Cassie smiled and set down a plate of food in front of him.
"Did you remember," he asked, "that I am a vegetarian?"
"Of course," Cassie said, "I'm a vegetarian as well, but my cooking is liked even by non-vegetarians like Will."
"You've cooked breakfast for Commander Riker?" Marcus said with a note of jealousy in his voice.
"Once, um, maybe twice, anyway he liked it."
Marcus began to eat his meal. "It's very good," he said.
"I knew you'd like it. Only Worf didn't like my cooking."
"Who is Worf?"
"Don't tell Will, but Worf is my mentor."
"Why shouldn't I tell Riker?"
"He thinks Worf and I were lovers."
"Ohhhh."
"It's not what you think, Will and I were seeing each other and it wasn't working out. I just didn't feel the same way about him as he did about me. Worf helped me out and now all three of us are good friends."
"Friends are good to have."
"Especially when they are Klingons."
"What's a Klingon?"
Cassie smiled, "You'll meet Worf tomorrow, when we get to Deep Space Nine. I've contacted him and he is going to lend me a copy of his Batlef Practice Holoprogram."
"What's that?"
"Just a holographic exercise program."
"Oh."
"Well, thanks to the work we did yesterday, I have just about finished with the Mimbari translations. I'm going to work here today, if you don't need me on the White Star, that is."
"No, I think I can manage over there by myself."
"Okay, I'll see you back here for dinner."
Marcus nodded, on his way out the door.
**********
The senior staff sat in the briefing room that afternoon waiting for the meeting to start. Data was chatting to Doctor Crusher. Deanna and Cassie were discussing the idiosyncrasies of men, while Commander Riker listened in. Finally Captain Picard handed a note pad to Riker who began the meeting.
"The main news," he began, "is that Jordi and Mr. Lennier have completed most of the repairs on the White Star. Thank you Jordi. And that Lieutenant Johanson has finished the language base for our guests. Good work Cassie. I look forward to reading your reports, now Data will give the navigation report."
Data started out his report by stating that they would reach Deep Space Nine by 0832 tomorrow. He had plotted a course through the Gamma Quadrant, away from Jem Ha'Dar and the Dominion. It would take the White Star 95.8 days at Warp 7 to reach Babylon 5. He referenced Jordi's work and mentioned that the Mimbari jumpgate technology was likely faster than Warp 7 but, the jumpgate generators were currently off-line.
Jordi then reported that there were some supplies needed from Deep Space Nine to get the engines and jumpgate generators online. Work on the engines was not yet completed, but Jordi expected to be ready before they reached Deep Space Nine.
"What exactly is a jumpgate?" Asked Captain Picard.
"From what I can figure," said Jordi, "it's a portable wormhole. I can't wait to see one in action." The rest of the staff agreed.
The rest of the reports were unremarkable and the meeting was dismissed rather quickly. Outside the briefing room, Riker caught up with Cassie.
"Hey," he said, "wait up, Cassie."
Cassie stopped and turned to Riker. "Sure, Will," she said. "What's up?"
"I talked to Marcus yesterday."
"I know, he told me."
"Oh? He's got it bad hasn't he?"
"Yeah, that's why I want him to get back home."
"Home? Why do you want him to go home?"
"So he can see his girlfriend, silly."
"Girlfriend?"
"He's got a girlfriend back home that's really got him shook up. I can respect that."
"Really? I must have misunderstood him then, because I thought he was talking about you."
"No." She said.
"You need to talk to him." He said.
"Okay, I will. Thanks."
"For what?"
"For being my friend."
"Anytime."
****************
Cassie was busy cleaning up her quarters and putting things away, when she picked up some clothes off the floor and a data crystal fell out. "That's funny," she said, picking it up, "I thought I put that in my jewelry box." She took the crystal to the dressing table and opened the jewelry box. Her crystal was still there. She picked it up, both crystals were identical. "Hmm," she said, "Marcus must have lost this one last night. I'll give it back to him later." She put one crystal back in the jewelry box and put other in her pocket, then she thought about it and put the other crystal in her other pocket. "I want to play this again before he leaves."
