The Pip

Posted on Sun May 30th, 2021 @ 8:36pm by Nicholas 'Nick' DeMarco & Captain Maia Sterling

Mission: The Thorion Conundrum Mission Brief
Location: Quarters of Captain Maia Sterling
Timeline: TBD

Nick had finished his set in the lounge and stopped off at ship's stores to procure the black and gold rank pip Maia had asked for. Maia had put in her recommendation for Lieutenant Blake to be promoted a month ago and the orders had finally arrived. The only ones on the ship in the know were Maia, her yeoman and himself. It was supposed to be a surprise bestowed during the Embassy Opening Ceremony on Thorion IV, but recent events had put an indefinite hold on the ceremony. He arrived at Maia's door and rang the chime.

"Enter" Maia said.cup

Nick noticed first that Maia looked absolutely exhausted from the stress of the last few days. He stepped inside and embraced her gently before taking her hand and guiding her to the couch. "Sit. Relax. Let me get you something."

"Good idea red leaf tea please. So to what do I owe the pleasure of your company, Nick?"

Nick stepped over to the replicator and returned a moment later with her tea. He set the cup on the table before taking a seat next to her. He gently turned her away and started to slowly and firmly rub her shoulders. "I have overheard conversations in the lounge. A kidnapping at the embassy, survey team taken captive on the third planet, one person recovered but now in a coma from injuries on the survey mission. I thought you might need a little down time to relax."

"It's been one of those days, Nick." Maia said sipping her tea.

"Mmmm Thanks." She said.

"All those rumors are true. Lt. Brannon was apparently kidnapped, I have two crewman who were abducted by I am assuming the Orion syndicate or some like organization. I've organized a rather large fleet to sweep the asteroid field of pirates. I've got Lt. Somers ready to deploy a search and rescue (SAR) team as soon as we locate their base or ship of operation. and on top of all that I still have to finish building the Embassy. All in a days work for a starship captain." Maia said.

Nick slid Maia around on the couch so he was sitting behind her. He slowly began to rub and kneed her shoulders. "It seems to me that you need to find something to claim as a victory or a cause to celebrate."

"I always get tense before a battle this is supposed to be a ship of peace, but no matter what happens or how close we get to those ideals, someone always wants to get I the way of that, so much so that they are willing to hurt other people or damage someone else's property to meet there agenda. They don't want to talk they just want to cause discord. I suppose it has always been like this throughout history." Maia said.

"That does feel good. You are always so good at helping me take my mind off my problems." Maia said.

"My job is easy. I sing and give folks little distraction from the daily stress of serving in a dangerous profession." Nick's hands worked down Maia's back. "I spoke with Natalie earlier today. She said that you put Ryan in for a promotion last month following you making him Second Officer. She also said that Starfleet Command sent his promotion order this morning. Perhaps when he wakes up...."

"I really need to go down and see him, I'm hoping those neural inhibitors didn't do any lasting damage to him. He needs his rest not more stress. If I know Mr Blake he will blame himself for being captured, He was the leader of the away team. It wasn't his fault but it is in his nature to assume responsibility." Maia said.

Nick nodded in agreement with Maia's assessment of Ryan. "Your probably correct. Hopefully he will have a speedy recovery."

"I hope he does. I depend on him and his strategic vision quite a bit. I also hope that we will be able to rescue our missing crew." Maia said.

Nick nodded slowly as he worked the tension out of Maia's neck and shoulders. "I know COB thinks very highly of the young man."

"The Senior Chief has been in a long time, and is one of the best enlisted men I have ever served with, He really knows his stuff too. It was partially based on his recommendation that I put in a promotion packet for him." Maia replied.

Nick stopped his massage for a moment to wrap his arms around Maia. "You look after your crew and that's one of the main things I love about you."

"Is that all you love about me? After all a good captain is supposed to look after her crew." Maia replied.

Nick turned Maia around to face him, looking deep into her eyes. He realized this was the first time he had used the L Word. He took a deep breath. "I love you because you are a beautiful person." He gently caressed her face. "I am not talking about here..." His hand moved to her bosom. "...but what here. Your looking out for your crew is just a fraction of what is in your heart. Maia Sterling, you're the most compassionate, kind-hearted person I have ever met. That's why I love you."

"I love you for exactly the same reasons." Maia replied.

Nick pulled Maia into a very long, very deep kiss. Their passion and hunger for one another building as their heartbeats increased.

"I had a feeling you would be a good kisser." Maia said after she broke the very passionate kiss.

Nick winked at her. "Not the only thing I am good at my beautiful Captain."

We shall see She said seductively.

"Computer dim the lights 80 percent".

"Spend the night"? Maia asked.

[End]


-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

A post by

Captain Maia Sterling
USS Leto NCC 80916
Commanding Officer

&

Nicholas DeMarco
USS Leto NCC-80916
Lounge Singer