Coming To Terms

Posted on Sun Sep 21st, 2025 @ 10:43am by Lieutenant Liam O'Riley & Lieutenant JG Stevie Thomas [O'Riley]
Edited on on Tue Sep 30th, 2025 @ 9:40pm

1,110 words; about a 6 minute read

Mission: Below Decks
Location: Various
Timeline: Following MD18 - 1600

{Corridors}

After exiting the Medical Center Liam and Stevie were rather quiet each trying to internalize what they had been through the past few hours as they walked along.

Finally Stevie spoke up “Liam would you like to hang out in my quarters for awhile; I really don’t want to be alone right now” she stated still feeling a little scared and uneasy.

Looking at Stevie “Yes…..maybe have something to eat and talk….I think that would do both of us some good so maybe, just maybe, we can put that hellacious experience behind us” Liam replied thankful they were both still alive and physically no worse for ware.

{Quarters}

Arriving she keyed in her security code before the door swooshed open. Upon entering Stevie turned and gave Liam a long kiss “I’ve been wanting to do that ever since we returned to the ship” then she paused looking him in the eyes “I was so afraid I would never see you again” she stated as the tears began to well up in her eyes before running down her cheeks.

Reaching up with his hand he wiped away her tears, then returned her kiss “The same thought ran through my mind down there but thank the gods, it wasn’t our time to be apart. That definitely was the most scared I’ve ever been and that’s saying a lot considering some of the away missions I’ve experienced in the past.”

Forcing a smile “I’m right there with you on that one” she replied “I need to get out of this uniform….I’ll be right back” as she leaned in and kissed him on the cheek. Meanwhile Liam sat on the couch and let out a long sigh thinking how fortunate they really were to still be alive.

Returning Stevie grabbed two glasses of wine then handed one to Liam as she sat “I thought maybe you could use this…..I know I can” as she sipped her wine enjoying the flavor.

With a grin “You must have read my mind” as he did the same “So earlier I mentioned something about food; would you like something light to eat” he inquired.

Thinking for a few moments “You know what sounds really good? A toasted cheese sandwich and some cheese flavored snacks to go with it” she replied.

“Hmm…..cheese overload…..I like the way that sounds” as he turned and made his way to her replicator. Returning he handed Stevie her plate with plenty of napkins “Here, one cheese overload” as he sat placing a napkin on his knee.

Taking a bite “Mmm…..just what the Doctor ordered…..I never get tired of toasted cheese” she commented with a grin.

Swallowing his food then taking a sip of wine “This does taste pretty good especially with a wine chaser” Liam replied with a smile.

“I think we just invented a new food paring” she stated with a slight chuckle. The couple sat enjoying their meals avoiding the obvious topic.

After their meal Stevie inquired “Would you do me a really big favor….would you mind staying with me tonight…..I really don’t want to be alone…..if you wouldn’t mind.”

With a smile “It would be my pleasure; anything to put you at ease” Liam replied “But only if I can go back to my quarters, shower, and get out this smelly uniform.”

“I think I’ll allow that” Stevie replied with a big grin starting to feel much better with Liam being with her.

Standing “Ok, I’ll be back in thirty then” as he made his way to the door and left.

Filling their glasses with more wine she sat thinking, while waiting for Liam’s return “I couldn’t even imagine not having him in my life” as she sipped her wine.

Thirty minutes later he returned feeling much better getting rid of that planets stench and stink as he palmed her door chime.

Hearing the door she immediately stood and answered the door “It took you long enough” she stated with a laugh.

“Ya ok, I’d like to see you shower and change that quickly” he teased.

“Point taken” Stevie replied as he walked in “I took the liberty of pouring us another glass of wine” as they both returned to the couch.

Sipping his wine then looking at Stevie “So are you feeling better all things considered” he inquired with a smile.

Smiling back as she cuddled up to Liam “I am now that you’re here” she whispered then gave him a kiss.

“It’s nice to know I’m good for something” Liam replied with a laugh then covered his mouth as he yawned “Excuse me, I guess this day has finally caught up to me.”

“I know what you mean” then Stevie paused “Maybe we should go and lay down and relax before we both sit here and fall asleep.”

“Sounds like a plan to me” he replied as they both stood then made their way into her bedroom.

Liam lay on the bed with her next to him then he kissed the top of her head as she snuggled up tight against him “If I never have to go through anything like that again it’ll be too soon” he stated enjoying feeling her body next to his.

Looking up at him “You can stay that again……that was hands down the most scared I have ever been in my entire life” she replied wanting to get even closer to Liam if she could “ I can’t even imagine what those poor people who lived there went through when those things started appearing.”

“Me either; that’s the stuff nightmares are made of” he answered almost sending a chill up his spine as he thought about it “But thankfully all that’s behind us now and I think we shouldn’t dwell on too much.”

“You’re right” then she paused “I’m actually amazed at how normal Aseek seems to be after what he must have gone through; then returning to that dreadful place……he’s a very brave man.”

“You won’t get any arguments from me but I think he is so desperate for answers that he was willing to back there” Liam replied “That takes a lot of guts that’s for sure.

Minutes later he looked over seeing Stevie fast asleep. Kissing the top of her head he smiled, closed his eyes, and joined her in some much needed rest.


Lieutenant J.G. Stevie Thomas (O'Riley)
Computer Systems Specialist

Lieutenant Liam O'Riley
Chief Engineering Officer

 

RSS Feed