SPACE: Above and Beyond

No infringement of the following characters and situations is intended. The Characters and situations of the TV program "SPACE: Above and Beyond" are the creations of Glen Morgan and James Wong, Fox Broadcasting and Hard Eight Productions, and have been used without permission. No copyright infringement is intended.

Warning: Rated [MA] Mature Adults only. Contains strong m/m sexual scenes, violence, coarse language and adult themes.

Gabrielle

RATING: NC/17, language, m/f

DISCLAIMER: The characters and situations of the TV program "SPACE: Above and Beyond" are the creations of Glen Morgan and James Wong, Fox Broadcasting and Hard Eight Productions, and have been used without permission. No copyright infringement is intended. This story is not to be published on any ftp site, newsgroup, mailing list, fanzine, or elsewhere without the express permission of the author. The characters of Devon, Dr. Withers, and Nina belong to me, as well as anyone else you don't recognize from the show. I'm still working on this, so it doesn't have a title yet.

Thanks to Karen Evans, Becky Ratliff, and Verdaeni for reading this.

Please send comments to gdbessey@ingr.com.

Untitled

It had been a hellish 10 weeks. Every day, they went out and fewer of them came back. Devon stopped thinking of the replacements as people, a fact that bothered her immensely. The 58th and the 21st had just come off their third patrol in 36 hours, and tempers were running high. They managed to make it to their separate squad rooms before any fist fights broke out, but Devon and McQueen weren't holding out much hope that blood wouldn't be flowing before the night was through.

For a long while, they were beginning to think that everyone had cooled off. Jokes, if somewhat stale, were being tossed back and forth in Tun, trying to soften the fact that they couldn't drink alcohol. No one knew who actually threw the first punch, suddenly it was a free-for-all as the squadrons went at it. Devon and McQueen waded in, trying to get their people to back off. Devon never saw the punch that sent her reeling against the wall.

Devon slid down the wall, rubbing her jaw. "Son of a bitch."

As McQueen headed towards her, an unidentifiable hand broke a bottle against the back of McQueen's head, and he sank to his knees. "Shit."

As if in slow motion, everything stopped.

Devon crawled over to McQueen--watching to see if he passed out--glad to see that he was still conscious. She held up her thumb, index, and middle fingers. "Ty, how many fingers am I holding up?"

McQueen opened his eyes and looked at Devon, then looked at the hand that had been holding the back of his head. "Two..."

Devon yelled at a member of her squadron. "Get a medic here now!" She turned back and put her hand on McQueen's cheek, then grabbed a towel and pressed it against his head. "Ty, don't even *think* about passing out."

She looked at him, almost nauseous at the blood that dripped down his neck and his hand. Devon was surprised to see a small grin on his face. "...and a thumb."

The medics rushed in, along with Dr. Withers who had the unfortunate luck to be on duty that night. He walked around, assessing the most critically injured, and put the medics to work stitching up wounds and applying antiseptic to cuts and bruises. Kneeling down beside McQueen, he parted the hair and looked at the cut.

"Yep, you're going to need some stitches, Colonel. Think you can handle the pain long enough for me to stitch it up? I don't have anything down here that would be much good to you."

Dr. Withers reached into a bag and pulled out a suture kit, talking to Devon and McQueen as he did it. "What about you, Colonel Matthews--anything serious?"

Devon tried to smile but found that it hurt to much. "No, I just got popped in the jaw. Ty got the worst of it, I'm afraid."

Dr. Withers finished assembling his instruments and retrieved some antiseptic to clean the wound before he started sewing. McQueen hissed when he felt the sting of the antiseptic hit his head.

"Sorry, but we've got to clean it before we do anything. Can I get you a bullet to bite on?"

McQueen lasered the doctor with a glare. "Get on with it." Devon slipped her hand into McQueen's as the doctor held the folds of skins together and stitched them.

