The Blythes first stop on their mission itinerary had gone well. They had delivered the the consignment of fusion generators and tritium power cells to the colony on Hargusta 3. The colony administration had needed the supplies to finish repairs from the Vaadwaur invasion, and also to help build a new subdivision adjacent to the colonies capital. It was essentially a cargo delivery job, and didnt leave a lot of room for shoreleave or diplomacy.

Their next stop was the Sadeena system where they would help the colony on the 5th planet with the final stages of their power plant upgrade. The Blythe carried the key final components of the power plant in cargobay 4; the main power distribution hub assembly, the flow regulators, and the 2 fusion reactor cores. Currently the power plant only had 2 operational cores, and these upgrades would help the planet provide power for the growing population of well over 30000.

They were scheduled to arrive in about 9 hours, and the ship was just about to end its afternoon(Beta) shift, and begin the Gamma shift. Today would be Cdr Mee IHs(Beluga, and second officer)3rd shift having the ‘conn’. Lt. Lasage would cover helm and ops, and Ensign Jace would cover tactical, comms, and science from the tactical station behind the captains chair. A few other petty officers were also there as watchstanders and relief.

Wong glanced over his shoulder as he heard the turbolift door open. It was Lt. Tesa and another engineer each with tool kits.

Wong figured they were there to work on the new water pipe and said “Wow Lt you and your volunteers have made quick work of this plumbing project haven’t you?”

“Yeah, nothing to it really, sir. We hope to have the hole cut and the last section of pipe installed today. We should be able to test and fill it with water before the second officer comes on duty tomorrow night.” The Bajoran engineer replied.

The new second officer had gone through 2 fairly uneventful shifts in command of the bridge. He was in command, remotely, monitoring everything through one of the rear consoles on the bridge. And aside from declaring ‘clothing is now optional’ at the start of each of his shifts and inviting the bridge crew for a skinny dip at the end of each shift, he had served in the role just like any other humanoid officers. As usual Mee IH spent his shifts in command monitoring key systems, responding to requests from all over the shift, confirming routine actions and orders, and generally keeping the ship running and flying in the right direction.

LT Tesa and her volunteer lackey began working on the cetacean tube opening. Plotting there position, then cutting out the carpet section, and then setting up a circular jig. When he ready to start ‘cutting’ she tapped her comm badge. ‘Tesa to Golding, can you bring those railings we make yesterday up to the bridge, and have Potter and Sklar standby on deck 2, after we cut this hole we can beam the final pipe section into place, and they can begin pressure testing and insulating’

((Holodeck, Blythe))

So yeah, it was official T’Sen and Dalton were definitely a ‘couple’ amd engaged now. Their second and third dates had both ended similarly in the holodeck and the same passipnate lovemaking. Less the pon farr induced frenzy part.

Apparently the two were quite compatible. Dalton was head over heele in love, and was suprised at how quickly it had happened. T’Sen was not repulsed by Dalton physically, and his genetics would be a great mix for her family. She also found his constant inquisitiveness and desire to learn very endearing in so far as a Vulcan could identify. Her ’emotional outbursts’ that had prevented her from being accepted into the Vulcan Science Academy, were indeed, just flashed from her bolian heritage burst to the surface, it was so much emotional outbursts, as it was Bolian comedic genius bursting forth occasionally her logical Vulcan mind.

‘I would like to ask that we perform the marriage ceremony on Vulcan at my families compound, if this is agreeable.’ She said as they laid mostly nude on the day bed.

‘Oh shit yeah girl, my family will love a trip to Vulcan. We’re naturally a sunny weather, beach type family anyway. How many guests do you think we should invite hun(the ‘pet’ name T’Sen agreed to as it was the least objectionable or sensitive the list Dalton had provided her with)?’ Dalton had a decent sized extended family, and he had several dozen surfer bro’s and friends he would need to invite.

‘Our ritual monastery and communal areas could easily accomodate several hundred. Though many would have to stay in one of the hotels in one of main cities. My families residences could easily accomodate your ‘family’ though.’ T’sen responded cooly

‘I mean, thats sweet hun, but nah, mom and dad should definitely stay at the hotel too. I’m already worried about how our in laws are going to get along. My dad smoke herb like a chimney and my mom drinks like a fish, I wouldn’t want to subject your family to that unneccesarily….but it should make for a groovy reception though.’ He rolled over and kissed her on cheek and a went to wrap his arm around her.

T’Sen gently blocked him ‘We are currently outside of the previously agreed to ‘5 minute post sex cuddle window, Dalton’

Dalton smiled, and rolled onto his back and thought to himself ‘she’s so perfect in so many ways’ like a lovestruck puppy.