Can We Dance? You Bet We Can!

Posted on Fri Mar 24th, 2023 @ 10:33am by Lieutenant JG Jason Danvers [Taylor] & Lieutenant JG Alana Balfour [Whavi]

Mission: MISSION 0 - History Speaks
Location: Holodeck 1
Timeline: After Camping Trip Part 2
3500 words - 7 OF Standard Post Measure

Jason was in the holodeck, he had left Lana a note to join him. He had news, big news he still couldn't believe hence why he was in the holodeck, specifically the Starlight Room dancing to King's Harvest "Dancing in The Moonlight."

We get it on most every night
And when that ol' moon gets so big and bright
It's a supernatural delight
Everybody was dancing in the moonlight

[Verse 2]
Everybody here is out of sight
They don't bark and they don't bite
They keep things loose, they keep things light
Everybody was dancing in the moonlight



[Chorus]
Dancing in the moonlight
Everybody's feeling warm and bright
It's such a fine and natural sight
Everybody's dancing in the moonlight

[Verse 3]
We like our fun and we never fight
You can't dance and stay uptight
It's a supernatural delight
Everybody was dancing in the moonlight

[Chorus]
Dancing in the moonlight
Everybody's feeling warm and bright
It's such a fine and natural sight
Everybody's dancing in the moonlight

[Verse 2]
Everybody here is out of sight
They don't bark and they don't bite
They keep things loose, they keep things light
Everybody was dancing in the moonlight

[Outro]
Everybody's dancing in the moonlight
Everybody's feeling warm and bright
It's such a fine and natural sight
Everybody's dancing in the moonlight (everybody)
Dancing in the moonlight
Everybody's feeling warm and bright
It's such a fine and natural sight
Everybody's dancing in the moonlight
Everybody's dancing in the moonlight
Everybody's feeling warm and bright
It's such a fine and natural sight
Everybody's dancing in the moonlight (everybody)
Dancing in the moonlight
Everybody's feeling warm and bright
It's such a fine and natural sight
Everybody's dancing in the moonlight

He danced and spun, jumped and twisted, he was sooooo happy. No, he was beyond happy. He was deliriously happy. He was over the moon happy. It was almost as good a feeling as falling in love with Lana. Almost. He danced more, working up a thin sheen on perspiration on his face. He needed Lana here to complete the routine and until she arrived, he danced alone.

Lana entered the holodeck with a bright smile. Instantly she was in another world. One where she could spend night after night dancing in the arms of her partner Jason. She almost ran to the holodeck when she received Jason's note. Hoping they would be dancing tonight. When she caught sight of him, the light shinning off the sweat coating his skin. She hurried closer to him, the length of her dress bellowing out around her as she did.

He was in the mist of a spin when he saw her. "Lana!" He yelled as he finished the spin. "Have I got news for you!" he gushed as he took her in his arms and kissed her. "You won't believe it! I can't believe it! This is so great!" He babbled, not realizing he was just running on. "No, this better than great. What's better than great?" He asked her and waited for her answer.

"Well apparently whatever it is your about to tell me! Spill. What has you so excited?" She hadn't seen Jason this animated about anything before. He was always so calm and collected.

"What? Oh yeah! This." He answered reaching into his back pocket and pulling out the sub space message saying he and Lana had been selected for Starfleet's version of 'So, You Can Dance" and handing it to Lana for her to read.

Alana accepted the message and read it over quickly, "Wait, when did we enter this?" She keeps reading her face scrunched in a confused look.

"I um took the feed from where we were dancing and sent it to the judges for consideration of us being contestants. You aren't mad are you?"

"What?! Mad? Of course not!" A bright smile spread across her glossy lips. "You think were ready for this? Not afraid i'll step on your toes in front of a crowd?" She laughed.

A broad smile crossed Jason's face, "Think? I know we are ready Lana. I am not worried in the least about you stepping on my toes. If you aren't worried about me dropping, you." He bantered back. "You are the finest dancer I have ever seen Lana. you make everything so graceful and effortless. You are a modern Ginger Rogers."

Lana pointed a serious finger at Jason's chest, "You better not drop me!!" She exclaimed.

