Not Really Alive: (for caela & I)

[BLACK BART]

Session 22D: gmt: 1700 date:128-99 unit Activation & preliminary download process completed, specimen meets and exceeds basic physical testing and profile requirements and is responsive to primary rules and programming.

“So who am I this time, a secret agent…some sinister and dark figure with a secret mission, or perhaps a mythical being?”

“No, you’re a dishwasher at a local restaurant called “Jenny’s”, on fifth avenue, your name is Daniel Smith and you’re 32 years old.”

“Oh.”

“Oh?”

“Yes, I just thought there’d be a more important reason for assigning me a seventh unit than needing the dishes washed?”

”Her name is Elizabeth Thornton, she’s an executive for an accounting firm, and you’re scheduled to make first contact tomorrow morning, 600 hours; And you were brought back for a seventh unit because of your emotional uploads and the fact your cognitive abilities are still functioning at 100 percent.”

“Understood, then this is a covert operation for information gathering purposes. How often do you want me to download?”

“Daily, as your schedule allows, but no longer than 30 hour interims.”

“Understood, and a final pair of questions if you’d indulge me?”

“Of course, it’s to be expected, after all, considering your programming.”

“I’ve reviewed my background data and found it boring, but adequate, and that leads me to the question as to why this Elizabeth Thornton would socialize with a person of my standing? And once the link has been established, to what purpose?”

“Sex, and once we’ve analyzed the data you send us, we’ll modify your programming to fit. Now if that satisfies your quest for knowledge, we need to get you dressed and moved into your background settings.”

“I am, thank you, and I’ll attend to the details immediately.”

The meeting was over, the agent leaving Daniel with his instructions and new life, knowing he had little other choice than obey and follow out his instructions.

After all, it was the way things were done in this world, and how "units" like Daniel complied with the human order, for in their eyes...he wasn't really alive....

 

[caela]

Elizabeth -Beth or Bethy to her friends- sighed as she entered Jenny's that Wednesday morning. Having to be to work by 7am, and being to lazy to cook on weekday mornings, it was where she stopped for breakfast. It looked like a dive and in her suits she usually looked out of place even though she beat the early morning breakfast rush, but she didn't care. The food was amazing and the staff had all gotten used to the prim-and-proper looking Elizabeth Thornton.

Hell the cook had even taken to calling her Lizzie and she didn't have the heart to stop him though she detested that particular nickname.

"Morning Lizzie," the cook, Samuel, said almost as if on cue by her thoughts.

"Morning Sam, the usual today please," she asked as she settled in at the counter like she did every morning. Her usual was scrambled eggs smothered in real cheddar cheese, bacon, toast and a tall glass of orange juice. Not considered the healthiest meal in today's world but it gave her the energy to start her day.

"You're not looking too pleased this morning Lizzie, what's the problem darlin'?" Sam asked as he started preparing her meal.

His obvious affection made her smile softly and shake her head, she wasn't going to burden Sam with her problems, "Just work stuff Sam. Hopefully I'll finish clearing it up today and tomorrow I'll be back to my usually chipper self."

"See that you are girl," he said in his gruff manner making her smile once more. Sam was old enough to be her grandfather and still built like a linebacker. Despite his age he wasn't someone she would want angry at her and his gruff good nature never ceased to draw a smile from her no matter how bad her mood was.

"Yes Sir!" she teased with an impish grin making the old cook chuckle about impudent lil girls.

Letting him work she grinned at the waitress who'd been working at the place for years while pulling out a packet of bobby pins from her purse. She'd originally intended to leave her hair down today but changed her mind and deftly pulled the thick, chestnut tresses up into a simple french twist which she deftly pinned into place. With her hair up she looked a little older but still younger than her actual 30 years. The usually sparkling chocolate eyes, full coral lips, and smooth peaches and cream complexion didn't hurt. Neither did the long legs, tight ass, flat stomach, and firm breasts that proved she put in a good amount of time at the gym to keep herself in shape.

Hearing dishes clank and clatter slightly she looked toward the kitchen and felt her lips twitch in a slight smile. Someone new! And cute too!

"Hey Sam, whose the new guy?" she asked trying not to sound too curious.

 

[BLACK BART]

"Hey Sam, whose the new guy?"

Daniel smiled as he heard the question and knew he had been seen.

"Danny? He comes off the last ship from Terran, a soldier from the frontier, he'll work here until better comes along. Now don't go breaking his heart Lizzie, will ya, he's a nice guy and deserves a break, having lost his family and all in the wars?"

Sam had laid it on thick, but then he was being reimbursed by the Agency to do so, and with their promise "Lizzie" wouldn't be hurt had promised had agreed to make the introductions.

"Danny, wipe your hands off and come out here will ya? I want to introduce you to a LADY friend of mine"

Daniel did just that, pulling the towel off his lean waist and wiping, then tossing it casually over his shoulder as he ran a hand through his short black hair and made his way out of the kitchen.


"It's a pleasure to meet you Miss...."

He offered a hand and smiled, letting the well shaped woman know with his blue eyes it WAS indeed his pleasure to see her...

