Cassie nodded, trying to take it all in. She was inputting the data into the computer as fast as Marcus could speak. As he mentioned another race or place name, she labeled that portion of uncharted space, soon that corner of the universe did not look so barren.
"Well," said Marcus after a while, "that's all I know. Now, my navigator Lennier, he knows much more than I. You need to bring him in here."
Cassie smiled, "I will. Oh, that reminds me of our other task. . . "
"It's all right, Lennier speaks Standard, he won't blow up your device."
Cassie smiled, "Okay, we've got to get out of here, before the Captain sends out a search party."
"Okay."
"But first I want to show you something." Cassie said as she pushed some buttons. As star chart appeared on the screen. "Take away all star designations." Cassie ordered, and all of the names disappeared.
Marcus sighed. "It's beautiful," he said. "I remember sitting on my back porch when I was child, and seeing this in the sky."
"It's not complete, I'm sorry."
"Don't be, that's really what I saw. You see the ozone layer had been depleted many years before and a dome was built over the major cities. No one lived outside the dome, it was too dangerous."
"Oh Marcus, you have never felt the full sun on your face, or seen the sky full of stars?"
"Well, I have since then. I spent several years on Mimbar and have run a mission or two to Narn. But I've never felt the sun from Earth."
"If we get a chance I would like to show you my homeworld. It's green and sunny. The apple trees on a summer day are incredible."
"I would love to see it."
Cassie stood to leave Stellar Cartography. Marcus touched her hand, she stopped and looked at him. He gently took her hand in his, raised it to his lips and kissed it gently. "Thank you," he said.
She felt her heart race as she said, "You're welcome."
They stared into each others eyes for a long moment.
"Um," said Cassie, as she blinked several times, "we'd best get going."
Marcus also blinked several times, "Yes, we should."
**********
The entire senior staff sat around the oval table in the briefing room. Cassie sat in the middle between Commander Riker and Lieutenant Commander Data. Deanna Troi, the ship's counselor, sat at the end of the table opposite Captain Picard, who was at the head. Chief Engineer Jordi La Forge, Beverly Crusher, and the new chief of Security Randy Williamson, sat on the other side.
"Good," said Captain Picard, looking around the table. "I'm glad every one could make it. I wanted to start off by mentioning the wonderful job Lieutenant Johanson is doing communicating with our new friends. Thank you, Cassie."
Cassie nodded.
"Next, Mr. Data, do you have a report on the arrangements for getting our guests home?"
"Yes, sir I do." Began Data. "May I have the map please?" He announced to the computer. A map of the galaxy appeared and Data highlighted an area in the Gamma Quadrant just outside Dominion space. In his report he noted that this is where Marcus' ship came from. He explained that since the Enterprise was currently about five days (4.83 to be exact) from Deep Space 9, the wormhole would be the closest way for them to get back to their part of the Gamma Quadrant. Captain Picard agreed and suggested that the Enterprise accompany them to Deep Space 9, as it was on the way. Doctor Crusher's report stated that all of the guests were doing well, and that she and Jordi were working together to get the ship running. Cassie's report indicated that more time was needed with Marcus and the Mimbari language before that project would be done. The Captain agreed to give her until they reached Deep Space 9 to have the Universal Translator working right. In the meantime they would make use of Marcus and Mr. Lennier for translations. Jordi's report from Engineering was unexciting. He elaborated on his work with Dr. Crusher and expressed optimism about the repairs. Deanna had nothing to report, except that the visitors were relatively content and optimistic.
As a side note she said, "Marcus is incredibly happy as is Lieutenant Johanson."
Riker broke in, "Could there be a connection?"
Cassie blushed and the whole senior staff laughed heartily.
"Security?" Said Captain Picard finally. "Do you have a report?" Williamson shook his head. "That's it then. Dismissed." He stood and the rest of the staff followed suit.
Outside the briefing room, Randy was waiting for Cassie. He had a puzzled look on his face. "Cassie," he said. "Is there something with you and this Marcus character?"
Cassie stared at him in amazement, she thought everyone on the Enterprise had heard about them by now. "Randy," she said gently, "Marcus and I are working together and we had dinner."
Randy raised an eyebrow. "Dinner?" He said.
Cassie glared at him, "It was only dinner, why doesn't anyone believe me."
Randy laughed "Gottcha," he said.
Cassie shook her head and smiled. "I didn't think you were that far out of touch," she said.
"I'm not. I knew when you took him back to sick bay. I also knew that you didn't do anything."
"How did you know that?" Cassie asked in surprise.
"It's my job. That's all I can tell you."
"Then next time we will need to be more discreet."
