Perchance

Posted on Sun May 7th, 2023 @ 2:48pm by Lieutenant Libby Harper & Lieutenant Cyrus Marner

2,988 words; about a 15 minute read

Cyrus was off work, and sat in his quarters just looking out towards the stars. They were still in the future, he didn't know if they were going to get back. They probably won't be doing so. He wondered if there was any sort of future for him, even a small smidgen of a chance to have a family. To, in truth, have a love life. What with all that has happened, Cyrus hadn't even allowed himself to even think of dating anyone. Now though, his mind was drifting in that direction. He thought back to when he had been found by Libby, when the Enterprise had been tossed forward in time, just after he had signed on. It was Libby that had found him in the ruins of sickbay after that event. It was Libby who he found in sickbay curled up and crying, rightfully so about the death of the Svians. They've been having such horrible happenings so far, perhaps, he could do something to lift her spirits up slightly, maybe?

He hesitated for a few minutes, wondering if he'd take a chance to see if she'd like to do something with him. Taking a deep breath, Cyrus decided he'd take a chance. All she could do was say, No and that would be that. He composed a message and sent it to her. And it read.

Miss Harper. I was wondering if you'd like to go for a walk in the Holodeck amongst nature. Please let me know and I'll come to your quarters to pick you up. regards. Cyrus Marner.

Across the ship a ringing ping announced Lieutenant Libby Harper had mail. She looked up from the book she'd been reading with curiosity. Who would be sending messages this late? Had Ensign Quegg misplaced something again, or had Blake in Ops restarting his attempt to hold a shindig - what ever that was. Her eyes widened at the author, it had been Doctor Marner and he was asking for would could have been misunderstood as date! Nah, she dismissed the thought quickly he was properly just checking up on her after she broke down in sickbay earlier. All the same she smirked as she typed a reply:

That would be lovely, see you soon

It shocked Cyrus to no end, getting that return message, and he could feel his mouth go slightly dry. Getting a drink of water to take away the dryness, Cyrus got ready. Since he had stated walking in nature he dressed properly. It was something casual, blue jeans, light grey Tee shirt and a blue plain button up shirt left unbuttoned, and a pair of hiking boots broken in. He checked to make certain his breath didn't stink, and being satisfied that he had fresh breath, Cyrus headed to Libby's quarters. He could feel his heart racing, and wiped his hands upon his pant legs, feeling the clamminess develop. Heck Cyrus was nervous as all get out. A few breaths to calm himself down then Cyrus pressed the chime to let Libby know someone was there.

He wasn't kept waiting long before Libby opened the door hoping she could keep the privacy of her living space from view. His message had sent a sudden panic in her bubble as she franticly sought for something to wear consequently there ware clothes strewn all over the room like a indecisive teenager.

"Hi," she greeting him a touch breathless having dived to the door. "Oh," she paused eyeing up his outfit before pointing to herself: jeans, short sleeved blue blouse with a grey vest visible under the undone buttons at the collar and complete with worn boots "Snap!"

Cyrus was a bit surprised to see they were wearing matching colors. "Well now, looks like we've had the same colors on our mind." a slow smile crawling across his lips. "You look great, Miss Harper. " the doctor said, not looking in to her quarters just paying attention to her.

Libby was looking lovely, Cyrus could see the gentleness of her, but also the strength she had as well.

"You scrub up well too," Libby replied tugging gently upon his sleeve. "I think we should have dress down days once in while - give you a chance to show off your personality a bit more and a blessed relief from the sometimes ill fitting uniform."

"Thank you." Cyrus actually having a slight blush. "And I agree, dress down days are good to have."

"Where are we going, aside from the holo I mean?" she asked failing into step alongside him.

"There are several canyons that I used to go hiking in. One of them was the Grand Canyon, and the other Bryce Canyon. The last one, Bryce, has some brilliant colors on display. Various shades of orange, reds. Almost like a sunset buried into the rock coloration." Cyrus replied. "You have a choice of those to go hike or, we can figure out another place as well." walking at an easy place.

"I don't mind, they both sound lovely." Libby replied feeling a stab of excitement at the prospect of enjoying an adventure.

Cyrus chuckled and regarded Libby for a moment, as they walked. "I say lets go hike Bryce Canyon, it is slated to be the youngest canyon compared to the Grand Canyon. And its breathtaking. I remember what I felt when I saw the canyon for the first time. It was at dawn's first light, as the sun was first rising. And seeing the silhoutte of the hoodoos before the sun touches them with its glow."

