Dancing With The Stars

Posted on 06 Aug 2013 @ 6:44pm by Lieutenant Jared Nicholas & Ensign Natalie Chevalier

3,126 words; about a 16 minute read

Mission: Episode 04 - Exodus
Location: USS Galileo - Deck 2, Observation Lounge
Timeline: MD-02 - 2000 Hours

[ON]

After a departmental meeting that started out strong but quickly degenerated into a boring and unnecessary free for all marathon filled with glad handing and brown nosing that just seemed to be going on and on and on, Jared was just glad to be off duty for the next 72 hours.

He was looking forward to his dinner with Natalie and didn't really mind that they had to put off a day because she had other things to to that night.

The next morning he rolled out of be, took a shower, shaved and double checked his hair. He wasn't sure if it could be called a date. But who know where the evening might wind up. Certainly he had no expectations. It had been awhile since he had been in a relationship with anyone, longer than that with a woman, but of course he was getting way way, way ahead of himself there. He was just going to let things play out as they played out.

He came to the lounge a few minutes early. He was dressed in black jeans and a grey short sleeve polo shirt.

Nat, predictably enough, was a few minutes late, although in her own little Nat time she was actually running pretty much on time. Time always seemed to get away from her when she was in the arboretum, and she'd had to hurry getting ready. She'd chosen a green blouse and skinny jeans, tying her hair up into a neat style with a fresh Favinit flower that had just bloomed tucked behind her right ear; she wore a little smoke-black makeup, but had decidedly to deliberately undress, unsure where on the professional to personal spectrum this would really fall.

Jared had seemed friendly, though, and seemed to take himself a little less seriously than some of the others, which was certainly refreshing. She was looking forward to it, and waved happily on arriving in the Lounge and seeing him already there. "I'm so sorry I'm late, you know how it is," she non-explained. "But I'm glad we finally got to do this!"

"So am I," he replied and don't worry about it, I've got the next 48 hours to myself. The only other thing I have planned is some kind if adventure on the holodeck"

Nat nodded. "I'm not really one for the holodeck," she admitted, taking a seat across from him and settling down; there weren't too many others around, and they had this little corner to themselves. "Jacob - Lt. Pendleton - has been showing me a few of his programs. But I'd rather be in the arboretum. I don't care how clever the holoprogrammers think they are, you can't replicate the feeling of being surrounded by living nature."

"I don't disagree with that. I'd rather be in the real outdoors than something fabricated, just like I like cooking real food instead of the replicated crap. It makes a poor substitute for the real thing.

However, I enjoy mysteries, tips to Risa, Paris, San Francisco, ballroom dancing and even rock climbing and those are usually only doable on the holodeck.

I don't think either one of us got off to right foot with Holiday. I'll tell you my story if you tell me yours."

Nat was a little taken aback by the sudden flurry of information, but she did her best to nod along. Her confused look turned to an impish grin, though, at the mention of the XO. She'd been waiting to hear this story ever since she'd heard a snippet of it in the cargo bay.

"Oh yes, although I think mine is probably a bit tame compared to yours. All that really happened was he balled me out for having a muddy uniform: I'd been working in the arboretum on the Venture," she explained. "Every time I see him, I have to remind myself to pull down my sleeves and try to hide the creases."

"Yes it sounds like your story is a bit more tame than mine. I'll try to be... delicate in my description.

Well first, a little background. "I had an, well colorful childhood. I grew up in space, I was even born on my parent's ship. Some rather bad shit happened to me and I was rescued by, well for lack of a better word, privater. Long story short I didn't have a lot of love for rules. Especially rules just for rules sake.

I made it through the Academy with no major fiascoes. And the Galileo is my first assignment. At any rate I'd only been on board a day or two. I met with the XO and though he seemed like a bit of a hard ass he seemed decent enough and I didn't think I'd have an issue with him. Oh at that time we had a different Security Chief a Jeremy Stone. Not to speak ill of the dead, but he had issues.

I's met Ansen Pawlak, who is the ship's chef. that afternoon, more in passing than anything else. I came down to grab a snack, because my kitchen had not been set up yet and we started talking. He had recently lost his brother and was a little depressed.

At any rate the more we talked the more we realized we were both a little lonely. So I kissed him or he kissed me, I don't really remember who started it. But it ended with me, how do I put this discretely...catching him. Not something I usually do mind you.

I knew that there were security cameras on board the ship but it didn't occur to me, didn't occur to Ansen who worked there, that there would be security cameras in the galley.

Stone saw it, our XO saw it, Hell probably have the ship either saw it or heard about my staring role in the porn video. Neither Holiday or Stone were amused by it and I spent time in the brig and almost lost my commission over it.

And before you ask, "No, I'm not gay. I am, well I don't like labels. I'll put it that way."

Nat's eyes widened as the story twisted and turned to its surprising conclusion. "You were 'catching' him? You mean - oh! I, uh, see..." Her face slowly turned cherry red, and flustered, she fidgeted with her leather bracelet, tugging and pulling at it as she tried to consider a suitable response as an awkward silence settled.