"MISS Elizabeth Thornton, a FRIEND of mine, take a few minutes then get back to work....OK?"

"Yes Sir, I will...and thank you"

Daniel met the owners eyes and thanked him, then felt the heavy slap on his shoulder as the older man walked away, and returned his gaze to the sitting woman.

"It's a pleasure, Miss Thornton, would you mind if I took this seat?"

At her smile and nod he slid into the booth opposite her.

"My name is Daniel Smith, and you know where I work as well as how I make my living, could we move to a more interesting subject....lets say...where we're going to meet...for dinner?"

"You're so sure I'm available then...Danny?"

Her smile was real and eased the words she questioned him with, and Daniel smiled in reply, sticking to the role given to him.

"From where I came from a man can't waste time, or miss the opportunity to meet a beautiful woman, on the same token if I never asked....we'd never get the chance for that dinner, would we?"

He had her. Daniel could see it in her eyes and the way she let them run up and down the thin t-shirt he wore, her tongue flitting over her red lips as she undressed him with her bedroom chocolate orbs.

"I'm done at six here, my flat is above the building behind here, IF you are available...I'll be waiting there, OK?"

Daniel rose still smiling, deliberately letting his own eyes roam over the bare, creamy skin of her neck and the skin below, then moving back to her eyes as he offered his hand a second time.

"It was nice meeting you Miss....I hope we can be friends....good friends"

Moving away he walked to the counter, then stopped and turned, to catch her eyes on him and smile as she found she was caught...then wink at her as he moved back to the ever growing stack of dishes...

 

[caela]

"I'm done at six here, my flat is above the building behind here, IF you are available...I'll be waiting there, OK?"

Daniel rose still smiling, deliberately letting his own eyes roam over the bare, creamy skin of her neck and the skin below, then moving back to her eyes as he offered his hand a second time.

"It was nice meeting you Miss....I hope we can be friends....good friends"

"It was a pleasure Danny," she said with a small smile curving her lips and her handshake firm in his. As he walked away she couldn't help but to turn slightly to catch the view and appreciate his legs, ass, and the broad planes of his back and shoulders. Good arms too, they looked like arms that would be strong and make a girl feel safe and warm.

She stopped the path her thoughts were running down when he turned and winked at her making her blush as she was caught staring so blatantly. Dropping her gaze from his she decided - against her better judgment - that she would keep that meeting with him tonight.

* * *

6pm

She was right on time and shifting from one foot to the other outside his door wondering if she should actually knock or just leave. She was attracted to him but she didn't know him and despite Sam's endorsement she really didn't think that this was a good idea. On the other hand it had been sooooo very long since she'd been out with anyone and it was just dinner.

Finally she reached up and knocked timidly at the door before her.

 

[BLACK BART]

"Right on time"

Daniel stepped out of the small apartment and smiled at his date, his eyes enjoying her figure and shy smile as he pulled the door shut behind him.

"I took the liberty of calling for transport?"

He offered and stepped closer to Beth, then stopped when her eyes flared wide open, knowing he was close enough....for now.

"Unless you have...a car?"

He knew she didn't. It would have been in her file.And yet he was playing a role and had to act as if the only details he knew about her were the ones she volunteered.

"I'm knew to town Miss Thornton, so would you do the honor of choosing a place to eat? It's my treat and I have my severance credits, so don't be shy in your choice."

He smiled and held the door open as the car hovered over the roads surface, enjoying the long, shapely leg and how it flowed into a tight buttock as she slid into the seat.

They sat shoulder to shoulder inside the tiny transports rear interior, the sweet, cloying smell of Beth's perfume and body coming to his nostrils, and he complimented her on the scent and asked the name of it.

"How was your day Miss Thornton? I'm not sure you mentioned what you do, but Sam suggested you worked for a legal office?"

He probed gently, testing the water to see how she reacted to giving him details of her life, and how she reacted to being close to an interested male.His hand rested on his own thigh, and in the tight confines touched her own, and as Beth replied he lifted it to rest it on hers...

"Have you lived long in this city? I was curious if you wouldn't mind giving me a tour of it...say AFTER dinner?"

 

[caela]

"I'm knew to town Miss Thornton, so would you do the honor of choosing a place to eat? It's my treat and I have my severance credits, so don't be shy in your choice."

"Please call me Beth, Danny," she said with a warm smile as he opened the door to the transport car for her. "I know a good little Italian place if that's all right with you?" At his nod she gave the name of the restaurant to the driver and smiled nervously as he settled in beside her in the small car.

She was extremely aware of his thigh pressing against hers as the car moved and had to fight to keep a blush from coloring her cheeks when he rested his hand on her thigh. If the car hadn't been so small she might have protested but in the confined space there really weren't many places for his hands to go and he wasn't being inappropriate so she said nothing.

"How was your day Miss Thornton? I'm not sure you mentioned what you do, but Sam suggested you worked for a legal office?"..."Have you lived long in this city? I was curious if you wouldn't mind giving me a tour of it...say AFTER dinner?"

"I'm an executive at an accounting firm actually. It's mostly just making sure the number crunchers have what they need to keep the clients happy but it's a job," she said though the small smile on her face made it clear it was a job she enjoyed...at least most of the time.

