Exploration: Part 2

Posted on 06 Feb 2023 @ 3:49pm by Lieutenant Commander Remington Dodd & Ensign Autumn Cole

5,031 words; about a 25 minute read

Mission: S3 Episode 5: Diplomatic Incident/Hydaransz Again (Incidentals)
Location: Holodeck

- ON -

Remy accepted the towel and followed the beautiful Autumn to the edge of the spring. He held out his hand to help Autumn into the water.

"Here let me help you down." Remy stated as his muscular arm flexed to firm up for her support.

Autumn was vastly relieved that Remy offered his hand to help her into the water. Smiling at the handsome man,"Oh thank you, I was worried I'd slip as I was stepping in. Thanks to you, I am looking more graceful." Autumn giving a bit of a giggle. "Instead of my ending up face down in the water, or on my backside. I just need to practice my falling gracefully routine." giving him a wink, as she made her joke.

The feeling of the water was hot, but not in a bad way. She enjoyed the temperature of it, "Oh a natural bench made by the rocks, I so love this. If I remember from last time I was here there are places where it had low enough areas to hit right below the chin."

"I have all my programs set to be adaptive so if you need the spring to be more shallow or deeper, it can be adjusted." Remy stated as he stepped into the spring. He was not used to wearing swim apparel so he was easing into the water. "This feels nice and toasty."

"Yes it does."Autumn agreeing with a smile, she let go of Remy's hand and made her way to an area that was slightly deeper than the others and lowered herself into it laying back to where she was fully submerged, for thirty seconds just enjoying the heat, then she came back up from being submerged her hair floating around her then it drifted back away from her face.

Autumn had a smile, through the water that ran down her face, "Oh gosh that felt good."

"I am not trying to pry but I can sense you really are enjoying yourself and I want you to know that while I am telepathic, I never purposely read another's mind without direct permission or a direct order. Humans have random minds and yours is full of happiness and bliss right now." Remy replied as he watched Autumn's hair flow with the water. The heat was relaxing him and helping him enjoy the soak.

Autumn nodded, "Yes I am enjoying it very much. And you mentioned that you are telepathic and also empathic. Perhaps you can help me work on what I call, mental martial arts. I am normally open depending on the situation. However, there are times when if on a mission a person doesn't want people who have those abilities to be able to read or sense their thoughts. That is if you don't mind my expressing this desire. This isn't to block you out but to block others if they try to get into my mind." Autumn had a slightly worried expression as she looked at Remy.

"Mental Martial Arts." Remy replied. "I know about that. I had to learn to control my own mind as I grew up without restrictions and so I would just read everyone and every thought out there. I joined Starfleet and learned that I needed to shelter my mind and control it from reading others without permission. Then I was ordered once to read someone's mind and had to follow the orders. So my last relationship was with someone who educated me on a means to hold my mind at bay and not read the minds of others without permission from that person or being. I am not sure how much I can train one to hold back their mind but I will gladly do what I can to help you if you would like that."

Remy was sitting up to his pecs in the spring and enjoying the view of the beautiful woman in the water with him. He was happy and he had not been that sort of happy in a very long time. He was so hoping this would develop into something more. Having this time with Autumn was really making Remy think what his life could mean to others especially Autumn if she would eventually accept him into her life.

"I had a mentor who was teaching me mental exercises with which I could hide my mind as well. Then I was sent to here. I think we can work on those mental exercises and help each other too." Autumn responded deciding to move over near Remy.

Autumn took a seat across from Remy, leaning against the warm stone behind her. The water rippling as she moved. It was evident she was feeling comfortable in Remy's presence even if he were telepathic. " I am enjoying this moment, and I am also indeed sorry for your loved one's departure. I hope it was amicable and not a horrible parting of the ways. I can tell that you loved her very much and still have the feelings of love and care for her. Someone had once asked me, "What if you were to find someone who had a strong connection with someone before you, but that ended. How would you feel if they were having strong feelings for you, but still felt love for the other."

Autumn paused for a moment then she said, "My answer, due to it being hypothetical question I still answered it sincerely. I told them that if they had the capacity to have both a love for that other person and also good feelings towards me then why should I sweat about it. This shows to me that whoever would be my intended or my beloved, they have a great capacity of love and I like that."

