Wild Horses

Posted on 30 Aug 2019 @ 2:08am by Lieutenant Commander True Keading & Captain Jonathan Reynolds

Mission: Mission 1 - In the pale moonlight ...
Location: Holodec/Alaska
Timeline: MD8 19:00
4085 words - 8.2 OF Standard Post Measure

ON:

Jon had heeded True’s suggestions on clothing and was wearing jeans, shirt, some sturdy waterproof boots and a fleece lined waterproof jacket. He had a scarf, gloves and hat stuffed in pockets in his outwear. She weren’t half right as he stepped into the holodec programme. It was cold. Very cold for him and he had been and helped Liam and picked up the pieces of the whole Declan incident in Russia. He thought Russia had been cold.

He also hadn’t understood why his twin had dropped everything to go rescue that Haku woman he was nuts about a few years ago and now, now he had met True. Even though he barely knew her, he was getting an idea. This was so different from Charlotte. They had been an exciting start and thrown together for the rest, Eddie’s existence forcing a marriage. Yes he had tried and hoped, wanting to believe over the years it was the real thing but he knew better now.

He was stood in some sort of field. The scenery was peaceful in front of him. He didn’t really know what to expect except the weather could be cold and unpredictable. And this place meant a great deal to her. So he needed to listen and take it all in. It was important and she was willing to share it with him.

“Hello,” he shouted out pulling the gloves on.

"Hi," she smiled, leaning two Morgan horses toward him and handing him the reigns to one. "I'm glad you took my suggestion. " He was so adorable when he was enthusiastic. "This is Lyla May, she's pretty mellow. I'll ride Yukon, he's got a bit more spunk to him. Horses I rode as a kid, I recreated them. Holodeck majgic. So what do you think?" She held her arms wide, meaning the scenery around her, the mountains behind her looked as if they reached straight into the heavens. The water in front of them glistened when the sun hit it. A few gulls could be heard in the distance and light breeze was drowning out the rest.

True had her hair braided behind her and she was wearing a fleece jacket, jeans and riding boots. She had a headband on to cover her ears and leather gloves to block the wind but still allow her to use her fingers since they didn't have extra weight. "Seward," She said. "The name of the town I grew up in."

"Seward," he repeated the alien name. "Its very beautiful. Very peaceful. Kind of like you when you stop stressing," he said with a wink. "I can see why its so important to you. You carry home in your heart. And you maam," he addressed the horse he was now holding the reins for. "Its a pleasure."

Even though he knew it was holographic, it was a replicar of something important of True's. It deserved respect.

"I'm Jon," he held his hand out slowly and approached the animal. He couldn't remember all his few lessons riding but he knew you had to establish rapport with a horse, any animal for that matter. "I hope you will let me ride you .... " he stepped closer as the beautiful mare seemed friendly and lowered his voice slightly .... "Be gentle with me yes. This one will laugh at me otherwise, she made it very clear," he chuckled.

"Oh I see . . . I'm only beautiful when I'm not stressing which is never." True joked. "She won't throw you, just don't fall off. And I made it clear I would make sure you were okay first before laughing. But I don't want to go fast, I thought we'd just ride close, take a leisurly stroll with them while we hold hands, that kind of thing. And when we're tired we can get off and release them. That's the beauty of the holodeck."

"Your beautiful all the time. Your peaceful when you stop stressing," Jon clarified although he knew she was joking. "And I intend to help you stop stressing. We get to hold hands?" he said realising what she had just said. "I'm all for that leisurely stroll."

"Sure, why not. I know I said I wanted to take things slow, but hand holding, kissing doesn't bother me. I just need some time to get used to things. Life's been a whiirlwind lately."

"So tell me about growing up here," he asked.

"What do you want to know? It was a small town, everyone knew everyone. I was an odd child, I sought solitude. I was a good student who never got in trouble. I was rather boring probably," she grinned. "Had a couple of friends but mostly I read a lot and I rode horses and played with my aunts cats."

"I can't believe you were ever an odd child," Jon said softly fighting to pull his glove off again. When he managed he took her hand. "But I know what you mean about everyone knowing everyone. My grandparents village was like that. Moving to Betazed was a total eye opener. So many people. My mothers social circles were immense."

He stopped for a moment to really breath in the view of the mountains. "You know we will have to do this programme again just so I can set up an easel and try paint that. Have you ever done that?" he asked.

"No, but I'd happily do it with you. I didn't know you could paint. I never learned but I'd like to and these are the perfect mountains to practice on. Never been to a place as beautiful as Seward. When I was a kid I thought I'd be stuck here forever but now I realize how lucky I really was."