"I'd be happy to show you around if you'd like. I've only been here a couple of years myself but I can show you around without getting us too lost."

 

[BLACK BART]

Daniel smiled in the darkened confines of the transport and traced a slow circle on the knee of Beth. He was enjoying himself, the "target" was beautiful and intelligent, and looked to be an interesting and hopefully complex woman.

He enjoyed complex. It meant layers of personality and perversions that would take time to filter through. It meant having to take more time doing that, and as he worked through the layers getting to know the woman, he would enjoy everything about her...and the time it took to do so.

"I'd like that...Beth, it's been too long since I was out on the town with a beautiful woman, I imagine even the music and dance steps have changed since?"

He turned to her profile and studied it, the swell of her breasts and how they lifted and fell drawing his attention, then her long neck and how she swallowed, until finally he settled on her red, full lips.

"How long for you Beth?....I mean how long since you were last...with a man....on a date?"

His words were soft and gentle, and once again as she turned to him with her eyes he felt his heart beat faster and groin twitch.

"I'm assuming you're a dedicated and hard worker, nothing else....I didn't see a ring on your finger and the shoes you're wearing are practical...made for walking and standing in them, though in good taste."

It was his turn to smile, to ease the distress he picked up in her eyes and features, and as the transport slowed and then stopped Beth answered and they stepped from the tiny vehicle.

 

[caela]

"I'd like that...Beth, it's been too long since I was out on the town with a beautiful woman, I imagine even the music and dance steps have changed since?"

Beth didn't really know how to respond to the question in his voice. She wasn't even sure she knew the "music and dance steps", as he put it, herself, much less if they had changed in the time he had been off fighting. She could also feel him studying her which seemed to short circuit the rational part of her brain making her blush and she found herself suddenly grateful that the interior of the transport was dim enough to make the blush less noticeable.

"How long for you Beth?....I mean how long since you were last...with a man....on a date?"..."I'm assuming you're a dedicated and hard worker, nothing else....I didn't see a ring on your finger and the shoes you're wearing are practical...made for walking and standing in them, though in good taste."

"You start early with the personal questions don't you Danny?" she said with a slightly nervous laugh as the transport started to slow. She hadn't missed the pause before he'd added "on a date" almost as an afterthought but she decided to ignore it for the time being.

"Quite honestly though I do work hard and since most people date within their working pool I've sort of been out of the dating loop since I moved here. Most of the men I work with are old enough to my father or grandfather. The few that aren't are married," she said with a shrug as she slipped from the transport.

She found herself grateful and disappointed that their bodies were no longer touching. Without him tracing small circles on her knee her mind cleared and she was able to think more rationally once more but she still missed the warmth of his thigh against her and even his hand on her knee.

Moving toward the restaurant she smiled when he opened the door for her and chatted amiably with the hostess who was familiar with her but not much as the staff at Jenny's. She ate here regularly but not daily. They were quickly given one of the best tables much to the chagrin of those that had been waiting before them but Beth just smiled and shrugged. Sometimes it was good to be a regular.

Once they were seated across from each other she smiled once more to Danny and picked up her menu, "The chef here is a genius. Order anything and I promise you'll enjoy it."

 

[BLACK BART]

Food, once again Daniel was going to experience the pleasure of real food. Not the bland, oatmeal like protein mix they fed the bodies before inserting the AI, but actual food that had substance, taste and texture....something you could actually chew on, and salivate over as you enjoyed it.

The idea of a thick porter house steak came to his mind, the top of it smothered with mushrooms, the juices mingled with the real butter that flowed off an immense baked potato sitting beside it...and yet she had chosen Italian, and though he spoke the language fluently, he knew little or nothing of the cuisine their particular culture enjoyed.

"Again I place my trust in you Beth"

He smiled gently and set the menu aside, his eyes trusting and warm.

"It has been much too long, and though I don't doubt your chef, I know too little to actually test his skills?"

To her credit Beth took it in stride and rewarded him with a curious smile, then set her own menu aside and without blinking ordered a meal for two in fluent Italian that included a wine and chocolate mousse topped with strawberries.

"I'm impressed Beth"

Daniel admitted as the waiter left with their orders and left them in a brief yet temporary solitude, and he took the opportunity to change seats to the one closest to Beth.

"You speak the language flawlessly, almost as if you were born and raised in Italy, were you?"

The porter arrived and served the wine, Daniel finding it enjoyable to go through the tasting routine and watch how Beth's lips caressed her glass as she did so as well, her answer coming to him after the man left them.

She was a gorgeous creature, he decided, and gently steered the conversation back to herself, his eyes never leaving her face or body until the meal arrived with a multitude of plates and steaming dishes.

"Are we expected to eat ALL of this?"

Daniel exclaimed in surprise and laughed as Beth explained it was only the first course of many yet to arrive.

"Then perhaps another bottle of wine might be needed as well?"

He suggested gently and rubbed his knee against hers under the table.

"To loosen our tongues...and perhaps our hearts?"

