Joint Log - aCapt Mark Rhodes, LtCmdr Tierney Rinehart - "Take Me Out To The Black"

Posted on 241408.26 @ 11:50am by Acting Captain Mark Rhodes & Commander Tierney Rinehart

The meeting had been a tense mess, a conflagration of ridiculousness all summed up with the agreement that the Enterprise would beat a hasty retreat out into the black. She'd left the Enterprise shortly after, taking solace in the holds of the Figaro and basking in the relative safety to be found there. The ship had become her safe zone, far away from the stresses of day to day work and it represented a strong hold far less imposing than a constant presence in the Captain's quarters. All it would take would be for someone to look for her and the computer guide them straight into one of her more hidden secrets and the gig would be up. They'd be found out, his trustworthiness shot and the crew in further turmoil.

Time ticked away the seconds until it was safe, until such an hour came to pass that she knew no one would have an ear out for her whereabouts and that was when she bid her crew good evening, pretended to head into the hold for sleep and beat a hasty retreat to Rhodes' home in the stars. He, as predicted, wasn't home -- work having consumed him with its most recent twists and turns. His absence gave the little Starling a chance to breathe and unwind, a chance to work around the kitchen space and prepare dinner and to change. Away went the grey intel uniform in favor of something softer, a simple knee length blue dress -- the one Fabla had all but demanded she purchase back on the station. The delicate length of her neck was adorned by the blue blown glass necklace, the matching earrings gently hanging from her lobes. Her hair was swept up, gathered in a twist and pinned with a set of cerulean crystal picks, another touch of Fabla's that hadn't ever been rendered by another. Catching a quick glance at herself in a mirror, Tierney made a mental note to thank her friend for her help.

And then came the sound of Mark's door hissing open, leaving the young woman frozen in momentary apprehension and hope that he was the only one that would dare come through that door.

It had been one of the most trying and testing day for Mark since he had taken command. He had 2 officers killed, and 2 more officers kidnapped and they were officially on their way to the middle of nowhere. No training ever prepared him to deal with this, but he was dealing. He decided to finally call it a day and head to his quarters. Mark entered his quarters and saw that Tiereny had changed into something a little more form fitting, and dinner was being prepared. A boyish smile came onto his face when he stopped to take in everything she'd done, "Honey, I'm home," he said stepping into his quarters.

Seeing it was Mark and Mark alone, she smiled and released the breath she didn't realize she'd been holding. "I figured a change of pace would have been appreciated. Most of the time I show up in the middle of the night when we're both exhausted." She explained, brushing an errant strand of hair from her eyes.

"Isn't that the truth," he said. "Now we get a proper night to ourselves," Mark stepped up behind Tierney where she stood working in the kitchen. He kissed her neck before craning his over her shoulder, "Whats cooking, good looking?"

A shiver ran down along the little Starling's spine at the brush of his lips against her neck. The sensation was so foreign, so intimate, it forced her to tilt her head to the opposite side ever so slightly and allow him better access. "My grandfather was supposedly a good chef, or so my father once said." She grinned, stirring a yellow sauce, "Poached salmon with hollandaise and asparagus. A family favorite." If she could have she'd have crossed her fingers in hope the entire spectacle pleased him. The night had already taken her far from her comfort zone and thrown her into an entirely new element, and it had only just begun.

"Absolutely delightful," said Mark with smile. "It smells delicious. Can I select the music?"

"By all means." Tierney replied, killing the burner and removing the pot. Something in the air seemed to crackle with a new found form of excitement as she set about dishing up her creation.

"Computer," called out Mark. "Hello Computer," he said with a smile trying to be funny. "Music, low, Frank Sinatra, 'Luck Be A Lady.' Continue with others in that category." A second later the big band kicked in and the inspiring vocals of Old Blue Eyes started. "There we go, should help to set the mood."

Ever the little perfectionist, the little redhead lifted both plates and carefully navigated the large kitchen and dining area, by-passing the formal table that all Captains seemed to possess and instead head straight to the coffee table in the more intimate sitting area. The click of her heels was muffled by the transition from the hard kitchen floor surface to the plushness of the carpeting as she did so, the music bringing a smile to her delicate facial features. She'd already set their places earlier and with a gentle click of plates being settled into the proper place, the image was almost perfect. Almost. "What can I get you to drink?" She asked, watching him as he moved about.