"Oh I can't paint. I just dabble. I started a few classes while I was stuck on the Starbase waiting for the ship to get all its finishing touches and the crew arrive. Its something I think I want to continue working on. Maybe one day I might be able to paint," Jon said honestly. "Well Seward is clearly full of enough to keep bringing you back to visit. You going to give me a proper tour then?"

"Absolutely." True stepped to the left side of her horse, stuck her left foot in the stirrup and hoisted herself over the back of Yuokon who snorted once she was settled. "We can start with Sealife center and work our way around in a circle if that sounds okay?"

"Yes Maam," Jon winked at her. His hand suddenly was cold again and missing the pressure of hers on it. He yanked on his glove and took a glance at his own horse. He had been probably 18 the last time he had mounted a horse. He sucked his breathe in through his teeth and attempted to mirror her. It took a couple of attempts just to get his balance before managing to lift and swing his leg high enough over and mount Lyla May.

"Okay I'm rusty," he grinned feeling muscles in his thighs that weren't regularly used pull. When he felt he was centred properly again closing his eyes briefly, he opened them and looked at her once more. "Lead on beautiful."

"Nothing wrong with that. At least you didn't need me to get off and give you a boost." She was way more amused with that thought than she should have been. "Do you ever have trouble giving up power?" True asked curiously thinking about both the situation with the horse and her observance that he put the ship and it's crew all on his shoulders. She nudged her horse close to his and reached for his hand again. "Can you ask for help?"

He sensed her amusement but then she was quickly back to inquisitive and serious. "I came running to you at 4 in the morning didn't I?" he answered. "I swear that wasn't because I find you attractive. I was frightened and needed help then.

And I'm a son of the 11th house. I frequently have to concede power regardless to what my personal views are. Are you going to analyse me on all our dates?" he countered back amused. No wonder she struggled to relax if her head was always in work.

"Sorry," she said looking up at him. It really hadn't occurred to her that he would object to the question. "I was just curious, my mind usually comes up with lots of questions about people because I find them fascinating. It's hard to switch off."

"I'm getting that," Jon said looking at her fondly. "Its a counselor trait. I know that too. My twins notorious for it. Don't worry, I was a little confused that question came out of the blue but also I was teasing you a little too.

Okay so the thing is you got to define what's the power and you gotta look at the situation. Some situations its easier to give up isn't it? If its the right thing to do I like to think that in that situation I would make the right call. And if I'm not quite there I like to think that I can trust people enough, to, if they need to knock some sense into me. Not literally of course. I'm not under the impression I will make the right decision all the time. I mean it would be nice but has any Captain made all the right calls?"

"True, no pun intended. But any question is easy to say the answer is situational. Sometimes I like to go black or white just so I have to choose what I think is most right. And It's my job to make sure you've got some sense in you." She grinned. "Let's get off the horses, I think we should just walk." She said suddenly, dropping his hand so she could unmount. "Seward is something that should be seen by foot and its not that big. We can walk around the whole town."

"What do you thinks most right? In that question?" Jon asked. He swallowed. She was the professional. Understood mentality and motivation and all that made them who they were. The idea that she would think he would have trouble doing it bothered him. Or was it that he was worried he might abuse power if he couldn't give it up if necessary and thereby turn into some crazy Captain.

He dismounted the horse. It took two goes this time. "Do I have sense in me?"

True blinked at him. "I am an idiot. Jon, the question wasn't a reflection of you or your command style. Of course you have sense! I was not in any way shape or form thinking or saying that you weren't making the right choices. I just . . I don't know, the question popped in my head for some unknown reason and I asked it. But I will promise you that if I think you ever make the wrong choice, I'll stand up to you." She put her hands on either side of his face. "But I'm really not worried at all."

Jon slipped his hands around her waist and bent his head down so his forehead touched hers. "Good," he said simply. Around them the wind picked up but he didn't feel the cold nor take any notice. He could only feel her breath. "But you won't need to stand up to me. I'm pretty sure I will be willing to listen. Besides if your not worried then neither am I." He brushed his lips on hers sealing that statement with a kiss.

"Now," he smiled at her. "This sea life centre. I believe you mentioned something about seals."

"Here's another question for you. Why do you like seals and penguins so much?" She reluctantly took his hand and pulled him along. She'd quite enjoyed being wrapped in his arms but knew if she thought about it too much it might make her nervous.

"Who doesn't like seals and penguins?" Jon asked incredulously letting her lead him while walking the horse. "They are adorable. And more intelligent than they get credit for."

