by TC Blane and Zanh Liis
81014.15
Following Time and Again: Two
-=USS Serendipity=-
Following Time and Again: Two
-=USS Serendipity=-
Zanh Liis was a woman with a lot to accomplish, in a very short period of time.
Fortunately she was a Starfleet Captain and a trained professional.
She could handle this.
She took a deep breath, trying to clear her mind of everything but the speech for Carrick she'd been rehearsing in her head since the moment she had left Keiran's side earlier.
Problem was, all she could think about was having left Keiran earlier, wishing they could just hide from the world, alone together.
*After all we've been through, I could live like that for... oh...ever.*
She straightened the skirt of her simple black dress as she waited for the lift to reach the bridge. Though their shifts had already ended, she was willing to wager she would still find her first and second officers there.
Her supposition was confirmed the moment the lift came to a stop, doors opening to reveal Commander Salvek.
Proving himself once again to be what Reece referred to as 'The Federation's King of Multi-tasking', Salvek was reading a PADD and giving final instructions to the next shift at the same time as he waited for the lift. He looked up, his expression altering slightly.
He was honestly surprised to see Zanh back on the bridge before morning. "Captain. Is there something that you need?"
"Yes, actually. I need to talk to you for a second, can you spare the time?"
"Of course."
"Mister Blane," Zanh waved TC over. "You too."
They followed her across the bridge to the quiet corner by the stairs leading her ready room, and she spun around to face them.
"I won't take up any more of your evening than necessary, but I wanted you to hear this from me and not anywhere else."
"Captain?" Blane questioned, growing concerned. "Is something wrong?"
"No, actually," She grinned at him, eyes bright and clearer than Blane could remember ever having seen them. "Keiran asked me to marry him, and I said yes."
TC’s eyes squinted at the news then he offered a rare smile. “It’s about time.”
He looked to see if anyone on the bridge was watching. Satisfied that everyone’s attention was elsewhere he leaned in and hugged Zanh Liis tightly, practically lifting her from the deck. “Congratulations Zanh Liis, you deserve this. So does O'Sullivan.”
Liis was startled but pleased by the uncharacteristic display on Blane's part. She hugged him back, not caring who saw it.
He placed her lightly back onto the floor.
"Thank you, Thomas. Means a lot to me, hearing you say that." She tilted her head side to side, "Keiran may actually deserve far better, but I am rather attached to him, so he's stuck with me."
She couldn't stop smiling and found her face was actually getting sore, unused to the activity.
She didn't mind the ache in the least.
"We're not wasting any more time," she continued. "We're going to hold the ceremony on Earth, as soon as arrangements can be made."
TC's eyes lit up. "Ireland?"
"Ireland. So, Thomas, if you could...keep your schedule...open...for me, I have a favor to... ask of you...later." Her words slowed to a crawl as she became aware of Salvek's continued silence.
When the Vulcan went silent, it worried her. It usually meant that he was trying not to say something he thought he may regret later.
Blane felt the tension between them, and observed that others were starting to take note of it as well. "If you'll excuse me, Captain, I need to go and get cleaned up. I hear there's a party later, and I hate to miss one of London's famous buffets," TC said, trying his best to lighten the moment. "See you there?"
"I'll be there. Hey, if you get there first," She lowered her voice and whispered. "Ask Trick if he still has that case of champagne on reserve. I think the crew has learned enough from past mistakes, and if the fact we're all alive after the past few weeks isn't something worth celebrating, I don't know what is."
"Sounds like a plan. I'll see to it that everything is ready for an announcement, and a toast."
"Thanks again, Thomas. For everything. You're a good man."
She stressed the last two words, her voice threatening to break. He had been such a loyal friend to her and Keiran as well through all that had happened. She couldn't imagine what would have become of her recently if he hadn't been standing by, keeping watch over everything, and everyone.
Blane gave a quick salute and then headed for the lift.
TC walked toward Cristiane, who was well into his second shift of the day at the communications station.
His eyes were enormous, begging Blane for some explanation as to what was going on. Blane simply nodded once, very slowly before continuing on his way.
Dane stared blankly in disbelief, thinking that maybe there was some reason after all to believe there was a Higher Power.
Across the room, Salvek and Zanh continued their stare down.
"Commander," Liis spoke up at last. "Ready Room."
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Commander Blane
Second Officer
USS Serendipity NCC-2012
and
-=/\=- Zanh Liis
Commanding Officer
USS Serendipity NCC-2012
Commander Blane
Second Officer
USS Serendipity NCC-2012
and
-=/\=- Zanh Liis
Commanding Officer
USS Serendipity NCC-2012