The One After A Long Day of Questioning

Posted on Sat Nov 5th, 2022 @ 8:30am by Lieutenant Commander Diane Doctrine & Lieutenant Commander Rutherford (RJ) Milton
Edited on on Sat Nov 5th, 2022 @ 3:07pm

Mission: Traitor amongst us?
Location: outside sickbay to start
Timeline: after the interviews, but before questioning the Klingons

Diane stood outside the main sickbay doors. One foot flat against the bulkhead, she leaned back with her left arm across her chest and her right elbow resting on her left hand. She massaged her temples with her right thumb and forefinger. Looking down she ignored anyone who walked past her down the corridor. She was tired and feeling emotionally drained.

Rutherford's shift would end any moment and he'd be walking out of sickbay soon.

"Diane?" Milton said as he exited the Sick Bay without Pix on his shoulder as was the norm. "A pleasant..." He noted her hands and stepping close with booth his own hands reach behind her to the back of her neck. "Here, let me do something about that." He said with a smile.

Using his right index finger he located the 'valley' between the two muscle groups at the base of the cerebellum and with his thumb running in adjacent movements to his left thumb on the opposite side gave gentle pressure from the base of her skull following the muscles until they split to her shoulders and then up and down again a few times in smooth rhythm that promoted blood flow and relaxed the muscles supporting the head with a little hint of goosebumps usually in the one getting this simple but effective way to stimulate the nerves a bit.

"Better?" He took his hands back so no one mistook this for a PDA for too long, not that he minded but a gentleman is aware of a lady.

She looked relieved, “I think we should talk about some things. Can we go somewhere more private?”

"I always follow the suggestions of a lady, you know that." He gestured for her to lead as she had obviously thought this out.

Diane led him down the corridor to the turbo lift. They went up a couple decks and down another corridor and found themselves at the Resolution’s Intelligence center. The double door was not labeled in any way and may as well looked like a broom closet to anyone that didn’t know better.

Inside was a table with similar to the one in engineering with a master system display. The walls were lined with work stations, and there were doors to a private office at the other end of the room. There were no other people present as they were all currently off duty.

“Computer,” Diane said, “I solemnly swear I am up to no good.”

*Privacy mode engaged* the disembodied voice of the ship replied.

Diane breathed a sigh of relief. She stepped close to Rutherford and embraced him in a hug squeezed. “If you don’t mind, just hold me for a minute.”

Milton took her in his arms and held her very close; truth was he preferred this, he would do this so long as she needed. Doing her job was not easy for her he supposed; she did her duty but her heart tended to pop in now and again.

"I'll give you five if you'll let me?" He kissed the top of her head. "Anytime Love, any time you want you got it." Milton could get very used to holding her, truth be told.

He held her for a long moment; it seemed so much shorter as he began to feel her warmth, the softness of the woman and her breathing. Lulling him into a sense that they were quite alone and he really wanted the moment to go on. She wanted to talk, and for an instant that old doubt tried to rear an ugly head, but the heart trumped the doubt. Diane had a lot on her mind; most of it out of his pay grade and classified rating, everyone could use some caring arms to just wrap around as an assurance that it is not so bad.

"This is nice, a couple of times during the questioning I had the urge to do this you know?" He admitted. "Professions aside, that was a day for both of us. Glad you came around." He moved his head to give her a light but warm kiss. "You going to be okay and all?" He asked with a hint of concern.

“Yeah,” she whispered, “This is very helpful RJ, thank you.” She raised her head and looked into his face. “We get training for all this, you know, how to question, how to use psychology, how to phrase things and all that, but it never prepares you for the actual thing. Sargaent Drew was easy compared to the others. They are going to need some serious therapy when this is over. I just… I didn’t want to make things worse for them…. But damn it, the need for data persists.” She drew him close again and rested her head on his chest, “Thanks again, RJ, for helping me feel… human again.”

Running fingers through her soft hair gently; he knew his sister loved the feeling and hoped Diane did as well. "Can I go all out and make you feel like a woman; an attractive one, again?" He chuckled and just did the soothing therapy he knew. "Anything for my New Girl you know?" He whispered in her ear. "Would not be the Fine Gentleman I try to be."

Diane smiled a bit and felt the need to play along, “Oh, my handsome man, you’re succeeding.”

"Then all is good in the universe." He smiled to her moving his head to look in her eyes deeply. "All we need is some candles and good pasta dish." He winked. "Really let you feel like a woman desired."

“With your arms around me, like this, I already feel desired,” she replied warmly. “…I just realized I didn’t have much of a lunch, perhaps we can have this talk I think we need to have over some candlelit dinner? Toby is with Rick’s parents until twenty-one hundred. We could go to my cabin.”