True found this highly amusing. "Jon Reynolds, savior of the universe, especially downtrodden seals and penguins. It's very cute." As they walked around the corner of land, True pointed out the water. "Resurrection Bay. Isn't it beautiful. I always loved the name though I don't know why they named it that. Guess I should look it up."

"Gorgeous," Jon said happily. "In fact we might not even need to go to the sea life centre," he indicated the water. They were either seals or sea otter "Is that a bald eagle," he said excitably looking up into the sky. "I bet this place is incredible at sunset, or on a clear night when the stars come out."

"We get a few nights of the year like that, but a lot of rain and clouds. Listen to me, I'm talking like we're actually here." True decided they could just stay here but she did want to show him the Sealife center sometime. It was incredible how close you could get to the seals there. "Yep, that is a bald eagle." Just as True answered him the bird let out a screeching cry which wasn't the least bit a romantic sound. She chuckled.

“Oh he's a handsome chap,” Jon commented. “Not sure on his mating call,” he laughed. He drapped his arm over her shoulders and sighed contentedly. “I really like this place and the company,” he told her.

“I need to tell you something,” he said after a moment.

"Sure," True looked at him curiously. "Is this another counseling session or . . . "

"No well .. maybe," Jon said. "Eddie knows about us. His gifts are starting to manifest and he sensed attraction when we were swimming. He actually thought you were into him."

"Aww, now I feel bad. I'm sure it's already awkward growing up on a Starship, and then to hit puberty and have this happen to you. Wouldn't wish it on anyone."

"Oh no he loves being on a starship, and the puberty he'll adjust. I'm here to help him the best I can. I let him down gently of course," he smiled keeping his arm round her and walked them in the direction of this sealife centre. There looked to be another building close to it. A cafe of some sort. As they got closer the smells got better and better.

"I just thought I better mention it in case ... you know in case .... well I don't know how Charlottes going to react,"

True sighed, "Oh that will be fun. I'd be happy to recommend another counselor for him, which reminds me, I think we should talk about you and I in a professional capacity." Her stomach growled suddenly. "I thought the way to a man's heart was through his stomach, not a woman's?"

"How about I buy you a sticky bun or something?" Jon suggested. "This place looks good. Zudys." He opened the door for her. That sentence "I think we should talk about you and I in a professional capacity" sounded worrying. He led them to a quiet table with a stunning view of the beach and sat down. "Okay," he slid one of the menu's her way. "Hit me with it."

She shook her head. "It's not bad, at least I don't think so." She took the menu from him but wanted to get this off her chest first. "I'm just not sure I'm comfortable being your counselor if we're going to continue dating. There are other great counselor on the ship. That doesn't mean you can't talk to me of course."

Jon relaxed.

"Oh I didn't expect you could be my counselor if we were seeing each other. Thats not a problem True and thank you. I plan on talking to you a lot but hopefully not with problems. I want to make you smile and happy," he said simply.

When they had begun this relationship she thought she was the one who had been damaged but the more she got to know him the more she understood that it wasn't the truth. "Don't worry so much," she whispered reaching for him. "I'm generally pretty happy but it's been a rough couple of months. First Gavin and I drifted apart and then I got shot."

Jon nodded squeezing her hand. "Well if the first hadn't of happened I wouldn't be here with you. I am sorry you got shot though. And I think I am a lot more nervous than I thought I would be. I need to get over that so we can have a good time. Now what ridiculously good thing off this menu can I spoil you with?" he asked.

"Well . . . it will all be replicated and so have the perfect nutritional value, but we can pretend. The banana pancakes with hazelnut syrup sound awfully tempting." True made a face as if she were trying to resist. "I love breakfast foods."

"I might try that Carrot cake there. It looks amazing. And to drink? As if I have to ask?" Jon grinned as he waved his hand to one of the waiters.

"Sure, I never say no to that," True winked at him a little bit which surprised her and she smiled to herself.

He ordered tea for two, her pancakes and a slab of the cake. Thanked the waiter and turned back to her. "What else do you love?" he asked.

"Hmm, fuzzy things. Like throws and blankets. Things that make me comfortable. I'm sure that's the counselor coming out in me. The color blue, chocolate, having my hair braided." She stared off into the distance while she thought about it. "Real books where you can smell the paper, yarn, and receiving real letters on paper."

"I don't think its the counselor. Everyone wants to be comfortable right? I can see you all snuggled up in a blanket reading a book. I have some real books," Jon said. "I'll have to let you see them. Liam sent me one with Greek legends. I read up on Andromeda. Its in my ready room." He mentally noted the real paper comment. He could surprise her with something later he thought.

"Sounds great." True smiled warmly. "Did I mention there was a brewery here?"

