Best Laid Plans

Posted on Fri Apr 8th, 2022 @ 3:49pm by Captain Abigail Laurens & Captain Dirk Taggart

Dirk awoke from his dream, a quick glance at the screen above his desk showed the distance from the Pennsylvania to Tabula Rasa and then to the Astrae. He had been looking forward to being back in communications range so he could have an actual conversation with Abby. He crossed his fingers as he opened the comms channel, "Hey Abby, it's me, long time no see. I hope you're there."

The chirp of the communicator caught her as she was just about to slip back into bed. Instead, she pulled a soft robe around her shoulders and accepted the communication, watching as the image of Dirk appeared in front of her. "Hey you," she said with a warm smile. "Now you are most definitely a sight for sore eyes."

"I was just dreaming about," he said as his face lit up in a smile, "I couldn't bare waiting any longer to speak to you. I have missed you and that smile. I'm hoping we can have some time to ourselves when we get to T. Rasa, though those beaches aren't as nice as Seychelles."

"Well, you know, the Seychelles will always have a special place in my heart," she responded, still smiling. "I replicated something extra special to wear while we're on Tabula Rasa, want to see?" she asked with her smile becoming a cheeky grin.

Dirk's smile grew bigger if that was even possible, "Captain Laurens, maybe we should encrypt this channel," he said with a wink. "Though I may record this for my uh personal records for posterity," he teased.

Walking away from the living room, Abigail disappeared into her ready room before returning, still in her nightgown and robe, but a wide brimmed sun hat sitting atop her head. "What do you think? Not too revealing?" she asked teasingly as she posed for him.

With a sheepish grin Dirk laughed to himself, his needed to get his mind out of the gutter. "That will look great, I bought a bottle of Talaxian wine at Ketram before things went sideways, I've been saving it for our next date."

Abigail grinned. There was something about the way he interacted with her, the way he looked at her that made her mind go all manner of which ways as well. "I got something for our next date too," she said with a sly smile. "But you'll just have to wait and see up close and personal."

"That sounds like a plan Abby, I've heard that some of the engineers from Iota have made progress on some small cabin-like buildings along the beach. I was wondering if you'd like to spend an evening or two with me, if it doesn't interfere with your duties of course." He asked like it was a prayer. It was torture to meet someone who could possibly be your soulmate, yet unable to nurture that relationship in person because of duty and responsibility.

Abigail smiled, looking at the holographic representation of Dirk. "I have one plan for Tabula Rasa, and that's to spend time with you," she said quietly. "My Executive Officer is already teasing me about it."

"If I need to bribe your XO I'm willing to. I have a new XO who needs to get some practice in running things without me, so this is a good time to make this happen," he explained. "I'm just ready to have some down time and spend time with you too. Things have been crazy here, I'm also looking forward to getting those replicated parts, so I can go full speed again. I miss not having a full drive," he said with a mischievous grin.

There was a moment where Abigail's expression became pensive, more contemplative. "W. hen we were on Caetov, I'll be honest, there were a few moments I wasn't sure I'd see you again," she said softly. "But I'm looking forward to Tabula Rasa... the beach, the warmth of the suns... your arms..." her voice trailed off

"I saw some of the logs that were released to other Captains in the quadrant, I'm really glad you are ok. That was quite an ordeal that you got wrapped up in. I will keep you safe on Tabula Rasa, slow dancing on the beach under the stars, and just enjoying some peace and quiet," he said softly.

Abigail's smile grew warmer. "You know, I'm going to hold you to that," she said quietly. "I like that idea... a beach, sand, stars, just us." She drew in a deep breath, resisting the urge to reach out and touch the holographic projection that was his image. "Can it be just us, for at least a little while?"

"It will be us for a little while. We're gonna stay in orbit for a few weeks while we finish the engine repairs and I think that after your recent incident that you and your crew need some downtime too. If nothing else my evenings will be yours the entire time I'm there."

"Once we arrive we have no immediate plans to leave, and my Executive Officer is already trying to shunt me off the ship, so I'll be all yours," Abigail responded. "What do you think of the idea of renting a boat and spending a few days on the water? Just us, no stress, no fuss."

"That sounds excellent, I love being on the water, you know that. I think a boat sounds wonderful," Dirk said excitedly "I could definitely go for a good swim and maybe even some fishing, though I'd have to check to see if they have any edible varieties."

Abigail smiled, crossing her legs and leaning back in the seat as she watched him, his excitement definitely felt contagious. "So, does that mean we'll be existing on a steady diet of fresh fish while we're there?"

"Not necessarily, I can always get something from the replicators beamed down, I was thinking maybe we could plant some seedlings from the fruit trees in the arboretum. I bet the climate would be great for bananas and a few other tropical fruits," Dirk said as he rambled from one subject to the next. "I am so looking forward to just being around you again. Sometimes I feel alone on this big old ship."

"The burden of command is very real," Abigail said softly. "But, at least we'll get some time together soon." She smiled. "And we'll just have to make up for lost time."

"I plan on making as many memories in those few days as possible, Abby. It will be a pleasant distraction. In the mean time I need to get some sleep I will see you in 48 hours. You should arrive first since we can't fully warp. I am excited to see you and can't wait."

Abigail smiled. "48 hours, I'll see you then. Sleep sweet Dirk." She sighed softly as his holographic representation faded from view. "48 hours still feels like so long."