Don't own anything worth millions
First Kiss
Night aboard the Enterprise began by a subtle dimming of the lights in the corridors. Noise buffers softened sounds to simulate an unobtrusive lull on the ship. The internal clocks of humans clung to the subconscious allusion. Most of the other species on board could cope with a day and night different from their own. A few had to spend extra time in darken quarters, to satisfy their night requirement. Others could be on duty for a day or more before requiring sleep.
In the medical unit, the light from the monitors darkened so the patients could sleep. In the dark, Kyree lay staring at the ceiling. She could not sleep. The Oradican could close her eyes but she could not close her ears. The sounds of others, in adjoining rooms, reached her with the clarity of the claxons. A few times Kyree had thought she had succeeded in blocking the voices out. As she began to drift off to sleep, a laugh would cut through the mist of her mind and wake her. Soft footsteps approached in the hallway. By the sound, Kyree knew who came into the room. Kyree turned her head to watch Dr. Crusher.
'Why aren't you asleep.' Crusher asked coming over to her bed and smiling down at Kyree.
'The sounds, keep me awake.' Kyree answered. The doctor crossed the room and picked up a hypo spray. She pressed it against Kyree's neck.
'You need to sleep. This should help.' Before the Dr. could reach the doorway, Kyree had succumbed to the drug and was fast asleep.
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Barclay kept watching the door, nervously expecting Kyree to show up. Usually she was here earlier than this. A dreadfully hopeless feeling seeped into Barclay. She must have hated last night. Kyree must have been glad to get back to her cabin. Barclay berated himself for thinking that a woman like Kyree would ever be interested in him. He turned back to his job. His spirit was desolated.
"Morning Reg.' Geordi strolled in to Engineering. The chief Engineer went the main terminal viewer and started through his daily checklist. He noticed the Lt. had not answered. 'Good Morning Lt.' Geordi said louder.
'Oh, ah hi, Commander.' Barclay swallowed hard. The word good stuck in his throat. He couldn't think of anything good about this morning. He hurried to finish his task. It would be better if he weren't here when Kyree came in.
Geordi studied Barclay for a moment. Something was bothering the man. He absentmindedly glanced back at the list of crew assigned to engineering today. Geordi saw Kyree's name on the medical list. He called up the cause. His eyebrows raised in surprise.
'Is Kyree all right? Reg' Geordi turned to see the Lt. almost bolt at the question.
'WWWWhat do you mean? I.I.I didn't touch her.' Barclay fumbled with the P.A.D in his hands until he dropped it. It clattered on the floor as he tried pick it up.
'I don't know what you are talking about. But she's on sick call. Says She and Worf knocked heads.' Geordi told him.
'What??' Barclay paled. 'I.I.I don't know anything about that. I..I.I left her at her cabin about 2300 hours.' His eyes were wide with worry 'I..I..I thought she went to bed.'
'Evidently not. Worf was testing her security rating. Records says it was just an accident.' Geordi had turned back to his screen to hide his grin over Barclay's open concern.
'Is she still in Sickbay?' Barclay put the PAD on the worktop.
'I don't think so.' Geordi looked at Barclay hard. 'Reg, you really like her, don't you?' Would he admit it? Geordi wondered.
Barclay stammered a half denial until he saw Geordi wasn't buying it. 'Wwwwell, yea, I don't know her very well though...'
Geordi started laughing. 'Sounds like you've got it bad.' He clapped Barclay on the shoulder. 'Take off, Go see her.' Geordi gave him a little push. Barclay did not have to be told twice. Half way to the door, he turned.
'Commander, Thanks.' Geordi nodded at him.
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Dr. Crusher discharged Kyree to her quarters. The computer had told Barclay to find her there. Nervously her rang to enter. Kyree opened the door. Her smile of welcome relieved the concern that he had.
'Please come in.' Kyree wasn't sure if she should call him by his rank or first name at this point. His steps were uncertain as he entered.
'I.I.I heard about your injury. A…And I just wanted to see if you were all right.' Barclay thought he could see a slight bruise still one her forehead.
'I am fine. It was nothing.' Kyree said.
'Good.' Barclay could not think of anything else to say. 'I'm glad.' He felt his face get hot. Barclay closed his eyes and sighed, wishing he wasn't so inept about everything.