"No," Jon said his smile growing. "But now you stumbled into something I love. Beer. This is shaping up to be a very good date. How's this plan then, eat delish cake, visit sea life centre - adore seals, have a beer at brewery afterwards, get squiffy, snuggle up - we have to locate something fuzzy to wrap round us and watch the sunset over those beautiful mountains on that beach over there?"

"Squiffy?" True couldn't help but giggle which was most un-True like. "Well I hate to burst your perfect bubble picture of me but I don't really like beer. I'd be happy to go with you though and then we'll see about snuggling on the beach."

"Okay," Jon said cheekily. "I guess that means I have to drink your beer and we find some tea for you. I had to try. Such a gorgeous beach and lady in front of me for that matter, it perfect for the snuggling. But thats your call," he winked at her as the biggest piece of cake he had ever seen was deposited in front of him.

True clicked her tongue, "You are incorrigible. But I didn't say no." She reminded him as her food was placed in front of her as well. She took a deep breath of the steam.

Jon could sense the teasing and couldn't resist a little of his own. "Incorrigible. Oh dear I was going for romantic,"

"It is, it's just . . . everything feels perfect and it's a little scary." True admitted. She was afraid to look up at him but finally did. I mean I brought him here," she said referring to Gavin. "And all we did was walk on the beach for a bit. He got bit by a crab on the finger and fell over. This is a much better date."

"Glad to hear it," he said softly. He wasn't sure what else to say there. He was just being Jon, and liking a girl. He couldn't comment on the ex but it didn't sound like he had been the right person for her at all from what she had said to date. He did however make another mental note to keep a firm eye out for crabs.

"How are your pancakes?" he asked.

"They're good," True said glancing over at him. She felt like she'd deflated him. "I'm sorry," she said reaching for him. "I won't mention him again," she promised. "Why don't we skip the sealife center and just go to the brewery and then we can sit on the beach and cuddle?"

"No. You wanted to show me the sealife centre. I want to see it. Especially the seals .... And besides what the lady wants the lady gets," Jon said simply. "Thats how I was brought up. Besides I can get a beer anytime.

And the ex, if you need to talk about him then talk. I just don't know the right thing to say back in case I upset you. Clearly he meant something to you, I get that but .... well he does sound a little wet behind the ears. Sorry," he added quickly.

"You're right he was." She shook her head. She really didn't want to talk about Gavin anymore. "Well it's not as if we can't come back to Seward another time too. But I think we can squeeze both things in." True put her brain on coming up with things to talk about. "Ever had a pet? Because I asked you if I could have a cat and I think I've changed my mind . . . . I do want a pet but not a cat."

"Okay what you gonna go for?" Jon asked curious.

"I'm thinking about not telling you until I get one," True laughed trying her hardest not to think of the animal. "I promise it won't be a crab."

Jon looked amused. "Okay but if its a horse we may need to get Lilura on building a habitat … same for a seal ….. Oh …. " his eyes sparkled. "Is it a seal?"

"So you like seals even more than penguins? Why did you not guess penguin?" She was grinning at him. "Neither I'm afraid. If you really want to know I'll tell you or you can be surprised. There won't be any habitats that have to be built though, it's small and will live in my quarters just fine."

"No don't tell me. You take the fun out of guessing," he grinned. "Goldfish?"

"That would be pretty," True commented, but no. "Think cute," she added.

"Hamster?" Jon guessed next.

"Getting warmer." She smiled, continuing to eat her pancakes. "You did say you liked animals right? All animals?"

"Well I can't claim to like all animals. I haven't seen every animal," Jon answered, "But as long as its safe in your quarters, and with you if its out in the corridors. Or the arbetorum. I can't let Sherlock hang out there without letting other pets I guess …. Honestly get what you want. I'll adapt if its not something I'm naturally comfortable with."

"Oh it's not dangerous. I've never even heard of one biting a person. They have a natural defense mechanism but it only protects them, it's not agressive. I think you'll like it," True nodded her head, pretty sure that once he met one he would not think her choice that odd.

"Ok," Jon said smiling. Now she had said that it really could be anything. They could be here all day him trying to guess. "I'll look forward to meeting it then. What you gonna call it?"

"I think I'll wait until I have one before I name it." True answered finishing up her meal. She reached her hand out to him. "Come on, let's go explore some more."

Jon grinned and reached over with a napkin with his free hand wiping the crumbs off her face. "Lead on beautiful."

OFF:


●●● Commander Jonathan Reynolds
Commanding Officer
USS Andromeda


●● Lieutenant True Keading
Chief Counselor
USS Andromeda