<div dir="ltr"><span id="gmail-docs-internal-guid-64aacc90-7fff-000b-81f0-55f2c3a41c0b"><p dir="ltr" style="line-height:1.656;margin-top:0pt;margin-bottom:0pt"><span style="font-size:11pt;font-family:Arial;color:rgb(0,0,0);background-color:transparent;font-variant-numeric:normal;font-variant-east-asian:normal;vertical-align:baseline;white-space:pre-wrap">Mission: Death in the Shadows</span></p><p dir="ltr" style="line-height:1.656;margin-top:0pt;margin-bottom:0pt"><span style="font-size:11pt;font-family:Arial;color:rgb(0,0,0);background-color:transparent;font-variant-numeric:normal;font-variant-east-asian:normal;vertical-align:baseline;white-space:pre-wrap">Day 4</span></p><p dir="ltr" style="line-height:1.656;margin-top:0pt;margin-bottom:0pt"><span style="font-size:11pt;font-family:Arial;color:rgb(0,0,0);background-color:transparent;font-variant-numeric:normal;font-variant-east-asian:normal;vertical-align:baseline;white-space:pre-wrap">Stardate: 2446.02.04</span></p><br><p dir="ltr" style="line-height:1.38;margin-top:0pt;margin-bottom:0pt"><span style="font-size:11pt;font-family:Arial;color:rgb(0,0,0);background-color:transparent;font-variant-numeric:normal;font-variant-east-asian:normal;vertical-align:baseline;white-space:pre-wrap">(USS Illuminar-Deck 2- CMO Quarters- SFI Michael Weston/CMO Dr. Quinna Solice-1900)</span></p><br><p dir="ltr" style="line-height:1.38;margin-top:0pt;margin-bottom:0pt"><span style="font-size:11pt;font-family:Arial;color:rgb(0,0,0);background-color:transparent;font-variant-numeric:normal;font-variant-east-asian:normal;vertical-align:baseline;white-space:pre-wrap">Michael stood outside the door to Quinna’a quarters wondering why he was so nervous.  After all, he’d spent time in the company of many women over the course of his career.  But this night was not in the course of his career.  He rarely spent time in the company of someone he liked or cared about what happened to them.  Just having a connection with another person was dangerous enough, forget any romantic entanglements.  And was that what this was?  A romantic entanglement?  Was he even still capable of having one of those?</span></p><br><p dir="ltr" style="line-height:1.38;margin-top:0pt;margin-bottom:0pt"><span style="font-size:11pt;font-family:Arial;color:rgb(0,0,0);background-color:transparent;font-variant-numeric:normal;font-variant-east-asian:normal;vertical-align:baseline;white-space:pre-wrap">Finally, he took a deep breath and pressed the door chime, holding something behind his back.  He felt silly, but it seemed appropriate.</span></p><br><p dir="ltr" style="line-height:1.38;margin-top:0pt;margin-bottom:0pt"><span style="font-size:11pt;font-family:Arial;color:rgb(0,0,0);background-color:transparent;font-variant-numeric:normal;font-variant-east-asian:normal;vertical-align:baseline;white-space:pre-wrap">Quinna had been looking at herself in the mirror.  She had not really taken a good look at herself in days. “Come,”  she called out as she stepped around the corner to see Michael standing there.  She then searched him with her eyes to see if his body told a story about his meeting with the Captain.  She wondered how long they would have before he ended up leaving.  “Hi,”  Quinna greeted.</span></p><br><p dir="ltr" style="line-height:1.38;margin-top:0pt;margin-bottom:0pt"><span style="font-size:11pt;font-family:Arial;color:rgb(0,0,0);background-color:transparent;font-variant-numeric:normal;font-variant-east-asian:normal;vertical-align:baseline;white-space:pre-wrap">Michael stood up and smiled down at the doctor.  It was the first time he’d ever seen her in clothes that weren’t part of a uniform, or surgical in nature.  She seemed to be wearing a flowing gown that appeared to be Vulcan-like in origin.  It made his own outfit look a little… underdressed.  She looked dazzling.