Jason chuckled. "Lana, my dear Lana. I would never drop you. Jostle you or maybe bobble you but never drop you." He teased her. "Now are you ready to dance? We have a lot of practicing to do."

Elated, Lana nodding yes. "I'm always ready to dance with you Jason." She spoke seriously as she stepped forward reaching up to take his hand in hers. She straightened her back as she did so.

Jason smiled and took her hand in his. His eyes on her bright green ones. As thy began to move he thought back to the camping trip, their love making, Lana's bright smile and infectious laugh and he knew he wanted her by his side and in his life for all the years ahead of them.

"So i'm assuming you have a routine in mind already for this?" Lana asked seeing Jason was clearly deep in a memory. She was half tempted to pick on him to inquire what it was he was thinking about.

"What?" Jason stammered, "A routine, yes I do and old one. the Shorty George." He announced.

"I dont know if I have that one memorized..." Alana bit her lip trying to recall the dance. "Lead me?" She waited for his movements so she could match them and flow across the floor with him. The moves would come to her, she was almost confident she could remember them if she just organically let it happen.

"Wait. Let me set it up." Jason said. "Computer, night club circa 1940s and a big band playing the Shorty George." An instant later they were standing in a night club and the band was playing. "Watch me and mimic my moves to begin with, then we can get into the combo dancing." A he began to dance to the music, his body moving fluidly across the dance floor.

Alana watched intently, bobbing a bit slightly to the music. She paid close attention to the steps Jason took and the movement of his knees. After a few moments she found her place across from him and mirrored the moves he made.

Jason nodded and smiled as Lana mirrored his moves and soon the pair were dancing in perfect union as they glided across the dance floor. Jason felt alive and free dancing with Lana, she was smart and funny, and he loved her with every breath he took.

A proud smile graced Lana's lips the song neared its end. She felt like they were just warming up. Her head was beating faster and eager to keep going.

Jason smiled at her, "I think you have it Lana. heck.I know you have it. Want to run through it again?"

With a wide grin she nodded eagerly. "On your que." She waited for him to signal the restarting of the music and loosened her joints as he did.

Jason smiled at Lana as he got himself in position to begin the dance. He signaled the band to play. When the que came, he sprang into action, his arms and legs moving in unison as he spun and twirled, waiting for Lana to join him.

Lana jumped in right on time, keeping pace with Jason effortlessly. She held a smile on her face but it was a show smile, the only that hid the effort she was putting into remembering the steps and keeping proper timing.

The music ended and Jason moved to Lana, "Lana, are you okay with this routine? We can change it if you have something you think will showcase our talents better."

"Oh my gosh, no. I think this is perfect, and classic!" She wiped a bead of sweat from her forehead with the back of her hand. "Is there a dress code?"

"As long as we aren't dancing naked, we're okay. Why? Have you got something in mind as far as costumes for this?" Jason questioned.

Tapping her bottom lip with the pad of her pointer finger Lana thought for a moment. She responded excitedly, "I'm thinking a dark blue dress with layers of smoky grey. Your attire will be color coordinated to match."

Jason nodded excitedly at Lana's suggestion. "I like that, Lana. I like that very much." He paused for a moment as he had a more important question to ask Lana. "Lana." He began, "How do you feel about us living together? That is you moving in with me?" He then waited for her answer.

Alana's eyes widened at the unexpected question. "I-I haven't really thought about it." She quickly grabbed Jason's hand, "I want to, but give me a few days to think about it?"

"Sure Lana. Take all the time you need." Jason said brightly, hiding his disappointment. *Stupid move Jason! * He mentally admonished himself. *You don't want to scare Lana off.*

Lana saw the disappointment on Jason's face and cursed herself for not being more willing to agree immediately. She pressed her forehead to his, "Hey you, I didn't say no. It's a really big step and I think it should be thought through." She knew that given their choice of career that at any moment things could change drastically, tomorrow wasn't promised.

Jason nodded, what Lana said made sense and he knew it. "I know it's a big step Lana and I apologize for springing it on you. Take the time you need." He said honestly.

"Don't apologize. You have nothing to be sorry for." She smiled, looking intently into his blue eyes. Lana pressed a kiss to Jason's lips pulling him closer to her when she did. "You just want me all to yourself all the time. It's okay you can admit it." She teased.

