Hello again

Posted on Fri May 21st, 2021 @ 5:22am by Lieutenant Commander Junjie Han

1,852 words; about a 9 minute read

Mission: Episode 3 - Fear Is Fear Itself
Location: Junjie's Quarters

ON

Tamaska felt like she hadn't had a chance to catch her breath after that horrible experience on the T'Kon planet, those killing machines were awful and just how were they supposed to stop them? It didn't seem that there was any way possible. Deciding she needed something to take her mind off the whole sad mission. She decided to go to Junjie's quarters carrying her flute, perhaps Junjie would like to do a session of music, to help ease away the pain of losing someone else.

She stopped and pressed the chime to let him know someone was there.

Junjie hearing the door chime pulled himself from his thoughts and walked to the door and pressed the button to open the door, He was surprised to see Tamaska standing there. " Well this is a surprise, Please come in. What can I do for you today? Or is this an official visit that has something to do with ship's business? " He asked with a note of curiosity in his voice.

Tamaska stepped inside letting the door close behind her. "Well, I thought that I'd ask if we can play music together again. I want to take my mind off of our last mission for a few moments or so. I..I am sorry." as tears trickled down her cheeks, fighting them off with great difficulty. "I am trying to not cry again." covering her face with her free hand.

Junjie stepped forward towards Tamaska. " I don't mean to be out of line, but come here Tam." As he wrapped his arms around her and gently pulled her close as to offer what comfort he could. " You lost a member of your crew, I lost a valued member of my team. If you want to cry, go ahead and do it. I promise I won't rust. " He said softly.

Junjie gently caressed her back trying to be reassuring Tam that everything was going to be alright, even though he felt as badly as she did at the moment. " when you feel good enough I'll get my violin out and we'll play to your hearts content. The only thing I was doing before you showed up was sitting here staring at that bottle of plum wine on the table and debating with myself if I should just get myself plastered and go to bed. " He closed his eyes and gave her a gentle squeeze letting her know he was there for her.

A few tears falling down, wetting Junjie's shoulder, then Tam chuckled at his statement, you won't rust. I love that." Pulling back slightly to look into his eyes. "Plum wine, music that sounds lovely. However, Yelena wasn't just my crewmate, she was a close friend."

Junjie gave an understanding nod. " I didn't know Yelena as well as you did, But if you'd like to talk about it. We can sit on the couch and you could tell me more about her and I could also pour us a little plum wine if you'd like. "


Tamaska looked at Junjie, the couch and the plum wine. "Actually I said most of what I needed to say at the funeral. Right now, I am more in the mood for music. And some plum wine. It will be in a way, a salute to her." giving a slight smile.

Junjie got up and walked over to a drawer and opened it, he removed his violin case and returned to the couch. " This music session comes with a price attached to it. In exchange you have to tell me more about Yelena. I didn't get to work with her as long as you have, I can tell you she was a dedicated worker and passionate about her pursuits in life and I can state from my observation amongst the crew I know that she was well loved and respected. That is a person who I would be honored to learn about. "

There was a beep on her PADD and Tamaska looked at it, and smiled. "We are going to be meeting with the USS Andromeda and I've been asked to join with the command staff for a dinner. Would you like to be my date for the event? It dress uniform."

" Well with an invitation like that from the prettiest member of the command staff, how can I refuse? " he stated with a smile. " Hmm.. Dress uniform huh? Well I guess I can have the computer measure me and replicate one for me. I normally don't travel with one since we're a science vessel and there's normally nothing that we dress up for. And yes I'd be delighted to be your date for the evening. " He said and following up with a formal bow to Tamaska. " I am honored that have asked and I humbly accept. "

"And I am willing to share with you the good moments I had with Yelena and the laughs."Tamaska remarked with a happy smile. "Thank you, Junjie." walking over and giving him an embrace.