</span></p><br><p dir="ltr" style="line-height:1.38;margin-top:0pt;margin-bottom:0pt"><span style="font-size:11pt;font-family:Arial;color:rgb(0,0,0);background-color:transparent;font-variant-numeric:normal;font-variant-east-asian:normal;vertical-align:baseline;white-space:pre-wrap">“Hi back at you,” he replied.  “I love your outfit.  Vulcan?”</span></p><br><p dir="ltr" style="line-height:1.38;margin-top:0pt;margin-bottom:0pt"><span style="font-size:11pt;font-family:Arial;color:rgb(0,0,0);background-color:transparent;font-variant-numeric:normal;font-variant-east-asian:normal;vertical-align:baseline;white-space:pre-wrap">“Just a treat a Vulcan helped me with.  Will you help me with this?  Quinna passes off a bracelet.  She could not seem to get it latched.  She had never seemed to have problems in the past.  She moved closer to Michael and handed him the bracelet.  Before he could do anything, Quinna put her hand on his cheek and leaned into a kiss.</span></p><br><p dir="ltr" style="line-height:1.38;margin-top:0pt;margin-bottom:0pt"><span style="font-size:11pt;font-family:Arial;color:rgb(0,0,0);background-color:transparent;font-variant-numeric:normal;font-variant-east-asian:normal;vertical-align:baseline;white-space:pre-wrap">Michael took the bracelet, and they kiss and returned it.  But now his hands were full and he felt a little fumble.  He brought his right hand from behind his back holding a single red rose.  </span></p><br><p dir="ltr" style="line-height:1.38;margin-top:0pt;margin-bottom:0pt"><span style="font-size:11pt;font-family:Arial;color:rgb(0,0,0);background-color:transparent;font-variant-numeric:normal;font-variant-east-asian:normal;vertical-align:baseline;white-space:pre-wrap">“I discovered the ship had a rose garden,” he said, holding the flower out.  “I hope I don’t get in trouble for picking one.”</span></p><br><p dir="ltr" style="line-height:1.38;margin-top:0pt;margin-bottom:0pt"><span style="font-size:11pt;font-family:Arial;color:rgb(0,0,0);background-color:transparent;font-variant-numeric:normal;font-variant-east-asian:normal;vertical-align:baseline;white-space:pre-wrap">Quinna took a step back, she looked at the rose, “It’s beautiful,”  Quinna said.</span></p><br><p dir="ltr" style="line-height:1.38;margin-top:0pt;margin-bottom:0pt"><span style="font-size:11pt;font-family:Arial;color:rgb(0,0,0);background-color:transparent;font-variant-numeric:normal;font-variant-east-asian:normal;vertical-align:baseline;white-space:pre-wrap">He took hold of her wrist and clasped the bracelet on it.  Now his hands were free, and he used the moment to hold onto Quinna’s braceleted hand.</span></p><br><p dir="ltr" style="line-height:1.38;margin-top:0pt;margin-bottom:0pt"><span style="font-size:11pt;font-family:Arial;color:rgb(0,0,0);background-color:transparent;font-variant-numeric:normal;font-variant-east-asian:normal;vertical-align:baseline;white-space:pre-wrap">Quinna was able to quickly locate a place to put the rose.  The wine bottle on the table was the perfect place to stick the rose.  “So what do you have planned?”</span></p><br><p dir="ltr" style="line-height:1.38;margin-top:0pt;margin-bottom:0pt"><span style="font-size:11pt;font-family:Arial;color:rgb(0,0,0);background-color:transparent;font-variant-numeric:normal;font-variant-east-asian:normal;vertical-align:baseline;white-space:pre-wrap">“Well,” he said, “I was thinking about dinner.  But unless you want me to cook for you and I’m not sure what you like?  I was thinking, and I was wondering how you felt about picnics.”</span></p><br><p dir="ltr" style="line-height:1.38;margin-top:0pt;margin-bottom:0pt"><span style="font-size:11pt;font-family:Arial;color:rgb(0,0,0);background-color:transparent;font-variant-numeric:normal;font-variant-east-asian:normal;vertical-align:baseline;white-space:pre-wrap">Quinna was surprised.  She always enjoyed them, when she had them.  “Any special place you have in mind for the picnic or maybe I should close my eyes and take your hand?”  Playing coy was not Quinna’s forte.