"I am happy to hear that response. I do have love in my heart for Iria and wish her all the best. She felt she needed to go take care of a long lost family member and I wanted to keep my career as I just got promoted to XO. We parted ways but I will always care for her." Remy responded to Autumn. "I am open to finding a new pursuit and I am hoping to find someone who could one day sooner than later become my better half."

"You spoke to me about your feelings towards me, when we were having lunch. It was as if you were wondering if I would be interested in seeing more of you. To maybe go on more dates and seeing where this could go. I've also got a feeling that you would love more than anything, to pull me in your arms and hold me close, and to kiss me." it was another moment of Autumn blushing.

Autumn moved her hand in the water sending a ripple towards Remy. "I would love to go on another date with you. I would love to see where this goes. To see if we could be more than just a possible passing fancy of a couple of dates, intimacy and then we go our separate ways." she closed her eyes for a moment, to hide the slight cloud in them. "I don't want to be a passing fancy." there was a tangible tang of a past hurt there in her voice.

She opened her eyes once more, "i would like to be something more to someone." Autumn moved her hand over her mouth realizing she had said more than what she meant to say.

"I do want something more than a passing fancy. I may be a man, but I want love to be the root of any relationship I have. Even my friendships are rooted in love. But I feel a deep sorrow from within you and I never meant to stir that up. I want you to know that while taking you in my arms is something I wanted to do since this date started, I know you need to move at a pace that is comfortable and I am doing my best to help you feel comfortable and as well as helping me feel comfortable with you." Remy replied as he reached out to offer his hand to Autumn in gesture of comfort. "I am looking for a future and I do see that in you. I know we literally just met and it has only been a blink of an eye, but I know I feel a bond with you that I have not felt with any other relationship. I want to explore it and let it grow. I am trying to fight this feeling. I am wanting to be sure you are comfortable with how we grow beyond where we are now."

"It isn't your fault, Remington, the pang that came up." Autumn reaching out to take his hand and moving to sit beside him. "Its something I have hidden away, ignoring it, hoping that the pain will go away. You are comforting, and I am feeling like I can tell you about the past hurt, and the sting is receding." looking into his eyes.

"The hurt has made me cautious. However I felt a connection with you that night we first met. I almost threw caution to the wind, when I was tipsy. I am so glad you weren't the sort of man to take advantage of that. You made me feel like I have more value than what I had felt before. Hopefully I haven't said too much." Autumn lowered her eyes to where she was still holding his hand. Feeling like it was natural in doing such.

"I feel honored you feel a connection. I also feel one with you. I want you to be comfortable no matter what. You deserve to be praised for who you are and not treated like an object." Remy stated very firmly as he continued to hold Autumn's hand. He motioned to let her know she was welcome to sit beside him and that he was okay with her being herself regardless of what would become between them. "I am never going to purposely do anything to hurt you."

" I realize that, and I know that deep down in my heart as well. " Autumn looked up once more, a trusting look in her eyes. "Would it be too much for me to ask for your arms around me, to hold me close. Would that be too forward of me?" she dearly wanted to feel Remy's arms around her.

"Come over here." Remy pulled Autumn in and wrapped his muscular arms around her to hold her gently and help her feel calm.

"One foot in the past, And one foot in the future
I need to take a class on staying right herе with you
I'm drowning in my history, Prisoner of past defeats
Tеll me what the future holds, Tell me baby.

I'm terrified of things to come, Paralyzed, I cannot run
Tell me what the future holds, Tell me baby.
Bound and faithless, I turn to you, Pray you'll help me through
Pray you'll help me through, I'm on my knees, can you help me?

Stuck in quicksand, I think of us, I think of us, in my mirage
I can't get out, And I'm scared now. Scared of what the Future holds, but I don't want out. I want to see it with you at my side." Remy sort of rambled out as he held this beauty in his arms in a warm hot spring which was making him aware of other things beginning to stir within. The terror felt by Remy was not that of fear but more of the unknown as he hoped Autumn would return the feelings as they grew closer to one another beyond the physical sense.

With wonder in her heart, Autumn snuggled close to Remy then words came to her and she spoke them aloud.