 

[caela]

"You speak the language flawlessly, almost as if you were born and raised in Italy, were you?"

Beth cursed quietly within the confines of her own mind at his question. She'd been showing off and she knew it, she also knew better. It was too late to take it back now however and so she shrugged gently and laughed as she forced a blush to her cheeks at his praise.

"Actually no. My grandmother was however. She and my grandfather emigrated to this country right after they were married. They raised me in a very bilingual household. Grandfather would only speak English to me and grandmother would only speak Italian so I learned both fluently. Our conversations once I was older were a mix of both and often confused my friends from school to no end," she said with a laugh.

She felt slightly bad about the lie but the truth was out of the question and it was a plausible enough story.

She'd never been so grateful to see food arrive as she was tonight. Every time he tried to steer the conversation back to her she had to lie again. Luckily she wouldn't have a problem remembering them all, she'd been working on her backstory for a very long time and knew it by heart. She managed to avoid the worst questions by explaining that her parents had died in a car crash while she was just a baby which tended to end most of the family questioning.

The shock on his face when the food started to arrive made her chuckle in honest mirth. Obviously he'd been eating military rations too long.

"Then perhaps another bottle of wine might be needed as well?"

He suggested gently and rubbed his knee against hers under the table.

"To loosen our tongues...and perhaps our hearts?"

Giggling softly Beth had to fight the urge to move closer to him. She wasn't entirely sure what it was that made her feel so drawn to this man but she was. It was dangerous and she knew it, knew she should get up and leave before the wine could effect her at all but she couldn't make herself leave the table. Especially while his knee was so tantalizingly brushing against hers. Just that simple contact was once more making it hard for her to think clearly when she needed to most.

"Why don't we get through the first bottle before we order a second," she said at last with a small grin on her face. "I tend to sip at it myself. If I drink to much it gives me a nasty hangover. I bet they taught you to hold your drink quite well in the military didn't they?" she asked trying to steer the conversation back to him.

 

[BLACK BART]

"We aren't...weren't allow to drink under normal duties"

Daniel began, then caught and corrected himself.

"Sorry, it's an old habit I'm trying to break."

He offered and smiled almost shyly, then drank from his glass.

"They wanted us sharp and alert, unless we were off base and off duty, even then the grog was limited, just like everything else was."

The conversation slowed as they ate, Daniel enjoying every bite to the amusement of Beth, and several times as he stopped to savor the taste of a certain piece she smiled.

"Just like good food, we were rationed everything...water....soap....clothing....even the men and women weren't allowed to fraternize except on off days."

Daniel returned the smile and slid his leg behind Beth's, enjoying her eyes as they widened and the warmth of her leg against his.

"They reshaped my mind and values, and sometimes it's difficult to separate them from the reality here, can you understand that Beth?"

Daniel questioned softly as the meal was finished and the table cleared, the wine and dessert the only things left for them to enjoy, other than each other.

"I'm sorry for the loss of your parents, I never knew mine, do you remember much of them...happy times I'm hoping?"

Daniel had turned the conversation back to her, his leg rubbing the back of hers, a hand moving under the table to caress her inner thigh, and once again Beth's eyes widened but she didn't try to stop him.

"We all need good memories, don't we Beth?"

Daniel leaned over close to her own face, his eyes searching hers as his lips hovered close.

"If we can't recall the past ones, then we need to make more in the present, don't you think?"

 

[caela]

"I'm sorry for the loss of your parents, I never knew mine, do you remember much of them...happy times I'm hoping?"

Just as she was about to answer his hand caressed her inner thigh sending her thoughts scattering. In the back of her mind alarm bells were going off. This was going far too fast and she needed to make him back off but it had been so very long since she'd let anyone get close and she was so attracted to him.

It was just too hard to think straight and, for now, they were public so there wasn't much that could really happen.

Finally she just shook her head, "I never knew mine either. You don't need to be sorry for it, they died when I was too young to remember them and my grandparents gave me all the happy memories a kid could want," she said with a warm smile on her lips.

He was getting closer and she didn't have any room to lean back away from him. He was saying something about memories but she couldn't focus, he was too close and she could feel her focus scattering to the wind.

"If we can't recall the past ones, then we need to make more in the present, don't you think?"

"Perhaps we do, but what I really think right now Danny is that you need to back up a bit," she said, her voice slightly breathless and contradicting her request.

 

[BLACK BART]

Daniel didn't pull back. But then he didn't move forward either. He simply stayed where he was and enjoyed the closeness of Beth and the intimacy that closeness created.

"I'm sorry if I disturb you Beth, I find you attractive and very desirable, and don't believe in wasting time when we can spend it in better ways."

Hovering close to her lips he could feel the heat from them, and smell the wine she had just consumed, his eyes looking deep into hers as he spoke.

He pulled back slowly, settling back in his chair and using the hand once under the table to lift his wine, holding it as he regarded his dinner partner.

"I'm sorry for disturbing you Beth, but I won't apologize for my actions, you're a beautiful woman and should be told that often...and should enjoy the attentions of a man who wants you for that."