Before Jason could respond a loud crack of thunder sounded above them. The room darkened and shifted. Bitter cold wind whipped around them carrying sprinkles of water with it. The furniture and dance floor flashed in and out of existence. Lighting lit the now open sky, branching out for just seconds. Its light giving them a glimpse of the storm that was about to engulf them.

Lana grabbed Jason's arm as the floor suddenly gave out beneath them and they were both submerged in freezing dark waters.

Jason's hand tightened around Lana's wrist as the pair fell in dark freezing waters. He gasped as air escaped his lungs at the glacial cold of the water, but he held onto Lana as they struggled to reach the surface.

Fright took hold of Lana's senses as she kicked in an attempt to find the surface. Almost immediately her body was numb due to the cold. Both heels fell off but her dress was hugging her legs making it difficult to kick. The only sure thing was her grip on Jasons arm.

Jason maintained his grip on Lana's arm, or she maintained her grip on his, all he knew for sure was they had hold of each other. He had his eyes open, but the inky blackness obscured his sight as he could barely see Lana right in front of him. He tugged on her arm in an upward motion and began to pull her in what he desperately hoped was the surface.

Lana felt the tug but wasn't sure if it was Jason or the internal waves that was tossing them about. Nevertheless she followed in hopes they would break the surface. She kicked harder, the little air she had salvaged threatening to leave her any second. Bubbles started to escape her tightly pursed lips. She felt the air leave her and for a moment thought there was no hope. Was this still the holodeck or a nightmare?

Just when she felt the last of her hope leaving her head rose above the surface and she gasped for air. The loud thunder and crack of lightening deafening to her ears.

Jason's head broke the surface and he looked wildly about for Lana and in his panic first missed her bobbing alongside him in the turbulent waters. "Lana." he gasped in relief at seeing her. "Are you alright?" He gasped trying to keep his head above the freezing water. Then realized how stupid the question was.

Salt water burned her eyes as Lana tried to look for Jason. There was some light but if it hadn't been for there grip on one another she never would of found him. "Jason." Was all she said before wrapping both arms around him. She flinched when another bolt of lightening brightened the sky followed by immediate booms of thunder.

"Lana." He replied in acknowledgement. as he maintained his tight grip on her for fear of losing her in the cold, rolling swells of the sea. "Do you see any land?" He asked, hoping Lana had spied something in the darkness.

Lana tried to look around but couldn't see anything past the vast dark waves. "Computer, end program." She shouted. The entire simulation paused, including the wind for a total of ten seconds before proceeding its chaos. "Why wont it end? Jason what's going on?"

Jason maintained his hold on Lana, last thing he wanted was for them to become separated. "I don't know Lana." He admitted. "Something is affecting the entire holodeck grid." He paused and gave it a try. "Computer, end program." Nothing just a pause before the waves and the blackness continued.

"This might be a silly question, but we cant die in here can we? There are safety measure rights?" Lana wasn't sure if Jason would know but she needed the reassurance all the same.

"Not a silly question." Jason answered as they bobbed in the waves. "We can't die with the safety measures on." He said with a confidence he didn't feel. and didn't point out if the programming sequence was fouled up, the safety measures could be off. "Just get super waterlogged." He joked weaky.

Lana scowled as the storm raged. The water began to receed, a sign another wave was coming. Lana tightened her grip on Jason as she struggled to keep her head above water. "We can do this forever. Jason..." Her eyes widened at the sight of the wave readying itself to come crashing down on them.

"Stay calm Lana, we'll figure something out." Jason gasped just as a gigantic wave rolled over them, tossing them like ragdolls and causing them to take in the salty sea water. When the wave was past them, Jason was still holding onto Lana. "Maybe we can get the program to change if it won't end." He suggested.

Lana chocked on the water, trying not to swallow but unable to resist as they were tossed about. "Computer! Arch!" She yelled as loud as she could. The thunder overcasting her voice as it rumbled above them. Lana assumed it wouldn't work, and the last ounce of hope she held was crushed when an exit didn't immediately reveal itself. She pulled herself closer to Jason, pressing her head to his as she held back her tears and frustration.