Shane stood to the side and let the medic clean up the cut above her eye and the cuts to her hand, watching as Devon sat holding McQueen's hand while Dr. Withers stitched him up. Nothing--not being shot at, not getting injured, not watching squad mates die--had hurt as much as seeing McQueen sink to his knees in pain. For a moment, she felt as if her heart had stopped.

Two medics were trying to hold Cooper down as they applied a butterfly bandage to his cheek. "Lieutenant, please. Give us just a moment's cooperation and we'll be finished."

Cooper quieted down long enough for them to finish, then bolted over to where Dr. Withers was finishing up McQueen's stitches. Kneeling down, he tried to look into McQueen's eyes to reassure himself that McQueen would be okay. Devon patted him on the arm, and he looked at her, seeing the worry in his own eyes reflected in hers.

Nathan and Vanessa were seated at a table as medics tended their various bumps and bruises. The medics gave up as the pair kept leaning around them to keep an eye on McQueen. Vanessa almost looked as if she were going to cry as Nathan put his arm around her shoulder.

Paul sat up with a start after a medic waved a vial of smelling salts under his nose. He looked confused, staring at the bruised bodies around him, finally lighting on McQueen and Devon in the corner. He tried to get up, falling back quickly as the room swam in front of his eyes. A pretty, young nurse put her hand on his arm. "Easy, Lieutenant. Give it a minute and you should be fine."

When Dr. Withers finished, he told McQueen to get back to his quarters and get some rest. Then he turned to face Devon and took her face in his hand, tilting it to look at the swelling on her jaw. "Put some ice on that swelling and you should be fine. If you start to feel funny, report to the med bay immediately. Can you stay with Colonel McQueen?"

Both of them looked at the doctor. He quirked a smile, then returned to his bedside manner. "Colonel Matthews, I want you to wake him every hour, just to make sure he's okay."

Devon nodded her head as she continued to look at McQueen's face. She also noticed that he was still holding her hand. She squeezed it, and was rewarded with a squeeze back. Devon sat back on her heels, then slowly stood up and stared at the battered Marines surrounding her. She scanned the faces of her squadron, seeing that they were all pretty much on their feet. She checked out the 58th and found them to be fairly stable as well. Just about the time that she worked up enough energy to start yelling, Commodore Ross stormed into Tun Tavern, fury written all over his face.

Bodies snapped to attention as best they could in their disheveled state. "Attenhut, officer on deck."

Devon grabbed McQueen's arm on the left as Cooper grabbed his right arm, both of them keeping him steady as they attempted to stand at attention.

"What the hell is going on here?!" Ross stormed around the room, coming to a stop in front of McQueen, Devon, and Cooper.

McQueen's eyes were a little unsteady as he focused on Ross. "Sir, nothing we can't handle, sir."

"Handle? Yes, I can see you handled it, Colonel." Ross' eyes softened a bit as he watched McQueen try to stand straight. He turned to look at everyone in the bar. "All right, hear this CFB, everyone is confined to quarters until further notice."

With lowered heads, the squadrons filed out, the silence overwhelming as they made their way back to their bunks. Cooper and Devon helped McQueen back to his quarters, putting him on the bed. Devon untied McQueen's boots and pulled them off, covering him with a blanket. They watched as he drifted off to sleep, pain etched on his face. Cooper stood at the hatch, concern in his eyes, and Devon tried to smile at him.

"He'll be okay, Cooper. I'll watch over him. You go back to your quarters."

With a nod, he disappeared into the corridor.

About 0230, McQueen awakened and tried to sit up, groaning as a piercing pain shot through his head. Devon jumped in the chair, waking as she heard him muttering. Stumbling to the bed, she sat down on it, touching McQueen's shoulder. "Ty, the doctor gave me some pain medicine for you. He said it would be safe."

McQueen gingerly sat up, moving as if he were an old man. "No, no drugs."

Looking at Devon, he held her chin as he looked at her swollen jaw. "What the hell happened in there?"

