Second Nature - Part Three

Posted on Mon Feb 24th, 2020 @ 3:24pm by Department Master Chief Petty Officer Stephen "Orthos" McKnight

Mission: Mission 13: The Space Between
Location: Various Locations - Starbase 400
Timeline: 1820Hrs - March 1st, 2390

"Oh, who is Iason?" Daisy asked.

Orthos regarded her. "Iason is one of my children..." he explained. "He's
all grown up, left home with a wife and kids of his own." he sighed softly.
"I miss my children..."

"I never guessed you for a father." Daisy stated.

"I didn't mention it before because I did not want to cause complications,
issues or concerns.. If you meet my children, I don't want you to have to
worry about things."

"That was kind of you." Daisy replied with a smile. "I guess I should ask
about your children's mother?" Daisy asked a little nervous.

"My wife was killed over ten years ago... Defending Deneva from the Borg
during their great onslaught." he paused. "She was able to destroy a Borg
cube but at the cost of her own ship..." he raised an eyebrow. "Flying was
what she loved to do.... she was flying a Runabout.."

"That's so sad. Do you miss her?" Daisy asked.

He slowly nodded his head. "I do..." he responded quietly. "But she died a
hero.. which was all she could ever ask for.." he commented. "so others
could live.." he sighed softly. "Besides... I didn't tell you any of this for a
very good reason." he regarded her as he explained. "I didn't want to
overload you with knowledge that would either confuse or intimidate you."
he explained. "I mean.. how would you feel if Iason or Darren." he smiled.
"Mary, Julia or Sarah were to show up in the middle of dinner." he explained.
"Your first question would be... who are you.? right?"

Daisy sat back and sipped her wine. "Your like an onion. The more I peel
away at the layers the more I find." Daisy told Orthos.

Orthos chuckled as he found the comment highly amusing. "Well I'm not a
vegitable, I also don't make you cry when you cut into me." he added.

Daisy let out a giggle. "That was meant as a compliment. I mean, you very
complicated for a ship's engineering NCO."

Orthos raised an eyebrow as he regarded her. "I refuse to have a boring
relationship." he commented. "Besides.. It could be worse right?"

Daisy smiled at Orthos "Ow yeah. Things could be worse. I think things are
good right now." Daisy stated as gave Orthos a once over with her eyes.

Orthos slowly smiled. "Well.. I aim to please." he commented before he
took a sip of his wine.

"Mission accomplished." Daisy told him with a risque smile.

Orthos regarded her. "Do you have plans for tonight?" he inquired with a
soft smile.

Daisy put her elbows together on the table and then her face in her upturned
palms. "I'm hoping to spend it with someone special." she replied in low voice.

Orthos smiled warmly at her. "That sounds good." he answered with a smile.

"Yes it does." Daisy answered. "This some one special is very interesting and
is a Master Chief Petty Officer in Engineering." Daisy narrowed her eyes on
Orthos.

Orthos chuckled. "Well he sounds complicated but I'm sure he's a nice guy....
and I have competition to contend with."

Daisy laughed. "I'm wondering though if he wants me in his quarters or does he
want to come to mine?"

Orthos took only a moment to decide. "Whichever is closer.. his is Deck Six,
section eleven."

"Oh, I think his are closer. I'll need him to show me the way though." Daisy
said with a coy smile.

McKnight smiled. "It can be arranged." he commented. "Will the lady require
a change of clothing?"

"No she will not." Daisy told Orthos. "Although she may need a night cap."

"I know the mans replicator system is working just fine, she should be able to
get anything she needs from there." Orthos commented as he finished off his
glass of wine.

"Then he needs to let her know when he's ready." Daisy stated giving Orthos a
stare and wryly smile.

"Oh he will." Orthos responded with a smile. "But first.. lets eat... we'll both
need the calories." as he gave her a sultry smile. "But tell me about your family.."
he inquired as their food arrived. "Ahh... excellent."

Their orders were delivered as Orthos settled down to eat his food, as he watched
Daisy do the same.

Orthos looked at her as he finished his food. "So.. your place... or mine?"

"My family is a little odd. I don't want to talk about them now as it might ruin the
mood." Daisy explained. She took another sip of wine. "Your place."

Orthos smiled. "Fair enough. Shall we take the wine with us?" he inquired.

"Of course!" Daisy quickly answered. "We will need a refreshment."

Orthos collected the three bottles and with that, he and Daisy went to pay for their meal,
then they departed the restaurant.