"I would like that," said Mark. "Actually found it on that god forsaken station," he pointed towards his bookshelf. "Behind 'The Turn of the Screw', pull the bottle from there. Nice bottle of Kentucky Bourbon. It may be a little strong for your taste," said Mark with a wink. "But I wont be offended if you would prefer something else," he said taking a seat on his couch.

"I'm actually allergic to most alcohol." She replied, turning neatly on her heel to walk to the bookshelf. Her eyes narrowed slightly as she studied the volumes and texts found there, her finger tapping her chin as she did so. "Something about it just unwinds me within a sip and then I can't breathe and it's a mess." Tierney explained, lifting herself even further up on tip toe to be able to pull out the book and retrieve the bottle of amber bourbon before bringing it back to the table. She herself would settle for water. "So as much as I'd love to partake with you, I doubt you'd like it to come at the cost of my life." The liquid poured easily into his glass, just as easily as she was able to smile when she was with him in spite of her nerves gnawing away at her.

"Without a doubt," said Mark. "Wouldn't want to have to go see Doctor Rog-" Mark stopped, looking visibly upset with himself.

Tierney sighed, setting the bourbon bottle down and offered him a crooked little smile as she touched his shoulder and moved to take the seat beside him. "They're ok, you know." She offered gently, "From what I understand, Vokar would never hurt her and besides, tonight isn't about work. It's about us."

"Yeah, I am guessing so," said Mark. He felt her warmth sit next to him. She had a presence, even without words, that he could feel. "Time for dinner," said Mark smiling warmly to Tierney.

"Exactly. Time for dinner." She nodded in agreement, unfolding her napkin to lay it across her lap.

Dinner was spent with the sound of laughter and conversations skirting along topics ranging from music to childhood tales of woe and false glory, the things one only shared with their most trusted and most cherished. Even though she was out of her element, Tierney seemed happy to participate and learn alongside the burly Captain. "So," She continued on with her story as her fork cut through a final tender piece of fish, "I learned that hide and seek was not my forte." Her smile was genuine, even if she did blush ever so slightly as she spoke of her childhood shortcomings circulating around the way she shone in the dark.

"I would imagine so," said Mark with a chuckle and a warm smile. He pushed his plate back and leaned back into his couch propping his feet up on the coffee table. Yawning, he put his arm around Tierney in a manner often seen in bad stereotype flicks. "What's a girl like you doing in a Captain's Quarters like these?" he asked, drawing her in close.

"A girl like me can't always be the goodie goodie." She grinned, curling in close, her hand coming to rest on his chest. They were awkward as they stumbled around one another, each vying for a chance to figure out the next step. It was strange new territory for Tierney, the young woman never having had a chance to allow herself the affections Mark had shown her. He, however, had no excuse -- or so she thought -- a man like him, handsome, rugged, intelligent, it was a wonder that he'd been flying solo in the first place. Yet there they were, on a couch, resorting to cheesy old pick up lines as an attempt to garner laughs and break the melting ice.

Mark reached down a brushed a strand of hair out of her face, brushing it back behind her ear. His fingers brushed down the side of her face he leaned in and kissed her softly. "I think I love you," said Mark looking into Tierney's eyes.

The touch of his fingers against her cheek set her heart afire, encouraging her pulse to quicken and her lips to meet his in that feather soft kiss. Each second that passed begged for something more, urged her forward, closer, deeper. The tide was turning, evolving into something more and someplace she'd never been. His words, they tugged at her, begging her to open her eyes and meet his. "I know I love you." She responded, her heart fluttering at a sudden surge of warmth deep in her belly. Tierney reached to cup his cheek in her tiny hand, the thumb stroking his skin beneath it. "I..." She stammered, searching for words with the tilt of her head, "I never thought I'd know what it felt like. Love, I mean."

"I want to try something..." started Mark. He had contemplated moving forward with their relationship. "I want to show you what you mean to me..."

"Show me." Tierney's words were nothing more than a pleading, breathy whisper, her head tilted ever so slightly as her mind and heart raced onward with his touch and words.

Mark grabbed her hand gently and stood up taking her with him. He lead to the way to the Master Suite without a word. The calling vocals of Frank Sinatra continued as they disappeared into Mark's bedroom.

---

Acting Captain Mark Rhodes
Commanding Officer
USS Enterprise, NCC-1701-F

&

Lieutenant Commander Tierney Rinehart
Chief Intelligence Officer
USS ENTERPRISE