Everyone laughed.
"Oh, Beverly," said Cassie catching up to Dr. Crusher at the turbo lift. "Would it be all right if Marcus and I begin work right away and then knock off after dinner?"
"Sure," said Dr. Crusher, "but why not wait until morning? That way you would have more time alone." She said with an evil smile.
"It's not that Doctor." Cassie said with a sigh. "I have mids tonight and I do need to rest before I have to go to work."
"Yes, rest is good. Sure, you can work with him now."
"Thank you, Beverly."
"Don't mention it."
The turbo lift stopped and Cassie nearly knocked Beverly over trying to get off. The Doctor followed her shaking her head.
Cassie appeared at Marcus' side. He was chatting to the Mimbari he introduced as Lennier. Marcus turned to her and smiled broadly, "How was the meeting?" He asked.
"Same as usual," she said. "How is Mr. Lennier?"
"I'm doing much better now." Said the Mimbari on the bed.
"Mr. Lennier! I can understand you!"
"Of course you can. I can understand you as well."
"How? Is the translator fixed."
Marcus laughed. "No, Mr. Lennier speaks fluent Standard."
"Oh," said Cassie. "I'm sorry."
"I have to be versed in Standard, my assignment on Babylon 5 requires it."
Marcus nodded to Lennier and turned to Cassie. "Shall we get started." He said, "Mr. Lennier has volunteered to help with words I don't know."
Cassie looked at Marcus cheerfully. "Great!" She said. "We do need to get started. I have to work late tonight."
Marcus looked saddened, "Oh, uh." He started to say something then stopped.
Cassie looked at him and said "I thought we could have an early meal and then rest before I had to report for duty at 2400."
Marcus' expression brightened visibly. "Good." He said.
Lennier smirked at Marcus and Cassie, "Humans," he said, "I don't understand their mating customs."
Cassie and Marcus both blushed and smiled at Lennier.
"Well," said Cassie, clapping her hands, "shall we get started."
*******
Three hours later, Beverly made Marcus and Cassie leave Lennier alone to rest. Cassie suggested that they visit Ten Forward for dinner. Marcus agreed that he could eat and they made their way to the turbo lift.
"Deck 10." Said Cassie as the doors closed. The lift started to move. "Stop," she said, the lift obeyed. Marcus looked at her questioningly. "Um," she began, "I, we, haven't had much time to talk about last night."
"Oh," said Marcus, "last night. Well, you know. . ."
Cassie put her index finger on his lips and shook her head. Then she pressed her lips to his and put her arms around his neck. He kissed her and held her tightly, after a long moment they stopped kissing but did not let go of each other. They looked into each other's eyes and nodded.
"Resume," she said.
Following a good meal and nice conversation in Ten Forward, Marcus walked Cassie to her quarters. As they approached the door Cassie said, "Well, um, I guess I'll see you in the morning."
Marcus looked into her eyes and said, "I suppose so."
He turned to leave and Cassie touched his hand. "Come on in and have some tea?" She said, tilting her head toward the door.
Marcus took her hand and let her lead him into her quarters. The door closed with a whoosh and she turned around, smiling evilly she pinned him against the door and kissed him passionately. He reciprocated with the same enthusiasm.
"Let's go in the bedroom," she said.
"Uh huh," sighed Marcus.
"Oh, computer."
The computer chirped.
"Set wake up call for 2330, no excuses."
The computer chirped again.
"No excuses?" Said Marcus.
Cassie smiled. "You'll see," she said and closed the bedroom door.
The computer tones chimed a second time, this time was louder than the first Cassie opened her eyes to find herself snuggling very close to Marcus, who was snoring next to her in the bed. She got even closer to him and put her arm over his shoulder. She dozed off again. Suddenly, she was startled awake by the lights coming on and the sound of the 1812 Overture resounding throughout the room. Marcus sat straight up in the bed with his pike drawn.
"Okay, that's enough!" Cassie shouted over the din. "Computer, turn it off! Code word: Wenatchee." The noise died, the lights stayed on. Marcus clutched his pike, breathing hard, he looked at Cassie and said, "No excuses?"
"Yes," she said, "why don't you just lay back down. I have to report to work right now, but I'll be off at 0800. We'll have the rest of the day together."
"That's a good deal. My crew has four hours on and four hours off."
"This way it makes it easier to have a life outside of work. We are out on patrol for so long at a time it makes us feel better. At least that's what Deanna says."
"Counselor Troi?"
"Yes, you've met her?"
"Oh, yes."
Cassie nodded and said that she would see him after work. When she had left the room, he lay back on the bed and went back to sleep.
