Date Night

Posted on Sun Aug 31st, 2025 @ 12:14pm by Lieutenant Colonel Azhul Naxea & Captain Gary Taylor

Mission: Season 6: Echoes of the Zynari
Location: Various
Timeline: MD4; 1900 Hours
3423 words - 6.8 OF Standard Post Measure

Gary walked to Naxea's quarters. This was to be their first official date even though they had been together for dinner in his quarters and had also recently committed themselves to each other. He was dressed in blue slacks, black loafers and a pale yellow shirt. He was taking Naxea to Das Alpine Haus. He didn't know if she had eaten there before but whether she had or not it, a visit to the restaurant was always a treat and the service and meal never disappointed. Arriving at her quarters he pressed the door chime and waited. As he did, he thought on what had brought them together, a sparring match and the crushing, oppressive weight of being alone. After a lunch and a conversation that revealed they were kindred spirits. They had spent more time together and had grown closer, much closer and here he was at her door, getting ready to take her to dinner.

Naxea looked at herself in the mirror in her bedroom. She still wasn't used to dressing up as she took in her black dress and low heeled shoes. To her, dressing up was wearing the Marine Dress Uniform. When she heard the chime, she sighed and made her way to the living room. "Enter," she called.

Hearing Naxea's voice bidding him to enter, Gary did just that. As he came in, he stopped and looked at Naxea (Not stared) "Wow." He exclaimed "You should dress up more Naxea, you look fantastic. But you don't like it do you?" He questioned .

"I'm just not used to it, but I'm fine," she assured him with a smile as she approached him.

Gary held his arms open to hug her, "You are more than fine Naxea, a lot more." He said honestly.

"Flattery will get you everywhere," she said as she stepped into his arms. She then gave him a kiss.

"Note to self, flattery will get me everywhere." Gary bantered as he returned Naxea's kiss and wrapped his arms around her in a hug. "Are you ready for a night of great food and conversation and who knows what other surprises?" As he kissed her again.

"You and your fascination with food," she teased. "Yes, let's go."

Gary grinned, "Good food like good conversation is to be appreciated and savored. Besides." He continued, "I didn't hear any complaints from you." As he took her hand and gently squeezed it.

"Yet. You haven’t heard any complaints yet," she corrected him with a laugh as they walked out of her Quarters and stepping into the corridor.

"I stand corrected." He bantered back. "Is that your idea of a hint to let me know you are going to unleash a list of complaints?" He teased her.

"That waits to be seen. I can be very vocal if I'm not satisfied," she teased back.

"What?" Gary replied in mock surprise. "You mean you aren't shy and retiring? I am shocked I say just shocked. This comes as a complete surprise." He finished trying desperately to keep a straight face.

Naxea gave him a light elbow to his side as they stepped into the turbolift. "Promenade. " The turbolift hummed as it began it's journey.

"Simply shocked." Gary muttered as they got into the lift but stopped when Naxea gave him a light elbow to the ribs. He didn't want to overdo it and have her get mad. After a short ride the lift came to a stop and the door opened on the Promenade level. Gary took Naxea's hand as they stepped out and headed for Das Alpine Haus.

"I don't come here very often," Naxea remarked as she took in the promenade with it's various shops and restaurants.

"We'll have to change that if you're willing. Plenty of shops ranging from bakeries to fine dining as well as gyms and florists." Gary replied as they walked the promenade to their destination.

"Oh, I'm aware of what they have. I just don't have much of a need to come here save for bringing Sle'anna to the park when the holodecks are all booked," she explained. She honestly tried to avoid the civilian population as much as possible.

Gary turned his head to look at her, "Naxea, you should come here more often for your enjoyment as well as Sle'anna's." Gary replied in a nonjudgmental way, it was just an observation on his part.

"Then I have to interact with civilians," She made a face and laughed.

"Ahhhh." Gary nodded in understanding. "I can see where that could be a problem but don't Marines like challenges?" He teased gently.

"Some challenges are best avoided," she replied with a grin as they approached the restaurant.

