<USS Avalon> =/\= Curiosity =/\=

=/\= Curiosity =/\=

"Do you have plans for this evening?" Cam asked Kaera as they strolled back 
toward the Lodge in the early afternoon sunlight.  "I have classes to teach and 
then two private clients for hand-to-hand workouts, but I'd love to take you 
to dinner."

Kaera regarded him curiously.  They had chatted for the better part of the 
last two hours, wandering hand in hand along the paths on this part of the Rim. 
 
He'd told her a great deal about the Grand Canyon, including some legends 
connected to it.  In return, she'd given brief and noncommittal answers to 
questions about her childhood and how she'd come to Earth as a student four 
years 
ago.  She'd been too reticent to ask Cam about his own background.

"The Big Ditch is a great place to eat," Cam prodded gently.  "Casual, and 
the food is fabulous.  Affordable, too -- no worries over whether I can cover 
the bill," he grinned, teeth white in his cheerful brown face.

"Do you collect exotic alien women?" Kaera asked bluntly, only half teasing.

"Only the empaths," retorted Cam, the grin widening.

"Cardassians are not known for psi sensitivity," said Kaera flatly, watching 
his face.

"Neither are Terrans or Serashni," he returned, taking her statement at face 
value.  "But here we are, you and I.  Dinner?"

"Sure."  Kaera shook her head slowly in reaction to his audacity.  "I don't 
know what it is about you, Cam... you just plain make me curious."

"Curiosity killed the cat," he chuckled, "but satisfaction brought it back.  
I hope I can satisfy your curiosity, Kaera."  He put a gentle hand to her chin 
and tilted her head toward him, bending to place a feather-light kiss on her 
lips.  "I'll see you in the lobby at eighteen-thirty," he said, and was gone.

Kaera stood there for long moments before turning in the direction of her 
room.  She had plenty of time for a light lunch, a swim, and a couple hours' 
primping.

***   ***   ***

(to be continued some time over the weekend, I hope...)

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