When they arrived at the holo suite, Cyrus entered in the code for them to step in through the arch. "We will probably be starting from the Bryce Canyon Lodge then go from there."

The science officer nodded as Cyrus explained their destination and keyed the program code. "I apologise if I go a bit nerdy on the way," Libby muttered a touch embarrassed. "I like rocks, I find them fascinating."

"Oh then you will like Bryce Canyon, as it is beautiful. There is also a shop that has a lot of rocks that you'd get lost in looking at them. I know I had gotten lost in looking at them, even opening up a few geodes. Just so many to look at, to touch and to admire."

"Ohh! A little gift shop, how quaint."

The door opened and once through the archway, they would find themselves in a parking lot just below the steps which lead up to the lodge itself. It was summertime for this part of the program. The sound of the warm breeze whispering amongst the pine trees and there was also the scent of the pine. Cyrus took in a deep breath, and let it out slowly. He took in the reddish orange of the dirt of the path which would lead them to the rim of Bryce Canyon. There were some puddles off to one side of the nearby path, indicating that there had been some rain having fallen.

"Oh how I have missed this scent, and the natural sounds of nature." Cyrus breathed out, almost reverently. A bluebird settled upon a tree branch and Cyrus called Libby's attention to it. There was also a blue jay upon another branch.

She tracked his pointed finger watching the two birds hop upon the branches each singing their little hearts out across the parking lot and distant pines. "Mmm," Libby hummed in agreement as the sun peeped over the roof of the lodge and warmed their faces. She mirrored him and inhaled deeply: "It's wonderful," she exhaled. "A personal favourite has to be the earthy smell after the rain. It never ceases to amaze me how clever the holo can be."

"I am in awe as well. I wonder just how many hours did it take to even be able to come across the proper programming just to be able to bring about the scents. Or maybe it is of how powerful our imaginations are?" but the air did have the scent of freshly fallen rain upon the ground.

"I'm sure Commander Ash would be able to explain just how it all works very efficiently - but that would ruin the mystery don't you think?" Libby asked. "For now, considering how hectic things are outside this space I'm happy to run with the naïve concept it's magic!" she chuckled. "Where are going from here?"

"Now we head for the rim of Bryce Canyon, its just through those trees and along that dirt path." Turning his back to the lodge and looking towards the direction of the area he had just spoken of. "I would love to visit here once more to show someone what it is like for real. Well then lets get to the rim, and its marvelous wonders." Cyrus giving out a carefree smile of delight. He offered his arm to Libby before heading down the path to the rim.

Following his gaze toward the lodge she Libby was hit by a prang of sorrow at his words. That was the downside of the holo recreating places from history - no matter your desire you were never actually there in the heyday living the days of the locals enjoying and experiencing events first hand. Of course, depending on which historic location or event you wanted to recreate using the holo was far safer and controlled but still missed that sense of authenticity.

Turning back Libby saw Cyrus crooked arm and threaded hers through and fell into step as he lead.

Along the path there would be a few squirrels and also chipmunks who would pop in and out from view scampering along the ground and the squirrels in the tree. Cyrus revelled in the feeling of his boots walking along the dirt path, through the trees and then they arrived on the rim where a log seat was placed, without the railing in front. That area with the railing was to the left and the right. He pointed out towards the valley where dark clouds were raining upon a distant town, and a rainbow could be seen as well. It was a vast contrast to the sun shining upon him and Libby.

The sight of the squirrels and chipmunks scampering along the ground bought a carefree giggle to Libby's lips as they bounced on the path pausing momentarily as if assessing if the humans posed a threat or would steal their food. The walk was enjoyable as the pair headed uphill to the brow where they were greeted with a stunning view across the valley and distant rainbow lingering in the sky.

"Wow what a view," she breathed.

"I could get lost just sitting here and gazing at the natural wonders of this place. Such intense colours and just wait until you get the chance to hike down the different trails. I've hiked all of them." Cyrus remarked. "The one thing though is when a storm comes in everyone is told to not be near here or around anything metal as there have been lightning strikes. And the rains when they come into play definitely need to be careful as well. I remember coming out here, and watching a fog roll in, it was amazing. The fog seemed to just roll out like it were a blanket."

"Sounds like this place has its own micro climate," she replied with her eyes still fixed upon the view of the valley. "Though I imagine being lost the fog would be very disorientating and frightening if you weren't in the safety of the holo."

"It depends on how thick the fog is." Cyrus remarked. "I've been in thick fogs before, in a boat. Its a really strange sensation just feeling the water move beneath you and silence all around. I also have been caught in a fog when it rolls in from the sea. It gives an unearthly feeling to the surroundings." he glanced upwards. "I don't think we need to worry about that though."