"You have not tasted this little Italian place I scanned in Venice." He put his hands around her waist. "To be truthful, you will have to lead the way, I don't have your ship address yet." He winked.

“I’m on this deck,” she answered, “It’s not a long walk. Cabin two, two, one, B.”

[Doctrine Quarters, Deck 9]

Milton and Diane went to her place, to be truthful he was curious about her living quarters, a lot can be said from seeing where someone lives. Even his own cabin; which is only fair he have Diane over for a dinner in the near future. Pix was spending more time in Sick Bay as she seemed to have a new interest in being there.

Following Diane he entered her quarters which was the typical two bedroom affair found on many starships. It was decorated in the softer tones of the color spectrum. The shades chosen were meant to put one’s mind at ease. The two pieces of art that could be seen, one a seascape, the other a landscape, also added to the calming effect. If one were observant they would see some of Toby’s playthings scattered about but tucked into corners and out of the way, ready to be used at a moment’s notice.

There was a miniature kitchenette in the dining area with a replicator. There was also a small wine bottle rack stocked with several bottles. “If this dish you have in mind includes some seafood, I’m all in. Do you like wine?”

"They say a good wine enhances the food." Milton said as approached the replicator. "I do like to cook myself but sometimes the repllicator is of use, especially with some of the more exotic dishes I have come across." Turning to Diane he grinned. "The dish I am thinking starts with a sauce that combines lobster meat and sautéed shallots and a little garlic which is usually deglazed with white wine and finished off with tomatoes. The sauce is served over fresh linguine, and the whole plate is traditionally decorated with shelled lobster?" smiling he added.

“It sounds fantastic,” the description whetted her appetite. Diane plucked two wine glasses from a cupboard and selected a bottle of white.

"Computer two plates of Venice #321 LINGUINE ALL'ASTICE, passcode Milton Good things." He gave the command to the computer. "The wine selection I trust to you." Smiling to her he winked.

She showed him the bottle, “This comes from a vineyard on Trillius Prime. It was mostly a niche market until recently. It has gotten more popular, and a little more difficult to get lately. It should go well with this dish.” Diane set the glasses on the table and put the corkscrew in and twisted.

"I feel special, bringing out the good stuff." He nodded his agreement as he moved with the two plates and placed them appropriately on the table and moved to offer to seat the lady. "Ladies always first."

Diane really needed to talk to him about duties and relationships. She suspected the same thing was on his mind especially after the day they'd had with the interviews of his patients. On the other hand, that discussion would probably be better had while relaxed and with a full stomach.

"Thank you good sir," She said as she sat with RJ holding the chair for her. She closed her eyes a moment and took in the aroma of the linguine all'astice. "This really smells good RJ. You're spoiling me."

"This is just sharing a little bit." He gave that sly smile. "You want me to spoil you, that can be arranged." It was lighthearted. "I like seeing a lady smile and content, there is so much that tends to dim that sparkle, I like to keep it lit." Looking deeply into her eyes getting lost for a second or two before continuing. "You said we have to talk and I would ask that the Business be done over dinner as I would really like to enjoy being with you after dinner, maybe hold you a bit more if you allow a little bit of forward behavior?"

Diane felt her face flush a little. She had an idea there might be more in store for them than just 'holding' later. "Yes, the business first then." She brought herself back to the original intended discussion. Her face's color went back to normal, she folded her hands in her lap, and she started without knowing where to begin. "RJ... I know you know I had no intention of hurting anyone while questioning them today. It's a well known and proven fact physical torture doesn't work to gain useful information. I..." she closed her eyes a moment, "Those are methods I would never consider. It seems that sometimes are jobs may be at odds, but they really aren't. I respect what you do and your care for your patients... I just... I have to ask hard questions sometimes." As she spoke her face gave away a variety of emotions, the usual calm veneer everyone saw on duty dissipated. "I... well, I think you understand that... right?"

"I have worked with Spooks in the past that were not as considerate as you." Milton started. "I will give you that same speech, it is simple. Follow the rules of the prisoner treatment and I have no problem. There are drugs that yield all the information that torture used to get in the old days." He made eye contact with Diane. "I get the gut feeling that is your route, there will be interrogations and so long as the methods do not make us as bad as the enemy like those Klingons did, I understand you have a job. I trust you will do it as is proper like today."

He took her hand across the table.

"We will have clashes, everyone does, but I trust you and believe even after a dispute we can do the make up thing. It is our jobs that will clash the most, I will not hold the jobs in what I feel eventually. You will not hold a grudge on me if we argue. Human nature is like that. If we care the work will be left at the door outside."