Marcus awakened in Cassie's bed. He had no idea what time it was, but he knew he had been asleep a while. This was the first time in a long time that he had slept that well. In fact he couldn't remember when he had slept that well. He also couldn't remember being this happy.
"Damn," he said out loud, as he sat up. "How could I let this happen? I think I'm falling in love with her." He dropped back down on the bed with a definite thud. "Marvelous," he sighed, "simply bloody marvelous."
************
Cassie sat at the Communications Station on the bridge of the Enterprise and waited. The lights were turned down low, and the skeleton crew on the mid-watch was sitting around waiting for something to happen. It never did on the mid-watch. Data was in charge this evening, he always kept Cassie and whoever was at Security entertained. Tonight it was Chance Riley who filled in for Randy at Security. Cassie always liked to stand the mid-watch with Data and Chance, they made the time go by much faster.
Part of the job of the mid-watch was to clean the entire bridge. Data reveled in this task which made it much easier for Cassie. Although, this evening she was happy to do almost anything. She even volunteered to clean the Captain's Head. "That's the bathroom," Data would always remind her. Cassie could not remember when she had been this happy, she couldn't stop smiling; even when she did the nasty jobs. She just couldn't stop thinking about Marcus, he was so wonderful. She really loved him.
"Oh shit." She said out loud.
Data turned around to her and said, "You finished with the head forty three minutes ago, is something wrong?"
"Oh, nothing like that, Mr. Data. I was just talking to myself."
"Sounded serious," said Riley. "Did you forget to do something?"
"No, no, nothing like that." She said, "I was just thinking about someone. I mean, something. Something."
"It's Marcus isn't it?" Asked Riley.
"Yes. No. I don't know."
"It's Marcus!" Said Data and Riley I unison.
"Okay, guys, I'm sure it is. But what am I going to do?"
Data and Riley looked at each other and then at Cassie.
"I'm afraid," said Cassie, "that I am falling in love with this guy. This could be disastrous. What can I do?"
Data looked at Riley for help, but the Security Officer shrugged.
"We're from different parts of the galaxy," Cassie went on. "We can have no future, we can't even send messages to each other. Oh, God, how did I do this!" She put her head in her hands.
Riley moved to her from his station and put a hand gently on her shoulder, "Cassie," he began, "the best thing to do is tell him how you feel and hope that he feels the same way. If he does then you know that he is going through the same thing. If he doesn't then you know it was fun while it lasted. Don't let him go back home without telling him how you feel. I had a friend and I never told her how I felt and now I regret it."
"Really? But, what if he doesn't feel the same way that I do, what if. . .," she said.
"You and Commander Riker are still friends, maybe even closer for what happened. Let him know."
"Don't back away," added Data, "I know in a similar circumstance I would like to know. I only wish I could feel what you are feeling."
"Someday, my friend," she said, "someday."
**************
Cassie got off watch at 0800 on the dot and hurried back to her quarters. She was eager to see Marcus, she considered telling him everything, spilling her feelings. Well, maybe not, but she did what to see him. When she got to her quarters, the door was unlocked and Marcus was gone.
"Computer," she said.
The computer chirped.
"Locate Marcus Cole."
"Marcus Cole is in Ten Forward." The computer responded.
"Thank you," Cassie said. She never was sure if she should thank the computer or what. She locked the door and went to Ten Forward.
**********
Marcus sat near a window in Ten Forward, he was finishing up breakfast. As he watched the stars move by he couldn't help wondering what was happening back on Babylon Five. When they left, the First One's had just joined the fight against the Shadows and the war was at a turning point. He had no doubts that the Mimbari and the forces from Babylon Five had won. He could not help wondering what was going to happen next. Especially with the forces from Earth, "Okay," he thought, "it's Earth to me. Whatever Cassie calls it."
Just then, Cassie appeared behind him. "Hi, Marcus." She said cheerfully.
"Hello, Cassie." He said smiling sadly at her.
"What's wrong?"
"Nothing, really, just a little homesick. We left in the middle of a war, we were winning, but I wish I knew what was happening. I wish I knew what my next assignment would be. I wish I knew what happened to Babylon Five, to my colleagues there."
"Marcus, I understand. I felt the same way when the Borg attacked Earth, I mean my home. Jordi and Beverly are working as hard as they can to get your ship fixed."
"I know that, but. . ."
"But, what?"
"I'm not bloody good at this. I'm surely not used to opening up to anyone, it seems that whenever I let someone into my life, it never turns out the way I want it to."
"Marcus, how could I ever hurt you? I love you." She covered her mouth and turned away. "I didn't mean to say that," she said, "I'm sorry."
