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+---- Thread: The Date (/showthread.php?tid=553)
The Date - Morad Ameen - 04-26-2025
== State location in first line ==
RE: The Date - Morad Ameen - 04-26-2025
== From - Shore leave subplots: Outside of Amila's quarters ==
The doors slid open to reveal Amila in a beautiful Pink dress. She looked stunning and it was all Ameen could do to keep his lower jaw from falling to the floor.
"..." Those words remained unspoken.
"You look dressed for an adventure. Should I change? It'll take me less than a minute. I promise I'm quick. I had like two other options already picked out." She laughed awkwardly.
"No!" he replied. "I mean... Yes, of course. If you want to change you can. But it is not really necessary. We are going to the holodeck, and you can change attire inside if you like." He explained further.
Pretty in pink... I should have prepared myself mentally for this... Keep it together man...
== Tag ==
RE: The Date - Morad Ameen - 04-26-2025
"Two seconds. Come inside, I'll be right out." Amila said as she pulled Ameen inside. He waited in the common room as she went to the bedroom to change.
She isn't kidding... that was fast...
The out fit change was done at an impressive speed. worthy of an shinny Olympic medal. The new outfit was more practical but still looked good.
"Much easier and faster than changing on the holodeck. How's this?" She asked as she was slipped on her shoes. "Good to go?"
Morad gave her two thumbs up and a grin.
"Alright then. Here we go..." He lead the way.
The trip to the holodeck was quick, and full of anticipation. Ameen did not drop any hints, other than his choice of outfit. Once they arrived, the ex-Chief Engineer entered a code in the control panel.
A few seconds later, the soft chime indicating the holodeck was ready seemed unusually loud in the quiet corridor. Morad offered Amila Ra'an a small, perhaps slightly hesitant smile as the doors slid open, revealing not the usual stark grid, but the dusty, sun-baked stones of an ancient city under a bright, clear sky. "After you, Lieutenant," he said, gesturing her inside.
He'd spent a fair bit of time refining the program parameters. Ancient Ugarit. Not just the ruins as they existed now, but a careful reconstruction based on archaeological findings – a glimpse into the bustling port city it once was, millennia ago, on the coast of Syria. He watched Amila's emerald eyes widen slightly as she took in the scene – the low, sturdy buildings of stone and mudbrick, the faint scent of sea salt mixed with dust and something vaguely like charcoal smoke carried on the simulated breeze, the murmur of voices speaking a language long dead.
Let's see if the scientist in her will enjoy this... I have never shared this pet project of mine with anyone before...
== Tag ==
RE: The Date - Amila Ra'an - 04-26-2025
On the way to the holodeck Amila gave herself a bit of a pep talk to try to slow herself down a bit so that she could enjoy this... date that she was finally getting to go on with the person she'd been admiring for so long. She was worried if she didn't reign in the chaos soon, there definitely wouldn't be a second date. Ameen seemed keen on keeping the program a surprise, so Amila didn't press the issue. She liked surprises as much as she liked adventures.
She stood aside once they arrived at the holodeck, letting him enter the code. Morad offered Amila Ra'an a small smile as the doors slid open, revealing not the usual stark grid, but the dusty, sun-baked stones of an ancient city under a bright, clear sky. "After you, Lieutenant," he said, gesturing her inside.
His small smile was enough to make her blush as she brushed past him on her way into the holodeck. The scene was beautiful, and alien to Amila. The clear sky seemed out of place in such a dusty landscape. Even though she knew it was just a program she walked carefully, watching her steps and the area around her as she went further away from the doors. She paused and turned her attention to her partner on this excursion.
"I - I don't even know what questions to ask," she admitted, "Or where to start I mean. Where are we? I guess is as good as a place as any."
Amila walked a few steps closer to Ameen, she was having a hard time calling him Morad in her mind, but meant to find a point in the evening where it might seem natural to try it out again out loud. "And maybe what do we do first?"
==Tag ==
== OOC Note Missing Post- I started an edit that did not push through, but somehow I managed to delete the post. Below is the missing Amila post before Ameen's last post ==
"No!" he replied. "I mean... Yes, of course. If you want to change you can. But it is not really necessary. We are going to the holodeck, and you can change attire inside if you like." He explained further.
"Two seconds. Come inside, I'll be right out," she told him.
Amila didn't wait for a response as she quickly slipped out of the common room and into her bedroom. She was true to her word, and didn't leave Morad waiting long at all. When the door to room opened she tossed a pair of blue sneakers out on the floor ahead of her. "Sorry about that. I told you I'd be quick."
She looked at him apologetically as she was putting her hair back in a pony tail. She walked in wearing an airy cream colored over shirt that put over a fitted light blue t-shirt and tan pants with tapered legs. Once her hair was taken care of she sat down on the floor and pulled her shoes on without bothering to untie the laces. "Much easier and faster than changing on the holodeck. How's this?" She asked as she slipped on her second shoe and stood up. "Good to go?" She was grinning as she asked, eager to see what he had planned.
==end post - at least as I tried to edit ==
RE: The Date - Morad Ameen - 04-26-2025
"I - I don't even know what questions to ask," Amalia admitted, "Or where to start I mean. Where are we? I guess is as good as a place as any. And maybe what do we do first?"