The computer chirped.
"Yes," Cassie said to the ceiling.
"Marcus, here."
"Go ahead, Marcus."
"Why don't you come over here for dinner tonight, I have some wonderful fruit and vegetables for you."
"I'd be delighted." She said.
"Say in twenty minutes?" He said.
"I'll be ready. Johanson out." Cassie said as she finished picking up things and putting away the dishes. When she was done she beamed over to the White Star.
Marcus was waiting for Cassie when she appeared on the bridge. He smiled broadly, "So glad you could join me," he said.
"A pleasure to be here," she said.
He escorted her to a small table on the bridge that he had set with a white table cloth, nice dishes and two candles in the middle.
"It's beautiful," Cassie said.
Marcus smiled and pulled out the chair for her.
"This is very romantic," she said.
He sat across the table from her and smiled.
Later on, after dinner, Cassie asked if she could replay the crystal one more time and record it, so she could remember him.
"Sure," Marcus said, picking things up, "use the monitor at Lennier's station."
"Oh," Cassie said, handing him one of the crystals, "this is yours." He put the crystal in his pocket.
She went to the navigation terminal and plugged the crystal into its slot.
Marcus' image appeared on the screen. "Susan," he said, "I have wonderful news. I've met someone who has made me forget all about your unicorn jokes. In fact, you can forget about them too. I love her with all my heart and if it were possible I would stay here with her. But, my duty is on Babylon Five, so I will be returning at the earliest possible moment. My report is attached. Thank you for understanding. Marcus out." The screen went blank.
Cassie stood up and took the crystal to Marcus. "I think I have the wrong crystal."
"Really?" He said. "You didn't get my log crystal did you?"
"No, I think this one belongs to Susan."
Marcus' face went pale and his mouth opened slightly. "I," he said, "oh, uh."
"It's all right." She said as she pressed the crystal into his hand. "I know exactly what this means."
"What?" He choked out.
"It means that we feel the same way about each other."
"Uh, huh."
She smiled evilly and took his hand. She led him to his cabin and closed the door.
****************
Cassie's communicator chirped. She opened her eyes and found that she and Marcus had slept all night on the floor of his cabin. She lay there in his arms not wanting to move. The communicator chirped again.
"What?" She said.
"Riker to Johanson." Said Commander Rikers voice from inside the room.
"Johanson, here."
"Are you coming to work today, or do I have to send a Security Detail to get you?"
"What time is it?"
"0800, you're an hour late."
"Oh God," she said as she jumped up. "I gotta go! Johanson out."
"What in Valen's name," said Marcus sitting up, "are you doing?"
"I gotta go, I'm late. We'll be coming out of warp and I have to be there."
"Okay."
"Do you want to come with me?"
"Sure, Lennier can take it from here, especially with Jordi's help."
"Sure, you can see my bridge then." She said as she tapped her communicator. "Two to beam straight to the bridge." They twinkled off the White Star and onto the Enterprise.
"So nice of you to join us Lieutenant," said Riker as Cassie hurried to her station.
"Marcus," said Captain Picard, "that's Deep Space Nine. We'll be docking there in a few minutes. If you would have a seat, please."
"You may sit next to me," said Deanna.
Marcus obeyed and sat next to the counselor. She smiled at him.
Deep Space Nine looked very large on the viewscreen as Data maneuvered the Enterprise around it.
"Ah," said Cassie, "Thank you, Control. Captain, we are cleared to dock on Upper Pylon 4."
"Proceed to Upper Pylon 4, Mr. Data." The Captain said.
"Aye Captain." Said Data.
"Captain," said Cassie, "control has space for the White Star on the docking ring at slip 37. They will tractor it in."
"Very well, Lieutenant," said Captain Picard. "Mr. Lennier, prepare for docking." Lennier's image appeared on the view screen, he nodded. "Mr. Data release tractor control to Deep Space Nine."
"Releasing," said Data. "Deep Space Nine has the White Star."
