*****

The warm sun soaked into her bones and she delicately nibbled her food—a tasty dish of seasoned Crelian mushrooms, smoked trout and Relasian couscous with a side of refreshing melon. She moaned as he fed her his specialty "spiced cinnamon Baloran fruits" and he laughed when she had grabbed the fork and eagerly ate two more pieces.

"You're trying to fatten me up," she told him and he shook his head.

"No," he gave her a grin, "My mother always said that the way to a woman's heart was with great food and pleasant conversation."

"She was a wise woman."

"She was."

"Tell me about her," Nyota gently asked and he smiled.

"She was gentle, rather like you," he reminisced, "Her name was Lyanna. She had met my father while he was on a mission. She had been a slave to a Minician ruler when his team liberated her."

"Oh,' Nyota gasped, "I'm sorry I didn't know--,"

"It's okay. My father and mother spent many, many wonderful years together after that. Unfortunately they had no other children but I. She died seven years ago from an embolism."

"I'm so sorry Dimitri--,"

"Don't be," he smiled sadly, "After all, she led a very full and robust life. That is nothing to regret."

"Where is your father?" Nyota inquired.

"He is retired now, and writes books, mostly academic. He recently wrote a book on Pre-Glacian Frelian Societies,"

Nyota gasped.

"I love that book!," Nyota told him excitedly, "I've read it three times. That's the only book I could find on Frelian cultures. He's brilliant."

"I will tell him you said so," Dimitri chuckled, "But I don't think he will believe you. He tends to be a very humble person."

They lounged on the warm grass for a time before Nyota spoke. "Dimitri, if we don't make it through this, I just want you to know--,"

He silenced her with a kiss then he said, "Shh, don't talk so. Let us enjoy one another."

She said nothing for a moment and then broke the silence.

"I saw your request," she turned to him, "To be on the away team with us."

He nodded. "Yes, of course, I would be very happy to go."

She paused, a sense of disquiet growing within her.

"You want to go? You realize this is dangerous?"

"I have been on many dangerous missions with Starfleet. This will be no different. Besides, you need me there, I now know the ship very well and how the drones work," he shrugged, "Also, I have experience in combat. I can protect myself and my team."

Two sides warred within her. She felt her obligation to Starfleet but also a growing need to—keep him safe.

"I will be fine, bella, mon petit cherie," he assured her, noting the tension in her eyes.

She said nothing as she pulled him close, kissing him until she languid with desire.

******

A/N: I have a feeling that sexy times are ahead….

Bella=Beautiful

Mon Petit Cherie= My little sweet (french endearment)