The most wonderful time..

Posted on Thu Dec 7th, 2023 @ 1:46am by Lieutenant Commander Kara Starr {Kelea-Salik} & Lieutenant Commander Malakai Starr [Taylor]

Mission: MISSION 0 - History Speaks
Location: Holodeck
2153 words - 4.3 OF Standard Post Measure

Malakai walked with Kara to the holodeck. He walked slowly. Kara was making wonderful progress in her walking. She no longer needed a wheelchair or a walker. She could stand on her own. The only thing was building the strength back in her legs. Kara worked long and she worked hard to get to point she was at now. So, to reward Kara's hard work, Mal decided she needed a break hence the trip to the holodeck. The setting was a park with swings and a lake with paddle boats for those who wanted to use them. Mal planned on taking Kara for a boat ride. To push her on the swing, to eat ice cream or popcorn or whatever she wanted. This day was all about Kara. She had been through a lot and put up with a lot especially from him. She had always remained loyal to him even when he hadn't committed to taking the final step with her. He had always loved Kara and was never unfaithful to her he just hadn't been ready to commit to her. When they finished here, he had made reservations for them at Das Alpine Haus.

He held her hand as they reached the holodeck doors. "Okay sweetie, close your eyes. I want this to be a surprise."

Kara nodded and smiled, Malakai knew how much she loved surprises. Closing her eyes she trusted her beloved husband to lead her to his waiting surprise.

" Run Malakai program Summer Escape 1." Mal instructed the computer. As the arch doors parted, they revealed a lush, vibrant park with trees, a gazebo with a small band playing, swings, some venders selling ice cream or other goodies. A pristine blue lake with the paddle boats ready to use. Ducks swimming lazily along. Once inside, he turned to Kara. "Okay Kara, you can open your eyes."

Kara opened her eyes, looking around with a wide eyed expression. “Imzadi this is amazing! You did all this for me!?”

Mal came to stand in front of her. He was still holding her hand. "Kara, there is nothing I wouldn't do for you. Absolutely nothing. I love you, Kara. Now and forever." He then leaned forward and kissed her softly on the lips. "You're the best thing that has happened to me."

Kara returned Malakai’s kiss. “Did you seriously think I’d ever let you get away?” She smiled as she held onto his hand. “We may have had our moments in the past, but I always knew you were the man for me.” She looked around. “Can we get some candy floss? You know how much I love it!”

Mal squeezed her hand softly. "Those moments are behind us Kara. You are the only woman I have ever loved and wanted." His smile blossomed as Kara mentioned candy floss. "We sure can!" He exclaimed happily. "Let's go!"

Kara walked along slowly, it felt good to be back on her feet again after the injuries to her legs. She was still undergoing physiotherapy, but she was mobile again that was what mattered. “This is so lovely, just perfect for our first night out alone since I gave birth.”

Mal was quiet as Kara spoke. When she had finished, he replied. "I know this isn't the same as a week on Risa or Wrigley's Pleasure Planet, but I wanted it to be from me. I wanted it to be special. I hope you aren't disappointed Kara."

“Disappointed? Certainly not!” Kara smiled as she held onto Mal as they walked. “I love this!”

Mal smiled brightly at Kara's heartfelt words. "I was hoping you would say that. I just want you to enjoy all of this and our time together." As they reached the vendor and Mal bought them each some candy floss.

“Let’s go on the boats, I can eat while you paddle!” Kara grinned playfully.

"I do love the way you think Kara." Mal replied as they made their way to the paddle boat. After Helping Kara get in and get situated. Mal settled down and began to paddle away from the dock. "Any special destination my lady?" He asked Kara once they were out in the middle of the lake, and they could take in the splendor of the park and the lake.

“How’s about a nice romantic trip along the lake?” Kara smiled. “Then we can head back to shore and go for a nice romantic walk together.”

"Your wish is my command, Kara." Mal replied as he began a slow romantic paddle around the lake, enjoying Kara's company immensely. It was nice just the two of them, having a romantic getaway. It seemed like it had been forever since they had any time to just themselves.

Kara enjoyed eating her candy floss as Mal paddled, they’d done this a lot of years ago but now was all the more special. “You’re not regretting us having Ezri live with us, along with having a baby are you?” Kara gave her husband a curious look. “We don’t get much time alone now.”

Mal had been paddling slowly just enjoying the time with Kara. However, her question made him stop paddling and now they just drifted along. "What?" Oh no Kara! I love Ezri and having a baby is fantastic." He answered. "I miss this, our time together just the two of us but being a family is a wonderful feeling. Besides when we do get time alone. It is even more special. I don't take it for granted anymore."

Kara smiled feeling more at ease. “I just wanted to be sure. I know I sent Ezri to your sister, but while I was pregnant it made me realise how important having her with me truly is. We’re a complete family now. Anyway, let’s enjoy our evening together.”

"Kara, Ezri needs to be here with us. All of us together is what makes us a family and that is the best feeling in the world a feeling of belonging and having people who love and care for you. However, right now, this is time is for you, my darling." Mal replied as he resumed paddling.

