A Sight for Sore Eyes

Posted on Thu Jun 22nd, 2023 @ 12:43am by Lieutenant JG Alana Balfour [Whavi] & Lieutenant JG Jason Danvers [Taylor]

Mission: Season 6: Episode 2: Survival
Location: Shuttle Cave
Timeline: MD 6
2127 words - 4.3 OF Standard Post Measure

Jason was in one of the shuttles. He was doing a system check as well as performing routine maintenance on it. However, his thoughts were elsewhere and on someone dear to him. That person was Lana. He missed her terribly. After their ordeal on the holodeck and then the disaster that had deposited them here. He had been unable to find her. he knew she was alright and uninjured as she wasn't in the medical tent or on any casualty report. The thought that she was alright comforted him but it had been 6 days without seeing her, seeing her bright
sunshine of a smile that could light up a whole room. or hearing her infectious laugh. He sighed and shook his head, he needed to work on the shuttle's systems. He needed to concentrate on that task, but Lana was on his mind and occupying his thoughts. "I will find you and we'll have a reunion to remember even if it is on this popsicle of a planet."

Having finally completed her duties for the security department Lana went searching. She knew it was hopeful to find Jason at the makeshift common area but it was where she started regardless. There she ran into an ensign she had seen Jason speak with at ten forward during one of their nights unwinding after their shifts. He informed her the last he heard Lieutenant Danvers was working on shuttle maintenance.

The small piece of information made her smile and her heart flutter. The past days she hadn't given herself the chance to dwell on his well being in fear she wouldn't be able to perform her duties if anything untoward had become of him.

When she approached the shuttle she did so quietly, usually difficult but the wind was louder tonight disguising her steps. She could hear mumbling from inside as she slipped closer to the entrance. When she was just outside the doorway she could see his back was to her. She took a deep breath as her chest finally released its tight grip it had kept.

"Why am I not surprised to find you working?" She smiled as she waited for him to recognize her voice and turn to her. It took all her will not to run to him and wrap him in a tight hug.

Jason worked and thought of and on Lana. Tomorrow, he resolved he was going to find her even if he had to search every tent and every building in the camp. The torture he felt at not seeing her and knowing for certain that she was alright was killing him. Having made himself a promise, He turned his attention and concentration back to why he was here.... to perform safety checks on the shuttle's systems. All was going well, until he got to a balky program, and he began muttering. "Stupid thing. why can't you load and work like you're supposed to? Now I'll have to replace you." He reached for his tool bag when he heard the most beautiful sound in the world.

He froze. Not moving a muscle, not turning sitting motionless. He was afraid if he turned he would find he was dreaming. Taking a breath but not turning around yet he replied. "Because I have no one to dance with." Then he turned his eyes damp as he saw her. It was Lana! He stood and rushed to her. "Oh my God!" He cried as he threw his arms around her hugged her tightly.

Lana winced as Jason squeezed one of her bruised ribs. She hadn't been severely hurt like some, she had wrapped her own side the last few days as the coloring lightened but the sudden pressure on them was still a shock. "Sorry, " She said sheepishly as she bit through the pain at Jason's face. Before he could apologize or pull away she cupped his face and pulled his lips to hers.

Jason saw Lana's wince, "Lana what?" He started but before he could get any farther, she cupped his face and pulled his lips to her. He responded like a hungry man craves food. he kissed her hungrily. His kisses deep and passionate. Then he moved off her lips and peppered her throat and neck with the same hunger. Finally, he took a breath, "What's wrong with your side?" The concern in his voice evident as was the look in his eyes.

Lana sighed slightly, "Its nothing, just a few bruised ribs that are taking longer to heal then i would like. There hasn't really been a chance to 'take it easy' since things went side ways." She took a moment to look over every detail of Jason's face. The same face that had been on her mind everyday since they last parted from the holodeck. "I missed you." Her voice was soft, the sassy tone it normally carried gone and replaced with a solemn one.

Jason looked at her, "Are you sure Lana?" His concern was evident. he didn't like seeing Lana injured. "Come over her and sit down." He said, guiding her to the copilot's seat. Once she was seated, he sat across from her. He took her hand in his and squeezed it softly. "I've missed you!" He echoed. "Every second of every minute of every hour of every day. I have been so worried about you." He poured out. "I couldn't find you. I,I didn't know if you were on the ship trapped or...." His voice trailed off overcome with emotion. He paused as he looks at her once again, "Is something else wrong Lana? Where's that sassy tone you I know and love so well?" His voice regaining some emotional control.

Her lips curls into a half hearted smile, "Its been... quite a challenge. I normally see missions as adventures, I would normally be thrilled but this time it just seem....different. There are so many gone..." Flashbacks to the chaos of the ship played like a movie in her mind. So vivid she almost forgot she was with Jason, all she could see were the bodies of her crewmates that didn't make it.

She tried to blinked the images away. Reaching over she took Jason's hand. "I feel so guilty for the relief I feel knowing your all right."