You never know when you're gonna meet someone
And your whole wide world in a moment comes undone
You're just walking around and suddenly
Everything that you thought that you knew about love is gone
You find out it's all been wrong
And all my scars don't seem to matter anymore
'Cause they led me here to you
I know that it's gonna take some time
I've got to admit that the thought has crossed my mind
This might end up like it should
And I'm gonna say what I need to say
And hope to God that it don't scare you away

Don't wanna be misunderstood
But I'm starting to believe that this could be the start of something good
Everyone knows life has its ups and downs
One day you're on top of the world and one day you're the clown
Well I've been both enough to know
That you don't wanna get in the way when its working out
The way that it is right now
You see my heart I wear it on my sleeve
'Cause I just can't hide it anymore
I know that it's gonna take some time
I've got to admit that the thought has crossed my mind
This might end up like it should
And I'm gonna say what I need to say
And hope to God that it don't scare you away
Don't wanna be misunderstood
But I'm starting to believe that this could be the start...
'Cause I don't know where it's going
There's a part of me that loves not knowing
Just don't let it end before we begin
You never know when you're gonna meet someone
And your whole wide world in a moment comes undone
I know that it's gonna take some time
I've got to admit that the thought has crossed my mind
This might end up like it should
And I'm gonna say what I need to say
And hope to God that it don't scare you away

Don't wanna be misunderstood
But I'm starting to believe
Oh, I'm starting to believe that this could be the start of something good
Yeah, the start of something good
Yeah, the start of something good
Yeah this could be the start of something good

Autumn blushed when she said her piece, but it was something that she felt strongly about. And those song lyrics ended up conveying her feelings.

"You don't ever have to feel embarrassed or afraid when you are with me. Just be yourself no matter what and I will never judge or hold anything against you. I am for you Autumn of Earth, I am certain we were somehow put in this moment of time together to complete one another." Remy stated as he melted in the moment of holding her in his arms which is something he wanted to do that first night they met but he knew then that she was special.

Autumn felt her heart pick up with what Remington had said to her. She spoke softly,"Remington of - "Autumn stopped short realizing she didn't know where he was from whether he was from Earth or from another planet.

"Oh good heavens I am a horrible Intelligence officer, I haven't tried to find out where you are from." she gave a wide eyed look at Remington. Then Autumn paused, realizing something else. "This means though, I get to find out the normal way, by just asking you. so... Remington of the stars, I feel as well, we're here in the right place and the right moment, right where we are meant to be."

"I grew up on Betazed. However, I am more Ullian than Betazoid." Remy replied. "My father was full Ullian and sought asylum on Betazed. My mother was from Ullian and was half Betazoid. Her father was Betzoid and her mother was Ullian. They were each a representative of their homeworlds on a mission to attempt to create a peaceful alliance between the two telepathic species. The treaty failed but my mother was already conceived. Her mother sought asylum and thus got permission to live on Betazed. The rest as they say is history. I do have a half sister on Earth. I also know that my genetics were tampered with to allow me to look more Betazoid than Ullian to help me grow up more normally on Betazed."

Autumn was quiet for a moment as her mind went through her mental files, the race sounded familiar. But where had she heard of them? Deciding she could look that species up later or well, she could ask Remington. "The race called Ulian, it sounds slightly familiar but, I don't quite remember what I had read about them. Betazeds I remember more of." she stated honestly.

The Ullians have a library of memories from species across the Federation. But prior to the 21st century, the species was very violent and a common occurrence was telepathic memory invasions. But now the Ullians have mostly been trained in telepathic memory retrieval techniques and help reconstruct and collect memories for the library. But in 2368, the research was interrupted after a member of a delegation was found guilty of practicing the telepathic mind raping of other species and even crew members on a flagship of the Federation. So now they are not overly welcomed. A full-blooded Ullian would normally have a pronounced hairless bulge on the sides of their skull but otherwise look physically similar to a human. Ullians can telepathically read the majority of humanoid species, but Betazoids have some difficulty reading the Ullians. But I have Betazoid blood in my and had some prenatal alterations to make me look more Betazoid in appearance and my genes were altered slightly to allow me to pass on the alterations so my children would never be considered Ullians and have more of a fair chance for a career in society." Remy replied. "I hope that helps. I have never used my abilities to abuse anyone, unless ordered to do so. I have helped others find and overcome blocked memories as well as used my ability to enter the minds to find information if ordered to do so. But I must say human minds are always typically open and it is so hard to filter out the random thoughts but I have adapted and over time have learned what to discard and what to pay attention to in the terms of thoughts."