Kara smiled as she enjoyed eating the rest of her candy floss as Mal paddled. “Mmm that was fun!” She grinned. “So what would you like to do? Is there anything you’d like for us to do?”

Mal thought about what Kara asked and after a few seconds he replied. "Once we're done with our paddle boat ride, I'd like us to take that romantic walk you mentioned earlier Kara and then I'd like us to end up where the band is playing and the two of us have a nice slow , romantic dance. What do you think?"

Kara nodded. “I think that sounds absolutely wonderful Imzadi, then when this evening is over I want to go home and make love to you.” She smiled mischievously. “Now I’m fit to, I want to.”

Mal nodded at Kara's suggestion. "I do like the way you think Kara. I think that would be the perfect ending to a perfect day. Don't forget we have dinner reservations at Das Alpine Haus."

“Of course” Kara nodded. “I arranged for us to pick up the kids later on, so we’ll still have plenty of time.”

Mal leaned forward to kiss Kara, as he did, he said, "Baby you're the greatest! Thank you for coming and staying in my life. For making me smile and laugh. For loving me and making me the happiest man in the universe."

Kara gently caressed Malakai’s cheek and neck with her fingers. “I could never have left you Imzadi, we were always happy together even when we spent time apart. We always found each other again, and I’m glad we did.”

Mal turned his head to kiss Kara's fingers. "I'm never happier and more content than when I am with you Kara. Thank you for sticking with me."

Kara smiled. “You’re stuck with me forever more, I’m not going anywhere.”

Mal shook his head and smiled. "Stuck? Oh no Kara. I'm not stuck. I am blessed to have you here with me as we go on life's adventure together." He finished as he brought the paddle boat back to the dock.

Kara waited for Mal to help her out of the paddle boat before they started their romantic walk. “This is so lovely Mal, we haven’t done this in so long.”

They walked, holding hands, like two young lovers. Mal looked to Kara. "I agree Kara. We need to do this more often. Maybe we can do this once a month." He suggested.

Kara nodded as she held onto Mal’s arm. “I’d like that, plus it’ll save the strain on the ship’s power reserves from running the holodeck.” She smiled. “There were times I thought I’d never be walking with you again.”

Mal walked with Kara. He wasn't the most eloquent speaker, but he knew his feelings and that he loved Kara there was no doubt. "I knew you could do it Kara. I know how determined you are and that you wouldn't let anything stop you from walking again."

Kara smiled. “I had you, and our children to live for and fight for. It was all I needed to help my determination.”

Mal nodded and squeezed her hand softly. They walked on at a leisurely pace enjoying each other's company as well as the sights and sounds around them.

Kara enjoyed the walk, but soon started to feel tired after so much walking. “I could use a sit down.” She offered a smile.

Mal felt instantly guilty. He had been so occupied in seeing that Kara enjoyed herself, he had overdone the walking they had been doing. "Oh gosh Kara! I'm sorry sweetie! Here's a bench." He said as they moved to a bench and Kara could sit down.

“Please don’t apologise!” Kara gave her husband a worried look. “I’m having a wonderful time, I don’t want it to end!” She smiled as she sat down to rest. “I just need a little rest, then we can get going again.”

Mal nodded as he sat beside Kara. "I want you to have a good time Kara. The day isn't over yet." He smiled at her.

“I’m looking forward to that dinner, I’m working up an appetite.” Kara grinned as she cuddled up laying her head against his arm.

"Me too Kara." Mal replied with a smile as he gently rubbed Kara's shoulders. "Do you feel up to a dance? If not we can pass on it."

Kara nodded. “You bet I do! It’s been a long time since we last danced.”

"Wonderful Kara, wonderful." Mal answered obviously pleased with Kara's reply. "When you are ready, we'll walk over to where the band is playing."

Kara nodded, she rested for another 5 minutes before looking to Malakai. “Let’s go and dance, I want to dance with you.”

"As you wish Kara." Mal replied as helped her to stand and then together they made their way over to where the band was playing. Stopping, he turned to Kara. "May I have this dance, dear lady?"

Kara nodded. “You May kind Sir.” She couldn’t help but giggle as Mal took her hand, it was like their early days of dating all over again.

Mal smiled as he brought Kara close. His hand resting lightly on her waist as the band began to play and they slowly danced. As they danced, Mal began to sing. He wasn't a practically bad singer but he was by no means a professional.

… I'll always remember, the song they were playing
The first time we danced, and I knew
As we swayed to the music, and held to each other
I fell in love with you
… Could I have this dance for the rest of my life?
Could you be my partner every night?
When we're together, it feels so right
Could I have this dance for the rest of my life?
… I'll always remember, that magic moment
When I held you close to me
As we moved together, I knew forever
You're all I'll ever need
… Could I have this dance for the rest of my life?
Could you be my partner every night?
When we're together, it feels so right
Could I have this dance for the rest of my life?
… Could I have this dance for the rest of my life?
Could you be my partner every night?
When we're together, it feels so right
Could I have this dance for the rest of my life?

When he finished, he looked into Kara's eyes. "I love you, Kara." Then he kissed her deeply passionately as they continued to sway to the music.

(TBC)