Lennier felt the bump, but remained standing. On the bridge of the Enterprise, the crew watched as the White Star drifted up to a docking station on the outer ring of the station and was attached with clamps.
"Mr. Lennier," said Captain Picard, "status report."
Lennier was picking himself up off the floor, "Still in one piece," he said.
"Mr. LaForge?"
Jordi's face appeared on the view screen, "Still no engine power, but I've located the problem and should have it repaired soon." He turned to a Mimbari behind him, "No, put that over there." Then he turned back to the viewscreen, "Captain, I'm sorry, I have to go. This should not take more than an hour."
"Very well, Mr. LaForge. Picard out."
"Everything will be fine," Deanna said quietly to Marcus, "Jordi is very good."
"I'm not concerned about that," said Marcus, "I know Lennier will get us home."
"Then what's wrong? I sense something is troubling you."
Marcus looked at her, "Are you a telepath?" He asked.
"No, I'm an empath. I can sense a person's emotions."
"Great," he mumbled, "I really don't want to talk about it."
"Very well, but you should tell her how you feel before it's too late."
"Before I leave?"
"I think you know what I mean."
"Why do you bloody telepaths think you have to get into everyone's business?"
"Excuse me." She said and turned toward the view screen.
Marcus knew she was right, but he was not going to let Deanna tell him what to do.
"You're a coward," said Deanna's voice inside Marcus' head.
He closed his eyes and thought very sternly, "Get out of my head!"
Deanna glared at him, stuck her tongue out and withdrew her thoughts. Marcus stood up and moved over to Cassie. She looked up at him and said, "I'm done here. The Captain has given everyone shore leave who isn't involved in repairs on the White Star."
"Okay," said Marcus, "what can I do?"
"Jordi gave me a shopping list, you want to go shopping?"
"Sure," he said, as he followed her to the turbo lift.
*******
Marcus and Cassie joined Lennier and Jordi at a table in Quark's Bar on Deep Space Nine, after all of the repairs to the White Star had been completed and the ship had been tested.
"Well," said Jordi to Marcus, "it's finally done. That jumpgate ride to Cardassia Prime and back was a real rush."
"It's nice to have the ship back in order." Said Lennier.
"I guess that means you'll be leaving tomorrow," said Cassie.
"Yes," said Marcus sadly. Cassie put her hand on his and squeezed it. "I will miss you."
Marcus looked into her eyes and said, "I'll miss you, too."
Quark approached the table with the drinks. "You two want a holosuite?"
Marcus looked at the little Feringi in disgust, "No," he said.
Cassie smiled at Quark, "Wait a minute," she said, "Worf said I could use his exercise program. Let me have that one."
"Right here, Lieutenant," Quark said as he handed her an orange cylinder. "I see the lady has taste. In entertainment, if not in friends."
Marcus glared at Quark, as he followed Cassie up the stairs. "I don't like some of your friends," he said.
Cassie smiled at him, "Quark's harmless," she said, as she placed the cylinder in the slot on the wall next to the door. She made some program adjustments and moments later the door opened into a dusty jungle area. Cassie picked up a Batlef that sat against a tree. She noticed that Marcus was staring at the weapon with his mouth open. "Computer," she said, "pause program."
"Is that thing safe?" He asked.
"It's bad luck," she said, "if you don't draw blood. I like to get that part over first. Besides,
the safety protocols are set so that we can't get hurt more than a cut or scratch. I set it on
extra safe, I knew you would be worried."
Marcus looked at her.
"Now," she continued, "these guys," she pointed to a trio of Klingons lurking in the trees.
"They put up a good fight, but will die if you strike them just right. I also set it so
they could be killed by the right blow from your pike. Do you want to try it?"
Marcus nodded. "Let's do it," he said drawing his pike.
"Resume." Cassie said, drawing her weapon. Three Batlef wielding Klingons came out of
hiding and the fight began. Marcus defended himself well and killed his share of Klingons.
Cassie got a good workout as well. When they had defeated nine Klingons, and were about
to start on the next set of three, a fourth came out of the jungle.