Autumn listened intently, as Remington told her of his history. What he told her brought up a memory of what she had read early on. "Okay that jogged a memory, I had read about something like that, when I was in academy. A person can not judge or shouldn't judge another person by what someone of their race had done. I do understand that there are those who would look with questioning eyes as to someone who are revealed as being of the Ulian race. However, I am not going to run away due to this revelation. I like you for who you are, someone who looks at me as someone who is special, one who has value besides just a pretty face. " Autumn smiled at the last part, laying her head upon his chest.

Autumn was starting to relax even more almost to the point her eyes were starting to close almost feeling like she'd take a nap. Her eyes popped open though realizing what she was about to do, fall asleep in Remington's arms. "If I am not careful I'd fall asleep and that wouldn't be good."

oO That would not be good for me at least as I would likely act upon my desires. Oo Remy thought to himself. "You are comfortable so I am okay with it, but maybe we should continue on with our hiking or if you are comfortable enough maybe we wrap this up and continue on the next date?" Remy stated as he hoped they would be able to continue either way, but he knew he would regret his thoughts later.

"Well I am thinking we need to go take a dip into the cold pond and we can end the date afterwards." Autumn paused for a moment then commented. "I would love to go on another date." she smiled at Remington and moved to get up out from the hot spring. "Yes something nice and cold."

"Alright, I am game for a cooling dip especially after this very hot spring water. You seemed to make this water hotter than it was." oO I hope she knows how hot and bothered I am for her. Oo Remy stated.

Autumn did indeed pick up on what Remy had stated. "I'll race you to there then." giving a laugh. "One two-" and Autumn cheated, dashing off before she reached number three. Surprisingly Autumn didn't trip, her peals of laughter ringing through the air, then she did a rather graceful dive into the water when she reached the edge.

"Wow you little cheater, you had me almost lose my board shorts as they are a little baggy and I was running to catch you." Remy stated as he stopped at the edge of pond and saw Autumn come back to the surface. Then he proceeded to do a cannon ball into the water. When he surfaced, he looked at Autumn, "Well you have me very wet behind the ears." He stated with a smirk on his face.

Autumn laughed, "Indeed." She then went to her back and was doing an effortless back stroke, her red hair swirling around her head then curled herself into a ball disappeared into the water then popped up beside Remington. "I think I will plan the next date, if you don't mind." smiling.

"I don't mind, at all and I am game for what ever you could be thinking of." Remy replied. oO I thought she was going to pants me to have a peek at me in my natural state. But glad she did not as I want her to be in my life for awhile to come. Oo "I can only imagine what your mind can come up with as you are a very independent person with a firm head on your shoulders. I like that about you." Remy then sunk under the water and opened his eyes to take a gander at the beauty that Autumn was.

Autumn stayed there for a moment just moving her legs to keep herself afloat for a moment then allowed herself to sink beneath the waters surface, her eyes opened to glance at Remington, a smile could be seen, her red hair floating around and towards the surface. Then she moved her feet to move herself away, towards the shore. She walked out of the water, getting hold of her towel, to start drying her hair off.

"What did I do something wrong?" Remy stated as he slowly moved himself towards the shore. He was watching the young beauty drying off and he was glad he was still in the water.

"You did nothing wrong, I wanted to get out of the water before.. well before I kissed you." her face turning all kinds of shades of red. She was feeling a bit shy. "You've been such a gentleman, and so wonderful. And you look so good in water and.. I want to savor the dates we are on. Definitely getting to know you, more. I don't want to make things even more hotter than what they are, because you are a very handsome man, full of passion and it wouldn't be fair if I teased you. It just isn't nice to play mind games with someone you hope to be with for quite sometime."

"Now, you have me in full surprise." Remy replied as he started to blush. oO Now she has me really glad I am still in the water. Oo "Well, I will look forward to that kiss when I emerge from this pond. But watching you dry off is more than I expected."