Junjie gently wrapped his arms around Tamaska and pulled her closer and held on to her for several long moments. He unwrapped on of his arms and placed two fingers on her chin to where she could look at him. " Anyplace or anytime that you feel like you need to talk to someone, I am just a combadge or door chime away. I don't care what time day or night, If you want I am there for you. "

He grinned at her. " Just remember, I like giving hugs as much as receiving them. " His expression changed briefly. " I don't mean for this to sound weird, but I find your hugs to be... Quite comforting. I hope that doesn't sound strange. " He thought for a moment. " Oh.. Change of subject. There's someplace I'd like to show you, it would be in the holodeck since the place is back on Earth and I thinks it's one of the most beautiful places on Earth. Of course we could horseback ride in there and I'll bring a home made lunch as well. Interested? "

Her heart started beating rapidly looking into his eyes, his words just made her want to swoon just a bit, then her eyes went towards his lips, wondering just what it would be like to... kiss him. Tamaska smiled gently. "Oh I would enjoy that immensely. A ride upon horses, and look at what you consider to be one of the most beautiful places on earth. As for your offer earlier, I am all for getting hugs, especially from.. you." blushing a little bit.

Junjie smiled as Tam accepted his offer for the holodeck trip. " That's great, Just let me know when you have some free time and I'll set up the program. " He was pleasantly surprised when she told him that she enjoyed his hugs. It seems that Tam enjoyed his company as much as he enjoyed having her around, and it was a great feeling knowing that.

The way Tam looked as she looked away and blushed, As she said she liked the hugs and then look back up at him made her look so innocent and cute that he could scarcely believe it. Without thinking he gently kissed her lips and caressed her hair and pulled back with sudden surprise. " I'm sorry. " He stammered and turned a deep crimson shade. " I did that without thinking, Please forgive me if that was too forward of me. " He was deeply embarrassed and hoping he hadn't offended her.

Her eyes had closed when he kissed her then they flew open, he kissed her! She gently touched her lips and then smiled. "It is quite alright Junjie, I am not angry." she said softly, moving close to him once more, this time initiating the kiss.

After a long moment Junjie gently pulled back. " Wow...That was really nice, I could get used to that very quickly. " He looked over on the table where the Violin and the Flute lay unused so far and smiled. " I never thought that I would ever be jealous of a flute before, It's lucky enough to have your lips gracing it. " He said looking into her eyes and gently caressing her hair.

"Well I can say the same thing for your violin, it being cradled in your arms, as you caress the strings. I could be jealous as well." giving a light laugh, then kissing him again. When they needed to catch their breaths, breaking the kiss, Tamaska remarked. "it looks like our instruments are sad at being neglected, perhaps we should play them.

" I think that's a wonderful suggestion. " Junjie agreed. " I feel like something a little more upbeat tonight, May I suggest something like The flower duet by Lakme ? I have the sheet music if your unfamiliar with it. It has some strong flute and violin parts that I believe we can do, would you care to try it or would you prefer something else ? "

"That is perfect, and I don't need sheet music. I love playing it as well." Moving towards where her flute lay next to the violin, and picked it up. "Shall we?" as she moved to where she had room, then raising the flute to her lips, and she pursed them ready to play.

Junjie took a moment to rosin up the bow. " On three. One, Two, and Three. " Both the Flute and the Violin launched into their parts and became an entwined harmony that played and fed off of each other until it had blended into one. The experience and passion of both musicians showed as they were able to feel and be part of the music and to feel the joy that the original composer when he had written the piece.

As the song ended, Junjie slowly opened his eyes. " Wow... That was beautiful. " As he wiped a small tear from the corner of his eye. " Is there anything that you'd like to play? " He asked. " After that last song I'd be happy with just about anything. "

Tamaska looked at Junjie, smiling softly. "I think, I should call it a night Junjie. As much as I would love to continue playing music into the wee hours of the morning, we've got things to prepare for. The USS Andromeda is meeting with us sometime tomorrow. And there is the dinner we will be going to as well. Raincheck?" walking over and giving him a gentle kiss.

" You're right, we have a lot to do tomorrow. " As he pulled her into an embrace and returned the kiss upon her fair lips. " And you may have a rain check any time you want. " He bent in closer and whispered into her ear. " Sweet dreams until I see you upon the morrow my love. "

Tam's eyes widened it may have been the first time he has called her that. Another embrace and then she moved herself from his embrace. "I will see you tomorrow." taking up her flute, Tamaska went to her quarters to take a cold shower, otherwise she wouldn't be able to get any sleep that night.

END

 

RSS Feed