'Do you feel alright, Lt?' Kyree peered into his face, confused.
Barclay's eyes snapped open. 'I'm fine...Just fine.' He backed away into the hall. 'I'm glad you're fine too. Good day, Kyree.'
He turned on his heels and fled down the hall, leaving a bewildered Oradican behind. He reached his quarters and retreated inside. He leaned against the nearest bulkhead resisting the urge to pound his head against it. Dejectedly Barclay moved around his room. He splashed water on his face hoping it would make him feel better. Finally he sank into a soft chair feeling as if he could cry. His imagination fed the depression. Why couldn't he even talk to her? She must think him really pathetic. What woman wouldn't? Barclay closed his eyes to his torment and soon fell asleep in the chair.
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A small group of mostly fellow actors stood to watch the rehearsal of the main characters. They had learned Dr. Crusher was a perfectionist, but most began to suspect something after numerous repetitions of the kissing scenes. Troi sat in the back wondering when Beverly would give up. Neither Kyree nor Barclay would relax enough to enjoy the contact. Eventually the Dr. let them go. Troi slipped down to talk with her.
'Aren't you over doing it just a little?' She asked to Beverly's back. When the Dr. had seen Troi, she had pointedly turned to busy herself with something.
'What do you mean?' Beverly turned slightly but didn't meet the councilor's eyes.
'You know exactly what I mean, Beverly.' Deanna retorted and followed the doctor as she tried to avoid her questioning.
Relenting Beverly shrugged and said. 'They both need a little push to get started.'
'A little push maybe but you're shoving very hard.' Deanna admonished.
'O.k. Okay, I'll back off. But I tell you they are meant for each other.' Beverly left Deanna with exasperated look on her face that turned into a sighing laugh.
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Kyree reported to engineering later in the evening since she had missed her morning shift. Geordi watched her more than usual for normal observation of a new crewmember. He noticed her ears flicked sounds he had to really tune in to hear. Her mood seemed subdued. He shrugged to himself at the observation. Kyree didn't talk much. It was hard to tell. He didn't know her well enough to tell if something bothered her. Geordi looked away as Kyree glanced over her shoulder at him. The engineer felt his face warm at getting caught staring at her. The young woman rose from her station and came to the terminal beside him.
'You do good work, Ensign.' Geordi commented. Kyree's ears flicked.
'Thank you, Commander.' Kyree had looked intently into his face for a second, like she wanted to question something but decided not ask.
Geordi gave her an opening. 'Everything going alright for you?'
'In engineering? Yes. It is good work.' Kyree said carefully.
'Good. I heard you are in a play with Lt. Barclay. Do you like it?' Nothing like beating the bush a little, Geordi thought.
'Yes, I am. It is The Taming of the Shrew, by William Shakespeare.' Her ears flattened in memory of the rehearsal she had just come from. 'It is difficult. I do not understand much.'
'Shakespeare, isn't easy when you understand the language completely.' Geordi agreed, knowing that wasn't what she meant.
'I know the story.' Kyree swallowed hard. She glanced several times at her commanding officer, wondering about the familiarity that threatened. At the academy, officers wanted only what they asked about. No embellishments or excuses, just the facts were required. This conversation fit nowhere in Kyree's experiences.
Geordi stopped what he was doing and looked full face at the young officer. 'Humans on the other hand are a lot harder to figure out.' He finished for her.
The kindness on Geordi's face made her relax and smile slightly. 'You are right. I do no understand much of human behavior.' Kyree nodded.
'Ensign, You aren't the only one that doesn't. If you don't understand something just ask. Most people would explain things to you.' Geordi told her.
'I know. But at times, I do not know enough to ask the right questions.' Kyree said quietly.
'Keep asking anyway. It's the only way to learn.' Geordi decided to let the subject drop. If she wanted to continue it would be up to her. He turned back to his panel.
'Yes, Sir, I will.' Kyree sighed in relief. She went back to her work.
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Cards slid across the table as Data dealt another hand of draw poker. Geordi and Worf dominated the night's winnings. Troi kept trying but Riker was good at guessing the strength of her cards. Bets were placed. Data asked for the number of cards each player wanted.
