Star Fleet Encounters

 Not QUITE the same story.

Captain William Thomas Riker sat looking out the window. The mysterious nebula sprawled out before them, misty, sparkling and almost...inviting. Though their purpose in the Typhon sector was investigation and insurance, he felt the need to look out and appreciate that there was beauty, as well as power in the universe. He sipped the last of his coffee and stepped out onto the bridge. The Melbourne wasn't nearly as impressive as the Enterprise had been. There he'd been only first officer; second in command and Melbourne was HIS ship. The instant he stepped out of his office his second in command rose from the captain's seat and stood at attention.

“Easy Commander, we're not exactly at battle-stations.”

“I would almost prefer it if we were.” The young Klingon replied staunchly. “Lack of activity is... difficult to endure. And in this 'neighborhood' of stars...a source of concern.”

“I cannot disagree that something seems almost artificial about this quietness. But we will discover the source of these transmissions, before assuming them to be deliberate threats.”

Commander Worf noted the warning in Riker's tone and sank into his own chair without protest or objection. After a few moments however he ventured. “As Commander Spock was known to say 'lack of information always invites danger'. As a Starfleet officer I am required to tolerate uncertainty. There is no regulation which requires I enjoy it.”

“That's fair enough.” Riker conceded. “How is the ambassador doing by the way?”

“Secretary Shelby is prepared to initiate contact should we find opportunity for dialogue. Although her sword are is nearly as restless as my own.” Worf winced and looked down with regret. It was not often he forgot to be conventional. “She anticipates a covert away mission rather than ship to ship dialogue.” He quickly corrected himself.

Captain Riker glanced at him with clear amusement. “I'm not some old burhog like Picard.” He said simply. “Show respect and get the job done and we're good. Beyond that, protocol and fine speech can go to stovo'kor as far as I'm concerned.”

“I realize that sir. But for my people following even conventional rules is included in showing respect for authority. It will take some time before I...act anything like my own self.”

“Proximity Alert Captain.” Ensign Laren's voice intoned. “Defense systems activated.”

The light on the bridge dimmed slightly as more power was transferred to shield and weapons. Riker stood from his seat and looked out at the space in front of them. “Did we hit something?” He queried.

“No sir, sensors indicate we were simply scanned.” Lt. LaForge reported from navigation. “Origin 070-mark-63 Sir. Distance...Two light years.”

The calmness of the report did not negate the strangeness of its contents.

“Double-check your readings.” Worf barked coldly.

“Already done sir.. The resonance field which prompted our yellow alert...comes from the Coroba system of the Typhon Expanse.”

“Ensign Laren, set in a course, warp 7. Commander Worf prep an alert-status away team. Lt. LaForge I'll expect a battle-readiness report at 1800 hours. I'll be in my office.”

Six hours later they arrived at the source of the disturbance. A fact Ensign Ro-Laren professionally and promptly reported to her Captain in his office. Riker waved her to sit at the chair across his from him. An offer she politely declined. “Elizabeth Shelby has put all security teams and science officers on standby. Sensors have been at maximum scan since we entered the system but so far the only unusual thing we found was an ancient radio signal on repeat.”

“A copy of the file please.” Riker said brusquely.

Ensign Laren tapped her handheld computer to the Captain's desk and hit 'send'. Tapping the terminal in front of him, nothing more than a keyboard with a flat top Riker told the computer to 'access and playback the most recent file entry'. A broken recording of a clearly powerful man...or at least one with physically strong vocal cords began to play.

“You are defended by wealth and blinded by ignorance. You cradle yourselves in fear and claim superiority over your neighbors. You will not destroy our prosperity and innocence by invasion or belief. Whether you came here in peace or to conquer, whether you mean to control us or to came simply to share your culture. We want NOTHING to do with your people and WILL resist.”

“That pretty much says it all.” Riker sighed with glee. “The inhabitants wanted to know who was around their ringed planet, clearly they don't like us any better than the convey sent by the...other party. I guess we better make sure we are the best game in town to negotiate their treaty. By making sure we are the ONLY game in town.”

“Elisive communication sir?” Ro Laren prompted.