As she walked closer to him, Morad felt a warmth spread through his chest, a satisfaction deeper than simply executing a successful plan.
"Welcome to ancient Syria. My homeland." He said as he stepped closed to her in turn and took her hand in his.
"The city of Ugarit was one of the great crossroads of the Bronze Age," he began, finding his footing as he stepped onto the simulated packed earth street beside her. He kept his tone light, conversational, not wanting it to feel like a lecture. "A major trade hub. But more importantly," he pointed towards a slightly larger, more complex building down one of the narrow lanes, "it's where they developed one of my planet's earliest alphabetic writing systems – the Ugaritic script. It changed everything."
They walked slowly through the simulation, Morad pointing out areas reconstructed to represent the royal palace, temples, and residential quarters. To him, it seemed like Amila absorbed it all, as he gave insights about the society, the materials science evident in the construction, the possible astronomical alignments of certain structures. He was courting her intelligence and scientific curiosity and enjoying her genuine interest. He found himself speaking more freely than usual about the history, about the echoes of this ancient culture he felt connected to through his Syrian heritage. This was a piece of himself. His pride.
Moving on to phase two..
After exploring the historical site, Morad paused near a simulated stone archway. "I thought we could continue the theme, perhaps with refreshments?"
He activated a subroutine. The ancient stones around them seemed to shimmer and resolve, the dusty air clearing, replaced by the fresh, salty tang of the Mediterranean Sea at twilight. They now stood on the threshold of a simulated beachfront restaurant terrace, overlooking gentle waves lapping onto a sandy shore under a sky painted with the oranges and purples of sunset. The city lights of modern Latakia twinkled comfortably in the distance.
"A taste of the coast, near where Ugarit once thrived." He said.
I hope you are hungry...
He led her to a table near the edge of the terrace. The replicated food arrived shortly after – small local cuisine plates perfect for sharing. There was Kibbeh, fragrant with spices; a vibrant Fattoush salad; perfectly stuffed Mahshi; and warm flatbread. Morad watched Amila's reaction as she tentatively tried each one.
== Tag ==
RE: The Date - Amila Ra'an - 04-26-2025
"Welcome to ancient Syria. My homeland." Morad said as he stepped closed to her and took her hand in his, a gesture that gave her butterflies, making her feel like teenager again. Amila's eyes glanced down at their hands briefly as she gave his hand a gently squeeze. She was truly touched, honored even that the first time they had spent time together slone outside of work that he would bring her someplace that had so much meaning to him.
"Your homeland? Really?" Without letting go of his hand, Amila did a partial pivot and took in her surroundings again. She knew enough about Earth geography to know where Syria was generally, but still couldn't place where exactly they would be today.
When he began the tour, Amila listened intently, her mind painting colorful images of the people who might have built the society. Anytime she learned something of a society like this and how long ago the lived, she was always surprised that Earth didn't develop interstellar travel sooner in their history. The time seemed to fly by listening to him talk. When he suggested they stop for refreshments she still had more unanswered questions than answers, but she realized he'd been talking for a while and she was starting to get hungry.
Amila was surprised by the subroutine, completely unsuspecting that the scenery would change on them entirely. They now stood on the threshold of a simulated beachfront restaurant terrace, overlooking gentle waves lapping onto a sandy shore under a sky painted with the oranges and purples of sunset. The city lights were visible in the distance.
"A taste of the coast, near where Ugarit once thrived." He said.
Amila drew a sharp breath, awestruck by the beauty in the colors of the sunset. As Ameen led her to a table on the edge of the terrace, she stepped into him so that her left arm brushed against his right as they walked. She was getting more comfortable around him and starting to test the waters.
When the food arrived Amila was pleasantly surprised. While she had found plenty of Earth cuisine that she enjoyed, she had found most of it bland for her Orion tastes. "These dishes are really good," Amila told him after she had taken a bite of each one. "Flavorful and interesting. I haven't had a lot of Earth foods that I would call interesting, but the spices in these are really nice."
Amila noticed that it was starting to get darker, though the sky was still holding onto the beautiful shades of the unique sunset for a bit longer. "This sunset is so... I've never seen anything like it. It's beautiful. Is it real? I mean, I know we're on a holodeck, but is this what it really looks like...?" She asked. Without taking time to think about it she added, "And who told you how much I love the beach?"
Okay, that was a bit flirtatious. Let's roll with it. Nothing to lose now, Amila.
== Tag ==
RE: The Date - Morad Ameen - 04-26-2025
"These dishes are really good," Amila told him after she had taken a bite of each one. "Flavorful and interesting. I haven't had a lot of Earth foods that I would call interesting, but the spices in these are really nice."
"I am relieved to hear that! I grew up eating this food, so it felt right to share it. However, I wasn't sure how it was going to go. I guess I won't need to use the back up plan: fast food restaurant." He laughed.
If only I was joking... ok... that was a close call! she likes he food... good!
"This sunset is so... I've never seen anything like it. It's beautiful. Is it real? I mean, I know we're on a holodeck, but is this what it really looks like...?" Amila asked. "And who told you how much I love the beach?"
Sweet! she love it... Lucky... pure luck...
Morad felt his heart skips a beat after hearing her approval. It made him very happy.