Off in the distance a blue light immerged and a small island formed. The holodeck arch the only thing on the small piece of land. Lana caught site of it over Jason's shoulder and gasped. "Jason, look!" She nodded towards the island behind him. It was a bit of swim but if they stayed strong they should be able to reach it.

Jason turned his head in the direction of Lana's nod. There it was! The holodeck arch! "I see it, Lana! Come on we'll swim toward it together, we'll pace ourselves and we'll be fine." He said reassuringly. At least he hoped it sounded reassuring. He gave her a quick kiss as they floated atop a wave. "Be strong, we'll make it.'' He repeated.

Lana took a deep breath, the salt in the air burning her throat but it meant nothing as her adrenaline began racing. She nodded in agreement with Jason, unbelievably thankful for his optimism and calm demeanor. He was her hero. They started towards the island. Alana's muscles burned within minutes of fighting the waves.

Jason swam with powerful steady strokes and kept an eye on Lana as they fought the waves as well as the sea water they were forced to swallow when a wave caught them. The island was still in the distance, but it seemed to slowly be growing in size. "We're getting closer!" He yelled to her between taking a mouthful of salt water. "Just a little further." He encouraged her.

Alana stopped for a moment trying to catch her breath. Between fighting the waves and swimming towards the island her body was nearing exhaustion. She could see the island, it was right there. She just had to keep swimming. Taking a deep breath she started again, her muscles warm but skin frozen due to the frigid water. She wasn't a quitter, she never gave up, she met every obstacle head on. She wasn't going to let this be her end.

Lana caught a second wind and refused to slow. It took longer then she would have liked but soon her feet kicked sand and she was able to stand.

Jason was focused on one thing. Making sure Lana made it to the island. He focused on the island as it grew steadily larger. His muscles were beginning to feel like lead and the water colder with each stroke he took but he swam on. He had to for Lana, he couldn't leave her alone. Then suddenly, his feet were touching sand! He looked and saw Lana standing a few feet away. "We made it."

He tried to stand but instead fell to his knees as he sucked in a big breath of fresh air without having to worry about swallowing any salt water.

Lana was holding her self up with her hands on her knees, half bent trying to catch her breath. Her body ached all over, a tiredness she wasn't used to. She looked over to see Jason fall to the sand. She straightened slowly. The heavy wet skirts of her dress slowed her down when she made to move towards him. She gathered the drenched fabric in her arms and took the few steps to his side. She lowered herself down to her knees in front of him and wrapped her arms around his neck in a tight embrace.

Jason's arms came up as he wrapped them around Lana in a hug. He kissed her softly then more urgently as he brought a hand up and gently caressed her face. "Lana," He whispered, "My precious Lana. Are you alright?" He asked as he continued to hold. press against her. He was sore and he hurt but he was overjoyed Lana was safe. She was all that mattered. He fell back on the sand and brought her down with him. He turned his face to look at her, "I love you, Lana. I love you so very much." He stopped and a weary grin came to his face. "Last time I use the holodeck for a while." He commented.

Lana let her muscles soften when he brought them to the sand. Her skin was still frigid and wrinkly from the over exposure to the water. "I suggest dancing in the comfort of our own quarters for the foreseeable future...."

He looked up at Lana, suddenly very tired and very much aware that he could have lost Lana due to a malfunctioning holodeck. He nodded his head wearily,
" A suggestion I very much agree with and support Lana."

"Come on, "Lana stood weakly but determined to exit the holodeck. "Let's get out of here before this evil holoprogram changes its mind."

Jason got to his feet and stood beside Lana. "Yes, let's not tally. I've got a bridge shift later on and I'll report this malfunction." he looked over at Lana, "Are you sure you are alright?"

“I plan to take a long hot shower to warm up, but other than just tired I’m fine.” She gave Jason a reassuring smile and took his hand in hers. “Do you want to grab a meal after your shift?”

Jason's face showed a happy but tired smile. "That is a great idea, Lana. I'd love to grab a meal with you after my shift. Getting a long how shower sounds good as well, but I don't have that luxury. It will a quick dash under the water then onto the bridge." He gave her a kiss as they left the holodeck. I'll see you after my shift."