Plans

Posted on Sat Nov 20th, 2021 @ 2:44am by Commander Dominic Aldrich & Crewman Recruit Zeria

Mission: A New Beginning
Location: Aldrich Quarters
622 words - 1.2 OF Standard Post Measure

Dominic laid in bed next to the woman he would soon marry and simply watched her sleep. There was the faintest smile at the edges of her lips and his heart sprang with joy as he watched her dream. His shift wasn't for another few hours, but he couldn’t sleep with the idea of all that would be coming very soon dancing in his head. He attempted to get out of bed quietly, but as he did, he saw her stir and her eyes fluttered open. "Sorry," he said, "I didn't mean to wake you."

"Course you didn't, I'm a light sleeper," Zeria mumbled, pouting because the warmth had moved away from her. "What time is it? Seems early," she said closing her eyes again but not really wanting to nod back off. Mornings were her favorite time of day. On Marga she was often up before the sun just so she could watch it rise as she had her morning tea.

"It is quite early, my love. Two hours before duty actually. I.....couldn't sleep," Dominic replied in a low tone.

"I'll make us some tea. Or would you prefer coffee?" Zeria asked, moving to throw the covers off of her. For the life of her she couldn't remember which was his preference, perhaps it was a bit early to be awake. She stretched and stood up to reach for a robe that was hanging up in the closet. Suddenly an idea came to her. "You're not nervous are you, about the wedding?"

"Nervous, perhaps. However, it is not about the wedding. I could never be nervous about that," Dominic replied. "That's one of the few questions I have never doubted in my mind. I fell in love with almost the moment I met you, nothing can ever change that."

"You just seem . . . a little distracted. Is everything all right? Did something happen at work?" Zeria stood up and letting her braid out she ran her fingers through her hair thinking about what she was going to wear today but also listening to anything Dom had to say.

"You could say that," Dominic replied. "The new Captain has asked me to be the new XO. I'd keep that job as well as the Chief Science Officer position, that was one of my conditions. That said, I accepted the offer and I star my first ship as XO today. But," he trailed off for a moment to breathe, "all of my normal doubts in my abilities are rearing their ugly heads. What if I am a terrible First Officer? Leading a Science team is one thing, but being second in command and a check on the Captain of an entire ship is quite another thing."

"Ah," Zeria said understanding and a little bit relieved that she knew what was wrong. "You are the most responsible person I know Dom, you're not going to let anyone down. I'm sure the Captain wouldn't have even asked unless he was sure you were the right person for the job. And," She said grinning as she threw her arms around him. "Congratulations."

Her arms around him calmed his nerves. The comfort and security in them renewed his strength to face this day, this first day as XO, with a sense of confidence. He wrapped his arms around Zeria and kissed her forehead before placing his own forehead to her's. "Thank you," was all he could manage to say.

Zeria shook her head. "What a pair we are, each so surprised by what we would do for each other. Come on, let's get dressed and I'll make you some breakfast before your first day on the job."

Dominic smiled and nodded, "You've got yourself a deal."