He nodded.

"And you have classified things I will not be told by you just as I have patient confidences. That I understand at the get go." Winking. "You get that too. Right."

“I do,” she answered simply, “We’re going to try and question the Klingons tomorrow.” She shook her head side to side once, “They will be the most difficult. I don’t like using underhanded methods, like drugs, to get them to talk, I’m afraid we might have to.” Her expression darkened a bit, “Although, I do have an idea.” Now face brightened a bit and took on a devious quality.

"Now what is hatching in that beautiful mind of yours?" Milton asked. "I have the ever so imposing thought that the Klingons will not know what hit them." He grinned as well. "Is there some way you would like me to help?" His sly grin appeared. "You know if you synthesize things through the Pharmacy programming, like we do for synthetic medicines you get a form of Bloodwine that is really close to real things, even the hangover?"

“Before that,” she squeezed his hand tighter, “I have another idea the Klingons will appreciate if everything ole Drex has told me is true… and yes, I will need your help. For one, I need you to concoct the ugliest, nastiest looking hypodermic needle you possibly can.” She looked into his eyes, he could see the wheels spinning in her mind as her plan took form.

"I have a magical Halloween prop that comes to mind with my Mad Scientist guise that would make someone cringe." He liked the way this is going, it is a real treat to be let into the 'Darker' side of someone and the way her eyes sparkled had him hooked yet again to this woman. "I think that would fit the bill.

“All right, and for two, I need some of your other non-medical skills to pull this off. Here’s what I have in mind…”

And she told him.

Milton thought it rare to give a complement he had in mind as he shook his head in awe, Klingons were not the type to understand the subtle aspects of a 'Bluff' or some other method that is considered 'underhanded' but the fact Diane had this idea and it fell into the more safe realm of the physical parameters of prisoner treatment, he had to give her full credit.

"I love the way your mind works." He chuckled. "And I will strive not to get on your bad side." Taking her hand to gently kiss the knuckles as gentlemen often do. "That should put a curve on what the Klingons expect." He complimented. "Now that I have an idea about your possibly Dark Side, it might sound strange but I like it. I can see some fun times ahead." He shook his head a bit. "You have my support in this endeavor, if nothing more than to see you work your Magic." He winked.

Diane smiled back, "I'm glad you approve. Klingons understand brute force so that's what we have to show them. We only need one of them to talk. I think one of them will."

Taking some of the dish and then some wine he filed through his mind; none of his fears that usually came with working with the Intel Departments in the past seemed applicable. If this is how she worked then he would not be arguing like with the Captain over the treatment of prisoners from her angle of things.

"You have a unique nature, and that is very alluring." He admitted. "I am not considered 'typical' for a Doctor so that works well as I think you could understand me a bit more than most. Not seeing me as the 'Quack' who dabbles in parlor tricks. Seeing how you are going to use some of that makes it... better."

"RJ, quacks don't care about their patients," Diane offered back, "I've seen you in action. You care far too much to be tossed into that category." She took a sip of wine, and went on, "I can't say if I'm typical or not. I just know my job is to get information and I prefer to not cause damage doing it." She shrugged, "Some of the people that trained me thought I might be too idealistic for this line of work... but so far I've proved them wrong by getting results."

"Results are what count." Milton pointed out. "That also means you are good at your duty without sacrificing your soul to do it." Smiling. "Admirable when you look at it. As for being Idealistic, how do you think process and inventions are made? By those who work out of normal boxes."

Leaning forward he spoke quietly.

"Smart and creative women are very beautiful to me," He winked.

She leaned forward as well and whispered back, “You know RJ,” now all manner of her duty countenance was gone, her face was soft and happy, “Intelligent, caring, creative men are beautiful to me.”

Leaning just a little further he placed a kiss lightly on her lips for a hinting moment then drew back.

"You are quite irresistible you know?" slowly rising he offered a hand. "Slow dance My Lady?" He asked.

"How can I refuse?" She took his hand and stood up to join him. She then drew him near and placed her hands on his cheeks and brought his face close to hers and kissed him properly.

Milton snaked his hands around her waist and caressed her lower back while bringing her in as close as two people can be physically. Deepening the kiss with his own style of 'properly' into the mix until they were both breathless before ending the kiss.

"You are soft and taste good," He grinned with the compliment getting a little lost in the sparkle of her eyes. "Can we expound a bit with this impulse? I have a desire to be a bit forward for a gentleman." He quicker his eyebrows. "Did I mention I find you irresistible?"

