Content Warning: NSFW- Dub-con, Adult Language, Adult Situations
"Good morning." Khan rumbles, as he smiles at Ananda across his pillow.
"Mmmm... I think it will be," she smiles groggily.
The two exchange a deep, languorous kiss and softly stroke the face of the other. Today might prove to be the first day of a brand new phase in their collaboration. Ananda sits up, swings her legs over the side, and prepares to leave bed, but Khan pulls her into a hug. He wraps himself around her and the two sit entwined, perched on the edge of the bed. Ananda is still not sure what to make of her situation, but is learning to take comfort in Khan's intensity and warmth. She leans into him and sighs deeply as he lavishes her neck and shoulders with soft kisses.
"Let's take a shower, my beloved. Since we're both sticky and exhausted, perhaps nice hot shower might be energizing and, provide an opportunity for further exploration."
Khan's request is unvarnished, and quite straightforward. Ananda nods in agreement, and starts for the guest bath. Khan props himself on his side and takes in the minutiae of every movement she makes.
...
Ananda steps into the bathroom and consults the computer to set a relaxing mood.
"Computer..."
"Good Morning, Ananda"
"Thank you, Computer - Please raise the ambient floor temperature, dim the lights to daybreak, and add Pacific Northwest forest sounds."
"Working... Request Complete. Would you like to change the water temperature or flow from the shower head, Ananda?"
"No. Manual temperature and flow."
"Would you like to save these settings, Ananda?"
"Yes, save settings as 'The Earth Says Hello'"
"Working... Request Complete."
Ananda steps into the shower to adjust the water flow to replicate a warm, steady spring rain. She braces herself against a shower wall and enjoys the warmth of the water on her skin. The mix of tiny pearls and large droplets combine randomly to create a heady bathing experience.
"Computer... Please add light woodland scent to the current settings."
"Accessing... Working... Request Complete. Regionally appropriate environmental scent will now be applied to current and future use of these settings"
"Computer?"
"Yes, Ananda?"
"Please prepare two mugs of Masala Chai in 37 minutes, with a ten minute reminder. Hold ten minutes."
"Working... Of a forty-seven minute interval, prepare beverages in thirty-seven minutes, set reminder at ten minutes prior, hold beverage at serving temperature, ten minutes."
"Yes! Thank You, Computer"
"Request Complete..."
Ananda slathers her hair with shampoo. Using the pads of her fingertips, she thoroughly massages her scalp while luxuriating in the viscous lather-less preparation. She runs her fingers through the length to the ends; gives a twist, then piles it on top of her head. When Khan finally joins her, she's ready to rinse, and he's delighted to assist.
"Where are we bathing, might I ask?" Khan purrs as he slips into the shower behind Ananda.
"Nowhere specific. Spring, dawn. Pacific Northwest Trail. One of the last intact wilderness areas left North America. It was still quite beautiful in your time," Ananda sighs.
Khan looks down at the shower floor, and shifts nervously.
"I'm sorry. That was not meant to... I mean..." She takes a beat, and begins anew "You've lived through the unspeakable, haven't you, Noonien?"
"I am indeed a product of circumstance as much as the choices I've made, but I choose not to wallow in either. The bearing of a warrior is such that I've forgone many of the forced contrivances thought of as civilized niceties. I hope you will be my guide, Ananda. There are worlds for us to discover. Together, we are capable of many things."
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Bearing Witness
Science FictionStarfleet Commander Ananda Greydon is a graduate of The University of Betazed and, a member of the newly formed Starfleet Counseling Service. Half human, half Betazoid - her silhouette could be described as imposing: A tall woman by any standard, sh...
