Among The Stars

Part 4

The shore leave did exactly what it was supposed to do for all the staff. Maggie had to laugh as Len blustered and blushed as he ran into an old flame named Emony Dax. As Maggie watched Spock and McCoy enjoy a nice dinner for two she couldn't help but feel a spark of jealousy. She had a fulfilling, challenging career with wonderful, supportive friends but she was missing someone to come home to at night, someone she could support and help on this journey of life. She sighed and looked around the promenade, when she felt someone plop down next to her - as she looked over, she realized it was Jim with a huge, foolish smile on his face.

Maggie, with a laugh in her voice, said, "Oh no! I know that look! That's the Jim Kirk conquering hero face!" Jim shook his head and replied, "I've laid eyes on our new head engineer - he's handsome, smart and a Scotsman!"
"Oh Jim ! Don't scare him off just yet! We need a good engineer!" As she spoke about the new engineer her scotty dog tail gave a little twitch. Could it be that this new crewmate could be her elusive soulmate? She pushed that hope to the back of her mind as she enjoyed a night with her crewmates.

A week later as all the crew (new and remaining) staggered back onto the ship, Maggie felt a growing excitement - she was finally going to meet the new Chief Engineer and possible soul mate. Maggie was the picture of professionalism and would not let that affect her first meeting with the Scot. The next few days were spent checking in with the old crew and getting to know the new crew. Her final appointment was with one Montgomery Scot.
Maggie took a deep breath as she heard the beep - alerting her that someone was waiting to enter her office. "Come" she stated in a firm tone. Working in Starfleet's flagship and being a damn good therapist she noticed many details at once and kept this relationship professional, despite the excitement building in her stomach. She noticed that the man was just under 6'0" with thick brown hair, sparkling brown eyes, a smile to light up the warp drive (with energy to match) and a smudge of grease on his forehead. Clearly just coming from work, a confident walk and smile, but a slight nervous twitch as he covered something on his left inner wrist. "Good Afternoon Mr. Scott, please have a seat" Maggie said with a smile, green eyes sparkling and her scotty dog tattoo doing a wild wagging of his tale. As cliche as it sounded she felt a previous unknown part of herself begin to settle and feel content.

Maggie's first statement, which she hoped would put him at ease, was " I noticed you rubbing your left wrist...no need to worry, I don't bite." Scotty gave a blinding grin and responded, "Aye lass, I've heard nothing but the highest praise about ye. My soulmate tattoo is moving something fierce." He gave her a conspiratorial wink as he revealed his soulmate tattoo: a small Scottish bluebell. Maggie looked at him with wide eyes to which Scotty continued, "I've donna some research and the bluebell means gratitude and humility. I've talked to the crew and especially Dr. McCoy and the man bent my ear back on all yer good qualities especially humility." A faint rose dusting came across Madge's face as she showed Mr. Scott her little Scottie dog with its wagging tail. This time it was the Scotsman's turn to blush as he murmured, "Oh well now ye know my nickname lassy: Scotty." Madge threw her head back and laughed in a delighted manner.

For the next hour (fifty minutes) Maggie got to know Scotty as a fellow crewmate and as they talked she realized how truly brilliant he was and how fortunate that the Enterprise had him. At the end of the session Maggie said, "Well, Mr. Scott the Enterprise is lucky to have you looking after her - just make sure you don't overwork yourself in the process." Scotty gave her a wide smile and replied "Ah, yes that is a problem, especially with a lady as beautiful as the Enterprise." Again, Madge laughed and asked "Since our professional session is done how about we grab a bite to eat in the mess hall?" Scotty gave her a quick nod and off they went.