"Pause program." Cassie said, three of the Klingons stopped advancing, the fourth did not.
"Oh great," she said to Marcus. "Hello, Worf."
Worf sneered and snarled something in Klingon.
"He said," Cassie explained to Marcus, "leave my woman alone, you cowardly worm."
Marcus took a defensive step back and drew his pike. Worf charged him, they fought wildly.
As Cassie watched the melee, she thought, "They're quite evenly matched. That's interesting."
After a while both men were visibly tired and both were making mistakes. Marcus swung his
pike low, knocking Worf off his feet. Marcus placed a foot in the middle of his chest and
held his staff threateningly against the Klingon's throat. Just as Worf grabbed Marcus'
foot to throw him off, Cassie shouted, "Enough!" Both men stopped. Marcus retracted his
pike and offered Worf a hand up. When both men were standing, Cassie went to Worf and hugged
him tightly. Then she hugged Marcus and turned, still holding his hand, to Worf.
"Did he pass?" She asked.
Worf looked him up and down and laughed heartily. He grasped Marcus' hand and said, "Of
course he did! He's a good mate for you."
Marcus opened his mouth to say something, but Cassie squeezed his hand. "Really?" She
said to Worf.
"He has the heart of a warrior."
"And he beat you."
"You stopped us, but he was much better with that toothpick than Commander Riker was
with a Batlef!"
Cassie laughed.
Marcus snickered and grabbed his side, Worf helped him to sit on a rock. "Is this
why Commander Riker thinks you two are lovers?" Marcus asked carefully.
Cassie smiled, "Yes, it is," she said.
"It's nice to finally meet you Worf." Marcus said getting to his feet, "Cassie
has told me a lot about you."
"She should. I'm her brother."
"Brother?"
"My house adopted her."
"Nice, Cassie, why didn't you tell me?"
Cassie shrugged.
"I have a question," said Marcus, "why did you call me a cowardly worm?"
Worf laughed, "I talked to Counselor Troi before I came in."
"Bloody telepath."
Everyone was laughing when they left the holosuite.
************
It was early in the morning when Cassie noticed that she and Marcus had been
talking all night. He told her about his home and she told him about hers.
They talked about people they had known and met along the way. They had a lot
in common. She enjoyed his company and wished she could go back with him, but
her life was on the Enterprise.
"Oh," said Marcus, "I got you something on the Promenade last night, I thought
you'd like it." He pulled a small box out of his pocket and gave it to Cassie.
"Oh," she said, "Marcus, you shouldn't have," as she opened the box. Inside,
there was a tiny gold ring with a small pink stone in the middle.
Marcus took her hand in his as he knelt on one knee. "Cassie," he said, "Worf
was right, I am a cowardly worm." Cassie smiled at him and started to say
something, but he looked at her and she didn't. "I love you," he said, "I can't
imagine my world without you, but I know I will find out in a few hours." A
single tear came to his eye, "I will never forget you," he said.
Cassie, who was crying profusely kissed his cheek where the tear was. "I love
you, too," she said, "and I will never forget you." She handed him a small box.
"I got this for you, too." Marcus opened the box, inside was a tiny crystal
unicorn, he looked up at her and smiled. They embraced tightly, as Cassie's
tears soaked Marcus' shirt.
The computer chirped.
"Yes," sobbed Cassie.
"Riker to Johanson."
"Johanson here."
"Cassie, we're waiting for Mr. Cole in transporter room two. It's time to go."
"Okay, I'll bring him right away. Johanson out." She looked at Marcus, "Well,"
she said, "I guess this is good bye."
Marcus nodded sadly and kissed her passionately.
"Let's get you to your ship." She said wiping the tears from her face.
**************
Cassie stared at the little ring on her finger, as she watched the White Star pull
away from Deep Space Nine. The wormhole opened and the blue-green ship disappeared.
"Good bye, Marcus, my love." She said as tears rolled down her face.
**********
Marcus absently played with the little unicorn statue, as he watched Deep Space grow
smaller and finally disappear.
He choked back a sob and said quietly, "Good bye, Cassie, my love."