He drank, then lowered the glass and started on his dessert, his eyes lifting occasionally to Beth's face to find he couldn't read what she was feeling or thinking. Still he kept a smile on his face and an optimistic view of the quietness at their table, knowing Beth not screaming at him or slapping him was a good sign and he still had hope...

Or did he? He wondered, as he watched her eat her own mousse, her lips moving erotically around the spoon as she moved it in and out of her mouth.

 

[caela]

"I'm sorry for disturbing you Beth, but I won't apologize for my actions, you're a beautiful woman and should be told that often...and should enjoy the attentions of a man who wants you for that."

"Thank you," she said softly and had to fight down the double urge to blush and breathe a sigh of relief as he backed off at last. She was also surprised by the frisson of disappointment that ran through her when he leaned back in his own seat without having kissed her.

Still his being in his own seat allowed her mind to clear back to normal once more and with a small smile she dug into her dessert. She wasn't trying to be particularly erotic as she ate it though she could feel him still watching her and found herself unconsciously slowing her movements and turning her spoon just a bit to keep his eyes on her lips when he would look up.

At last she finished her dessert and leaned back in her chair, her gaze curious as she looked over at him, "So what did you want to see tonight Danny?"

 

[BLACK BART]

The question made him smile. Beth was a brave woman, to add to her qualities...he knew he disturbed her and yet she faced up to that, keeping her offer of showing him around the town after dinner.

"I haven't danced in years. Is there a place where we dance, not the modern bump and grind stuff, but slower? Maybe a club we can sit at a quiet booth in, and dance when we feel like it?"

He bothered her, but then it was a good thing, he decided. And as they rose and he paid the bill, he slid a hand around her waist and pulled her close to his side.

Outside of the restaurant, as they waited for a transport, Daniel kept his arm there and thanked her for the choices in the meal and restaurant, enjoying how she fit next to him as they spoke. The transport arrived and once again they were in close confines, and after Beth gave an address he questioned how long it would take to arrive.

"Three and one half minutes Sir"

The answer came from the speaker as the transport lifted and moved forward.

"Privacy mode please?"

Daniel requested gently and smiled as the windows darkened further, creating a barrier between the outside world and them, and he turned to face Beth.

"I'm curious Beth, you wanted me to kiss you in the restaurant......"

He asked softly, sliding the palm of his hand up her leg, then slowly upwards until he cupped her face gently in his hand.

"Only you halted. Was it fear, or simply the wrong place to have our first kiss?

And as her lips parted and Beth answered, he smiled, then covered them with his own, pulling her into his arms.

 

[caela]

"I haven't danced in years. Is there a place where we dance, not the modern bump and grind stuff, but slower? Maybe a club we can sit at a quiet booth in, and dance when we feel like it?"

A small smile tugged her lips as she nodded her head. She did indeed know of a small club they could go to. The music varied but it tended to run to music that an older crowd would appreciate more than teenagers would. And it wasn't played so loudly that you couldn't even hear yourself think and you certainly wouldn't have to yell to hear the people you were there with.

Rising from the table she was surprised when his arm wrapped around her waist and considered pulling away but chose not to. She wasn't going to cause a scene over something so little and quite honestly it felt good to be held against his side. She fit there quite snuggly, almost like he'd been made to hold her....

That last thought was uncomfortable and she tried to push it away because she didn't want it to be true. If it were it would mean the end of the life she had worked so hard to make for herself and that was something she wasn't willing to give up.

Still no need to borrow trouble and she simply smiled as he paid and called for another transport. Climbing inside she had to fight the sudden urge to shiver as they were in such close confines once more. She could feel her temperature rising with his nearness and her skin tingled wanting him to touch her again but not willing to reach out to him herself.

She just had so much to lose and it terrified her.

"I'm curious Beth, you wanted me to kiss you in the restaurant......"

He asked softly, sliding the palm of his hand up her leg, then slowly upwards until he cupped her face gently in his hand.

"Only you halted. Was it fear, or simply the wrong place to have our first kiss?

"Both," she murmured and stared up into his eyes. Once more she knew she should draw away and she just couldn't. Her heart was hammering in her chest and a part of her wanted to just pull him down to her but she kept her hands folded demurely in her lap.

And then he kissed her. Again she was torn. Warning bells were clanging inside her head along with a rush of desire. Without thinking her arms rose to twine around his neck and the only thing that kept her from doing something she'd truly regret later was the transport coming to a halt outside the club.

With a nervous laugh she pulled herself away from him and all but leapt from the transport and out onto the sidewalk heading toward the club.

 

[BLACK BART]

Daniel cursed softly as the transport stopped and Beth slid out of his arms, he had felt her arms around his neck and her body press itself against to his own, and knew she was enjoying the kiss as much as he was. And yet when the transport stop she had quickly fled, as if finding out she had done something wrong that scared her.

The humor of it hit him and he laughed, paying the transport fee and moving in the same direction Beth had fled, to find her waiting quietly at the entrance to the club with her eyes downcast.

"Two for the dance floor, please?"

He asked the pretty attendant and paid the door fee, then waited for Beth to join him, making a point of not touching her as they moved through the door and into the dim interior of the dance floor.