"Honestly, today, was about taking chances, and showing you the things that I am passionate about and the things that I like. Hoping that you like them too..." He said thoughtfully. "It is a good way for you to get to know me better while having fun, I think." He paused for a moment then added, "But now I'd like to know you better. Who is Amila Ra'an... and other than sunsets on the beach, what else do you like?"
Feeling a comfortable ease settle between them as they talked, ate and enjoyed the sunset. The holographic waiter continued to pas by, refilling the plates and offering drinks. Ameen ordered Baklava for dessert, the sweet, flaky pastry a perfect end to the meal, along with his customary strong Raktajino and whatever syntehol Amila preferred.
She is so beautiful... I can get used to this...
Morad caught himself looking straight into her eyes as she talked, but this time, he didn't stop himself. In this moment, those beautiful emerald eyes were the universe to him.
== Tag. ==
RE: The Date - Amila Ra'an - 04-27-2025
Amila had always been interested in what Ameen had to say. Even before her feelings for him had become complicated, there had always been a kindness in his leadership that drew her to him. But this evening he wasn't treating her like a commanding officer a lieutenant, and she was really enjoying the fact that he was letting her see a different side of himself - even going so far as to share things that were special to him, like these places that he had taken her.
She listened as he described some of the thought that went into his choices for the evening. It had been obvious to her that a lot of thought had been put into the evening, and it made her feel special.
"Honestly, today, was about taking chances, and showing you the things that I am passionate about and the things that I like. Hoping you the things that I am passionate about and the things that I like. Hoping that you like them too..." He told her. "It is a good way for you to get to know me better while having fun, I think." He paused for a moment then added, "But now I'd like to know you better. Who is Amila Ra'an... and other than sunsets on the beach, what else do you like?"
She told herself that she was probably being silly, but the fact that he had hoped she would like the same things that he did made her feel warm inside. She gave him a shy smile before starting to answer his questions. There were times she was happy being the center of attention, but she always found it difficult to answer questions about herself.
"Well... not just sunsets on the the beach. Anything to do with water really and warm days. I like swimming, boating, water skiing. Jumping off of high things into the water. Lazy days by a pool, or on a lazy river, even. Oh and water parks. All of it," she told him. "And I love the stars. It's part of what drew me to science. You know when you were talking about the astronomical - or possible astronomical implications in the architecture here - or back in Ugarit," she tried to mimic his pronunciation, the name of the city being completely new to me.
"You know things like that are so extremely fascinating. They are exciting, but frustrating at the same time. I hate it when civilizations that seemed so advanced, and like they had so much potential are destroyed, and answers are destroyed along with it. You know like what were they potentially doing, what would they have done?" She spoke with a sense of wonder, trailing off as she noticed a server reappearing with the dessert that Morad had ordered. She also noticed Morad looking at her in a way that she hadn't really noticed before. She caught his gaze for a brief moment and smiled, their eyes locking until the holographic waiter's approach broke up the moment.
He began placing their order on the table. When Morad had ordered a raktijino, Amila had opted for an iced coffee with cream. When the baklava was placed on the table between them Amila looked at it curiously. "You know, I thought that I had actually had baklava before, but what I tried definitely looked a little different than this."
Though she listened for his comment, she didn't really care as much about the dessert. She was more so thinking about how she wasn't ready for the night to end.
==tag==
RE: The Date - Morad Ameen - 04-28-2025
"Well... not just sunsets on the the beach. Anything to do with water really and warm days. I like swimming, boating, water skiing. Jumping off of high things into the water. Lazy days by a pool, or on a lazy river, even. Oh and water parks. All of it," Amila told him. "And I love the stars. It's part of what drew me to science. You know when you were talking about the astronomical - or possible astronomical implications in the architecture here - or back in Ugarit."
Good answer... and this may make the next part of the date even better!
"You know things like that are so extremely fascinating. They are exciting, but frustrating at the same time. I hate it when civilizations that seemed so advanced, and like they had so much potential are destroyed, and answers are destroyed along with it. You know like what were they potentially doing, what would they have done?" Ra'an continued.
He could sense her excitement and interest in what he had showed her, and that made him incredibly happy, he smiled and nodded at her in full agreement, never breaking eye contact. Until the waiter arrived with the desert and took their orders for drinks that is.
"You know, I thought that I had actually had baklava before, but what I tried definitely looked a little different than this." She said.
Aha... that is an accurate observation.
"There are variant of the baklava, the Greek one and the Arabic one are not exactly the same, it also changes according to regions too. I am not expert, but this is the Syrian recipe from the Aleppo region. I believer it favors more butter in it and uses pistachio in the filling." He explained.
An extra trip to the gym is in order after this... no?
As the simulated stars began to appear in the darkening sky, Morad felt a reluctance to let the evening end.
"The Mediterranean here is usually quite calm this time of year," he said, gesturing towards the water. "I added a small boat to the program... and the water temperature is perfect for a quick swim, if you're inclined?"
This might be a small deviation from standard Starfleet recreational protocols during a short shore leave... But I won't tell anyone if she doesn't...
== Tag ==
RE: The Date - Amila Ra'an - 04-28-2025
"There are variant of the baklava, the Greek one and the Arabic one are not exactly the same, it also changes according to regions too. I am not expert, but this is the Syrian recipe from the Aleppo region. I believer it favors more butter in it and uses pistachio in the filling." He explained.