Geordi took two. Then commented. 'Ensign Kyree seems no worse for wear after your collision with her, Worf.'
'Good.' Worf said gruffly. The Klingon would like to forget the incident.
'Barclay about had a heart attack when he heard about her getting hurt.' Geordi called the present bet.
'Barclay?' Riker tapped his cards on the table and looked at them again. They had not changed. He folded.
'Not you too, Geordi?' Deanna stared at him.
'Me too what?'
'Beverly is doing enough trying to push them together.' She told him.
'All I know is that Reg has it bad for her.' Geordi watched the chips as she called.
'Really?' Deanna had felt Barclay's self-consciousness but with him it was hard to tell what he was anxious about.
'Yea the sad thing is I don't think he knows what to do. Especially with Kyree not understanding much about humans. I just hope they don't give up before they give it a chance.' Geordi frowned when Data raised the bet. Worf grumbled but called the raise. Geordi put his chips in too.
Mmm Maybe I should talk to Kyree again.' Troi said thoughtfully.
'BET.' Worf growled. Troi flinched but smiled at the Klingon as she called.
'Full house.' Data showed his hand. 'Eights over threes'
'Full house.' Worf sneered. 'Jacks over fives'
'Beats mine.' Geordi tossed his cards down.
'Straight flush.' Troi flourished her cards on the table. 'Finally.' She said with glee as she raked in her winnings.
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'Kyree! Wait up.' Troi almost had to break into a trot to catch up to the lanky woman. Her words stopped Kyree's forward movement. The woman paused for the Councilor. Troi smiled. 'You walk fast.' Kyree simply nodded to the shorter woman and waited for her to speak. 'If you are heading for Ten-Forward, I'd like to join you for a drink.'
'I did not intend to go there.' Kyree said then noticed Troi's smile vanished. 'I will join you if you wish.' She added kindly.
'Yes, I would really like talk with you. I might be able to help you with some things.' Troi led the way to the lounge. For over thirty minutes the councilor explained the ins and outs of men and women. Troi slowly began to realize Kyree knew absolutely nothing as far as interacting with men. Dread spread over Troi as she dug herself into a deep pit of ifs and buts. She felt Kyree's confusion increase. Troi watched the woman give a big sigh.
'I appreciate your help councilor.' Kyree said in an obviously automatically response.
'I'm afraid I haven't been much help. Have I?' Troi looked the woman in the face. Kyree shrugged. 'I know it is all confusing. Kyree, I normally don't give advice about specific people but I do think I could help you with Reg.' Troi was rewarded by Kyree sharp look into her eyes.
'I do not think he is the right one. We kissed at rehearsals. And it was worse than when the males at the academy did it.' Kyree said sadly
Troi shook her head. 'Kyree, don't judge that kiss. It wasn't Reg kissing you or you kissing Reg. Try it again, when you are alone. I think you'll notice a big difference.' She saw a small window of hope open in Kyree's face.
'I don't know. He has not talked to me since the rehearsal.' Kyree frowned. 'I don't think he likes me that way.'
'Yes Kyree he does. Believe me. I do know that much.'
'But he seems uneasy around me.' Kyree stated.
'He's probably scared to death. Kyree, this is new to Reg too. I don't think he's ever felt as strongly about anyone.' Troi leaned forward. 'Be patient with him. It will take time for him to take the initiative.'
Kyree looked thoughtful. 'The male must be in the lead? It is not proper for the female to start?' She asked.
'You may frighten him but it might work with Reg. He does value honesty.' Troi watched Kyree sigh again. 'You'll never know until you try.'
Kyree looked up to the door as if seeing through it to Barclay's cabin. 'This is true.'
Troi left. Kyree needed privacy to figure out her plan. Kyree couldn't sit still. She roamed the halls in deliberation of all the things the Councilor had told her. Abruptly she came to a halt.
'Computer where is Lt. Barclay?' Kyree asked.
'Lt. Barclay is in the observation room.'
'Is he alone?' The computer response confirmed this.