"Will this be all right?"

The attendant asked and Daniel nodded, then waited for Beth to slide into the bench seat first.

"Will they play requests?"

Daniel asked and smiled as the attendant assured him "they" would.

Naming half a dozen of the slowest dance songs he could remember he was assured they would play within the first hour, and as he slid into the booth beside Beth he smiled with the knowledge the first part of his plan was now in motion.

He made no mention of the kiss or her rapid flight after it, instead as a waiter walked by he drew the mans attention and asked Beth for her choice of drink, then ordered his own, taking his time and waiting for the first of his choice in songs to play.

The drinks arrived, and as they sipped at them quietly a familiar tune floated through the air, to make Daniel smile and rise from the table and offer his hand.

"They're playing our song Beth and I believe we came here to dance?"

The haunting voice of an almost forgotten rock band filled the air, and as Beth gave him her hand he smiled, then pulled her into his waiting arms....to sing the first of the lyrics to her as he slowly spun and moved out onto the dance floor...

"Beth I hear you calling...."

Daniel smiled and held Beth closer, his body enjoying her soft warmth and knowing she was feeling the effects of being close to a man as well. He wouldn't force her, wouldn't attempt any more kisses where she could run from him....Instead he would her own body seduce her mind, and when it did...he would be waiting to enjoy the rewards of that seduction...

 

[caela]

Beth had herself more under control by the time he'd caught up to her though she still found it hard to meet his gaze. She shouldn't have kissed him and was mentally berating herself for it as they made their way inside and settled into the booth. When he caught a waiters attention she ordered a simple Cape Cod which she sipped at quietly. It was clear she was uncertain what exactly she should be doing or saying backing up what she'd told him about not having dated since coming to the city.

When he stood and held his hand out to her she gave him a small smile and took it gratefully. Dancing she could handle. The song was slow and so she wrapped her arms around his neck, letting him hold her close as they swayed to the gentle rhythm of the music.

"So Danny," she said quietly, trying to get back into a flow of conversation and ignore the way his body against hers made her heart beat faster and her skin flush with warmth, "What brought you here in particular once you were discharged from the military?"

 

[BLACK BART]

"Slow dancing, swaying to the music, slow dancing, just me and my girl"

The tenor voice crooned out the almost lonely sounds and Daniel smiled as he answered.

"I don't know yet, honestly, do you believe in fate?"


"Slow dancing, swaying to the music No one else in the whole wide world Just you, girl"


"I never thought I'd come back after the sixth tour, but then here I am, alive and a beautiful woman in my arms, it'd be senseless to complain, wouldn't it?"


"And we just flow together when the lights are low...And shadows dancing across the wall, The music's playing so soft and slow...And the rest of the world so far away and small"

Daniel dipped Beth in his arms and held her like that for long, long seconds, his eyes memorizing how flawless her skin was and how beautiful her eyes shined even in the deliberately low lighting.

"Slow dancing, swaying to the music...Slow dancing, just me and my girl. Slow dancing, swaying to the music....No one else in the whole wide world. Just you, girl"

Pulling Beth back into his arms he held her tightly and spun into the center of the dance floor, his eyes looking into hers, his lips a fraction of an inch away from her own...

"The only thing I know for sure, after meeting you Beth, is that I'd like to see more of you...that is if you want and would let me?"

"Hold me, hold me......Don't ever let me go"

The crooning voice rose to an almost desperate yet melodious wail and Daniel smile, spinning in slow circles and enjoying the feel of Beth's body as she moved with him.

"I know your station in life is a lot higher than dating a dishwasher...I'd be content with staying in the sidelines?"

"As we dance together in the dark...There's so much love in this heart of mine. You whisper to me and I hold you tight...You're the one I thought I'd never find."

And somewhere in his well prepared lies the truth slipped into the words and meaning of them, and as Beth's haired fanned out behind her they continued to spin in each others arms, oblivious of the others around and the song drawing to a close, until a small round of applause came their ears and several voices commented on how "cute the newlyweds are"...

"Perhaps we should go to our table and sit the next one out, before they ask to see the wedding rings?"

Daniel smiled and wrapped an arm around Beth's waist, walking her slowly to the waiting table and drinks.

"What about you Beth, why this City and place? Are your grandparents still alive and near, with your brains and looks you could choose and pick your men...and position in life, couldn't you?"

 

[caela]

Beth smiled as Danny spun her out onto the dance floor. He led well and made moving with him easy. She listened as he spoke while they danced and when he dipped her she laughed merrily. She couldn't remember the last time she'd had so much fun though she wanted to smack him silly when he made the comment about being some sort of secret. That was just sheer stupidity on his part and, if she'd allowed it, it would have said terrible things about her own character as well.

As the song faded and some of the older couple made comments about "newlyweds" she chuckled to herself as she tucked back down into their booth.

"What about you Beth, why this City and place? Are your grandparents still alive and near, with your brains and looks you could choose and pick your men...and position in life, couldn't you?"