"Or embraced." He bantered back as they arrived at the restaurant where they were met by Hans. "Ah! Captain Taylor, it is good to see you again. It has been far too long." He sees Naxea and asks. "And who is this beautiful woman at your side?" Gary smiles, "Hans, permit me the honor of introducing Colonel Azhul Naxea to you." Hans bow and takes Naxea's hand and kisses it gently. "Charmed Fraulein."

Naxea fought the urge to pull her hand back and slug the man. However, she stopped as she recalled that the greeting was a greeting among some terran cultures. "A pleasure. "

Gary saw Naxea tense as Hans kissed her hand and for a moment he feared the worst but the moment passed and Hans remained in one piece. Smiling the restaurant owner spoke. "This way, your table awaits you. I will have a bottle of wine sent to your table." He finishes as they reach the table. he places menus where they will sit. "Please, enjoy your meal and if there is anything you need, let me know."

Naxea picked up the menu, letting out a sigh. "You know, I'll never understand why humans have so many greetings."

"I really don't know Naxea its one of the things that makes us interesting." Gary replied with a smile and picked up his own menu." he looked over the top of his menu at her, "I will say thank you for not slugging Hans."

"I do strive to impress," she joked, smiling before turning her attention back to the menu. "What would you suggest?"

"Got news for you. You not only strive you succeed. I am very impressed." He turned his attention to the menu, "As to what I would suggest, The salmon steaks sautéed in butter is very good . However if you desire red meat then the rack of ribs is excellent but they're messy messy, so I would go with the ribeye steak, mashed potatoes, string beans and a roll." Gary replied.

"That sounds like the best option to me. I'm not much of a seafood person," she replied setting the menu back down onto the table. "How long have you known Hans?"

Gary nodded at Naxea's selection. "I think you will be pleased and if you want a baked potato instead of mashed, you can make the change." He paused as he thought on Naxea's question, " Several years, since he first came onboard and opened this and Cosmic Confections."

"Ah, the sweets store? I haven't been there, but then I'm not much for sweets," Naxea stated as she clasped her hands together on the table. "Especially Puma Sticks." Puma sticks were a big time no for her as she recalled the last time she had eaten one during the occupation. It had been the day her mother had been tortured by Desek. It was also the cause of her dislike for most candies and treats.

"Yes." Gary answered. "I'm not a big sweets either but on occasion LL will go down there and I'll get her a cupcake, or some brownies. I bet Sle'anna would like something from there." He was about to say more when the waitress appeared with a nametag that said 'Staci' along with a bottle of wine, two glasses and a basket full of rolls. "Sir, ma'am, your bottle of wine. I'll be back in a few minutes to take your orders."

"Thank you," Naxea replied, watching Staci leave. "As for sweets for Sle'anna, have you seen a Sequus/Bajoran hybrid on a sugar high? It's the stuff of nightmares," she chuckled.

"Can't say I have and I will take your word for it. Just pretend i never mentioned it." Gary replied with a smile as he reached for the wine bottle and proceeded to pop the cork. "Your glass please." As he prepared to fill Naxea's glass.

Naxea picked up her glass and held it out for Gary to fill. "I still let her have dessert but I've learned to keep it in moderation. Having a child that is easily twice as fast and strong than other kids her age is a challenge. She doesn't know her own strength yet."

"Moderation is the best and safest route to go." Gary agreed. "With you teaching her, she will still learn to control her strength and when and when not to use it." As he filled her glass and filled it before filling his own.

"Thank you. I hope so. Being a mother still scares me in alot of ways to be honest. " Naxea replied before taking a sip of her wine.

Gary nodded, "I think you need to trust yourself and know that you are doing the best you can for your child and mistakes will happen but you learn from them and don't repeat them. I do that with LL. "

"And yet my past endangered her," she commented. 'If Rin hadn't helped me, who knows what Desek would have done with her."

"I respectfully disagree. Your past is just that past and you being a marine had nothing to do with the attack. You could have been a civilian and Desek would have still reacted as he did because of his hatred to your people." Gary replied a she took a sip of the wine.

"You don't know, do you? Desek was the father of my half brother. He reacted so strongly because I attacked him in the shuttle bay when he first arrived," she explained.