</span></p><br><p dir="ltr" style="line-height:1.38;margin-top:0pt;margin-bottom:0pt"><span style="font-size:11pt;font-family:Arial;color:rgb(0,0,0);background-color:transparent;font-variant-numeric:normal;font-variant-east-asian:normal;vertical-align:baseline;white-space:pre-wrap">Michael smiled.  It was cute that she seemed as lost as he felt.  “I thought about the shuttle bay, but I understand it’s a little preoccupied.  But I think I can find a good place in your holodeck, assuming they’re working.”</span></p><br><p dir="ltr" style="line-height:1.38;margin-top:0pt;margin-bottom:0pt"><span style="font-size:11pt;font-family:Arial;color:rgb(0,0,0);background-color:transparent;font-variant-numeric:normal;font-variant-east-asian:normal;vertical-align:baseline;white-space:pre-wrap">“One is in use as a temporary sickbay, but…”  Quinna wanted off Deck 5.  It was too close to work.  She thought about the Arboretum but it was too Typical.  She did read about small chambers on the Jeffries tube system where there were viewports.  She wondered if that was too intimate of location, but she shrugged.  “How is your shoulder.  Feel like crawling?”</span></p><br><p dir="ltr" style="line-height:1.38;margin-top:0pt;margin-bottom:0pt"><span style="font-size:11pt;font-family:Arial;color:rgb(0,0,0);background-color:transparent;font-variant-numeric:normal;font-variant-east-asian:normal;vertical-align:baseline;white-space:pre-wrap">Michael gave Quinna a quizzical look.  “Now there’s a question I don’t get asked every day.  My shoulder is fine.  I suppose it depends on the reason for the crawl.”  He gave her a little growl.</span></p><br><p dir="ltr" style="line-height:1.38;margin-top:0pt;margin-bottom:0pt"><span style="font-size:11pt;font-family:Arial;color:rgb(0,0,0);background-color:transparent;font-variant-numeric:normal;font-variant-east-asian:normal;vertical-align:baseline;white-space:pre-wrap">“Follow me,” Quinna took his hand, “Um, where is the food?” </span></p><br><p dir="ltr" style="line-height:1.38;margin-top:0pt;margin-bottom:0pt"><span style="font-size:11pt;font-family:Arial;color:rgb(0,0,0);background-color:transparent;font-variant-numeric:normal;font-variant-east-asian:normal;vertical-align:baseline;white-space:pre-wrap">“Well,” he said stepping towards the door.  It slid open and he reached around the corner and brought back a rather sizable wicker basket.  “I wasn’t sure what you liked, so I packed a little of everything.  This is going to be an evening of discovery.”</span></p><br><p dir="ltr" style="line-height:1.38;margin-top:0pt;margin-bottom:0pt"><span style="font-size:11pt;font-family:Arial;color:rgb(0,0,0);background-color:transparent;font-variant-numeric:normal;font-variant-east-asian:normal;vertical-align:baseline;white-space:pre-wrap">Then he pulled out a bottle of a translucent blue liquid and winked.  “This...took a bit of procuring.  But I think you’ll enjoy it.”  He placed the bottle back in the basket and closed it.  “The rest will be revealed at our site.”  </span></p><br><p dir="ltr" style="line-height:1.38;margin-top:0pt;margin-bottom:0pt"><span style="font-size:11pt;font-family:Arial;color:rgb(0,0,0);background-color:transparent;font-variant-numeric:normal;font-variant-east-asian:normal;vertical-align:baseline;white-space:pre-wrap">“Well then, let's go.”  Quinna led the way as she did have the ship schematics memorized.  They took the turbolift to deck 12.  There, they entered the closest Jefferies tube. Within 5 minutes, they were in an opening.  There was a view of space.</span></p><br><p dir="ltr" style="line-height:1.38;margin-top:0pt;margin-bottom:0pt"><span style="font-size:11pt;font-family:Arial;color:rgb(0,0,0);background-color:transparent;font-variant-numeric:normal;font-variant-east-asian:normal;vertical-align:baseline;white-space:pre-wrap">(USS Illuminar-Deck 12- Jeffries Tube 17 B- SFI Michael Weston/CMO Dr. Quinna Solice-1915)</span></p><br><p dir="ltr" style="line-height:1.38;margin-top:0pt;margin-bottom:0pt"><span style="font-size:11pt;font-family:Arial;color:rgb(0,0,0);background-color:transparent;font-variant-numeric:normal;font-variant-east-asian:normal;vertical-align:baseline;white-space:pre-wrap">Michael had to admit that he was happy when they finally stopped.  