"Yeah, I guess that kind of does put a muddy uniform into perspective," she admitted, smiling uncertainly - she wasn't sure whether to laugh or sympathise with Jared. "Is your - uh, friend? - is he still on board the ship?"

Jared's face turned a bit more serious. "He is, but I really haven't seen him. Not that I haven't tried, but his depression over his brother got worse and I'm afraid he blames himself for getting me in trouble. Even though we were both equally guilty.

i'm sorry I could tell you were a little embarrassed by the story, I didn't mean to offend you.

Nat held up her hand immediately. "Hey, stop that. You didn't offend me. And I'm sorry if I seemed embarrassed. I think I was more - surprised. I definitely didn't see that plot twist coming, is all."

She had one or two memories of her own that might rival his, and while she wasn't about to share them, she could at least try to put him at ease. "I mean, shit, we've all been there. I remember on Regulus III, with a technician, right when the Academy review board was doing a tour of the labs..." She giggled, and then added more solemnly. "So, you're definitely not alone."

Assuming a more serious tone, she continued: "But I'm sorry things are awkward are between you two now. This ship - it's not the easiest to make friends on."

"Thanks," he replied, "I'm glad you understand and yeah shit happens. I had no intention of doing anything when I went in there, its just that one thing led to another.

And yeah you're right about making friends. We have a similar personality. I'm not exactly the type to kiss ass just because someone is a superior officer. I thought we could try being friends, if you're up to it?"

Nat couldn't resist a smile at his choice of words: not the type to kiss ass? And yet, seemingly...

"Of course, I'd be happy to," she said, relieved to have found someone she could talk with so readily.

"And what's this about Regulus III, or do you want to say?"

Nat blew air out of her cheeks, laughing. "No, no, I think that's best left for another time. I'm not nearly drunk enough yet for that one."

Jared held up both hands in mock surrender. "Okay, okay, I won't ask for your confession. and I won't even try to get you drunk. Do you dance?"

"Badly," Nat laughed. "But that's never stopped me before." Memories of former partners clutching toes, knees, tails, even noses, victims of her flailing limbs, tickled her amusement.

"You do? You mentioned - 'ball room'? What is that?"

"It's both a type of dancing and the location such dances were actually held. I'll warn you ahead of time, they do have strange sounding names. We can start with the Foxtrot. One of the simpler ones.

I can show you if you want. We can do it here, or adjourn to the holodeck where we have more privacy. What would you prefer?"

Nat looked around, adjusting her hair self consciously. There weren't many people around - but then, Jared's story was a reminder of how quickly anything in a public place could become shipwide news. "Let's go to the Holodeck," she said firmly.

"Sure thing," he told her, "Holodeck it is." He stood and offered his hand to help her up. "Would you think I'm chauvinistic if I said you were attractive?"

"No, I'd think you were cheesy," she grinned - nonetheless accepting his offer and taking his hand, then looping her arm through his. She reached her other hand over and playfully mussed his hair. "You're not so bad yourself. Of course I haven't seen you on the dancefloor yet."

"Well I'm only average, at least on the dance floor, but as far as being a smart ass I'm a pro." He gave her a slight smirk as they started walking "I'm an expert in other areas too."

Nat's smile flickered. "And so modest and humble too!" She followed him on their way to the Holodeck, a hand moving to rearrange the flower in her hair. "How long have you been on the Galileo?"

He chuckled at her remark and watched as she adjusted the flower. "I've only been here a few weeks now, and this was my first assignment out of the Academy. What about yourself?"

"I've not been here long at all, just a few days: my transfer from the Venture took fooooorever, and you guys were pretty much done in the Rojar system by the time I joined. Before that I was," she waved, "Well, a couple of other boring postings: this is my first ship though. I guess I would have been a year or two ahead of you at the Academy. Shame. If I'd known you then, I might not be such a klutz on the dance floor."

"Well I'm by no means an expert, but I should be able to teach you. I was pretty clumsy when I started off. But as long you as you have some semblance of rhythm you'll be fine."

By this time they had made it to the holodeck. ^=^ Run program Nicholas 21 Beta^=^he intoned as they stepped inside.

The ballroom was 15 meters by 20 meters, with teak flooring a small band in one corner and there were a score of dancing couples most of whom were elegantly dressed.

"Don't worry about them, they'll ignore us. It's just you and me."

Nat looked down at her clothing. "Am I dressed ok for this? I wasn't really expecting..." She felt a little underdressed compared to the couples. Intimidated by a hologram, Nat. Awesome.

"Don't worry about them. I'm not exactly dressed for this either. We'll start with something simple. Well at least relatively easy. The Foxtrot.

Your' going to put your left arm on my shoulder and hold my right hand. Then we move two steps forward, two steps sideways, two steps backwards and two steps sideways."

