Into the Warzone

Posted on Mon Sep 14th, 2020 @ 4:34pm by Lieutenant Commander Savin & Lieutenant Dessame Sar

Mission: The Shadow of Arachne
Timeline: During "Stowaway"
922 words - 1.8 OF Standard Post Measure

Savin hurried after Dessame, just catching the turbolift as the doors closed. "Are you alright?" he asked instantly, unconsciously giving her a once-over. "The captain said to go with you, but where exactly?"

"Deflector Control." Dessame said as the lift began to move. "I'm fine Savin, thank you. I need to get to the emitters and see what the damage is. My technical knowledge of that system is adequate enough to hopefully fix any problems, or at least a temporary measure. Are you okay?" she asked.

"Makes me wonder why I am sent with you," Savin mused out loud before realizing she'd asked him the same question. "A little light-headed but it will pass," he answered honestly. "What can I do to help, short of not getting in your way?"

"Makes sense to have a two person team in this situation." Dessame admitted. "I don't know the extent of the damage and going alone might prove dangerous. There is also the fact that maybe the Commander has seen we make a good team. You have a 'calming' effect on me." Dessame looked at him for a moment. "I have been told I am rather confrontational at times."

"I have not noticed that you are," Savin admitted, then smiled. "I suppose we do make a good team," he added, "though I still do not know how to be of assistance. I do not possess any kind of engineering skill."

"Because I am not with you." Dessame replied as the lift came to a stop and she headed towards her destination, Savin in tow. "You can be my beautiful assistant and hand me things..." she teased.

It was a good thing their link was still in effect, or perhaps it wasn't? he arched a single eyebrow at her. "Men are not beautiful," he commented dryly, "perhaps...you should be my beautiful assistant instead?"

"I'm no-ones assistant my dear Savin." she said lightly punching his arm playfully. "And men can be beautiful. Yes the term is mostly used to describe females but I think a man can be just as beautiful." Betazoids were quite open about that sort of thing, or so she had noticed back on Betazed when staying with her grandparents.

"Ow," the Romulan mock complained, rubbing his arm. "So... I am dear now? And why are you no-one's assistant?" He smiled at her, and at her honesty.

"Because I don't like being submissive." she said in reply. Her forced submission many years ago had made her want to die so she had chosen, for the most part, to never submit again. She liked being strong, or giving the appearance of strength anyway. In her job that was what she was. She knew what was expected, what to do but when it came to personal life it was a minefield.

Savin couldn't fault her for her reasoning. Still... on impulse, he took her arm and pulled towards him. Looking her right in the eyes, but giving her no chance to respond, he kissed her.

As Savin pulled her she was taken off guard. Their eyes met for a moment and due to surprise she had no time to act before Savin placed his lips on hers.

For a moment it was as if time stopped before she quickly realised what was happening and with a realisation pushed him back and slapped him, hard, across the face. It was then as Savin stumbled back she saw his face, a mixture of pain and confusion. Dessame didn't quite know what had just happened, a few passing colleagues also surprised by both impulses.

She rushed back up to him, "Sorry..." she said placing her hands on either side of him trying her best to give a sympathetic look.

The shock on his face was genuine, the pain and surprise he felt palpable as his hand went up to touch his cheek. He was certain her handprint would be visible and he felt the warmth, first not realizing she was actually touching him again. "Why?" he asked as he took her hands in his and pulled them away. "Did you not...want this?"

Flustered, for once, Dessame tried to find the words. "No... eh I mean yes I did... but you need to warn me." she replied. Dessame had a feeling he was going to try something, his emotions were hard to read given his species but he gave off subtle signs. Still this came a shock, but not an unwelcome one.

Studying her, he gave a slow nod. "I did not mean to startle you," he apologized, "it just...felt right. I shall..." He paused, drawing a deep breath. "Not do this when we are on duty, and on a mission," he finally added, "we have work to do." He should focus on their job, not how he felt. Even if his emotions were very much all over the place.

"It's... okay." Dessame said as she sighed. "I just didn't expect it now, when we were heading to fix the shields." she joked. "Come on..." she nudged him. "Lets go into the warzone." she said as the doors opened and she saw the mess that was Deflector Control.

"Into the warzone, where we have no idea what we are supposed to be doing," Savin confirmed, though he still felt very confused if not a little hurt. "You need to direct me Dess, I am not an engineer."

"I'll be sure to direct you." she smiled softly placing a hand on his shoulder. "Let's go."