Autumn giggled and then hid her now even redder face underneath her towel. She was feeling all sorts of giddiness like she had taken a drink of a potent alcohol, somewhat muffled beneath the towel. " I would love to kiss you, been wanting one ever since I met you." still feeling shy, but also feeling the tingly sensation of goosebumps run all over her. Then she peered out from behind the towel towards Remy.

Using the time Autumn was hidden by her towel, Remy had managed to get out of the water and grab his towel to help mask his mood. And then he smiled with a bashful smile back to Autumn as she peered from her towel. He too had wanted to kiss her since that night he first saw her. However, he was raised to respect women when it come to courting and thus he would enjoy the pursuit of the prize. "Well here I am, and I also have wanted to kiss you since you caught my eye that night in the lounge." Remy responded.

Her expressive hazel eyes, widened as Autumn lowered her towel. "You have? " her mouth went into an 'O' as she thought of what he said. "Okay." she stepped towards Remy, her heart beating rapidly, wiping off her lips not wanting to give Remy a sloppy kiss. She reached out and caressed his cheek, feeling Remy's strong jawline, drawing closer to him and looking into his eyes. She trembled but not in fear but, in anticipation, excitement for finally she'll get to experience his kiss, besides in her imagination and her dreams.

The caress of his cheek was a feeling he had not felt in a long time. He was moved and able to sense her anticipation and hoped he could live up to her dream as he went to move in for the kiss which would involve a little life of the young beauty to make it more comfortable. Remy slid his hands up her sides and gently positioned them under her arms and firmly squeezed just a enough to lift her up for the proper alignment of their lips for their first kiss. He felt her almost relax in the embrace as he could feel her body press against his bare chest and he was more comfortable as she moved in to plant the kiss.

Her lips were warm, tender, soft, pliable and she melted against Remy, during their kiss. His kiss was more than her imagination could ever had prepared her for. A taste of honey, the heat of the sun, the intoxicating bubbly feeling from a good bottle of champagne. All this she was experiencing from their first kiss. And it was exquisite. She could feel some of her own passion start to rise but Autumn stuffed it back down. Just savoring the moment and being in Remy's arms.

As the kiss bonded them, Remy's arms delicately slide around Autumn to more of a supportive hug than just a lift and the heat between them grew by a few more degrees. The bond was forming and Remy new he was in for a ride. He found in Autumn a strong passion and that was merely from her lips, just imagine what he would sense if they got much more physical. oO I may need a cool dip again after this embracing kiss. My burning desire is about to make me internally combust. Oo

Reluctantly, unwillingly but knew she needed to do so, Autumn ended the kiss. "That was the most perfect kiss I have ever had." she whispered softly her forehead touching Remy's. "I think I had better get going, to get some sleep. If I can." she looked once more into his eyes. "I look forward to our next date." stepping back but giving a lingering caress once more along his jaw and then to his lips. She turned to get dressed, just feeling, experiencing, the euphoria of his kiss.

Autumn stepped way to get changed from the swim attire, and Remy had to jump back in to cool down but he dropped his shorts and went in au' natural which is he preferred method to swim, she Autumn was in the changing booth. When he got is head back above the surface he unknowingly started to sing,

"When I look into your eyes
Every time you smile at me
Oh, I go weak inside
Baby I just can't hide my love
It's the way you make me feel
The way that you make me feel
Spinnin' my world around
Tell me, how can I walk away?
I don't care what they say
I'm loving you anyway
It's the way you make me feel
Ooh, make me feel, make me feel
Tell me, how can I walk away?
I don't care what they say
I'm loving you anyway
It's the way you make me feel"

Then he exited the pond pick up his towel and his board shorts and walked over to get his clothes. He was in such good spirits that he did not even realize if Autumn left the holodeck yet as he was zoned on how happy he was. He reached the location of where his cloths were piled up and pulled out his khaki shorts and slipped them on. Then he draped his towel around his neck and picked up the rest of his clothes. He was still humming the song he sang in the pool while Autumn got dressed and he continued to hum even as he exited the holodeck and walked to his quarters. While he got the occasional glimpses from other crew members, he had been semi naked in the corridors before and he did not mind, besides he would be completely naked if it was permissible. Anyway, he arrived at his quarters to shower, get a nap and the report back to the bridge for his next shift.

-OFF-

 

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