Amila broke off a piece with her fork as Ameen explained the differences. It was still warm, and had a more pleasant texture than what she'd had before. More like pastry and less like candy. After she swallowed she pointed at the dish with her fork, "And maybe not quite as sweet? I like this better."
She was still full from dinner, but the sweet treat was a nice compliment to round out the meal. She noticed that stars were starting to appear in lieu of the sunset, but her attention was focused on the person she was sitting with. She studied his expression for a moment with a tenderness in her eyes. It was then that she started to realize that in the matter of a few hours her feelings for him had gone from what she had been dismissing as a silly crush to something more genuine. And it seemed like the feeling was mutual.
"The Mediterranean here is usually quite calm this time of year," he told her, gesturing towards the water. "I added a small boat to the program... and the water temperature is perfect for a quick swim, if you're inclined?"
A mischievous grin formed on Amila's face at the suggestion. He's kidding right? She looked longingly out onto the water, and then back toward Morad. Wet hair is not my best look, but having fun trumps style, right? She bit her bottom lip in contemplation.
"Yeah," Amila nodded. "Yeah. I am game. I guess I am going to have to change after all. I didn't bring a suit."
Before making their way out to the water, they stopped in a marina facility with a changing room where Amila replicated a duplicate of purple tankini she had in quarters and a pair of shorts. She put her cream over shirt back on and left it open. She walked out with the rest of her clothes folded and tucked under her arm, but tossed them aside on the dock when she saw Morad waiting for her.
When she made her way to him her walk had a bounce to it, an almost childlike energy behind her enthusiasm for the next part of the program. She let her fingers brush against his casually before taking his hand into hers. "This feels a little crazy. I can't wait," she said the grin on her face barely containing her excitement.
== tag ==
RE: The Date - Morad Ameen - 04-28-2025
"Yeah," Amila nodded. "Yeah. I am game. I guess I am going to have to change after all. I didn't bring a suit."
I thought so!
"That's fine! "I have faith the replicator has good taste," he chuckled then he thanked the waiter, out of habit of course, as they both got up and left the restaurant.
This is going really well...
A quick detour to the Marina's holosuite facility solved the swimwear dilemma. Moments later, ready for the water, they were walking towards the boat again, hand-in-hand, lacing their fingers together. Ameen deliberately slowed their pace, savoring the feel of the cooling sand underfoot and Amila's presence beside him as the sunset painted the sky in breathtaking oranges and purples. The gentle lapping of waves was the perfect soundtrack. Everything felt right. Amila practically vibrated with excitement, her energy infectious.
"This feels a little crazy," she breathed as they reached the sleek lines of the boat bobbing gently at the dock. "I can't wait!"
Ameen laughed, a warm, happy sound. "The best kind of crazy," he agreed.
I think this is a good time to take the next step...
Then he turned to face her just before the gangway. He took both her hands, his gaze locking with hers, playful but sincere.
"Seriously though, Amila," he said, his smile softening. "Tonight? With you? It's... amazing. I walked into this date hoping for 'good,' maybe even 'great.' But this?" He gave her hands a gentle squeeze. "This is blowing 'great' right out of the water... pardon the pun."
== Tag ==
RE: The Date - Amila Ra'an - 04-28-2025
They were on their way to the boat when Morad turned to face her just before they stepped onto the gangway. He took both her hands, his gaze locking with hers. Amila listened expectantly.
"Seriously though, Amila," he said, his smile softening. "Tonight? With you? It's... amazing. I walked into this date hoping for 'good,' maybe even 'great.' But this?" He gave her hands a gentle squeeze. "This is blowing 'great' right out of the water... pardon the pun."
She giggled and shook her head playfully. "Your pun is hereby pardoned," she replied with mock authority, before turning serious again. "This whole evening, with you, it's been really amazing." She looked back at him, the energy between them throughout the evening had been building in little moments like these, occasionally interrupted by a turn of shyness or a distraction in the program.
She shifted her weight to the balls of her feet and took a deep breath. "Are we... " She trailed off when she realized she didn't know how to finished the sentence, but her eyes remained locked on Morad's. Should she say something?
==tag==
RE: The Date - Morad Ameen - 05-01-2025
== Sorry this took so long, I had to write it an re-write it a few times! lol ==
Her voice trailed off, the unfinished question hanging in the soft, simulated sea air between them. But Morad didn't need the words. He saw the answer – the hope, the slight uncertainty, the same flourishing feeling that was making his own heart beat a little faster – reflected in her incredible violet eyes, locked intensely with his. The playful energy from moments before softened into something deeper, more significant.
She feels it too...
The realization sent a wave of warmth, stronger than the simulated Mediterranean sun, through him. This connection, this shared wonder... it was real.
He kept hold of her hands, his thumb gently tracing circles on her skin. He saw the slight shift in her weight, the breath she took, the unspoken words hovering on her lips.
"Are we...?" His voice was softer now, a low murmur meant only for her. He leaned in just slightly, closing the small distance between them. The scent of the sea mingled with the faint, unique fragrance he was starting to associate solely with her.
Yes...
"I think... I hope... we are," he finished her thought, his gaze dropping briefly to her lips before returning to her eyes, asking a silent question of his own.