Devon shook her head. "I don't know. One minute everything was fine, the next minute the shit hit the fan. Fists were flying, people slamming against one another. I tried to keep a couple of *my* guys from killing each other, and the next thing I know I'm sitting on the floor nursing my jaw. Then I looked up and I saw that bottle coming at you, but I couldn't move or say anything fast enough. I don't know who was holding it."

McQueen slowly inched his way back so that he could lean against the bulkhead. With gentle fingers, he pressed against the bandage on his head. "We are strung out so thin, that we are beginning to lose it. If we don't get some down time soon, we'll all be dead."

"Yeah." Devon held on to McQueen's hand. "Ross wants to see us at 0800. I'm not sure if my head can handle a dressing down right now."

She looked up to find McQueen grinning at her. "Neither can mine."

"Can I get you anything?"

McQueen shifted so that he could try and stand. He wobbled for a moment, then took a step forward. "Just the head."

Devon stood back to let him make his own way, ready to help if he needed it. When he came back, he laid down on the bunk and turned on his side, watching as she sat back down in the chair. He closed his eyes, returning to a healing sleep. Devon set her chronometer for one hour, then dozed.

At 0800 hours, two weary, but awake squadron commanders stood outside of Commodore Ross' quarters. Their knock was answered with a brusque "Enter."

Both snapped off precision salutes after entering.

"At ease." Devon and McQueen relaxed into parade rest.

Ross stared at them. "Colonels, I am well aware of the fact that your squadrons have been busting their asses lately..."

"Sir, yes, sir."

"...but this type of behavior will not be tolerated on my ship. I will not let the Chigs win by us killing each other. Now, if your people can hold it together for a little while longer, we will be rendevuing with the Bacchus in 16 days. I will then grant your people 72 hours liberty, unless the Chigs intervene. Do you think you can handle this?"

"Sir, yes, sir." Both voices were strong.

"Dismissed."

Saluting, they exited Ross' office and headed towards the briefing room. Stopping at a comm, they ordered their squadrons to meet them there in double-time.

Stepping into the room, their squadrons snapped to attention as quickly as their injuries would let them. Instead of putting them at ease, McQueen nodded to Devon, allowing her first crack at them. When the 58th saw that McQueen was going last, they shuddered inwardly as they waited for the ax to fall.

Devon stood in front of them, her glare sweeping across their faces. "You people are damn lucky the Commodore didn't throw your asses in the brig for that stunt last night. I know you're tired, I know you've been going nonstop for weeks, but if you persist in this type of behavior, I won't have to worry about the Chigs killing you--you're going to do that to yourselves." She began to pace. "Since I can't trust you to be in public right now, when you are not on a mission or eating, you will be confined to quarters." The look on her face silenced any protest.

Devon nodded to McQueen, then stepped back. For a moment, she thought she saw the 58th shrink back.

McQueen looked at the pilots standing there. He didn't think he'd ever seen a more sorry group of Marines than the ones standing in front of him. Looking at the faces of the 58th Squadron, he found that the censure in their eyes was as strong as anything he could yell. "I think that if you people weren't so good, you'd all be facing court martials right now--but we need the pilots. 5-8, you are also confined to quarters, barring missions and mealtimes, until you can conduct yourselves like Marines."

Cooper opened his mouth, then shut it quickly as McQueen slid his eyes toward him.

He continued speaking. "There is a bright spot in this mess. Commodore Ross says that we will be rendevuing with the Bacchus in 16 days. If you people can manage to keep your shit together, you get 72 hours liberty--unless there's an attack."

Stepping back, he stood alongside Devon. "Do you think you people can do that?"

"Sir, yes, sir." The voices were relieved.

"Dismissed."

The next 16 days passed in a blur. Some pilots did not make it back from missions, but most did. When liberty finally arrived, the squadrons were so excited they could barely sit still as their transport made its way toward the pleasure ship. Everyone fervently hoped that the combat gear they had stowed would not be needed like it had been the last time they had liberty.