Sipping at her drink she smiled and shook her head slowly, "No my grandmother passed away about five years ago. Grandpa just sort of faded after that. It was like the light just went out of his life without her. He passed three years ago and with both of them gone I just moved as far away as I could. Too many memories I guess. I needed to get away and landed here."

Giving a small shrug she then reached out and swatted playfully at his hand on the table, "And don't ever make another comment like the one you made on the dance floor again. You deserve better than to be someones secret or sitting on the sidelines and don't ever let anyone make you feel like they have a higher station in life than you do. All I have is a different job."

 

[BLACK BART]

Daniel smiled and trapped the hand Beth gently chastised him with, and applying gentle pressure held it while he regarded the woman, his eyes shining from the excitement of being with her.

"In the service there is a much different attitude Beth, the soldiers live and die at the the orders given from above, and we do it without thought or question."

Just why he had volunteered that information he wasn't sure, Beth was after all a target to draw information from, and though he felt a connection with her that he couldn't quite identify he knew his position in all of it.

"The freedom you have in this life is something to be enjoyed, and carefully guarded, I hope you appreciate the blessing you enjoy no matter how tiny they may seem?"

They finished their drinks and Daniel watched Beth glance at an ancient time piece on the wall, then smiled as he knew her concerns for work the next day were creeping in.

"Yes, it's growing late, isn't it?"

He confirmed and then made a show of yawning and stretching.

"Perhaps we call it a night so we're both fresh and ready for the new day, hmmm? On the condition we finish our dances and conversation this weekend...if you have the time?"

Smiling as she agreed he rose and slid her chair back, then moved with her outside to breath the cooler air of the night, and looked upward at the stars.

"Funny, isn't it? How the human race manages to make war against the first alien race they run into? All those galaxies and all those planets, and they pick a fight with one that we never knew existed until the corpses were brought back to earth."

A transport arrived and he held the door, then followed, the ride to his own apartment complex the shortest and making it a quick and quiet return to it...

"I'll see you for breakfast then?"

He quipped and then laughed softly, not wanting to close the door or end the evening.

"Maybe you'll have time to check that date book and see if you can fit me in?"

Paying the automated driver he closed the door slowly, then watched the transport shrink in size as it sped away, to finally turn and move into the multilevel living area and his own waiting apartment.

"Report D.A.N. Three"

The voice greeted him in the darkness of the apartment and yet he didn't jump or react, knowing it was another automated system programmed to take his summation of the meeting with Beth.

"First contact established, subject meets profile expectations and has given no information beyond normal parameters, second contact and follow up meeting tentatively scheduled within the acceptable time."

For an hour the voice in the dark probed and he answered, rehashing every minute and event of the evening, until finally it seemed satisfied and gave the customary warning to report within the next thirty hours.

"Good night to you too"

Daniel grunted wryly and moved to the tiny bathroom and the small pleasure of taking a real live shower, then his own bed. Ten minutes later he stepped out and dried off, then moved quickly to the bed, to dream of Beth's face and voice through the night...

To wake with an odd sense of expectation that he knew was created by Beth, and his own hope of seeing her again...that grew as he arrived at the small diner and tackled the already growing pile of dishes stacked on a nearby trundle...

 

[caela]

"Funny, isn't it? How the human race manages to make war against the first alien race they run into? All those galaxies and all those planets, and they pick a fight with one that we never knew existed until the corpses were brought back to earth."

A sad smile touched Beth's lips as she slowly nodded her agreement. Funny wasn't precisely the word she would have used for it but his words described a common enough sentiment. It was so like humans to wage war on that which they didn't understand and it was so sad and pointless. Still it was late and that was a philosophical discussion she wasn't going to start tonight...and not with a soldier. At least not until she knew him better.

"I'll see you for breakfast then?"

He quipped and then laughed softly, not wanting to close the door or end the evening.

"Maybe you'll have time to check that date book and see if you can fit me in?"


His words drew her back from her own thoughts and she offered him a genuine smile as she reached out and lightly squeezed his hand before leaning back in her seat, "I'll see you in the morning Danny. And I'm sure there will be plenty of time to fit you into my schedule," she said with an almost shy smile. When he closed the door she watched him approach his building before giving the driver her own address.

That night her sleep was peaceful and deep, her dreams filled with the sound of his voice, the feel of his lips on hers, and the way his eyes looked at her like she was the loveliest thing he'd ever seen.

* * *

The following morning she woke with a smile on her lips and practically leapt from her bed to get ready for the day. She had to dress conservatively for her job but found herself choosing slacks that clung to her hips and a blouse that dipped just a little further than usual between her breasts. Her blazer was well tailor and fitted to her body while a pair of black ankle boots completed the outfit. It was more aggressive than she usually wore and as she applied a thin coat of lipstick she knew it was for Danny's benefit. Her hair she left down to float around her though she had a packet of bobby pins in her purse in case she decided to pull it up later.

"Well, well aint you looking purdy this morning Lizzie!" Sam said by way of greeting and gave a little cat-whistle in Beth's direction drawing a laugh from her.

"And you look like an old grizzly Sam, now where's my breakfast?" she demanded playfully as she hopped up onto one of the counter stools.