Marcus looked at her as though in shock. "Cassie," he began gently, "you know this can't work out. We're from different parts of the galaxy, we can't do this."
"What are you trying to tell me?"
"I don't rightly know. The only thing I know for sure is that I'm confused, bloody confused. Please don't make me say any more."
Cassie gently touched his shoulder and sadly smiled down at him. "I meant what I said." She whispered.
"I know." He said.
Cassie sighed and buried her feelings. Changing the subject, she said, "Well, when we're finished, we can get started back to work."
Marcus nodded and said, "I want to show you my ship. It should be ready at least for a tour by now."
"I'd love to see it."
Marcus smiled broadly for the first time this morning. "The tour," he said, "begins right after breakfast."
Cassie nodded and ordered breakfast.
**********
Cassie and Marcus stood alone in the transporter room waiting for the rest of their party to arrive. He looked at her and smiled, she smiled back at him. He edged closer to her and took her hand. He squeezed it, and slipped a small crystal into it. Just then, the rest of their party arrived. Jordi led the group, followed by Beverly and Lennier. Beverly and Jordi were going to check on the progress of the repairs, Lennier volunteered to explain the controls.
Hopping on the transporter pad, Jordi said, "Let's get going. I can't wait to see this organic ship on the inside."
"Me neither," said Cassie, taking her place on the transporter.
Beverly escorted Lennier to his spot and Marcus took the remaining place next to Cassie. She winked at him as the transporter process began. The transporter room on the Enterprise dissolved and was replaced by the bridge of the White Star. Cassie looked over at Marcus in time to see him get weak in the knees and fall to the floor. She knelt beside him and held his hand, while Doctor Crusher administered a hypospray. His eyes fluttered open.
"What happened?" He asked weakly.
"Transporter effect." Cassie said, "After a while you get used to it."
"How in Valen's Name did you do that?"
"I'm not sure, really, but I do know that it's done on a molecular level."
Marcus cringed, "My molecules were just scattered through space?"
Cassie nodded.
"Bloody hell." He sighed.
Cassie laughed and helped him to his feet.
Beverly had already helped Lennier to his feet and Jordi was examining the ship.
"Amazing," Jordi muttered, "simply amazing. The whole ship is organic, it's amazing. Is it a living being?"
"Not really," said Lennier approaching the crystalline control panel.
Jordi walked around the bridge in awe. Cassie stayed close to Marcus. Beverly joined Jordi. Marcus sat in the chair at the center of the bridge. He looked right at home, breathing in the air, and reveling in just being there.
Smiling broadly at Cassie, and spreading his arms wide, Marcus said, "Welcome to my world."
"It's beautiful," she said.
Marcus smiled again and got grudgingly out of the chair. "Let me show you my quarters," he said.
"Okay." Cassie said as she followed him down the corridor. They went into a large room with several beds, each was tilted at an uncomfortable looking angle. Cassie looked around.
Marcus smiled, "This is the crew quarters," he said, as he touched a panel in the wall at the far end and a door opened into a small room with one bed, tilted like the others, and a small desk with a chair and view screen. "This is the captain's quarters."
Cassie looked around, "Nice digs," she said.
"That crystal fits in here," he pointed to a slot next to the view screen. "You can view it that way."
"Now?" She asked.
"Um, yes. I, ah, have to attend to business on the bridge."
"Okay, I can find my way back."
"Um, yeah, okay then." He said as he slowly backed out of the room.
"Close the door on the way out," she said as she fitted the crystal into the slot and sat in the chair. "I bet it's a Dear Jane letter." She said to herself.
Finally an image of Marcus appeared on the viewscreen. "Cassie," the image began, "I know this is an impersonal way to do this, but it is from my heart. I recorded it several times and finally got it right, I think." There was a long pause. "I have a confession to make. There is someone else in my life right now that I care a great deal about. She's strong, and kind, and she has a sense of duty that is only matched by mine. I love her. I never thought there would ever be anyone like her, ever, until now. This person cares about me, but does not feel the same way I do about her. That was the best I could hope for, I am content to be her friend. But now I've met you and whenever I'm with you I feel like I'm betraying her. I know it's silly, but that's me. So, I came over here this morning and recorded a data crystal to her and this one to you. I could no longer keep my feelings to myself. That's all, Marcus out." The screen went blank.
Cassie blinked and took the crystal out of the slot. She stuffed the crystal in her pocket. When she returned to the bridge, she saw Marcus sitting in his chair, no one was around. "Where is everyone?" She asked.
"Lennier," he said, "took them on a tour."
"Oh." She paused a moment and then asked, "What is her name?"
