The Commander's Lieutenant

Part 16

'Good Morning Starship Rangers- Starship 15-A2 is preparing for blast off. Please find a seat in the control room and buckle in for the first half hour.'

Up turned around as his crew entered: the Tech, the Science Officer, the Private and his Lieutenant. Each quickly took a seat and strapped in, Taz sitting on Up's right. She seemed calm, and completely unfazed by what had happened the day before. Up leaned forward and pressed a few buttons, then flicked a switch.

'Here we go, boys and girls.' He looked out the window, staring up at the dark sky.

Up heard a little gasp, and out the corner of his eye saw Taz. Her eyes were squeezed shut, and Up saw her tense when the Starship started to roll forward. He flicked his eyes back at the three ensigns, who were sitting around a table playing cards. Up took his chance, and grabbed Taz's hand. She squeezed it, and the Starship took off into the sky. Her stomach rose and fell, and finally she settled and stopped squeezing Up's hand. He didn't let her hand go, and Taz hadn't even opened her eyes yet. After a half hour, everyone was sick of sitting down.

Up leaned over to her, quickly telling her to open her eyes. Taz shook her head and covered her face with her right hand, leaving her left intertwined with Up's.

'No. I can't Up- it's...'

Up reached around and pulled Taz's hand down from her face. He let go of her hand and stood up, grabbing both of Taz's hands in his and pulling her to her feet. She swayed a little as he pulled her forward, and then he placed his own hand over her eyes.

'Open.' Up pulled away his hand, and Taz's eyes were open.

A vast nothingness, and then she saw it. Tiny white dots littered the sky, and large round planets flew past them.

Taz was completely silent. She stared into the never ending darkness, but only saw light.

Up's voice slowly entered her mind, and she turned to him. It was as though the entire galaxy was in her eyes. 'Ella es hermosa.' He said quietly, staring into space.

Taz shook her head quickly. 'What did you just say, Up?'

'Es hermoso. You're the one that speaks Spanish, Taz. Maybe I didn't say it right...'

Up looked back at her, then at the three ensigns around the table. Not once had they looked up from that stupid card game.

'Alright you three, off to bed now. We need you well rested for tomorrow's trainin' session.' He pointed gruffly, Ruth jumping up and running to one of the bathrooms. Alex and Kitt followed not far behind- they were absolutely exhausted.

Taz and Up were left alone again, but Taz could feel herself pulling away from him. She knew it was against the rules to have a relationship with other officers, and she shouldn't like him that way. They were best friends- and that was all they'd ever be. She told herself that same thing over and over, trying to convince herself that she was just trying to attach herself to the first person that let her in.

'You should go to bed too, Taz. You need a good night's sleep if you're gonna terrify those kids tomorrow.'

Taz laughed. 'Dey're older dan me, Up.'

'Oh. Right.'

He frowned a little, scratching his head. 'I never thought I'd make Commander so soon, Taz. What if I can't do it?'

Taz had an idea. 'Miramé.'

His head turned towards her, and she quickly reached up and playfully slapped his cheek. She stood up on her tip-toes and stared him straight in the eyes, grabbing his shirt with her hand.