“No, just a subspace inversion field. If we want to take the Scout-ship out of the equation without risking an incident with our Romulan neighbors, simply blind the Cor-ai's sensors...make them think we are the only ones who responded to their request for assistance. And we simply wait up here for them to 'confirm' we are the only neutral party...and name our price for our assistance in bringing an END to this conflict.” Riker looked severely at Laren. “Conflict has its uses and benefits. But it also has its time and place. And in this instance having a planetary dispute rage between systems has absolutely no attractive qualities. While being the ones to bring peace to this system, and open trade-routes for this sector...has immense diplomatic benefits.”

“Public-relations advantages. I would like being able to fly through here without feeling like my hair is standing on end. I keep expecting for some powder keg or landmine to go off fifty feet away.”

“You noticed that too? Unfortunately waiting up here until the negotiations are complete means we'll not be going anywhere for a while. Tell Shelby we're in a holding pattern: Normal operations with 'on call' officers for primary positions. This will be a long, slow mission. I anticipate it will be worth the wait.”

“Understood Captain. So it shall be done.” She dropped her eyes for a moment, looking at the Captains desk...or maybe at her own hands. Looking Riker squarely in the face again she posed a question. “Will you see me tonight?”

Riker grinned. “21-hundred hours, as agreed. Just be discreet when you deliver the...status update. We don't want people to think we're doing anything.”

Just under 3 hours later Ro Laren walked into the captain's quarters still dressed in the standard uniform for lower-echelon Starfleet crew-members. The firm black tank-top with colored long sleeves was efficient. Displaying instantly which department one was with (blue sleeved meant science, green meant specialist, yellow security) but somewhat unattractive to a man with love on his mind. Then again, most women who wore cranberry red sleeves as Ro did, were dangerous and stern; not easily thought of as romantic partners for most of their male counterparts.

The door closed and locked itself behind her as soon as she entered Riker's quarters. “Ensign Ro Laren, reporting as ordered Captain.” She stated firmly and calmly, though there was no one in the room with her. Riker came out of his study and looked her up and down.

“I didn't mean THAT professional.” William said dryly. To his surprise Ro smiled mischievously.

“No, you said 'discreet' and I was.” She tapped the silver bracelet she wore on her left wrist three times. The metal buzzed slightly. The red sleeves of her outfit vanished entirely. The black of her blouse faded into a deep blue and the material softened and thinned into a loose, silky nightshirt. As a Bajoran woman she was allowed and even required to where a skirt over the standard black slacks of her Starfleet uniform. Something to do with Bajoran women do not dress like men and women in general are more attractive in skirts. The skirt she wore started to evaporate. The material receded up her legs until they barely covered her thighs. And she was wearing tights, not even leggings underneath. She was now off duty, off record and was everything that made her who she was, apart form being a member of the fleet.

“How thoughtful.” Will congratulated. “And EXTREMELY attractive. You do know how to get a man's attention don't you?” He teased playfully with only a hint on innuendo in his tone. “Come in.”

Ro sat on the edge of the bed, legs apart, leaning forward to kiss her man. Riker sank to his knees in front of her and they embraced in Grace and Passion. Will stroked her cheeks and tussled her hair. She reached for his back and tried to pull him in closer, pull him backward into bed. They fell back on the covers, feeling each others bodies. He pushed her blouse down from her shoulders and kissed her breasts. For a moment she tensed. “It's an old-fashioned move,” Riker cooed at her. “But worth a try I think.” She nodded as he put his mouth to her tit and suckled. Riker's body was shapely and strong, she could feel his skin or rather his muscles through the loose cotton tunic he wore. When her fingers reached the wool underpants he wore she paused, unsure what to do.

“It's alright.” Will said easily. “There's a gap in the fabric for exactly this reason. And taking her by the hand he guided her to the 'dagger' of his body. Instead of merely stroking it with her fingers she dropped herself down, took him in her mouth and began sucking, as if drinking a bottle of wine. “You don't waste time do you?” Will encouraged her with a happy smile. Laren didn't respond, except to give stronger pulls with her mouth and a few soft brushes with her tongue. She started breathing heavier and almost panting, but she kept her place and kept going. “I'm about ready.” Will warned her; she let go of him and laid herself down beside him. He stroked and pulled on himself for only a few moments before ejaculating.

When the sheets were cleaned and the bed was sterilized he reached out his arm to her. “Stay with me until I fall asleep.” He told calmly. She understood it was an order from her commanding officer, not a request from her lover. So she curled herself beside him and waited for him to fall asleep in her arms.