His shoulder was starting to ache from the weight of the basket, as he crawled through the tube.  However, when he managed to catch his breath he had to admit that the view was spectacular, and he wasn’t really looking at the stars.</span></p><br><p dir="ltr" style="line-height:1.38;margin-top:0pt;margin-bottom:0pt"><span style="font-size:11pt;font-family:Arial;color:rgb(0,0,0);background-color:transparent;font-variant-numeric:normal;font-variant-east-asian:normal;vertical-align:baseline;white-space:pre-wrap">“This is quite a little place you have here,” he said admiringly.  “Do you bring all your man friends here?”</span></p><br><p dir="ltr" style="line-height:1.38;margin-top:0pt;margin-bottom:0pt"><span style="font-size:11pt;font-family:Arial;color:rgb(0,0,0);background-color:transparent;font-variant-numeric:normal;font-variant-east-asian:normal;vertical-align:baseline;white-space:pre-wrap">“Actually I take them to another place, but you deserved your own special spot.”  Quinna teased.  “I am sorry, you look like you are in agony.  Do you have a pain killer with you?”</span></p><br><p dir="ltr" style="line-height:1.38;margin-top:0pt;margin-bottom:0pt"><span style="font-size:11pt;font-family:Arial;color:rgb(0,0,0);background-color:transparent;font-variant-numeric:normal;font-variant-east-asian:normal;vertical-align:baseline;white-space:pre-wrap">Michael shook his head, “No, I’m okay.”  He leaned his back against the wall of the tube.  “I’m not used to this.  I’m used to being fairly indestructible.  It’s already passing.”  </span></p><br><p dir="ltr" style="line-height:1.38;margin-top:0pt;margin-bottom:0pt"><span style="font-size:11pt;font-family:Arial;color:rgb(0,0,0);background-color:transparent;font-variant-numeric:normal;font-variant-east-asian:normal;vertical-align:baseline;white-space:pre-wrap">Then he reached around into the basket and pulled out a red, plaid blanket, and tossed it one-handed across the floor.  He moved the basket to the middle of the blanket then scooted himself into the middle.  All the time he kept talking.</span></p><br><p dir="ltr" style="line-height:1.38;margin-top:0pt;margin-bottom:0pt"><span style="font-size:11pt;font-family:Arial;color:rgb(0,0,0);background-color:transparent;font-variant-numeric:normal;font-variant-east-asian:normal;vertical-align:baseline;white-space:pre-wrap">“Really?  Another place?  I’d like to see that place.  And find out who you took there, and what their intentions were.  I don’t do well with competition.”</span></p><br><p dir="ltr" style="line-height:1.38;margin-top:0pt;margin-bottom:0pt"><span style="font-size:11pt;font-family:Arial;color:rgb(0,0,0);background-color:transparent;font-variant-numeric:normal;font-variant-east-asian:normal;vertical-align:baseline;white-space:pre-wrap">Quinna smiled, “You are leagues above your competition,”  Quinn moved close to Michael.  “So what do you have here?”  Quinna pointed to the basket.</span></p><br><p dir="ltr" style="line-height:1.38;margin-top:0pt;margin-bottom:0pt"><span style="font-size:11pt;font-family:Arial;color:rgb(0,0,0);background-color:transparent;font-variant-numeric:normal;font-variant-east-asian:normal;vertical-align:baseline;white-space:pre-wrap">Michael made a huge display of removing each item from the basket.  First, he pulled out a large serving plate.  Then he pulled out a long stick of meat, a variety of cheeses, and a round of sourdough bread.  </span></p><br><p dir="ltr" style="line-height:1.38;margin-top:0pt;margin-bottom:0pt"><span style="font-size:11pt;font-family:Arial;color:rgb(0,0,0);background-color:transparent;font-variant-numeric:normal;font-variant-east-asian:normal;vertical-align:baseline;white-space:pre-wrap">“For the food tonight I present … a Telarian salami, several forms of cheese, from a sharp cheddar to a more mellow Vulcan cheese, and San Francisco sourdough.”</span></p><br><p dir="ltr" style="line-height:1.38;margin-top:0pt;margin-bottom:0pt"><span style="font-size:11pt;font-family:Arial;color:rgb(0,0,0);background-color:transparent;font-variant-numeric:normal;font-variant-east-asian:normal;vertical-align:baseline;white-space:pre-wrap">“You must have my number, I never can say no to a good cheese,”  Quinna replied.  The smell of the food was intoxicating.</span></p><br><p dir="ltr" style="line-height:1.38;margin-top:0pt;margin-bottom:0pt"><span style="font-size:11pt;font-family:Arial;color:rgb(0,0,0);background-color:transparent;font-variant-numeric:normal;font-variant-east-asian:normal;vertical-align:baseline;white-space:pre-wrap">Then he pulled out the bottle again followed by a pair of large wine glasses.  “Andorian wine is difficult to get hold of these days.  But apparently, somebody on this ship knows somebody.”</span></p><br><p dir="ltr" style="line-height:1.38;margin-top:0pt;margin-bottom:0pt"><span style="font-size:11pt;font-family:Arial;color:rgb(0,0,0);background-color:transparent;font-variant-numeric:normal;font-variant-east-asian:normal;vertical-align:baseline;white-space:pre-wrap">He opened the bottle and poured the blue liquid into the cups until they were half-filled.  He handed one glass to Quinna.  Then he swirled the wine in his glass and took a sip.  He smiled approvingly at the sweet taste of the wine.</span></p><br><p dir="ltr" style="line-height:1.38;margin-top:0pt;margin-bottom:0pt"><span style="font-size:11pt;font-family:Arial;color:rgb(0,0,0);background-color:transparent;font-variant-numeric:normal;font-variant-east-asian:normal;vertical-align:baseline;white-space:pre-wrap">Quinna took a sip, it was some of the best wine she has had since Bajor.  She was being spoiled by Michael.  She wanted this moment to last because she knew that he would be leaving soon.  “The bouquet of the wine is pleasing,  I have not had anything like this.  You certainly have connections onboard.”</span></p><br><p dir="ltr" style="line-height:1.38;margin-top:0pt;margin-bottom:0pt"><span style="font-size:11pt;font-family:Arial;color:rgb(0,0,0);background-color:transparent;font-variant-numeric:normal;font-variant-east-asian:normal;vertical-align:baseline;white-space:pre-wrap">Michael gave a wicked smile, “I wish they were my connections.  I just know where people tend to hide stuff.  I’m pretty sure that when they find it gone they’re not going to be happy.”</span></p><br><p dir="ltr" style="line-height:1.38;margin-top:0pt;margin-bottom:0pt"><span style="font-size:11pt;font-family:Arial;color:rgb(0,0,0);background-color:transparent;font-variant-numeric:normal;font-variant-east-asian:normal;vertical-align:baseline;white-space:pre-wrap">He held his glass in the air between them, “Here’s to … discovery.”</span></p><br><p dir="ltr" style="line-height:1.38;margin-top:0pt;margin-bottom:0pt"><span style="font-size:11pt;font-family:Arial;color:rgb(0,0,0);background-color:transparent;font-variant-numeric:normal;font-variant-east-asian:normal;vertical-align:baseline;white-space:pre-wrap">“To Discovery.”  the glasses clanged.  Quinna knew now that Michael had some answers that she was wanting, “So how was your meeting with the captain?”  </span></p><br><p dir="ltr" style="line-height:1.38;margin-top:0pt;margin-bottom:0pt"><span style="font-size:11pt;font-family:Arial;color:rgb(0,0,0);background-color:transparent;font-variant-numeric:normal;font-variant-east-asian:normal;vertical-align:baseline;white-space:pre-wrap">And so the discovery began.  “I think all in all it went well.  I will need that weapon back when we get back to … reality.  But there was some bad news.  