"Susan," he said, "her name is Susan."
"She's very lucky."
"Why?"
"You're going back to her."
"Actually, I'm going back to my job. She's kind of my Commanding Officer."
"What am I going to do with you Marcus?" She said with a big smile and hugged him very tight. When she pulled away, she had tears in her eyes.
"You had better stop that or Commander Riker will be mad at me."
"You know Will?" She said wiping her eyes.
"He came in for breakfast."
"You were busy this morning, weren't you?"
He grinned.
Just then, Doctor Crusher appeared on the bridge, "I'm going back," she said, "they don't need me here. I'm a doctor not a mechanic."
"How's the work coming?" Marcus asked.
"Mr. Lennier and Jordi have things well in hand."
"Good."
"Do they think," asked Cassie, "that the ship will be fixed by the time we get to Deep Space Nine?"
"Jordi's hopeful," said Beverly.
"How much longer to Deep Space Nine?" Asked Marcus off hand.
"Data estimates," said Cassie, "about three more days."
"Three days," Marcus sighed, "that's not much time."
"It's more than enough for Jordi to get the work done." Said Beverly.
Cassie concurred.
"I bet you and your crew," said Beverly making conversation, "are ready to get back home."
Marcus nodded.
Beverly scowled and gave Cassie a look that said, "What's eating him?"
Cassie shrugged.
"I've got rounds to make." Beverly said as she tapped her communicator, "One to beam back." Moments later the Doctor sparkled off the bridge.
"What's wrong Marcus?" Cassie asked gently.
Marcus looked preoccupied, "Oh, nothing," he said, "just thinking."
"Do you have any pictures of Susan?" She said, trying to cheer him up.
"Yes. Yes, I do." He said as he punched up something on his control panel.
An image appeared on the viewscreen of a dark haired woman, with serious brown eyes. "Marcus," she was saying, "the Captain has taken six of the White Stars with him to Z'ha'Dum. He wants you to meet them there. Good luck my friend. Ivanova out."
"A real romantic message." Cassie said sarcastically.
"That was the last transmission we received before we ended up here." Marcus said sadly.
"You missed your appointment, I guess."
"It concerns me that without my ship, we may have lost the war and the Captain might be in trouble and . .."
"Marcus, calm down. I'm sure he'll understand when he finds out what happened."
"I just need to get home."
"Then we'll get this thing fixed."
Marcus smiled, visibly relieved.
***********
After dinner, Marcus walked Cassie to her quarters and bid her "Good night", without going in. They had worked all day getting the White Star running, and she was tired. She figured he should be too. She lay down on her bed and closed her eyes. Then she opened her eyes and sat up.
"Computer," she said, "contact Marcus Cole."
The computer chirped.
Marcus' image appeared on the small view screen next to her bed. "Yes?" He said, "Oh, Cassie, um, what can I do for you?"
"I was wondering," Cassie said, "how was the transport over to your ship?"
"All right, I'm still somewhat dizzy, but it's getting easier."
"Good, I, uh, just wanted to know. Okay, uh, good night."
"Um, yeah, good night."
"Okay, bye." Said Cassie as she pressed the button that disconnected them. She lay back and shut her eyes.
Marcus reclined on his bed and stared across the room. He turned over, still awake, and punched in the code to call Cassie.
"Marcus?" She said as her image appeared on his view screen.
"Cassie," he said, "did I leave my pike there? I can't seem to find it."
"No. I haven't seen it."
"Oh, ha, never mind there it is. Sorry."
"Okay, good night."
"Good night." He said as he ended the connection. He turned over, stood up, sat at his desk and then went back to the view screen and dialed Cassie again.
"Yes, Marcus," Cassie's image said when it appeared.
"I'm cold," he said, "can I borrow a blanket?"
"I'll see what I can find."
"Okay, thanks." He said as he ended the connection. Moments later a blanket appeared next to him.
"Thanks," he said to the ceiling.
Cassie tossed and turned and could not sleep, although she was very tired. Of course with Marcus calling every five minutes, it didn't help. It was very nice, though. "It's been ten minutes," she said to herself, "maybe he went to sleep." She closed her eyes and turned over. She opened her eyes a few moments later, when she felt someone looking at her. Marcus was standing at the foot of her bed.
"Marcus!" She said. "How did you do that?"
"I used the transporter, like you sent me that blanket."
"Okay."
"I thought I'd return it. It keeps falling off my bed."
"Oh," she said getting out of bed and putting her arms around his neck. He held her tightly. They kissed passionately. She maneuvered him to the bed and they lay down.
"As long as you're here," she said, "you might as well stay."
"Okay," he said with a silly grin.
