5 Times They Could Blame It On Work and the One Time they Couldn’t
Sooooo...I got the lovely @funnelferrybutterbar and she had a couple of requests. I wrote two, this is the first one, its a five times thing. never done one before, hope I got it right. Watch this space this week, we gonna be posting a new experience erryday.
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Chapter one. Exchanging Information
This was, new.
He watched the two from his seat at his station, noting the way they seemed to stalk around each other, trading roles as both predator and prey. He knew something about that, his people had been predicated upon for most of their existence, nearly into extinction.
This, this new thing between his (new) captain and the (new) science officer. It wasn't anything entirely unsuspected, especially given the previous captain’s predilection for the woman. There were still late night discussions in the dimly lit mess hall about a Klingon Mission, a stand off, and a barely comprehended life that had been lived in the mirror universe.
Saru wasn't one for rumor, nor gossip, nor for that matter, anything outside of regulation conversations, but Ensign Tilly had a big mouth and a love of late 20th century movies.
He watched as the two seemed to come closer, standing a breadth apart as they, under the auspices of mission and duty, invaded each other’s space unnecessarily.
Not that any of that mattered, of course. Regulations were clear, but Saru knew how to look the other way. Hadn’t both she and Tyler done the same for him?
His only fear, an emotion he was more than acquainted with, was the rest of the crew figuring out what he only suspected. Saru took another look at the two and pretended to be scandalized as Lorca placed one of his long fingers onto the back of her hand. It wasn't the touch that Saru considered, it was the movement, the gentle tactile impressions of a caress.
He huffed, hating being right and loving that he had sussed out what others had missed. Oh well, none of his business anyway. Saru had learned that survival in Starfleet often meant knowing when to mind one’s own business.
Later, as Saru sat in Lorca’s ready room debating Romulan diplomacy, Saru caught his chance. “I won't tell anyone.” he said, sliding back into his seat, his salty tea perched on one long leg.
Lorca, no matter from which universe, was as cool as the other side of the pillow in the middle of the night. He didn't even change facial expression, but Saru knew the human had assessed and understood exactly what he was implying. “I don’t know what you mean.” the captain said.
“Sir,” he said, treading as carefully as he could. “It's not any of my concern what two consenting adults get up to on off hours. And, I must admit that the two of you have been most...discreet. “
Lorca gave him a slight nod. Saru went on. “I only ask that you be more...careful with casual contact on the bridge. “
Lorca leaned back into his own seat, “There was nothing untoward that has transpired between myself and anyone on the bridge.” he defended.
Saru shook his head. “I am from a very distinctive species, Captain.” Saru said. “We have a knack for observing predatory behaviour of any kind.”
“Commander?” Lorca asked, his voice sounding more like a human and less of the fierce captain. “There is no danger to the rest of the crew.”
Saru sighed. “Permission to speak freely, Sir?”
The captains face fell into a deep lined grin. “You mean there’s another level of free?” Saru sighed, but the captain motioned with his hand for him to go on.
“I’m very observant, Sir. But, it's only a matter of time before the rest of the crew catches on, if you’re intent upon smouldering looks and lingering...touches. On the bridge, in the open.” The Captains’ glare withered Saru’s argument, but the need to finish the conversation was paramount. Saru only hoped his ganglia would stay low.
“We were just sharing information. Between two consenting officers.”
“Of course, Sir.” Saru said.
A silence fell for a moment, a beat. Then: “It's still new. There is a lot to…” Lorca rose and went to stand behind his desk.
“Of course, Sir.” Saru noted. “But might I add that whatever went on with the...other...you, is entirely in the past. I would say with all certainty that there was a perceivable spark, but Commander Burnham has never struck me as one who would replace something for another thing without understanding the weight of both objects and seeing each one for something entirely separate.”
“Ahh.” Lorca nodded.
“Indeed,” Saru said.
“Okay, noted.” It was enough to allow for the captain to both end the conversation and the diplomacy debate. Saru rose and made for the door. “Commander,” he said to Saru. “I’m sure you understand the urgency for discretion.”
“Always, Captain.” He stood straighter, realizing there was a fragile line that had been erased just a bit more toward friendship. “No one will hear it from me.”
I know I'm introverted and I avoid people in general but I feel extra caged in today . I feel like I've been cooped up all my life . I want to run through the woods and streets naked . I just want to be free and bare it all and never care .