Nat nodded and turned to face him. Jared wasn't a tall man, but he was still much taller than her, and she had to reach up to meet his shoulder. Uncertainly, she let him take her right hand, the space between them closing. Peering down, she watched her feet. Two steps backward, then - no, two steps forward, or, wait, sideways, oh no, the other way!

"It's okay," he told her, "Maybe some music would help. Don't worry about the exact details, just go with the flow. I think you'll like this song."

^=^Computer play Dean Martin's 'Red Roses For A Blue Lady'.^=^

Nat looked up as music started playing, filling the room around them with a low crooning sound. Instead of concentrating on her own feet, she tried watching Jared and moving in time to him, following his lead, and found that the moves started to come more naturally. She grinned up at him. "Not so hard after all..."

"No," he said looking down at her, "It just come naturally, kind of like this." He bent down bring his face towards hers till his lips were only centimeters from hers. Then he pulled back. "I'm sorry," he said, "I'm making assumptions again. Sorry, I just got lost in the moment there."

^=^Computer play Rat Pack Montage 2^=^

Another song by Dean martin started to play "Dream A Little Dream Of Me"

"It's ok," Nat smiled: she didn't want an awkward scene, so she pulled away a little, but she wasn't about to make a fuss. She swayed on to the song, growing more confident with every step.

"Hey, how about something a bit more - uptempo, jazzy?" She tried a whirl, and almost fell on her ass. Abashed, she returned to him, following his moves once more. "Hmm, maybe not..."

"Hey, Jared told her enthusiastically told her, you're getting pretty good.pretty soon we'll have you doing the samba, but let's try one more slower dance than speed things up with some salsa. Don't worry about form, just have fun."

Nat nodded. "Ok, that sounds like a plan." She swayed in time to him, the strange music alien to her but easy to find the rhythm of. "You're good. Do you have any other dance partners?"

"No, you're my one and only. One of the reasons I created this program, but its much nicer with a real person and not an image from my imagination."

"I know what you mean. The holodeck is useful, but it's just not the same." Nat had to spend a lot of time working on ecological projections, for which holotechnology was useful, but she had a hard time empathizing with the characters.

"Something else we have in common," Jared told her before requesting a change to some fast-paced salsa music.

Nat took a pace back and let her hair down, pocketing the clasp. She watched his feet to pick up the new steps, then rejoined him, slipping her hand to his shoulder, her other linking through his fingers. "Ok then - show me what you've got, Lieutenant!" she teased.

He chuckled softly at her remarks trying to keep his mind focused on dancing and not the other direction his mind wanted to wander. He enjoyed the uptempo aspect of the salsa and of course the company. For someone who claimed not to be a good dancer, her performance was improving dramatically.

Nat was enjoying the salsa: though her moves were hopelessly out of form, she was more concerned with having a good time than abiding by some particular rule. She wished she'd chosen a dress, though: the jeans didn't allow her knees much flexibility.

After a few more numbers Jared had to call a break. He was enjoying himself but his shirt was becoming drenched and perspiration dotted his forehead.

"How about we cool down , maybe take a walk," he suggested.

As the music came to a close, Nat bowed. Her blouse was spotted with perspiration too, and her hair was wild, even by her her standards. She nodded agreeably. "Yeah, I think that's for the best. Next time I'll remember to bring a drink!"

The moment the words were out, she regretted them. She fiddled with her hair. "...assuming there is a next time?"

Jared blushed ever so slightly. He didn't mind her appearance in fact he rather enjoyed it. It was unconventional and he didn't care too much for convention.

"I'd like that,"he told her, "A next time that is, I'd enjoy that a lot. On one condition. This was my idea. The next one is your idea. Okay?"

Nat laughed. "Are you sure you want to risk that? You might not be able to handle what I have in mind." She arched an eyebrow - only very occasionally could one tell she had a little Vulcan blood in her. "Sure you wouldn't rather stick to your nice little ballroom?"

"Are you kidding," he asked intrigued now more than ever, "I love a challenge, bring it on."

Nat grinned. "Great. I won't spoil the surprise: but I'm looking forward to it already."

Hooking her arm through his once more, they walked off back to the junior officer quarters.

"I am looking forward to it and thank you for tonight, I really had fun" He sat there for a few seconds trying to decide whether to attempt t a good night kiss and in the end decided to be a gentleman and not make the attempt.

Once they reached her door, Nat stopped and turned to face him, unlacing her arm. "Thank you for a lovely evening. I had a really great time. I guess we're going to be pretty under the pump for the next few days, but hopefully when things are less crazy: we'll arrange Round 2?"

Before he could answer, she went up on tiptoes, giving him a brief hug and a peck on the cheek.

"Good night, Jared."

He grinned at her, "Good night Natalie."

[OFF]

A joint post by

Ensign Natalie Chevalier
Ecologist
USS Galileo

&

Lt.(jg) Jared Nicholas
Language Specialsit
USS <1>Galileo>

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