nose, "Very well, let's go with brown trousers and a beige shirt. I cannot abide by green. Also, if you could create a device to keep away insects and also create me a swimsuit, that would be great."
Within a second, Connor's requests were fulfilled and he changed into the clothing. He then realized he had nothing to carry the device or the swimsuit and he definitely wanted to hold Marjani's hand, so he told the computer, "Please make a tan backpack, too."
Once that appeared, he put the device and his swimsuit in the backpack and realized he did not have a towel. "I'm sorry, computer. I know I'm being demanding today, but could you also create a beach towel for me, too?"
A non-descript tan beach towel appeared and he folded it hastily into the backpack. He was taking too long. Marjani might be worried about whether he was going to appear. However, he now thought he was prepared and he walked at a brisk pace to meet her at her door. When he arrived, he silently cussed himself out, as he rang the chime. I should have brought a flower or something. You're really fouling this up, Connor.
Marjani took a look in the mirror once more to check out her appearance. She turned to the left then to the right then turned completely around. She had opted to wear a blue two-piece swimsuit beneath her light blue summer dress made of seer sucker material which wicked away the perspiration. Over her shoulder was a beige tote bag which held her beach towel. Also, she had rolled up and placed inside a floppy brimmed hat to keep the sun out of her eyes. She took a deep breath to inhale the lemony fresh scent of the citronella oil she had smoothed on to her skin. This was something that she had used when back at home in New Orleans.
She didn't wear any other scent as to her the Citronella was pleasing, well to her it was. Hopefully Connor didn't mind her having the light scent of lemon. When the chime to her temporary quarters sounded, her heart leaped. Marjani hoped that he would like what she was wearing. The summer dress's skirt swirled around her knees when she walked, the peasant blouse style of shoulders looked fetching. She opened the door and smiled seeing Connor there. "Hello, I hope I have not kept you waiting too long," leaning in to give Connor a kiss.
"You look great!" she exclaimed, having taken the time to look him over.
She was worried about keeping me waiting? How sweet she is. Connor willingly kissed Marjani sweetly before breaking it. "If I look great, then I have no words to describe how incredible you look," Connor informed Marjani honestly. "I really like the blue, it is my favourite colour. Did you know that?" Without waiting for an answer, he continued to explain, "I had the computer make the suggestions for my clothing. It is supposed to help reduce the bugs coming after me. I did not know whether to replicate you a towel or not. Did you?"
Marjani just beamed at his compliment. "I am prepared," she answered, raising her shoulder to catch his attention to the beige tote bag which held her towel and floppy hat. "Shall we go? And thank you. I like blue, as well." She reached out to take his hand. She wanted to hold Connor's hand. "There is a transporter not too far from here where we can get down to the planet below." She gently tugged him in that direction. "Already this is the best date I've been on." She chuckled.
Connor willingly took Marjani's hand and could not believe her level of excitement. He felt himself being dragged by her and let his feet follow her wishes. He marveled at her energy and just let himself be swept up into it. "This is the best date?" he asked incredulously. "Dare I ask who or what you have dated in the past?"
"Those were few and far between. I don't know if you want to hear about my um... one-night stands or even my failed relationships," Marjani replied quietly. "It's something I don't brag about. I've met some nice guys but, they didn't seem to have that one quality that I guess I was looking for."
"What was that?" Connor asked curiously, allowing himself to be led on further towards the transporter.
"I haven't been able to really find the words to explain what it is that I am looking for. Maybe a person who will let me be me, who will accept my flaws but also can see me? As I said, I can't truly explain it. Marjani tucked a strand of her hair back behind her ears, when they got to the transporter pad, she said. "Two to beam down to Aquil please." The transporter chief gave a nod of acknowledgment.
She stopped and looked at Connor. "Are you ready for a different type of scenery?" flashing a smile.
"I have to look at something other than you?" he asked with a bit of humor.
Marjani's eyes widened, and she looked at Connor in wonder. Be still my beating heart the man has charm, and he doesn't realize just how charming he is.
Marjani smiled brilliantly, blushed, then she chuckled. "Oh, it is a lovely bit of scenery, from what I have been told, um where we will be going. And you'll see me in natural sunlight. C'mon let's go." She stepped upon the transporter pad, when he was settled she gave a nod towards the transporter chief, who engaged the transporter both Marjani and Connor being surrounded by the ambient light of the transporter.
When they rematerialized upon the transporter pad upon the planet, there was a light breeze causing the trees to move gently. Marjani stepped off and looked around with delight. "This is beautiful."
Connor looked around and took a gander at his surroundings. He was very pleased that Marjani enjoyed the sights. However, he himself, had little use for the outdoors; but, if it made Marjani happy, he was more than pleased to enjoy her joy. "If you are referring to yourself, I would have to agree," he told Marjani.
Leaning in, he gave her a small kiss on the cheek and gave her hand a soft squeeze with his own. "So, where do you want to go?"
"I would like to go explore the beach, go for a swim. First off though, before we go down there. Would you mind if I put some citronella on you. This will keep bugs away from you."
"As long as it does not keep you away from me, that sounds good. I'm not a fan of bugs. So, what do you need me to do?"
"Oh, the scent won't keep me away from you, in fact I'm wearing some right now. It makes for a lovely scent." Marjani held out her wrist for him to smell. "This will keep the bugs away from you, and it keeps them away from me."
"Let's set this down over here, on this bench and I'll put either the oil upon you or would you rather have the spray?"
"I would hope that we will be keeping bugs away from you. I do not want to share you." He beamed at her, knowing that he was not an outdoors person. "I'll rely on you to decide whether oil or spray is better."
