Moving In

Posted on Mon Sep 25th, 2023 @ 6:29pm by Senior Chief Petty Officer Emily Charles {Kelea-Salik} & Lieutenant JG Zac Smithson

Mission: Season 6: Episode 3: Far From Home
Location: Zac's Quarters
Timeline: MD3 1400 hrs After Hi, My Name is..../return from away party
889 words - 1.8 OF Standard Post Measure

It had finally arrived. Zac had waited and waited for this day, and after thinking it was never going to get here it had finally arrived. Emily and her daughter Leana were moving in. He had spent days clearing his quarters of excess 'junk' to make room for Emily and her Leana's belongings. he wanted them to both think and feel as this was their home because it was. Satisfied he had done all he could to give Emily ample space. He now was helping her move in.

"Emily." He asked picking up an unusually heavy box. "What's in this box? Rocks?" he asked teasing her.

As much as Emily had been looking forward to moving in with Zac, her head wasn’t entirely with her. With the device having been brought back aboard ship her mind was forever yearning to get back into its light. “No, it’s err...my books” She offered a smile but it was obvious she wasn’t really concentrating.

"Books?" Zac repeated. "These are some heavy books, Emily. Are they books on rocks? Or weights? " He asked as he carried the books into his, their quarters. "Where do you want them to go?" He asked as he cast a look in her direction.

Emily snapped out of her stupor for a moment at Zac’s comment. “I’m afraid I have a love of books, it’s not as fun reading on a PADD. The box can just go in a corner out of the way for now.”

Zac nodded, "I love to read as well Emily. I wasn't making fun of you or your love of reading. I hope you know that." He replied as he put the box in a corner for now. "Okay, box of books is in the corner. What's next to move?"

“Next, it’s err...it’s..” Emily paused, the vision of the device from the planet creeping back into her mind again, the conversation quickly changed. “Did I tell you we found an interesting device while we were off ship? We brought it back with us, it’s in the science lab, you should see it!”

Zac looked st her as Emily completely changed the topic. "No, you didn't Emily. What kind of device? What makes it so interesting? When we're done moving. You can take me to see it if you like?"

Emily smiled seemingly more interested in the topic. “We don’t know exactly what it is, it’s been brought back for study. It has the most...beautiful light, it makes you feel so...relaxed.” She drifted away again as she thought about it.

"A beautiful light that makes you feel relaxed. Sounds wonderful Emily. It sounds like the whole crew could use that. They've been wound up so tight with the accident. Spending time on the ice planet and now finally getting back into space."

Emily nodded. “I couldn’t agree more! In-fact I intend to suggest it.” She paused as she had a moment of clarity through the wound-up emotion the device had instilled in her. “Zac...it can’t...” She gave him a concerning glance as she struggled to find the words she needed to say.

He was at her side in an instant. Gazing deep into her eyes. His hands resting on her shoulders. "What Emily? It can't what? What are you trying to say? You can tell me."

Emily shook her head, every time she tried to speak out against the device she couldn’t, it hurt physically hurt. “Zac I...” She gave him a pained look. When next she spoke it was to his mind. << Help me Zac! >>

Zac looked at Emily with concern. "Emily what is it?" he asked her again as she struggled to answer him. Finally, he coiled as her impassioned thoughts entered his mind with the force of a hurricane. He felt her pain and her anguish. He didn't trust himself to answer so he hoped she could 'hear' his reply. *I'll do everything I can Emily!*

Emily nodded finding it easier to concentrate on something else. “I’m sorry I should be focussing on the here and now, being here with you it’s important to me.”

Zac impulsively hugged her. "Being with you is important to me as well Emily. You have nothing to apologize for, not a thing. Everything is going to be fine. I hope you know that." He added, hoping Emily would understand his hidden meaning.

Emily nodded. “I need you to...” She paused. “Don’t let the children see the light...” her expression changed again. “Though it’s such a beautiful light, it should be shared by everyone.”

Zac squeezed Emily's shoulders. "I promise Emily." He replied earnestly. "You have my word." Yet even as he promised, he wondered what was going on with the box that had Emily at least somewhat under its spell.

“Now where were we? Oh yes...boxes” Emily smiled. “The sooner I get my boxes and things sorted, the sooner I can take you to the science lab and show you just how wonderful it is.”

"Of course, Emily." Zac replied diplomatically, deciding it was the best to go with the flow and not risk upsetting Emily. Not until he knew more about this light that had her under its spell.

{OFF}