Kyree soon arrived at the door. It opened and she entered slowly. Allowing her eyes to adjust to the low light level. She saw Barclay sitting on the edge of the bay windows. He reminded her of herself as she would stare out into space in Ten-Forward. She watched him for signs that indicated he knew of her presence. He had not noticed her entry. Kyree glanced at the reflection of his face in the window glass. So sad, she thought. She wondered if she had caused him such pain. Frozen, not sure if she should continue her approach, Kyree felt less confident in her chosen plan. She almost turned and left but a hard learned lesson had taught her problems usually get worse if you don't confront them. And at least she would know. There would be no nagging doubt. Kyree took a deep breath to steady her unsure voice.
'Lt, May I speak with you?'
Barclay jumped at the broken silence. He sprang to his feet and banged his head on the viewing port. Quickly Kyree was at his side.
'Did you injure yourself?' She asked touching his arm that was rubbing the red mark on his forehead.
'Nnno, I I I'm fffine.' Barclay stammered as he allowed her to pull his hand down to see. 'It's nothing really.'
Kyree gently touched the small lump appearing. 'You may have a bruise. Perhaps we should get something cold on it to keep the swelling down.'
Barclay barely heard her speak. Being so close to her, as she touched his face left him totally dazed. Her fingers were warm and soft on his face. His fingers acted on their own as they cautiously wrapped around her hand that still held it. Boldly Barclay looked into her eyes. It shocked him to see the years in her eyes did not match her physical age. These eyes weren't a young woman's. They had seen too much. Or felt too little. The fingers touching his face drifted down to his eyes. She lightly traced his brow line.
'Your eyes are pretty.' Kyree smiled. Reg blushed but managed to answer.
'Yours are too.'
A larger smile flashed on her face for only an instant. 'My mother said they are like my father's.' Her voice held a strange detached tone to it. Kyree dropped her hand from his face.
The spell broken Barclay remembered her question. 'WWhat did you want to talk to me about?' Kyree sighed. Her questions seemed so far away now. She dropped her gaze to the floor and realized he still held her hand. The sight gave her fortitude to try.
'Reg, I wish you to understand. I do not know much about the way human males and females select mates.' Kyree saw Reg turn red again. 'Do you mind if I am straight forward with my questions?' She tested.
'N..no Not at all.' Reg tried to keep lightness in his cracking voice.
A frown crossed Kyree's face. She met his eyes. 'I do not understand your response. You say one thing but you really feel the opposite. Is that not true?' The Oradican studied him as he answered.
'N..no, Well.' Reg stuttered trying to explain. 'Not the opposite. I.,.I will admit, I'm not very comfortable with certain questions but I do want to answer anything I can for you, Kyree.'
'Oh, See I read your actions totally wrong. I thought after today's rehearsal, you avoided me. You must not have cared for the kissing. Is that correct?' Kyree asked.
An almost gasping sigh escaped from Reg. 'Kyree it's so hard to answer that. I...I...wanted to kiss you. Bbbut with all those people there and everything...it just didn't turn out right.'
'You wanted to kiss me?' Kyree smiled at Reg. He nodded and gently squeezed her hand. 'Do you wish to kiss me now?' She persisted. Barclay was even more astonished when he felt himself nod in an astounded daze. She stepped closer. Barclay felt the warmth from her body spread through to his pounding heart. With little hesitation, Kyree softly kissed his lips. As their kiss ended, Barclay felt her lips smile. The surges of desire gave him courage to pursue her lips for a more passionate kiss. Reluctantly he released his claim on Kyree's lips. Her eyes held a look of wonder as they gazed at each other.
'Now, I know why humans kiss.' Kyree's breath was still a little short. 'With the right person, in the right place, it is exhilarating.' Barclay spirits soared as he breathed in her looks. Her face flush with excitement, he could hardly believe this was real. And happening to him. He wanted to take her in his arms and crush her to him. But he was afraid he would scare her away. Barclay took both her hands in his.
'K...Kyree, I..I care for you.' His words seemed so shallow, so inadequate of the feeling he felt towards her. But her warm look of infatuation made him want to laugh in delight.
'I care for you, Reg.' Kyree said smiling broader in response to his. 'I feel like I have known you for always. But I know so little about you.'
'There is not much to tell… We could go to the arboretum and talk.' Reg suggested.
'Could we not stay here?' Kyree looked out at the stars. They seemed brighter than when she had first come in. 'We could sit and watch the stars and talk.'