Gary shook his head slowly. "No, I didn't know." He wanted to put his arms around her and comfort her perhaps later. "I can certainly understand your strong reaction to him."

Naxea sighed, before taking another sip of wine. "Anyway, the bastard is dead but it made me worry about Sle'anna. Reminded me that were in a completely different galaxy with unknown threats."

"You cannot eliminate threats Naxea. No matter how well you plan and threats will still be around us when we get home. Do the best you can, stay vigilant and focused." Gary answered.

"At least back home I could send Sle'anna to someplace safe, deep in Federation space such as Earth and I could plan for conflicts more effectively. Now, every battle weakens us, takes a toll on the ship and crew against unknown threats. How long before we're forced to draft these civilians to serve? Marines are at 3/4th of their total strength." Naxea stopped and shook her head tiredly. "I'm sorry. I shouldn't carry on like that."

Gary shook his head, "You aren't carrying on you are expressing your thoughts and you have good points. Plus if you can't talk to me, who are you going to talk to?" he reached for his glass of wine and stopped. "You can still plan effectively with the resources you have just get creative."

"Hard to plan for the unknown," she countered before finishing her wine. A moment later, Staci returned "Are you ready to order?"

Gary was about to reply that you could still plan based on previous experiences and what you knew but Staci had returned so the reply died in his throat. "I believe so," He looked across at Naxea, "You ready to order?"

Staci turned to face Naxea, "What would you like ma'am?"

"I'll have the steak and potatoes, thanks." Naxea said, putting on a fake smile. She hated that she was bringing down the mood of their date.

Staci nodded and turned to Gary and you sir?"

"I'll have the 12 ounce ribeye, with a baked potato and could you bring us a bloomin onion as well?"

"Certainly sir." Staci replied cheerfully, turning on her heel and leaving the pair alone.

When she was gone Gary looked over at Naxea. "What's wrong?"

"It's our first date out together and all I'm doing is bringing down the mood. I'm sorry," she replied after a moment.

Gary shook his head, "Am I complaining? No, I am not." He answered his own question. "And you aren't complaining. You are expressing concerns over raising your child as any good parent would." He reached a hand out to her, "You have nothing to apologize for. Now smile, the evening is just getting started."

Naxea let out a sigh and smiled as she looked at him. "Very well, What's on your mind then?"

Gary smiled. "Better. You, us, continuing our relationship. Perhaps a walk through the arboretum." He stated as Staci reappeared with the bloomin onion. "One bloomin onion. Enjoy!" She exclaimed as she practically skipped away and went to check on another table.

"A bllooming onion? what?" Naxea asked leaning forward, looking closer at the appetizer.

Gary smiled, "Take a piece, you will like I'm willing to bet." As he reached for a piece of the onion 'petals' as pulled one off. "Like so."

Naxea copied Gary's movement as she pulled a piece of the fried onion off and ate it. "Not bad," she commented after swallowing her bite.

Gary chuckled at her comment. "I know Marines are to be cool and under control but come on! This is better that not bad," He teased her.

"You get way too excited over food," she teased him back before taking another bite.

He shook his head, "I appreciate good food." He bantered back.

"Maybe too much," she chuckled "How is Little Lia?" she asked. She hadn't gotten a chance to spend much time around her. Would she reject her being with Gary?

"Yeah. You may be right. I should cut back." He paused for a moment then answered , "She is good. She misses her mother obviously but I try to do all I can for her, in spending time with her, doing things together. Just being involved with her. You and Sle'anna should come over one day. so you can get to know each other."

"I'd like that as long as she is ok with it," Naxea replied. "I hope she doesn't think I'm trying to replace her mom by us being together. "

"She would be okay and wants to meet you and making a new friend in Sle'anna is just icing on the cake." Gary answered. "She likes to go to the arboretum and we feed the ducks, ride the merry go around and then we get ice cream."

"That sounds fun," Naxea admitted before eating another piece of the bloomin onion. "Sle'anna mostly likes to run and play so I take her to the holodeck where she can run as fast as she wants without crashing into anyone.