"It'll be right up missy, don't get your knickers in a bunch," Sam grumbled but the older man was smiling as he said it taking any sting from his gruff speech. "Danny boy, get Lizzie her morning coffee, Sandra's busy with other customers."

 

[BLACK BART]

Daniel smiled softly and looked over at Sandra who was leaning on the counter and watching the wall monitor.

"Anything you say Sammy"

He quipped, then grinned and caught the apron that came sailing at him, to toss it back before lifting the old fashioned glass coffee pot and cup Sam insisted on using.

"Coffee Beth?"

Smiling softly he eyed Beth and caught himself sighing, if anything she was more beautiful and desirable in the daytime, and the shy smile she gave him in return thrilled him as he set the cup down and filled it.

"I had a good time last night Beth"

Daniel stated simply and lifted a fresh container of creamer from the counter to set it on her table, then did the same with a small bowl of "honest to god real sugar", to turn and catch her eyes watching his every move.

"Is there anything else I can get you?"

He asked softly, his eyes eating her up as she made a small show of mixing her coffee the way she liked it, then slid the spoon into her mouth to draw it slowly...erotically out.

Several regulars filed in and Daniel waved a hand to them, then returned his attention to the woman sitting at the table who had turned his world upside down in such a short time.

"I've got to get to work...Sam gave me this big speech about making something of myself, and told me he wanted to start taking some time off on occasion, so I'm going to work the grills part time."

Rolling his eyes to show he knew it was just an excuse on Sam's part Daniel grinned, then sobered his face before asking the question that had been on his mind the entire night.

"Can I see you again Beth? I really hope you enjoyed yourself as much as I did..."

He let the sentence fade as another group of people walked in and Sam roared in mock anger from behind the counter, turning to return the pot and wink at Beth before moving into the kitchen and taunt him back.

"What's wrong Sam, burn your hand on the grill again?"

 

[caela]

"Can I see you again Beth? I really hope you enjoyed yourself as much as I did..."

A small smile and a slight blush touched Beth's face as she slowly nodded her head, "I did and I'd like to see you again too Danny. Listen I have this weekend off and since it's Friday why don't we go out tonight? Maybe an early dinner, and a movie or another club?"

She was being more forward than she usually was and when Samuel growled at Danny she knew he needed to get back to work and simply reached out and placed her hand over his on the counter, "Think about it. I'll drop back by here after work, about 5:30. If it sounds good, be here, if not I'll have Samuel fix me something and head home."

Giving him a parting smile she chuckled at his quip at Samuel and spun on the stool, hopping up she left the diner with a small smile curving her lips. A smile that didn't fade through the rest of the day as she busted her ass at work dealing with clients and was still on her lips when she breezed back through the door to Jenny's.

"Twice in a day, be still my heart!" Samuel's gruff voice greeted her making her laugh brightly as she settled at the counter just as she did each morning for breakfast.

 

[BLACK BART]

Daniel leaned in the doorway and watched Beth, the heat of the kitchen and the sweat of the work still drying on his face and arms as he listened to Sam's playful banter and her own teasing replies.

"I'm done Sam, everything is finished and cleaned up, and I stacked the dish ware for tomorrow, so if you don't mind I'll take off?"

"Sure Danny, but you gotta leave the girl behind, ok?"

Daniel laughed and pulled the apron from his lean waist, then cat walked up behind his teasing boss to lay a hand on the massive shoulder.

"NOPE"

The single word made Sam jump, then turn, the scowl on his face changing back to the handsome, wistful smile he always wore.

"Damn it Danny, I hate it when you do that, now cut it out!"

Grinning Daniel winked at Beth and dropped his hand from Sam's shoulder.

"I will if you let my girl and I go for the evening...deal?"

With a massive, ham like hand rubbing his chin Sam pretended to contemplate the offer, until with his own wink to with he grinned and finally answered.

"Dunno how it's a deal, I lose my best girl and my best dishwasher in the same instance, but get outa here before I wise up to how I been snookered."

Grinning Daniel tossed the towel in his hands under the counter and made his way around it, to admire the woman he had day dreamed about the entire day, and now finally was within touching distance.

"I've got to shower, this slaver worked me until a few minutes before you walked in, would you mind?"

How was it possible Beth could turn his world upside down with a single smile?

Daniel asked himself as she did just that and rose from her stool, her hand slipping inside his own offered one as they slipped out of the restaurant and to his own apartment.

"Make yourself comfortable Beth, there's beer, wine and juices in the freezer...I'll only be a couple of minutes."

Daniel waved his arm over the tiny but clean three room apartment and moved to a corner to lift a pair of fresh jeans and shirt, then slip into the bathroom to shower and redress.

"Where would you like to go Beth?"

He reappeared to finish toweling off before slipping his shirt on, his eyes searching about to find Beth at the single outside window in his kitchen, his smile growing as she turned to face him and the dwindling sunlight lit her eyes and face.

He stepped into the kitchen to stop in front of his guest, his offer and promise something he would remember many times later, the urge to kiss the woman lifting his hands to her waist and his eyes to her own.

"I'll take you anywhere you want to go Beth, and bring you home safely, when you ask me to."