'I...I would like that too.' Reg smiled shyly. 'As long as I'm with you it doesn't matter where I am.' Still holding her hands Reg led Kyree to the viewing port and helped her get comfortable. He settled on the ledge beside her. Into the hours of early morning, they talked. Telling each other about their lives, their dreams. Breaking the spell, Commander La Forge's annoyed voice came over the con panel.
'Lt Barclay, report to engineering.' Barclay gasped. 'Oh god, what time is it? I'm late...' He had jumped to his feet to rush off. He turned to Kyree not wanting to leave in such a rush.
'Lt Barclay, respond.' His commander's tone was not happy.
Barclay tapped his communicator. 'On my way, Commander.' He held his hand out to Kyree. 'I have to go.'
'I know. We talked too long. You did not get any rest.' She pushed herself off the window ledge.
'I feel fine. I'll see you after my shift, Ok?' He waited for her nod. Turning on his heels, he headed for engineering almost at a run. For once he didn't care if LaForge or Riker or even the Captain chewed him out for being late. He would have even faced Worf.
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The Enterprise arrived into Latrol system. Twice as large as earth's solar system, twenty planets orbits the twin red stars. The majority were no more than large masses of rock. Four planets regularly erupted spewing fumes and smoke into the hazy surrounding atmosphere. Giving a hint of the turbulence and chaos beneath kilometers of frozen gasses.
As their ancestors were drawn to climb the mountains and cross the oceans, the humans on the Enterprise felt as compelled to explore space. Seven planets beckoned. The tantalizing incomplete data from the deep space probe trifled with their imaginations. Capable of supporting carbon based humanoid life forms was all the first probe sent back. The following probe confirmed this information and added it's tidbit, no intelligent life detectable.
Picard had first considered dropping two away teams on two different planets. Putting the Enterprise in a position to help either if necessary. The away team leaders agreed the surveys would go quicker. However, they convinced him the risk would be too great. The first two landings had gone with out incident. From the descriptions of the two planets, lush and beautiful, Picard was tempted to lead an away team. He sighed, not that Riker would let him go down first. He would have to wait until Riker considered it 'safe' enough for the Captain of the Enterprise.
With Riker, Data and Worf on the third planet, Picard sat on duty in his command chair. Unfamiliar forms filled opps and con. Picard was use to hearing Worf's grumbling sigh from time to time. The chief of security placed Ensign Kyree on bridge duty in his absence. Not a footstep or even a bored breathy sigh came from the station. Picard resisted the temptation to glance back at the Ensign to see if she was still there. He pulled his display over to watch some of the reports come in and to occupy is mind. Much like the first two planets, Picard noted, as he read the first few lines.
'Captain Picard, ' Kyree's voice behind him almost made him jump. 'I am finding minute traces of plaraium in the atmosphere.' Picard turned in his chair to face her.
'Interesting, Ensign. Why should security be involved in atmospheric analyses?'
'I have been looking for evidence of other space ships. Sir.' Kyree said. I have found it.' Her ears flicked nervously as she spoke, but she continued. 'Only the second planet from the stars has any plaraium on it. Logic concludes it was brought here by something.'
'It could have been a meteor or merely stellar matter drift. You only found trace particles of it.' Picard said, closely watching the young officer.
'I check both possibilities, Sir, no signs of a recent meteor activity. And the second planet is in the wrong position for it's debris to end up on this planet. Also the traces are too localized to be stellar drift.'
Interested in her find, Picard rose to join Kyree at the tactical station. She flipped through the data for him. He nodded in admiration of her research.
'Ensign? What made you think there might be something to look for?' Picard looked her in the eye. She seemed uncomfortable by the direct stare but Kyree did not back down.
'This star system hardly seems to be a natural occurrence. I felt as security, my job would be to see if others had been here.' Kyree stared at his hazel green eyes with an uneasy feeling. Picard smiled slightly.
'I wondered that myself. Good work Ensign,' he reached out and patted her hand resting on the console. Involuntarily Kyree jerked her hand away and dropped her eyes to the console.
Fearing he had offended her, Picard apologized. 'I'm sorry Ensign. Carry on with your analysis.' He left the station. He returned to his command chair wondering about the woman standing behind him. Kyree stared at the spot he had touched then glanced at the man, disorient in her thoughts and feelings.