After checking in--Devon had been surprised when McQueen got them one room--they had changed for dinner. After he finished dressing first, putting on a black silk shirt and black slacks, McQueen watched Devon stand at the bathroom mirror and put on makeup. Turning to look at him, she opened her eyes wide, the "Wow" escaping her lips before she could stop it. McQueen smiled, leaning against the doorframe as he watched her brush mascara on her lashes. After noticing her hand shake because he watched her so intently, she'd told McQueen to go on, wanting to take a little extra time getting ready.

It felt like the music was vibrating her ribs as Devon stood at the doors leading into Dreams, the biggest club on the Bacchus. Pushing open the doors, she stepped in, remembering how loud these clubs could be and grimacing slightly. Well, she'd wanted to go dancing, calling in the "anything" bet she'd won from McQueen in a poker game to get him to agree.

She searched the crowd, looking for that sleek head of silver hair, letting her eyes wander. She was only vaguely aware of being watched, shrugging it off to focus on her mission. Just standing there, Devon drew many eyes. Her hair was down, red curls brushing her back and arms. Her green silk dress (so green it was almost black) gently hugged her body, skimming her curves and inviting a touch. If it had been an inch shorter, it would have revealed the lace-topped, thigh-high stockings she'd chosen to wear with black satin pumps. A long, single CZ strand fell from each ear.

Once her eyes found him at the other end of the bar, the rest of the men between them ceased to exist. She didn't realize it, but her stride took on a decidedly seductive tone, her hips swaying, moving the silk of her dress across her body in a sensuous swish of material. Walking past the servicemen who sat there, she would have been surprised if she looked back to find them practically falling off their bar stools. She didn't even notice the 'Cards or Tigers that had shown up, who were watching her approach.

Reaching him, Devon ran her hand up McQueen's back, lightly stroking his navel before sliding her hand down his arm and squeezing his hand. Sitting beside him, she smiled. "Hi."

"Did you register that dress as a lethal weapon before you decided to wear it?" McQueen took a sip of his Scotch.

Devon laughed, the throaty chuckle sending delicious shivers up McQueen's spine, as well as half the men at the bar.

"I take it you like it." Devon smiled as she picked up McQueen's glass and took a sip from it.

"Yeah, I like it."

"Good...then you should love what's underneath it." Devon quirked an eyebrow at him and winked suggestively.

"Are you sure you wouldn't just rather go back to the room and order room service until our liberty is up?" McQueen watched as Devon's hand disappeared below the bar and she began to stroke his thigh.

"Sure...after we dance."

The members of their squadron who had shown up at the club were thoroughly enjoying seeing their respective COs in a less...authoritative manner. Cooper took a particular interest as he watched McQueen lean over and whisper something in Devon's ear, then laugh as her cheeks turned slightly pink.

Devon and McQueen were engrossed in their conversation, not paying attention to the stares that drifted over them.

When the music stopped pulsating to the latest techno hit, a slow ballad began to play, and McQueen stood up and held out his hand. Devon swung around and stepped off the stool, placing her hand in his. Their kids expected them to leave--jaws dropped when they saw McQueen lead Devon onto the dance floor. He spun her once before pulling her close, cupping her hip with one hand and holding her hand to his chest with the other. Devon wrapped her free arm around his neck, caressing his navel with her fingertips.

With a giggle, she whispered in his ear. "I didn't know you could dance."

"Just one of my many talents." McQueen flashed a quick grin at her as their hips moved in a lazy figure eight, their bodies stroking each other as they moved. McQueen released her hand, sliding his hand down to rest on her other hip as he pulled her even closer. She could feel him through the material of their clothing, feel the heat of his body as led her through the dance. He stepped back, she followed, loving the feel of his thigh brush against hers. She stepped back, he stepped forward, his pelvis thrusting against her as they continued to rock together. By now, Devon's arms were wrapped around his neck and her eyes were closed as she realized how much this reminded her of making love. She sighed, parting her lips and opening her eyes to find McQueen's eyes a glorious shade of blue. The tip of her tongue stroked her upper lip, and she noted with satisfaction the way his eyes glittered when he saw her do it. Devon knew he wouldn't do anything overt in public, and she delighted in teasing him. Closing the small distance between them, Devon let her breasts rest against his chest, feeling her nipples tighten as she felt him through the silk of her dress. McQueen chuckled, seeing her teasing backfire...sort of.