Marjani gave a soft smile, "I'll use the spray." She reached inside the totebag and brought out the citronella spray and misted the citronella upon Connor then replaced the cap upon the bottle retrieved their belongings. "Okay that is sufficient, shall we?"
Marjani picked a path that was easy to walk on, sort of like a boardwalk down to the beach. As they walked, Marjani remarked. "You don't want to share me I see," giving a laugh.
"I'm particular," he insisted, as he walked hand in hand with Marjani. "Been a long time since I took a walk outside," he told Marjani, not really knowing how to start a conversation with her. "I don't think I've ever walked on another planet, other than Mars. But that does not really count, does it?"
"I would count it as such." Marjani replied. "I do like walking outside, it helps to clear the mind, not everyone is into being outdoors. I just enjoy nature, seeing the sky above, and even the stars out in space. I don't suppose you are the type of person who likes the outdoors much do you?"
"I could take it or leave it," Connor admitted. "But seeing things through your eyes is, what is the word I am looking for...?" He paused searching his mind. "Interesting? No, that's not it. Intriguing? Closer, but that's not it, either." He huffed, trying to sort it out. "Wonderous?"
Marjani stopped for a moment, turning to take Connor by his other hand, holding both now. "Wonderous? I've never heard that word used where I am concerned. I like it. I like it a lot." leaning in for another kiss. "You know if I keep on kissing you like this we may not make it to where we can watch the sunset. Or even walk barefoot in the waves as they caress the beach."
“Talking like what?” Connor asked tilting his head and feeling lost. The kisses, however he enjoyed. Should he continue talking? No. If he did, then Marjani would not get to see what she wanted and he did not want to deprive her. “Well, we don’t want you to miss the sunset, do we?”
Marjani released Connor's one hand then clarified what she stated, as they walked. "Basically, I've never had anyone say my perception on what I see, as being wonderous. I can't help it though, I feel like I can connect to my surroundings, sort of like, oh I don't know, maybe feel the energy around me?"
"You're an empath?" Connor asked amazed. "Is that how you knew...well, you know...?"
"I, um, am not empathic like a Betazoid or anyone else of that nature. I am human. And what are you referring to? What I knew or know." Marjani actually had a confused expression. "Just some humans are sensitive to energies that things give out."
"I meant, how you knew, well, about me...and what I was thinking and, um, feeling...." His cheeks started to pinken.
"I truthfully do not know, Connor, it just happened. Maybe our wavelengths were compatible enough to make a connection? You contacting me earlier was a pleasant surprise." Her cheeks darkened, "I wasn't expecting you to do so. I actually thought our first encounter, you coming to work on Talon would be the only contact you and I would ever have." Marjani looked down towards her hand and his clasped together. "This, I wasn't expecting. I like it though. If you hadn't have contacted me, sadly my thoughts would have been, I was way over the top and once more I would have struck out."
"You can thank Holly," he admitted bashfully, his head bowing to look at their hands. "I've never, well, asked someone before. Being over the top, well, probably helps with my introverted personality. I think a lot."
Marjani smiled softly. "Maybe we balance each other out?" She resumed walking, heading towards the white sand of the beach, just relishing this feeling of, what was it, contentment? Happiness? She didn't know how long this would last but she was intending on staying as long as was possible, as long as he wanted.
A few people passed by, two kids running after a ball squealing with excitement. Marjani looked towards them, then looked towards a much less crowded area. "Connor, do you know how to swim?"
"I do," he answered simply, grinning like the cat that ate the canary at Marjani. "Do you?"
"Yes, I do, I love swimming. How about we head over there, where there aren't as many people, and it looks like a great place for us to stake our claim on a little bit of the beach." She led the way eagerly. Her eyes sparkled with laughter.
Connor was not about to argue with Marjani. He loved the way her hair bounced. He loved the way she laughed, and he loved her excitement. He let himself be pulled about to where Marjani led. Once there, he gave Marjani a small kiss and said, "I have to let go for just a moment here. Got to take off this backpack and lay down a towel. Hope you don't mind."
Marjani gave out another laugh and let go. "True that will take two hands, and same with mine." She took out her beach towel, it being colored a lighter paler shade of blue. She slipped off her shoes, then stepped out onto the sand, her bare toes digging into it, feeling the dampness beneath the warm surface.
His hands felt empty and dead without Marjani's hand in his. I wonder why, Connor thought to himself, as he screwed up his face while taking off his backpack. He carefully and methodically placed the backpack in the sand, so it was propped up. He pulled out the tan towel and laid it carefully next to Marjani's blue one. He debated changing into his swimsuit. So he asked, "Marjani, are we planning on a swim now? If so, I should probably change. I have a swimsuit in here." Apologetically, he explained, "I did not fully know how to pack for this excursion."
Marjani turned to look at Connor, then her eyes drifted upwards as if to gauge the surroundings. Something she did, a habit that she had picked up when flying the old airplanes. "Perhaps we should do some swimming. And Connor, you did well for your planning. There are some areas for you to change into your swimsuit," gesturing to the changing booth not too far away.
Relieved that he had someone as observant as Marjani with him, he gave Marjani a gleeful smile and said, "Alright, then. Be back in a tic." He tried to quicken his pace in the sand so he would not be away from Marjani too long but he found that it was difficult to maneuver in the sand in his shoes. Slowing his pace, he eventually got to the changing area and hastily switched into his tan swimsuit. Perhaps next time he would choose something a bit more him, like blue. However, he had asked for keeping bugs away and the computer recommended this. Who was he to argue with a computer? He left his shoes off after changing and then made his way back towards Marjani.
A Joint Post By
Ensign Connor Turner
Computer Systems Specialist, USS Pioneer
First Lieutenant Marjani Smith
Pilot
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