"No," a smiled tugged at Libby's lips. "I think we're quite safe today from the threat of fog."

"How active do you want to get hiking wise, there is the switch back which takes us into what is called Wall Street, the rock walls rising above almost like being around the sky scrapers of New York. Or there is the walk along the rim on the Fairyland Loop where the most beautiful jaw dropping hoodoos can be seen. Its one of my favourite hikes." Cyrus just beaming at the memories he had when he was on the hike.

"A hoodoo are those rock towers, right?" she asked with a slight frown at the unfamiliar term. "I'd love the chance to see them up close, even if they are just holograms," Libby chuckled.

"Yes a hoodoo is that rock formation." Cyrus stated.

As the pair set off again arm in arm Libby asked another question: "When was the last time you walked this route in person I mean?"

"Funny that you ask that, it was just before I was transferred to the Enterprise. I had gone to go fishing and to hike the trails. I try to make it once a year. I even brought along some rocks that I had collected. They are in my quarters. Very beautiful pieces. It give me comfort in seeing them. " Marner replied as they walked along.

"I bet," she nodded. "Having a piece of home away from home must be nice. Wish I had made such an effort now, never considered we'd be away for so long - and that was before we ended up in another universe." Libby sighed audibly. "Thank goodness we have the holo to provide such comforts."

There were some shallow puddles along the gravel path, Cyrus stepping over them. On occasion he'd stop to look at the chipmunks who scampered across their path, then they came to the head of the trail, looking at the downward slope.

Seeing the sloping path ahead Libby turned to Doctor: "Aside of fishing and hiking have you tried much winter sports? This slope would make a great slide."

"It would yes for a few exciting moments then you'd get a rude how do you do to a hoodoo. That wouldn't be fun." his eyes crinkling up in fun. "There are other areas you can go tobogganing and sledding, even go skiing. Brianshead for one, its a great ski resort there. With plenty of places to enjoy the snow." he stopped then he gave a laugh. "Well that should indicate to you, I do go out and do snow activities."

"Do you have a favourite activity, or just simply enjoy a stroll in the crispness?" she asked smirking at how he'd answered her previous.

"Maybe fishing, then comes artwork then strolling and hiking. I have a list that I go through." Cyrus giving a bit of a teasing smile, his blue eyes lighting up with laughter. "It is whatever I am in the mood for."

Standing at his side Libby enjoyed the way his eyes and face lit up with mirth enhancing his already handsome features - a far cry from the serious expressions she'd seen while they were on duty. Then again, in here they were a world away from the swirls of grey and treachery that the Federation had become. She sighed heavily disliking this reality even more. Thank goodness for the holodeck helping them to reconnect with their souls and caring natures.

With a mysterious smirk she wiggled her arm free from his and took his hand, wrapping her smaller fingers around his bare skin. The sensation of feeling his warmth spread up her arm and into her very being bringing a sense of tranquillity she'd not experienced in years.

"What does your mood say now?" she asked lowly.

Cyrus was stunned for a moment, feeling the gentle strength in Libby's hand. He looked wonderingly at her hand in his, for a moment he felt he couldn't breathe. His heart pounded in his ears. If ever anyone would want him to describe paradise it was feeling this connection. He didn't answer Libby's question with words, instead, he leaned in and tenderly kissed her, slowly wrapping an arm around her waist, gently pulling her close.

His actions was surprising, yet welcomed. She returned his affection equally savouring his scent and taste as their lips touched, her arm mirroring his by securing itself around him holding their bodies close.

Breathlessly they separated after a blissful moment that felt like an entirety lost in sea of emotions and desires. She twisted her head slightly to meet his eye with a wide grin etched upon her face: "Kissing on a first date, I've broken my own rules. Wish I'd done that before!"

Cyrus turned a beet red, then chuckled, "I broke my own rule as well, I am glad you didn't slap me after the kiss. Guess I have a small amount of a rogue in me." his tone soft. " Well now this seems to have given things a different spin on things. And I am not quite knowing where to go from here. Though we can go visit the fairy city for our walk."

She chuckled at his admission and squeezed his waist playfully. "We don't have to go anyway. This place, as well as the company is growing on me."

Cyrus gazed at Libby for a few long moments, feeling a peace descend upon his soul and mind. He then whispered softly, "I am so glad you found me that first day, who knew that something like this would happen. You've certainly brought a bit of sunshine in my life." He was feeling contented just holding Libby in his arms at this moment, basking in the gentleness of her embrace. This definitely was a piece of paradise.

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