The music changed slightly, and McQueen led Devon around the floor in a fox-trot, spinning her around as he used the "slow, slow, quick, quick" tempo to lead her in an intricate maze around the floor.

"I can see I'm going to have to brush up on my dancing skills." Devon looked into McQueen's face, stroking his jaw with her free hand now that he'd reclaimed her other hand as he had before. "You never cease to amaze me."

"I do a pretty mean waltz, too, but I draw the line at disco."

Devon laughed loudly, then dropped her head to McQueen's shoulder as she tried to control her laughter.

The music stopped--a more pulsing tune taking its place, and the bodies of other dancers began thrashing about in the latest dance craze. For a moment, they stood there...wrapped in each other's arms before Devon led McQueen off the floor. "I think I'm ready for dinner."

Walking past tables filled with their squadrons, Devon nodded to them. "Have a good time, and don't make us come bail you out of anything." Her look to the kids let them know that any interruptions, unless it involved saving the universe, would be heavily frowned upon.

Lt. Nina Masters, one of the newer Tigers, leaned over to Cooper. "Can you dance like that?" She swept dark strands of hair from her eyes.

"That was dancing?" Cooper's eyes were still glazed from watching Devon and McQueen moving together. Turning to Nina, he shook his head. "I don't know how to dance."

Nina took his hand. "C'mon, I'll teach you. They should be playing a slow one again soon. If you can march, you should be able to dance. You just lift one foot, then the other, and kind of sway your hips."

Cooper took her hand, looking doubtful. "If you say so...don't blame me if I step on your toes."

Cooper towered over Nina as she put his arms around her waist. "Just hold on, Cooper." She saw the fear in his eyes and laughed. "You'll be great at this, you'll see."

Since she only reached his shoulder, Nina rested her cheek there, liking the way Cooper smelled. Slowly, she felt him relax as they swayed to the music. Looking down, he saw the dark hair brush against her shoulders as Nina turned her head to look at him. They'd both dressed more casual than the others, him in a button-down shirt and slacks, her in a satin button-down shirt and a short skirt. Nathan watched them from the bar and thought that they looked good together, even if she was a little short for Cooper.

Cooper knew how to move in combat with that slow stealth that enabled a person to sneak up on the enemy. To his delight, he found that moving slow was also a good thing when dancing. After a while, he found that he didn't have to look down to make sure he wasn't stepping on her toes.

As Cooper learned about the similarities between dancing and other activities, Vanessa and Paul used the opportunity of people going their various ways to slip off to the room they'd gotten.

Stepping inside, they looked at each other and laughed, the tension easing. Taking Paul's hand, Vanessa led him to the bed, pushing him down and sitting on his lap.

"Are you sure about this?" Vanessa ran her hands over his shoulders.

Paul stroked her back. "I have never been more sure of anything."

Leaning down, Vanessa kissed him, opening her mouth when she felt his tongue lick her lips. His fingers moved across her back, unzipping her dress and easing it off her shoulders. Paul smiled when he saw that she wasn't wearing a bra, making it easy for him to get to her breasts. Bringing his hands around, he cupped them, stroking the nipples with his thumbs. Vanessa began unbuttoning his shirt, stroking the flesh that was laid bare to her touch.

They kissed again, their hands rubbing over each other. Standing, they removed the rest of their clothes before falling back on the bed. Paul pushed Vanessa onto her back, kissing and licking the side of her neck as he made his way down to her breasts, teasing her nipples with butterfly kisses.