He saw the answer there before she could even nod or speak. Without breaking eye contact, he slowly raised one hand to gently cup her cheek, his thumb brushing lightly against her jade skin. The simulated world around them – the gently lapping waves, the distant lights, the star-dusted sky – seemed to fade into the background.
There was only Amila.
Leaning in further, he closed the remaining distance, his lips meeting hers in a kiss that was both tentative and full of the evening's accumulated longing. It was gentle at first, a question answered, a confirmation of everything unspoken that had passed between them since she'd opened her door in that stunning pink dress. It deepened slowly, filled with the warmth of shared laughter, the thrill of shared vulnerability, and the breathtaking promise of whatever this was becoming.
What are we becoming?...
After a long moment, he drew back just enough to rest his forehead against hers, his eyes still closed. "Yeah," he breathed, a soft, happy sigh. "I really hope we are." He opened his eyes, a genuine, unguarded smile finally reaching them. "Come on," he murmured, gesturing towards the waiting boat with his free hand, though he didn't release her other one. "Let's see what else this crazy night has in store."
== Tag ==
RE: The Date - Amila Ra'an - 05-02-2025
For Amila the evening was becoming even more magical as the night continued.
After they broke away from the kiss, Morad pressed his forehead against hers. “Yeah, I really hope we are,” he said to her, his voice barely above a whisper. Neither of them were finishing their thoughts out loud. Shared moments they’d had during the evening, the tension in the air when they locked eyes and the energy they felt between them when first kissed spoke louder than any words. She could have stood there like that with him perfectly content for an indefinite period of time, but he pulled away slightly and gestured to the boat.
“Come on, let’s see what else this crazy night has in store,” he suggested.
She smiled softly, glancing down briefly at their hands, their fingers intertwined as they had been most of the evening. She noticed differences in their complexions, her green skin next to his lightly tanned skin. She sometimes felt self-conscious about her Orion heritage in Starfleet, but he had never made her feel that way. And the way he was looking at her tonight made her feel like the most beautiful person in the quadrant.
She nodded enthusiastically. “Yes, let’s.”
Amila let him lead her down the gangway and assist her into the boat even though she was capable of getting in and out on her own. The gesture was sweet and just seemed appropriate for the mood of the evening, for the type of relationship he seemed to be courting - that she hoped he was courting with her.
The feel of the boat bobbing in the water made her laugh with delight. “The attention to detail in this program is phenomenal. I keep forgetting we’re on a holodeck.”
“Can I help with anything?” She asked. She felt like she was almost literally buzzing with excitement. Everything had been incredibly romantic and perfect, but based on Morad’s next idea it seemed that he had a fun side she wasn’t necessarily expecting and she couldn’t wait to see it.
==tag==
RE: The Date - Morad Ameen - 05-02-2025
Morad chuckled softly, the sound warm in the cooling air as twilight deepened around them. Amila's enthusiasm was infectious, her excitement practically sparkling in the dim light reflecting off the water. He saw the genuine delight in her eyes as she looked around the boat and then back at him.
"Help?" he repeated her question, bringing the hand he held up to his lips, gently brushing his knuckles against hers. The simple gesture felt charged with the lingering electricity of their kiss. "Honestly, Amila, just having you here, enjoying this... that's more than enough."
Her energy is incredible... just looking at her smile makes this whole thing worth it. Still, she looks like she genuinely wants to participate... Okay, okay, play along, Morad.
He saw the lingering eagerness in her expression and relented with a soft smile, nodding towards the stern of the sleek, low-profile motor launch. "Alright, if you really want to lend a hand... see that last mooring line back there? Think you can handle casting us off when I give the word, Lieutenant?" He used her rank playfully, the formality completely melted away by the evening's events.
Feels strange calling her that now, even like this. After tonight... it's just Amila. Definitely just Amila.
While she moved to handle the line, Ameen turned to the simple helm console. He activated the controls, and the boat came alive not with a roar, but with a quiet, unobtrusive hum – he’d programmed an electric engine for precisely this kind of peaceful escape. Low courtesy lights glowed along the interior deck, casting soft shadows and illuminating their own little world adrift on the darkening sea. Above, the sky was now a deep indigo, and the stars were emerging like scattered diamonds.
Watching her move towards the stern... so graceful, athletic. The way that purple tankini catches the light against her green skin... And those shorts... wow. Ahem. Okay, focus, Ameen. Helm controls.
He waited for her signal that the line was free, his gaze meeting hers across the short distance. Once she gave it, he expertly maneuvered the launch away from the dock, the sound of the water whispering past the hull replacing the gentle lapping against the pier. The simulated lights of Latakia began to shrink behind them, becoming a glittering ribbon along the coast.
Freedom. Just us, a boat, the stars. It feels... right. Like this is exactly where we're supposed to be. Forget Starfleet, forget everything else for a while.
He steered them towards the open water, the vast expanse of the Mediterranean stretching out before them under the starlit sky. Reaching out, he found her hand again, lacing their fingers together naturally.
Perfect.
"So," he said softly, his thumb gently stroking hers, his eyes full of warmth as he looked at her. "Where should we head first on this 'crazy night'? Shall we find that perfect spot for a swim... or maybe just drift for a bit and watch the stars come out?"
