<USS Avalon> "Tying Up Loose Ends"

Tying Up Loose Ends
By Lieutenant Second Class Elissabeth Marksbury and 
Lieutenant Second Class James Maturin
 
 
"I feel different somehow," she said, sitting with her feet in Maturin's lap.  
"I can't explain it, really.  It's almost this...freedom from feeling like I 
can control everything.  Because I can't.  But suddenly, it doesn't feel like 
it matters anymore.  That sounds ridiculous, doesn't it?"
 
"Not at all.  It's what you needed, Lissi, though I'll be damned if I've 
figured out how a nearly botched mission brought you to this conclusion."
 
She laughed, "Me neither.  Maybe it was getting into trouble...maybe it was 
Kaylee...maybe it was the mission.  Or maybe it was a combination of all three. 
 Who knows?  I just know I feel so much better, so much lighter."
 
"Then we won't question it and just let it be.  Sound good?"
 
"Perfect."  Lissi closed her eyes as she reclined on the sofa.  It felt so nice 
to truly be on leave for a few days.  "I was surprised at the Admiral's 
decisions regarding us, how about you?"
 
"Of course you were.  You got off easy," he teased.  "No, I had it coming.  I 
was violating orders and I knew it.  I just thought I was doing the right thing 
even if it did cost me an Article 15.  Don't think I'll let you forget it 
either...It'll be like that really old movie with Bing Crosby and Danny Kaye 
where Danny's character saved Bing's by pushing him out of the way during the 
war and Danny had his arm hurt and every time he wanted something from Bing, 
he'd always point to his arm and give this pained expression..."
 
"I have no idea what you're talking about..."
 
"It was a movie that Laura made me sit through.  'White Christmas', I think.  
She wants to dance like Vera Ellen."
 
"So, anyway..." Lissi smiled.  She was happy to see James so excited about a 
girl.  And Laura was so nice.  "What do you think of your new assignment?"
 
"Well, I haven't ever been in a teaching capacity before, so I'm a bit nervous."
 
"You're not really teaching, more like an assistant."
 
"Yeah, well...It's still unnerving.  Working at the Academy... At least I'll be 
doing hands on engineering work again.  I've really missed it, Lissi."
 
"I know you have," she said quietly, knowing all to well why he had been stuck 
not doing the job he loved so much.  All because of her.
 
"I just hope that I'll remember what not to talk about.  I've done some serious 
research on the technology of today."
 
"You could always undergo the memory procedure."
 
"No.  I'll do what it takes to stay away.  I couldn't stand to forget you...as 
much trouble as you are," he said as he tickled her feet.
 
She laughed and nearly fell off the couch trying to get away from him.  He 
reached over and gathered her into his arms.  "I love you, you know that?  And 
I'm always going to be here for you, even if you are a nutcase."
 
"Thanks," she said dryly.  Then leaning up to kiss him on the cheek, "I love 
you too.  Now, were you gonna read to me some more?"
 
"Nope.  Not tonight.  Laura is coming over and you're leaving to go see Monroe."
 
"Oh, I am?  That's news to me."
 
"You've been thinking about it all afternoon."
 
"And you know that how?"
 
"Because you've been antsy.  Which means you're nervous and trying not to show 
it.  And since you've been given your punishment by Pew and Kaylee is okay, 
there's only one thing left for you to be nervous about.  Monroe."
 
"You know too much about me," she teased.
 
"I know, but someone's gotta keep you in line."  He held her for another moment 
before adding, "So why are you still sitting here?  Go find him."


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