“Dylan, why don’t you…”
“What? Rommie, I’m just going to the Maru to ask Harper why he hasn’t fixed the power couplings yet.”
“Yes, but maybe you should just wait for a bit, don’t you think? I mean, I’m sure he’ll get around to it.” Dylan turned around and threw Rommie an annoyed glance.
“I really don’t see the problem. I’m just going to ask him! What’s going to happen, the Maru’ll blow up when I enter?”
“I just think that…”
“Rommie!” She fell silent and walked next to him, swallowing nervously as he entered the Maru. Technically there was nothing to say it would be a bad idea for him to get Harper, but she just had a bad feeling about it. Besides, if Harper was neglecting his work it was usually for a very good reason and that would probably be something he was better left to alone. Or, she supposed, not alone, necessarily…It was however now too late to stop Dylan from barging into the cramped crew quarters room. Judging from his stance, Rommie nearly swore under her breath as she rushed up to him. She swallowed. She supposed it wasn’t too bad. Harper was sleeping on his back with Beka half draped across his chest. Both looked mostly dressed and there were no indications of any passionate lovemaking, but Dylan’s suspicions were written all across his face.
“What the…” He mumbled, taking a step forward. The sound of his voice woke Harper, who started to sit up but paused to carefully remove Beka’s head and arms from his chest before, wide-eyed and stuttering, standing up. Despite his lack of trousers, Rommie was still relieved to see he was decently covered up considering he had just got out of bed.
“Look, I can explain,” he said. Rommie looked over at Beka, who still seemed to be peacefully sleeping.
“You’d better,” Dylan replied. “Join me in the cockpit please Harper.” Harper quickly pulled a pair of trousers on before following Dylan like a kicked puppy. When they’d reached the cockpit, out of Beka’s hearing distance Dylan turned to Harper. “What is going on?” Rommie decided to cut in.
“Look Dylan, I really don’t think…”
“You’ve been thinking a lot today, haven’t you? Did you know about this?”
“There is no this,” Harper objected.
“What do you mean? To me it looks very much like you were just sleeping together.”
“Yes, we were. Emphasis on sleeping, thank you very much.” Rommie looked at Harper.
“Harper, would you like to talk about this?” she asked. He looked at her.
“Can we speak in private? I’d like to…” he glanced nervously at Dylan, “fill you in a bit.” Dylan raised his eyebrows.
“Hang on! What about me? I thought I was the captain here and to be completely honest, I’m feeling a little in the dark!” Rommie gave him a triumphant glance.
“Harper is still taking therapy with me,” she reminded him, “and patient confidentiality is quite important.” Dylan looked dejected and walked out.
“Maybe it is time to tell him,” Rommie suggested.
“I don’t know,” Harper sighed. “I’m not even really sure what’s going on yet.”
“Just for the record…did you…?”
“What, sleep with her? No, only in the literate sense. We had some food, watched a video, kissed and cuddled for a bit, then went to sleep. Really Rommie I’m not trying to rush anything…”
“But you did…’kiss and cuddle’ then?” Rommie asked.
“Yeah.”
“So things have been…working out?”
“I guess so. It’s hard to tell so far. I really hope it will though.” Rommie smiled encouragingly.
“Then I’m sure it will. She’s pleased with going back to duty, isn’t she?” Harper smiled and nodded.
“Oh yeah.” Rommie suddenly leaned closer.
“And how are you, Harper? I understand it must have been hard for you to hold off on your relationship. How are you feeling now you don’t have to anymore?”
“I’m not sure to be honest. Relieved. I just want to be with her as much as possible, but at the same time I want to take it really slow. I think it’ll last longer that way.”
“You’re probably right. How slow are we talking?”
“Rommie, stop. I don’t know. Look, I think I’m going back to bed. Beka’s still sleeping and…I don’t want to start this day just yet.” He got up and started walking back towards the crew quarters.
“Dylan still wants those power couplings!” she called after him.
“It can wait,” he called back. Rommie smiled. This was obviously doing him some good.