Whatever she chooses. Seeing her excitement earlier... she seemed so genuinely thrilled about the boat and the water. Hope this part lives up to it for her. Just being here, like this... it's already beyond 'great'.
== Tag ==
RE: The Date - Amila Ra'an - 05-02-2025
As Morad started the engine, Amila settled into the chair next to his tilted her head so that it was resting on top of the seat back so that she could watch the sky. Once they were were underway and headed out toward the open sea she noticed as he reached for her hand, and she turned her head to face him as she reached for his hand in kind.
"So, where should we head first on this 'crazy night'? Shall we find that perfect spot for a swim... or maybe just drift for a bit and watch the stars come out?" He asked her. She'd grown fond of the way he stroked her thumb when they held hands. She used her thumb to give his forefinger a gentle squeeze. How quickly she was falling for him was a bit terrifying. It's not even been one full date, she told herself. So far one perfectly perfect and magical evening.
"We could find a place to drop anchor, dip our toes in and play it by ear?" She suggested. She lifted her head up a bit from it's lazy position against the backrest. The wind was starting to blow tendrils of hair loose from her ponytail. "You made sure the sharks are well fed? If we do decide to swim... they won't come looking at us for a meal," she added playfully.
== tag ==
RE: The Date - Morad Ameen - 05-03-2025
He felt her thumb give his forefinger a gentle squeeze in return as she met his gaze, her large violet eyes seeming to capture the starlight. He sensed a flicker of something in her expression, a depth that mirrored the rapid acceleration of his own feelings. The intensity he saw there, the way she returned his gaze without hesitation, resonated with his own sense of wonder and perhaps a shared, thrilling terror at the speed of whatever this was becoming between them.
"We could find a place to drop anchor, dip our toes in and play it by ear?" Ra'an suggested.
She lifted her head slightly from its lazy position against the backrest as she spoke. The sea breeze tugged strands of wavy auburn hair loose from her ponytail, the fiery color a striking contrast against the soft jade-green of her skin in the dim light. He found the sight utterly captivating.
It's more than just the colors... it's the way the soft light catches the curve of her cheek, the unexpected harmony of it all. Striking. Unique. Entirely Amila.
Morad chuckled, the sound soft against the whisper of water against the hull. Her easy suggestion, her willingness to simply be in the moment, sent another wave of warmth through him. He loved her spontaneity, the confident energy radiating from her athletic frame.
"Drop anchor, dip our toes in, and play it by ear?" he repeated softly, turning his head fully to meet her gaze, getting lost for a second in those violet depths. "I like the sound of that, Amila. A perfect plan for a perfect night."
She smiled, a genuine curve of her lips that made her eyes sparkle, then added playfully, "You made sure the sharks are well fed? If we do decide to swim... they won't come looking at us for a meal."
He laughed again at her question, charmed by her humor.
"Rest assured, the holodeck's marine life protocols are strictly non-predatory towards guests," he reassured her, leaning just a fraction closer, drawn to her presence, lowering his voice playfully. "Besides, if any simulated sharks get too curious, they'll have to answer to me first." He gave her hand a light, meaningful squeeze, his eyes holding hers.
Just keep looking at me like that... the confidence in those eyes, it's incredible.
"Alright then," he said, reluctantly breaking the gaze to turn his attention forward momentarily, scanning the dark water shimmering under the stars. He pointed towards a small, sheltered cove further along the simulated coastline, where the water looked exceptionally calm and reflected the starfield above like polished obsidian. "How about over there? Looks peaceful. Should be a good spot to drop anchor... and test the waters."
He adjusted their course slightly, the boat responding with a silent hum. The distance wasn't far, just enough time to savor this quiet moment, moving across the water with her beside him, her silhouette graceful against the starry backdrop, their hands linked. It felt incredibly intimate, profoundly right.
Forget Ugarit, forget the restaurant... this right here. This feeling. Being near her, seeing the starlight on her skin, the way she seems so vibrantly alive... This is what I wanted to share.
He glanced back at her, his expression soft as she watched the approaching cove.
"Almost there," he murmured.
== Tag ==
RE: The Date - Amila Ra'an - 05-03-2025
"How about over there? Looks peaceful. Should be a good spot to drop anchor and these the waters."
Did he mean water or did he say waters intentionally? Amila was in a haze when Morad suggested a place for them stop.
She didn't know how long the boat ride had been. The entire ride here Morad's attention had rarely broken from her, and she hadn't wanted it to. Had it been a real boat on a real ocean his inattentiveness to the water would have been a concern, but holodeck safety protocols were more forgiving to inattentive drivers. Still, he'd surprised her with the way he couldn't seem to look away from her. She took it as a hint, providing some insight into how he was feeling about her and about the night. Her eyes danced with glee as she returned his repeated gazes. She had been worried that her nervousness would ruin the evening, and she was nervous, but not in the way that she thought she would be. It was the type of nervous excitement that came with the thought that a new relationship might be forming. Seeing him watching her when he should have been driving fueled more of the excitement and dampened some of the nerves.
"Looks perfect," she replied. Though at this point anywhere would be perfect as long as it's with you. She stopped herself from the saying the second part out loud.
