New Republic Base

Jakku

Thane's squadron finally returned from their eight day mission into the unknown regions. He had three things on his mind: The refresher, Ciena, sleep. He "refreshed" as fast as he could and rushed to the DF. At the very least, I can see her for a moment to say I'm back and will see her tomorrow.

After checking in at the guard station, he hurried down the corridor. He rounded the corner to find Ciena sleeping. The sight of her so small, her face so soft and relaxed, her hair covering the pillow – it was beautiful.

He quietly approached the energy field and pulled up the stool. He sat with his chin in his palms and felt an ache rising in him alongside the relief. Ciena was sleeping, which was progress. Her color looked better and he was sure she had a subtle grin on her face. As she slowly breathed in and out, Thane tried to match his breathing with hers. He closed his eyes and imagined he was lying next to Ciena, only not here on her small cot.

They were in his room in Valentia. They were finally going to make love. Though neither had spoken it aloud, there was an understanding that it would be the first time for them both. Thane remembered everything. From the slow removal of their clothing, to his taking the sheet and wrapping Ciena in it to protect her modesty.

She smiled in a way he had never seen her smile before, and he liked it very, very much. Still standing, Ciena pressed herself against Thane. She reached around his waist, leaving the sheet hanging loosely from her shoulders. He slowly allowed the sheet to fall, tracing its descent down her back with his fingertips on her soft skin. He continued until it extended beyond his grasp and it dropped to the floor. He lifted her as if she were a feather and gently set her on his bed with her head on a pillow. He had difficulty looking down... lower than her neckline. He always smiled when he thought about it. How did we ever get the courage to cross that line? He wondered.

Ciena's hand cupped his cheek, and her other hand took his and placed his palm on her abdomen. From there began the most exciting, daring, courageous flight they'd ever taken together. It amazed Thane how natural it was.

He forced himself to leave his reverie to embrace the present. It was a challenge. He could sit here all night and relive the two times they'd made love. Sure, having Ciena only feet away, yet completely out of his reach, was frustrating. Blast, this is impossible! Thane reminded himself that the alternative would have been much worse. We have a future, Ciena. However difficult waiting becomes, we have a future.

Ciena continued to remain asleep in her restful position and Thane would not wake her. He stood, placed his hand against the energy shield, and whispered the most honest and true thing he knew to exist in the Galaxy.

"I love you Ciena Ree. In every way." And as he walked away, he couldn't imagine a better visit... with an energy field separating them, that is.