“Oh, you may have once or twice,” she purred back. There was a warmness welling up inside her that she hadn’t felt in far too long. The last time she’d felt that was nearly six years ago with Toby’s father. It was the last time they were intimate together, about a week before their very last away mission together.

In an effort to tamp down those memories, she wrapped her arms around Rutherford’s neck and kissed him deeply again. All she wanted to think about was the present.

Something in Milton felt the warmth of Diane; more than the bodies close together, he felt a caress that surrounded his center as though She had reached in and softly touched his heart directly. He held her close with one hand as the other ran fingers through her silky hair while he allowed the kiss to deepen more to the desire he had for Diane. She had a mind, a body, and a soul that just would not let him focus on anything but her. Hoping she would get the impression that he did care for her; he wanted her and just needed someone that he could be himself with. He felt Diane could be that person and he made sure she knew what he felt in that helping to deepen the long kiss that they both savored.

Part of his heritage gave him the assurance that Diane was a woman to be both spoiled with affections as he appreciated what part of herself she gave him now, her heart was a gift not to be accepted and exchanged for his own.

Neither of them heard the door swish open…

“Momma?”

Diane stiffened in Rutherford’s arms and immediately turned around, “Heey kiddo,” she squatted down to look at her son eye to eye, “How ya doin’?”

“I asked the compooter where you were and it said you were home so I asked grandma and pap to bring me back.”

Diane could only smile at her son. “Did you have a good time with grandma and pap?”

Before the youngster could answer, Martha intoned, “He did a fair amount of running around the arboretum with a couple of his friends.”

Diane looked up and saw Martha and Emil, Rick’s parents, just inside her cabin. “Martha, Emil, thank you for watching Toby for me. Uhhhh, have you met the ship’s chief medical officer?” She stood up, “This is Doctor Milton,” she looked to Rutherford, “These are Toby’s grandparents Martha and Emil Kvapil. They’ve been staying on the ship.”

Martha did not look exactly pleased, “Is this why you have us watch Toby some evenings? So you can gallivant around?”

“Martha, don’t,” Emil asked. “Just don’t.”

“No,” Diane asserted, “I told you why I needed you to watch him today… and thank you for that. It was particularly… rigorous. RJ walked me home… we had dinner.”

“Martha, let’s talk about this later. Let her get Toby to bed,” Emil suggested with a sympathetic glance to Diane, “We all had a busy day, we can talk later.”

Martha’s eyes narrowed at Milton, then looked at Toby, “Good night Toby, sleep well,” she smiled at her grandson.

“G’night grandma! G’night pap!,” he waved and they waved back.

They left and once the door to the cabin was closed, Diane squatted again to be the same height as her son, “Why don’t you go brush your teeth and get ready for bed. I’ll tuck you in a bit, okay?”

Toby nodded vigorously and tried to stifle a yawn. “Okay.”

Once he was off to his room, Diane stood and put her full attention back to Rutherford. She sighed. All the heat and excitement from mere moments before was gone. “I’m… sorry about that.” She scratched the back of her head nervously, “I… have I told you the whole story? I should…. I…” she didn’t know where to continue as a forlorn look came upon her face.

Milton smiled warmly, taking her hands in his he brought them upto kiss them lightly.

"I can tell they are not your side of the family." He made eye contact. "Do not let them get to you..." He chuckled a bit. "I will be less impulsive. For the record, they are early, I had intended to be gone before Toby got here." He whispered to her, I suppose I could try to be around more, Toby might ask about me, just know I am going to be around as much as you allow." Winking again to her. "Just so you know, Pix is an excellent Babysitter, we might try that for the next dance and dinner?" Looking her in the eyes as he spoke. "If you will go out after all this?" HE JOKED.

“RJ,” she purred back at him with some heat coming back into her tone, “I like you, a lot, and I do want you around more. I just… I have an issue to two to sort out… I want to tell you all about it, I do… things are just complicated right now.” Now she took his hands in hers and went on, “I don’t mind the impulsiveness and at the same time I really appreciate your patience. It’s a rare thing to find both of those qualities in one person.”

"What say next time I bring Pix to keep Toby more occupied and we can have a little time away?" He gave that sly grin. "I will be as much a Gentleman as you like." Once final kiss to her hands. "I have never been the badguy, might be fun. You know they have less rules to follow, I might even steal a kiss or two?"

Diane let out a low, suggestive chuckle, “You can’t steal what is freely given.”

Finally he stepped back a bit.

"I cannot resist you, I will always be around, even in middle of night if you need a place to be held safe, I am your man."

“You are indeed RJ,” Diane moved in and stole a kiss on his cheek.

OFF