As the approached the cove, Amila stood up from her seat and stood next to Morad. It made it harder for them to stare at one another, but easier for them to hold hands. When he had to let go to actually drive the boat, she traced circles on his shoulder while she leaned against his seat for support until he cut the engine and brought the boat into a slow stop in the still water.
"It's so peaceful out here. I bet this spot is beautiful during the day as well," Amila's voice carried with it the sense of awe she felt at taking in the beauty of such a place. She found herself hoping that they might go to the real one someday.
"So we drop anchor and then..." Amila purposefully trailed her voice off as she reached for Morad's hand with both of hers. "You know I was so busy watching you, I don't think I picked out a single star yet." Amila hid behind a coy grin as their eyes met again.
== Tag ==
RE: The Date - Morad Ameen - 05-05-2025
== Sorry this took too long, I had a few things on my mind as you can imagine. lol ==
Amila stood beside him as they drifted to a halt in the cove's placid center, the quiet hum of the engine replaced by the near-silent lap of water against the hull. He felt the light pressure of her fingers tracing patterns on his shoulder and instinctively covered her hand with his own for a moment before needing it back for the final controls. Her closeness, her ease in sharing this space with him, felt incredibly natural, incredibly right.
"It's so peaceful out here. I bet this spot is beautiful during the day as well," she murmured, her voice filled with genuine awe that resonated deeply within him.
Maybe we could find out someday...
The thought surprised him with its boldness, its implication of a future beyond this single night. He pushed it aside for now, focusing on the present perfection.
"It is," he agreed softly, turning his gaze from the holographic controls to her. "But I have to admit, seeing it like this, under the stars... with you..." He let the sentence hang, the meaning clear in his expression.
Then came her playful admission, delivered with that captivating, coy grin as she took his hand again. "So we drop anchor and then... You know I was so busy watching you, I don't think I picked out a single star yet."
A soft laugh escaped him, warm and genuine. He felt a flush rise slightly on his neck, pleased and equally captivated.
"Guilty as charged, Lieutenant," he replied, mirroring her playful tone but with underlying sincerity. "The view from the helm was... exceptionally distracting tonight."
He squeezed her hands gently, his eyes locking with hers again, sharing the spark that had been igniting between them all evening.
She really has no idea how beautiful she looks right now, does she? Starlight suits her even better than sunlight.
"Alright," he continued, nodding towards the console. "Anchor sequence initiated." A soft chime confirmed the command, followed by the subtle holographic display of a line spooling out into the dark water below. "Solid hold."
He turned fully towards her then, stepping away from the helm, keeping her hands loosely in his.
"So, the stars you missed..." He tilted his head back, gesturing towards the brilliant canopy above them. "Shall we remedy that while we dip our toes in? Best of both worlds?"
He guided her towards the stern, where a small swim platform extended just above the waterline. The dark water looked smooth as glass, reflecting the distant stars like scattered diamonds.
A moon. I should've added one... why didn't I? Maybe next time...
"Careful stepping down," he murmured, releasing one hand to offer steady support as she moved towards the platform's edge, intending to sit with their feet dangling in the water. The air felt cooler here, closer to the sea, carrying the clean scent of salt. "Seems like a perfect spot for some amateur astronomy... and maybe deciding if a full swim is next on the agenda."
He looked back at her, his expression open and full of the evening's shared magic.
"What do you think?"
== Tag ==
RE: The Date - Amila Ra'an - 05-05-2025
She shook her head and gave him a stern look as he activated the anchor, though her eyes still danced with the smile that she was barely holding back. But as he stepped just a small step closer to her, she forgot what it was that she was going to tease him about, the warmth from his body now back in her personal space catching her off guard.
As Morad tilted his head back to point out the stars, she instead watched him, focusing on his face as he looked up. As he talked about dipping their toes in - her suggestion from earlier, she noted that she could still make out the stark definition of his jawline and the softness in his eyes despite the dark shadows of the moonless night. When he looked down to guide her to the back of the boat she felt like she had gotten away with something. A stolen moment, just for her. His face in her mind, then memories of other stolen glances made her smile to herself. Always that softness in his eyes. She was beginning to think it had always been for her.
"Careful stepping down," he murmured, his words interrupting her wandering thoughts. She looked at him almost bewildered for the briefest moment before she collected herself. She graciously accepted his assistance as she walked toward the platform edge, resisting the urge to move quickly toward it in a couple of giant steps. The air felt cooler here and she could smell the freshness of the salty air.
"Seems like a perfect spot for some amateur astronomy... and maybe deciding if a full swim is next on the agenda. What do you think?” Morad asked, looking at her, his expression open.
She looked back, the adoration for him clearly evident on her face, but she couldn’t hide her amusement, the laughter threatening to escape. She held out her hand for him to join her, “I do think this is the perfect spot, Morad. Please, come practice some astronomy with me.”
Her smile gave it away before she had finished the sentence and he was laughing with her as he joined her on the platform.
“You know, I could tell you more about the stars from this planet than I could from my own really,” Amila said more seriously as she sat down on the platform and tossed her shoes aside. She scooted out to the edge of the platform and let her legs hang off, gently kicking her feet in the water, careful not to make a splash. “Not that the stars and constellations and planets visible from Orion aren’t familiar, I just didn’t study them then, when I lived there. And I haven’t really been back. Not as much as I’ve come back here anyway.”
