I apologize for taking so long to update. I'm afraid real-life and my muse got in the way.
Seven and Harren are bound up in discussion about Ambassador Spock's sling shot around the sun theory when the lights go out.
"What did you people do this time?"
"Mr. Harren that is not an appropriate manner in which to address your superiors."
This is Commander Chakotay to all crew members. Please remain where you are while repair crews sort out our power situation. Chakotay out.
Seven pulls a portable lantern out of the emergency supply closet. "I think it would be best if we continued our discussion."
"Not that it's going to do us a lot of good with the way repairs are going."
Seven gives him a pointed look.
"As I was saying the sling shot method gives us the best shot."
"We have no way of knowing the exact mass of Voyager."
"Ambassador Spock didn't know the exact mass of his ship either."
"The Borg developed a method that was much more precise, but it requires a transwarp conduit."
"We can't create a trans-warp conduit."
"That presents a problem," Seven paces for a moment, "Perhaps the sling shot theory deserves a second look."
"Charles, this is a surprise," Margaret exclaims, quickly letting him into his tent.
"Mumsy's package arrived in the mail yesterday."
Margaret wasn't going to comment on Mumsy when he was offering food, "Here let me clear a space."
They don't speak much as the gourmet canned food is set out. They have eaten one too many meals in the mess hall to be interrupted by diner conversation.
"Thank you, Charles" Margaret beams, sitting back, her stomach full.
"I'm glad you enjoyed yourself."
The silence begins to become awkward.
"I brought a book of poetry."
"That sounds nice."
He slides his chair over to sit next to her. His voice sensually enunciates every word and Margaret soon becomes enthralled with his voice. Charles wraps his arm around Margaret whispering in her ear. Margaret grasps, "Charles." He puts the book down and turns toward her.
The first kiss is tentative and then gives way to passion. Margaret breaking the lip-lock, looks at him dreamily- the moment is broken by a knock on the door.
"Major Houlihan."
"It's Carmichael," she whispers. Margaret quickly checks herself in the mirror before squeezing out the door.
"Sorry to disturb you, Major, but I need these signed."
Margaret quickly glances at the reports and signs off on them.
"Thank you, Major. Have a good night," Carmichael continues on her way.
Margaret reenters her tent, "I think you had better go."
Charles looks disappointed, "If that's what you want."
"No, but I want this to be real," she responds hoping that he will understand her meaning.
"Of course," Charles grins and gives her a final kiss good-bye.
TBC
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