She moaned, arching her back, as his hand slid down between her thighs, delving into her wetness with his fingers.

"I want you now, Paul". Vanessa whispered.

Bringing his head up to look into her face, Paul reached over and took the condom from the bedside table. Rolling it on, he knelt between Vanessa's thighs, pressing his penis against her. When he pushed into her, she arched her hips, taking him into her. For a moment they paused, each reveling in the sweet sensation of skin on skin. Slowly, Paul began to thrust into her, each stroke becoming deeper. Vanessa matched his rhythm, wrapping her legs around his hips as Paul leaned down to kiss her. The strokes were coming faster and harder as Paul brought Vanessa to orgasm, sending her body into shudders as she felt the pleasure rolling over her. Paul groaned as he came, his body jerking before he fell against her. They laid there until he softened, then he slid over to lie next to her.

Lying there, breathing deeply, Paul reached out his hand, entwining his fingers with Vanessa's as their racing hearts calmed.

Devon and McQueen sat at a table and waited for their dinner, looking out into the stars that surrounded them. They didn't talk--they had never felt the need to fill the silence with empty words. Sometimes they asked each other a question, then a reply given that would encourage further conversation, or simply an answer.

When dinner arrived, Devon sighed as the steak was placed in front of her. She looked over to see the lobster and crab claws McQueen had ordered, noticing that it looked equally good as well. "Maybe I should have ordered that."

McQueen cracked a claw, dug out some meat, dipped it in butter, and offered it to Devon. Leaning forward, she took the bite, licking the butter off her lips.

"*That* is delicious. Would you like to try some of my steak?"

"Sure."

Devon cut a piece and held it out on her fork so that McQueen could bite it. A smile crossed his face. "That's a fantastic steak."

"We'll have to remember this place tomorrow."

McQueen looked at her. "I wonder if they deliver?"

Devon winked at him. "I guess we'll find out."

Nina sat at the table and waited for Cooper to return with their drinks. She watched him, thinking that she really liked the way he moved. In fact, she pretty much liked everything about him. When he came back to the table, he noticed that she was staring at him.

"What...have I got something on me?" Cooper looked down at himself.

"Not yet." Nina smiled and moved closer to him. "Cooper, can I ask you a question?"

"Yeah, I guess." There was a wary look in his eyes.

"Would you like to come back to my room with me?"

"For what?" Puzzlement replaced the wariness.

"Because I want to kiss you, and I don't want to do it with an audience."

"You want to kiss me."

"Yes, I do. Do you have a problem with that?" Nina ran her finger along Cooper's thigh.

"No...I don't guess so."

"Good." Nina grabbed his hand and led him out of the club.

Nathan watched from the bar and grinned. Turning to Shane, he held up his drink, "Looks like it's just you and me, kid."

Shane clicked her glass against Nathan's and then took a swallow. "Let's get out of here. All these people getting mushy are beginning to depress me."

Nathan picked up his billet card. "Where to?"

Shane shrugged her shoulders and tossed her hair over her shoulder. "Maybe there's a good movie."

After following Nina in, Cooper stood in the middle of the room, wondering what to do. His experience was limited at best, and he'd never really understood what was supposed to go on when.

Nina smiled at him as she turned on some music, something soft that filled the room. Taking his hand, she led him to the bed and motioned for him to sit. Crawling up beside him, she took one of his hands in both of hers and looked at him. "You look nervous, Cooper. Why is that?"

Cooper bent his head, shyness overcoming him a little. "I don't really know what I'm supposed to be doing."

"What would you like to do?" Nina stroked his fingers.

"I'd like to kiss you."

"I'd like that, too."

Leaning forward, Cooper pressed his lips to Nina's, liking the way she tasted. She opened her lips, stroking his mouth with her tongue. When he opened his mouth, she slid her tongue inside to stroke his tongue.

