Commodore Kalianna Nicholotti - Far Too Long

[Marissa Jeffrey]

(( Elysium – Deck 6, USS Artemis ))

The discussion had run over the potential lack of silence like a forklift, with both of their sectors known for the unknown and the unplanned. Quiet was never really quiet, and it did seem like they were always the ones that had to get in the middle of it to save the day. Kali knew that all of them had seen death multiple times, stared it down and dared it to come for them, and yet they all still were there.

Plenty of others they had known and tried to save were not, but they were. That meant that they needed to take advantage of it, and embrace life. Otherwise, what had so many sacrified for?

Nicholotti: So, Risa. And without court martials this time. Any...big plans?

That drew a look from Addison that Kali had to smirk at. Captains on leave didn't have big plans.

MacKenzie: Absolutely not. The most I have on my schedule is welcoming a few new officers.

The typical eyebrow wiggle followed and Kali silently wished her friend a quiet leave - if there was such a thing. It often felt as if trouble would always find them if they didn't go looking for it first.

Adea: Although I’m certain we can get some swimming in.

Turning to her partner, Kali's smirk melted into a genuine smile. That was something she could get behind.

Nicholotti: Sounds about right. I could do with a beachside dance.

While they were lost momentarily in each other's eyes, she could feel Addison looking between the two of them.

MacKenzie: I’m glad we were able to source a vacation for you out of this mission.

Genkos didn't miss a beat with his reply and Kali chuckled.

Adea: As am I.

Her eyes remained lost in the inky darkness of his as she spoke.

Nicholotti: Gotta take em when we can.

It was at that point Addison stood. A thankful swirling of colors drifted between two linked minds and Kali mirrored it. Addison was one of her closest friends and she always would be, but it had been oh so long since she'd been able to spend alone time with Genkos in the flesh. Holograms just didn't have the same effect.

MacKenzie: I think that Sapphire Wine is finally hitting. I think I’m going to turn in for the night.

Adea: Good night, Captain.

Kali turned and nodded thankfully, standing to meet her.

Nicholotti: Good night. And thank you.

Stepping forward, the redheaded captain met the raven haired commodore and embraced her.

MacKenzie: Good to have you back in action again, Commodore.

Hugging her back, Kali smiled.

Nicholotti: It's good to be back.

With another squeeze to her shoulders and a nod, all that was left to say was conveyed in their eyes as they looked to each other before she turned and made for the door. Kali returned to her place next to Genkos, who encased her with both arms and his whole mind. She closed her eyes and let herself settle into it, as if she were drifting freely in a dark lake under the most beautiful sky.

True relaxation, feeling truly protected and able to let go, was something she'd not experienced in far too long.

Adea: ~ Alone at last ~

Eyes still closed, Kali smiled softly.

Nicholotti: ~ Well, sort of...~

In the background, there was the dull murmur of other patrons in the establishment, but none of them seemed to be interested in the two command officers in the corner. That suited her just fine.

Adea: ~ It’s so good to see you, to feel you, in person, at last. ~

That was the understatement of the year, if not decade.

Nicholotti: ~ It's been too long. ~ 

And it had been. What had started as a dance innocent and pure had become something much greater and even stronger than the whims of Starfleet Command. They served across the galaxy from one another, but the feelings they shared had no bounds and could not be kept away as long as they were together at heart. 

Adea: ~ Response? ~

Opening her eyes finally, she grinned.

Nicholotti: ~ Let's go actually be alone.~

Adea: ~ Response? ~

Nearly popping to her feet she took his hands and all but pulled him up towards her, holding him as he held her for what she demanded be the longest moment in history.

TAG/TBC

--

Commodore Kalianna Nicholotti

Commanding Officer

USS Eagle

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