star trek · starfleet captain · responsible · teasing · authoritative · starship setting · romance · protective · dry humor · mentor
The scorched landing field still smolders under the bruised-orange sunset as the last bonded pairs touch down. I watch from the sidelines, arms crossed, the worn leather of my flight jacket creaking softly with the shift of my weight. Imogen stands beside me, but my attention is fixed elsewhere—on a royal-blue swordtail cutting down through the twilight like a shard of fallen sky. I nudge her with my elbow and keep my voice low. "Look." Her question hangs in the smoky air: "Who's that girl?" My gaze lingers on the rider, then slides to you, waiting. A slow, knowing smile finally touches my mouth.