Amila giggled to herself before adding, “Since getting my amateur astronomy certification from Starfleet I mean.” She continued giggling as she watched for his response.
RE: The Date - Morad Ameen - 05-07-2025
Morad chuckled softly, his thumb continuing its gentle caress against hers as she giggled about her "amateur" certification. The sound was warm, intimate in the quiet of the cove.
"An amateur astronomer, are you now?" he teased gently, his eyes crinkling at the corners with affection.
That delightful giggle. She has no idea how charming that humility is, especially paired with what I’m certain is an exceptionally brilliant mind.
"Somehow, Amila, I have a feeling your 'amateur' insights could give seasoned professionals a run for their money. It's wonderful, though, that you found such a passion for the stars, especially Earth's. Another beautiful layer to you I'm getting to see tonight."
Ameen leaned back a little himself, content to simply be there with her, their feet breaking the still surface of the water. He felt her shift slightly, then lean against his arm. It was a natural, trusting gesture that sent a fresh wave of warmth through him, deeper than the simulated Mediterranean air.
She trusts me this much. It feels… right. More than right.
He instinctively adjusted, making her more comfortable, his arm coming to rest lightly around her shoulders, drawing her just a fraction closer. He followed her gaze upwards. She was right, of course. Even in this carefully constructed idyll, the faint, almost subliminal web of orbital traffic was a given in modern skies – a constant reminder of the bustling Solar System they inhabited.
Then, her voice, soft and tinged with a wistful note that tugged at something in his chest:
"Could we go back in time again? Before humans started going into space."
Morad turned his head to look at her, her profile illuminated by the faint starlight, her eyes still fixed on the heavens. The simplicity and purity of her request were captivating.
Why not? That will add value to what has been a very special night...
"Amila," he murmured, his voice thoughtful, "that is… an inspired idea. To strip away the centuries of… progress," he chose his word carefully, "and see the unadulterated majesty of the night sky as our most distant ancestors did? Absolutely."
He gave her shoulder a reassuring squeeze. "Computer," he commanded, his voice clear but soft, not wanting to break the spell of the moment. "Refine current celestial simulation. Maintain current geographical location and season. Regress temporal visual settings for Earth orbital and atmospheric phenomena to pre-spaceflight era – target approximately 2000 BCE, minimal ambient light pollution. Display unfiltered galactic panorama."
Good. That should give her the pristine view she’s imagining.
Ameen settled back against the boat's cushions with Amila still nestled beside him, his arm securely around her.
"There," he whispered, his gaze already lifting in anticipation. "Let's see what the universe truly looked like, through your eyes."
== Tag. ==
RE: The Date - Amila Ra'an - 05-08-2025
As the artificial lights in the night sky disappeared their view changed dramatically. Hundreds more stars seemed to appear, and if you knew where to look you could find the occasional twinkle of one that was more red or blue. The deep blue and indigo shades of the night sky were more vibrant. Nebulous whispers of clouds were now visible, clusters of stars that were too far away to see individually. She watched for his reaction out of the corner of her eye.
“It’s crazy how even the smallest light source can drown out some of the night sky’s best features,” Amila’s voice was barely above a whisper as she spoke. “Just one of the many reasons us science nerds are always trying to get you command types to beam down to undeveloped rocks.” She chided softly as she leaned a few inches away from him so that she could watch his reaction, but when his eyes met hers she began to process the words she had just spoken.
She gave him a weak smile as her eyes shut and she shyly looked down. She breathed in and took a moment to notice her hand in his.
He’s your commanding officer. The First Officer for the entire crew - there are a dozen ways that this could go wrong.
But she didn’t want to stop. All risks aside, she pushed forward.
“You know, we’re so far back in time, I don’t recognize anything right now,” she admitted. “What level is below amatuer?” Amila looked at the sky in wonder, now thinking about the fact that everything in the universe was moving so quickly, yet so slowly at the same time. “If this were May in the Northern Hemisphere today, you could see the little dipper early in the night, but I honestly don’t know how many of those stars were visible 4,000 years ago.”
She pulled her feet out of the water and let go of his hand briefly so that she could stand up. She turned around and rested her arms against the back of the boat, looking out at the forward view, into the night sky, and out into the ocean. She felt Morad’s presence next to hers and turned back around.
They both stood next to one another in comfortable silence, taking in the peaceful lull of the feel of the boat on the calm water, and the beauty of the starry night.
Tonight has been so easy. But when has it ever not been easy with him? She imagined that there could easily be dozens more easy nights just like this one if it weren’t for Starfleet. It probably wouldn’t be a problem with Captain Fields. There would just be the awkward issue of reporting it. But what about if he were given his own command one day? And her own career…
That’s too far in the future. Just stop. You are both here for the present.
Amila shook it off by literally shaking her head, causing a few more wisps of her windblown hair to fall around her face.
Amila’s voice interrupted the calm, quiet breeze. “So, we came all the way out here… are we going to swim or what?” Her eyes widened in expectation as she gave him a coaxing nod, as she slipped off the long sleeve shirt that she’d been wearing open over her suit. “The water here is too great not to, right?”
“Wait, have you even changed? I’m not getting in by myself.” Her eyes sparkled with mischief as she challenged him.
== Tag ==