You aren’t rid of me just yet.  I’ve hitched a ride for a little while.  At least until this mission is over.”</span></p><br><p dir="ltr" style="line-height:1.38;margin-top:0pt;margin-bottom:0pt"><span style="font-size:11pt;font-family:Arial;color:rgb(0,0,0);background-color:transparent;font-variant-numeric:normal;font-variant-east-asian:normal;vertical-align:baseline;white-space:pre-wrap">Quinna was shocked, “Wow that answered the question I did not want to ask.  So we have some time together then.”  Quinna reached over and touched Michael’s hand.  “I think I can handle that bad news.”</span></p><br><p dir="ltr" style="line-height:1.38;margin-top:0pt;margin-bottom:0pt"><span style="font-size:11pt;font-family:Arial;color:rgb(0,0,0);background-color:transparent;font-variant-numeric:normal;font-variant-east-asian:normal;vertical-align:baseline;white-space:pre-wrap">“I’m glad you feel that way,” Michael admitted.  “But I should tell you that the longer I am here the more of a danger I present, to you and to the others on the ship.”  </span></p><br><p dir="ltr" style="line-height:1.38;margin-top:0pt;margin-bottom:0pt"><span style="font-size:11pt;font-family:Arial;color:rgb(0,0,0);background-color:transparent;font-variant-numeric:normal;font-variant-east-asian:normal;vertical-align:baseline;white-space:pre-wrap">“You know, some people are worth the danger.  I know it has been just you for a long time.”  Quinna said, “You will realize that sticking around may not be a bad thing.”</span></p><br><p dir="ltr" style="line-height:1.38;margin-top:0pt;margin-bottom:0pt"><span style="font-size:11pt;font-family:Arial;color:rgb(0,0,0);background-color:transparent;font-variant-numeric:normal;font-variant-east-asian:normal;vertical-align:baseline;white-space:pre-wrap">Smiling Michael looked into Quinna’s eyes and softly says, “I kinda getting that idea.”</span></p><br><p dir="ltr" style="line-height:1.38;margin-top:0pt;margin-bottom:0pt"><span style="font-size:11pt;font-family:Arial;color:rgb(0,0,0);background-color:transparent;font-variant-numeric:normal;font-variant-east-asian:normal;vertical-align:baseline;white-space:pre-wrap">He leaned over and gave her a gentle kiss on the lips.  As he felt her return the kiss it became stronger and impassioned.  When they separated they were both a little out of breath.  Without moving his eyes from Quinna’s he asked, “Are you still hungry?”</span></p><br><p dir="ltr" style="line-height:1.38;margin-top:0pt;margin-bottom:0pt"><span style="font-size:11pt;font-family:Arial;color:rgb(0,0,0);background-color:transparent;font-variant-numeric:normal;font-variant-east-asian:normal;vertical-align:baseline;white-space:pre-wrap">Quinna looked at the food and then back at Michael, “No, I am quite full right now”  </span></p><br><p dir="ltr" style="line-height:1.38;margin-top:0pt;margin-bottom:0pt"><span style="font-size:11pt;font-family:Arial;color:rgb(0,0,0);background-color:transparent;font-variant-numeric:normal;font-variant-east-asian:normal;vertical-align:baseline;white-space:pre-wrap">“Good,” Michael said as he reached over and pulled Quinna to him.  He rolled her onto her back and brought their lips together in a manner that meant they were not going to separate for a while.</span></p><br><p dir="ltr" style="line-height:1.38;margin-top:0pt;margin-bottom:0pt"><span style="font-size:11pt;font-family:Arial;color:rgb(0,0,0);background-color:transparent;font-variant-numeric:normal;font-variant-east-asian:normal;vertical-align:baseline;white-space:pre-wrap">(Reply none)</span></p><br><p dir="ltr" style="line-height:1.38;margin-top:0pt;margin-bottom:0pt"><span style="font-size:11pt;font-family:Arial;color:rgb(0,0,0);background-color:transparent;font-variant-numeric:normal;font-variant-east-asian:normal;vertical-align:baseline;white-space:pre-wrap">(Posted by Al Muir and Kris B)</span></p></span><br class="gmail-Apple-interchange-newline"></div>