Jason took her hand and kissed it gently. He had been on the bridge when the accident happened so, he had been spared the sights and sounds accident produced. The ripped open hull, exposed to the vacuum of space. The smell of burnt conduit. The injured and oh god the dead so many dead. He took a breath as he felt like he was drowning. "I know." He replied softly. "But you are alright. I am too. Though I broke my nose, smashing it into the flight console on the bridge."

Lana tapped Jason's nose gently, "I think it gives your nose more character." She inhaled deeply after a moment, "I think it took me so long to look for you because I was worried I wouldn't be able to find you. And if you hadnt made it, I wasn't unsure of my ability to stay focused. Im sorry...."

Jason's reply was exquisite in its simplicity. He leaned forward and kissed Lana full on the lips. Tasting their fullness and savoring every second. After a few seconds he pulled back and looked at her, "I am sorry as well. I did the same thing. I forced myself to work. " He explained. "If you hadn't found me today, I was going to tear the camp upside down looking for you." He offered a soft smile as she tapped his nose. "Oh, you are a charmer, Lana. Thank you for that."

Laughing lightly she leaned her head against the headrest of the seat she sat in. "I keep thinking this is just another holodeck session gone wrong. I know we prepare for situations like this, and of course though they may never happen, its always a possibility. But that doesn't make it any easier to digest."

Jason smiled, he had missed Lana's laugh it was so infectious. So full of good humor. "No." He answered soberly, "It doesn't make it any easier and we deal with it the best we can. Of course it makes it easier when you have someone to help you deal with it. Someone you can talk to, laugh and cry with."

Lana tried to brand this moment into her memory. How Jason looked just a few feet away from her. Unharmed, smiling, alive. She got up from her seat and moved to sit in his lap wrapping her arms around him to hold him tightly. "I missed you." For the first time on this frozen planet she felt warm.

Jason's arms came up and around Lana as she settled on his lap. He nuzzled her neck, feeling the softness of the skin there. For a moment maybe two he didn't speak as he was so overcome with emotion of finding Lana and she was safe. His prayers had been answered. He lowered his head into her shoulder as silent tears of gratitude ran down his face. After a few seconds he raised his head and looked at her. "I missed you too Lana." As his arms tightened around her.

“Hey!” Surprise and worry laced her voice. Lana shifted in Jasons lap so she could cup his face when she saw the tears. “None of that.” She wiped away his tears with her thumbs and smiled reassuringly for him.

Jason looked at Lana. He sniffed and smiled through the tears. His grip on Lana shifted as she moved on his lap. "I thought, I was going to be alone and the thought of not having you in my life scared me Lana." His smile brightened. "But, you're here and that is what matters most." He turned his head to kiss her. "Let's not go through this again." He joked weakly.

Lana returned the kiss and relaxed into Jason. Laying her head on his shoulder she spoke softly, “It’s odd that it’s… quieter here. Or is it just me? I hadn’t noticed it until now. Maybe because my mind is quieter.”

Jason closed his eyes as he held Lana. He wished he could freeze this moment, The peace and contentment he felt right now with Lana in his arms. He wasn't particularly religious, but he hoped this was a glimpse of what heaven was like. "I don't think it is odd at all Lana. It is quieter. So, it isn't you and I now my mind is quieter, less in turmoil since we found each other. " He replied softly in response to her question.

Lana looked out the front view point at the lightly falling snow. It was peaceful indeed. Now she just needed a warm fire and a blanket to wrap her and Jason with. "I miss the ship. I miss the comfort and amenities. I know that sounds spoiled, "She chuckled lightly.

Jason still held Lana in a loose hug. His view followed hers as he looked out the shuttle window. "Maybe a little but I feel the same way and I'm sure everyone else feels the same way, Lana. We've become accustomed to the technology and having everything at out fingertips. Being here, on this planet brought a harsh reality to most people." he paused. I don't even know if my quarters survived." He looked into her bright, expressive eyes. "Now, that's selfish." He joked.

"Eh, that just means I get to redecorate them for you. I'm thinking dark shades of maroon and forest green, some beige throw pillows. Oh! and a few plants!" She joked trying to lighten the mood.

Jason looked at Lana as she began to describe how she would redecorate his quarters. His eyes got big as she first mentioned the colors and then larger when she added throw pillows. The final item...plants almost caused him to faint. He relaxed...slightly when he realized she was joking. "The plants and the color scheme are okay but let's leave the throw pillows out. When do you want to start?" He bantered back.

"I think I might have a vision board in my tent!" Lana hopped off Jason's lap and grabbed his hand in hers. "I say we start immediately." She gave him a mischievous wink.

Jason laughed a real honest to goodness laugh and it felt good. It had been so long since he had laughed. His fingers curled around Lana's as she hopped off his lap. "I call that an excellent idea. Lead the way Lana! Let the redecorating commence.... of course after other things." He added as he laughed again.


END