Beyond the Stars, Beyond the Moon

Part 14: Happy Landing

Pov: Cassie

I wonder if I should take another shower and change into something more formal (not like I have anything else to wear), but Pavel convinces me wearing my uniform is fine.

I sit on my bed anxious, not saying a word. Pavel tries to distract me, but I show I'm not in the mood. He understands and just takes me in his arms. I needed this. I feel slightly more comforted just being in his arms. I try to go over the events in my head, not leaving out any detail, kind of like a rehearsal. So far so good, but I don't have the luxury of practicing in front of a high ranking stranger.

Suddenly I hear the captain on the ship's intercom system. "Attention all crew members, this is your captain speaking. We are entering the station and are beginning docking procedures. Please remember to grab all of your belongings you would like to have on our short shore leave. Upon docking, please enter your assigned shuttle to earth, and you are expected back aboard for duty in 78 hours. Thank you and enjoy your time off. Kirk out." And with that I grab my suitcase I packed, which just so happens to be all Starfleet uniforms and extra Starfleet academy sweats to sleep in, and toiletries; all given to me upon arrival on the Enterprise, since all my things were gone, except my mysterious ukulele, which was also packed inside it. Pavel picks up his bag and offers to take mine, but I happily decline so he may have a free hand for me to hold onto nervously.

Once the Enterprise is docked, in a slightly less than orderly fashion crew members all flood out the door and I have to hold onto Pavel to avoid being trampled, since I'm one of the smallest, if not the smallest crew members.

Scotty, his minion, and Sulu all catch up to us and we board the shuttle together, all sitting next to each other. I look out the window and see Kirk, Bones, Uhura and my brother board the shuttle next to ours. Scotty already starts talking up some of the new bars around HQ that we all have to check out. For awhile I get excited and become more at ease. Outside the image of earth from above the atmosphere comes closer and closer until I can see the changing colors of grasslands and prairie, mountains and cities, then I can start to make out landmarks and the HQ main building.

The shuttle docks and the five of us grab our suitcases and head over to the other shuttle. Uhura, my brother, Kirk and Bones walk out of their shuttle and come meet us. "Is everyone ok to walk to the hotel? It's really not that far to walk." Kirk says. Everyone nods and we all start the walk. It's just a few blocks away through town and across the Starfleet campus.

I continue to hold Pavel's hand and I see Spock holding Uhura's. She seems happy he's showing some affection.

As we continue to walk we pass a few stores and I window shop a bit, making a mental list of things I'll have to come back and buy before the ball. I totally forgot I need a dress for that! Maybe Uhura will come shopping with me. I could use a girls shopping trip/day out. I can't remember the last time I had one.

We pass the campus store and I see some teddy bears in the window in Starfleet uniforms. I notice a bear with light curly fur and big adorable eyes wearing a yellow command uniform and I giggle. "Vhat?" Pavel asks with a smile. "That bear reminds me of you. It's really cute." I smile and we continue walking, Pavel still looking at the bear smiling. "You know, I zhink stuffed bears were inwented in Russia. Da, I zhink I remember ma telling me zhat." He says. I laugh in response and Bones rolls his eyes. I see Spock gearing up to tell him he's wrong, but I shoot him a look that says "just let him have this, brother" and he remains silent, Uhura picking up on our silent conversation and smiling.

We reach the hotel and we all check into our rooms. Scotty rooms with his minion, who I learned is named Keenser, Spock with Uhura, Bones with Sulu, Pavel with me, and Kirk got his own room. Bones refused to room with him and said he'd rather room with Sulu because he wouldn't have to worry about gaining an extra roommate each night. Sulu is going to be spending time with his family most of the time off anyway.

I freshen up and then Pavel holds my hand as he walks me down to the main building for the interview.

There's a woman sitting at a desk on a PADD and I look around and see other familiar faces from the Caliber, all looking just as nervous as I feel. I figure I should go up and...check in? I walk up to the lady at the desk, who's dressed in a classic business skirt and has a gold Starfleet insignia pin on her cardigan, and she doesn't notice me for a beat.

"Um...excuse me ma'am?"

She looks up and her eyes show that something clicked. "Ah, T'Maire. Thank you for arriving so promptly. Commander Rowling is waiting for you inside her office just there." I nod and still holding Pavel's hand, I take a step to the door. She puts her arm up in front of us. "I'm afraid he's going to have to stay out here." A bit of panic sets in.
" But he's supposed to guard me..." I offer. She shakes her head. "You are perfectly safe here, I can assure you." I don't buy it. Pavel turns to me, putting his hand to my face and turns my head to look into his eyes.
"You're going to be ok Cassie. I'll be right here vhen you're done."

"I'm afraid it might take awhile..." The lady says. Well thanks, Madame Killjoy. I swear she's trying to make me upset.

Pavel shakes it off. "Iz ok I vill vait as long as zhey need."

As much as I feel that would help, I can't let Pavel sit there and wait for me all that time. I'm a big girl and should be able to carry myself. The gesture that he offered is enough to show me he really cares, and thinking of that will help. "Pavel...it's ok. I don't want to make you stay. Why don't you catch up with Sulu for awhile? I'll comm you when I'm done." I fake a smile for him and hope he doesn't pick up on it.

Pavel is silent, then nods. "Ok. If you're ok vith it, I vill do zat. But pleaz, stay right here and comm me as soon as you're done. I vill stay close so I can come get you right avay."

"I will" I smile for real this time. He kisses my forehead, which gives me a faint hint of confidence, and I turn to go into the room. Well, here goes. If I'm going to disappear at some point, now would be a good time.