Gary nodded and smiled. "The park has lots of run as well and she and LL can run themselves until they drop." He pointed out.

"Yeah, until she runs into and Injures another child," she stated with a slight shake of her head. "Maybe when she gets better control at running. "At the moment it seems likesnshe only stops when she crashes into things."

"I can see the advantage of going to the holodeck but Sle'anna also needs to learn to interact with other children. I realize she is young but she needs to learn. Maybe playing with LL with help her and LL as well." Gary answered.

"Perhaps," Naxea replied softly. Staci soon arrived with the main dishes. "Thank you," she replied as her food was set down on the table in front of her..

"Thank you." Gary repeated as Staci placed his plate in front of him. Once she had skipped away, He turned his attention back to Naxea. "It was only a suggestion Naxea. " He stated softly.

"I know," she replied before taking a bite of her steak. After a moment of chewing, she spoke again. "It's good. "

After dinner, Gary and Naxea made their way to the park. Lighting was dimmed to illustrate evening hours. " That was a very good meal," she complimented.

Gary stopped and turned her to face him. "I'm glad you enjoyed it but you know that as good as the meal was the present company is even better."

"Thank you," she replied as she looked at him. "It is rather peaceful here in the park at this hour."

Gary nodded. "It is. Its nice to come up here for just the peace and quiet. To get a break from the hustle of the day."

"So, do you come here often?" she asked as the walked by a pond.

"Not as often as I would like." Gary admitted as they walked a little farther before finding a bench to sit on. "So, when I do come, I like to make the most of it,"

Naxea sat down next to him. "Always a good plan," she complimented with a smile as she grabbed and held his hand. "Are you making the most of it?"

Gary squeezed her hand softly. "Right now at this very moment, I am making the most out of this opportunity. Thank you for being here with me."

"No need to thank me. I enjoy spending time with you Gary," she replied with a smile. "It must be getting late," she stated, wishing she had more time to spend with him.

"Maybe no reason to thank you but I want you to know how much I enjoy our time together." He replied honestly. "Probably is." He agreed, then he ventured a question, "Do you have to go?"

" To be honest, I don't want to...but I need get back to Sle'anna," she admitted.

Gary nodded a bit dejectedly. "I understand, she needs her mother. Its just we were having a good time."

Naxea looked at him, letting out a chuckle. "I can't spend every night with you, you know." 'No matter how much I want to,' she added in her mind before leaning in to kiss him.

Gary smiled and bantered back, "Why can't you?" Before he wrapped his arms around Naxea in a loose hug and kissed her softly, tenderly.

After breaking the kiss, she looked at him, smiling. "Because....I feel I may lose myself," she spoke softly and truthfully.

"Ah." Gary replied at hearing Naxea's answer. "And what is so wrong with that?" He asked. His arms still around her slender waist.

"I have too much depending on me. I mean you have it easy. You just sit next to the admiral and look pretty. Some of us actually have jobs," she teased, barely able to hold back a laugh.

Gary tilted his head and looked at her, "Is that a fact? Well for starters you have a couple of things wrong." His voice serious. "First of all I sit next to the Commodore not an admiral and second I look handsome and not pretty." He finished as his face broke into a big smile.

"Commodore, admiral. Same difference in my book. And I can say 'you're pretty' if I want," she teased him again. "Handsome is a completely different level. You'll get there one day."

Gary shook his head laughing as he brought Naxea close to him so he could kiss her again. "Well, when I graduate from pretty to handsome, I want you to tell me."

"I suppose I could do that," she replied before kissing Gary.

"Do you think so? Gary teased. "I would really appreciate it." As he kissed her again. "Hmm, I like this."

"Me too. But I really must go, and get Sle'anna," she replied softly.

"Of course, I'm sorry for keeping you so long. Thank you for a lovely evening. We'll have to plan an outing in the arboretum." Gary replied in an equal quiet tone. "You know you can come visit anytime. You don't need an invite."

"I'll take you up on that," she smiled, giving him a quick kiss goodbye before standing up to leave.

"I want you to. Its why I made the suggestion." Gary replied standing as Naxea did