Suddenly, Cooper pulled her on top of his lap so that she straddled him. Nina slid her hands into his hair, brushing against his navel, causing him to groan, and he left her mouth and began kissing her neck. He unbuttoned her shirt, sliding his hands inside to feel the lace of her bra against his hands. Nina slid the shirt off her shoulder and unclasped her bra, tossing it aside as well. He leaned against her, nuzzling her breast and taking her nipple into his mouth. As he suckled her, he cupped her other breast with his hand and caressed that nipple with his thumb. Nina's head fell back as Cooper caressed her, sighing with pleasure. His head came up and they looked at each other. They removed each other's clothes, trying not to break contact with each other. Finally free of everything that stood between them, Cooper sat back on the bed and pulled Nina to him.

Holding up her hand, she grinned. "Just one minute." She reached into the bedside drawer and pulled out a foil package. Opening it, she bent down to "gift wrap" him. When she was done, Nina climbed onto Cooper's lap and sank onto his erection, gasping as he filled her. She grabbed his shoulders, pausing before she moved. Looking into his face, she kissed him deeply then began to move her hips. Nina arched her back, moaning as she felt him thrust into her, filling her with every stroke. Cooper grabbed her hips as she rolled against him, loving the feel of her breasts against his chest, how well he fit between her thighs.

Nina felt like she was going to explode. Every movement Cooper made sent pleasure up and own her whole body. She could feel herself climaxing and she cried out his name as she came, her whole body shivering. Cooper kept thrusting, feeling himself coming and he grabbed her hips hard as he spilled into her. Falling back on the bed, Cooper pulled Nina to him and she collapsed on his chest, her breathing ragged.

Looking up, she smiled and brushed the hair out of her eyes. "Wow."

Cooper smiled. "Yeah...wow."

Devon knew she was in trouble when she saw the dessert cart. The restaurant was quiet, most of the other patrons had gone. They had enjoyed their dinner, sharing it with each other. Brandy and coffee had followed, but they really weren't paying attention to what was going on around them. What they had started as they danced flowed around them, filling the air with sexual energy as they slowly began to make love using their eyes and soft words.

McQueen watched her eyes light up when the waiter brought the dessert cart to their table, watched her focus on the chocolate mousse that was the centerpiece.

Devon grinned like a kid when the waiter placed it in front of them, setting two spoons down on the table. She picked up a spoon, dipped it in the mousse, and brought it to her lips. Looking into blue eyes, she flipped the spoon over and slowly licked the chocolate off the spoon. Devon then dipped the spoon into the mousse again and brought it McQueen's mouth. She parted her lips as she watched him take the bite she offered. They both smiled, finishing the dessert.

Standing, McQueen offered Devon his arm, escorting her from the restaurant. As they walked down the corridor toward their room, they stopped to watch the distant lights of the Saratoga as she stood guard.

Turning, they continued their stroll to their room.

Paul reached out, finding Vanessa's hip with his hand. He sighed and snuggled closer, feeling her pull his arm around and hold his hand to her breast. Their breathing slowed, and they drifted back into the warmth of sleep.

Nina grabbed Cooper's shoulders as he slid between her thighs, sinking into her moist heat. He watched her face as he began to thrust into her. Her eyes turned a beautiful green color when passion filled them, and he wanted to make sure they stayed that color.

She moaned as he filled her, each stroke going deeper until she felt she would scream from the sheer exhilaration of him inside her. Wrapping her legs high on his hips, Nina rocked her hips to match Cooper, trying to hold onto him as he slid in and out of her. She felt the pleasure spiral up from deep in her belly as she climaxed, calling out Cooper's name and digging her nails into his back. Cooper shuddered, gasping into Nina's neck as he came. Settling against her, he ran his finger over her lips, smiling as Nina took it into her mouth and began to suck on it. When he moved to get off her, she held him even tighter. "Don't go."

They laid there, entwined, until he softened. When he rolled to her side, Cooper brought Nina with him so that she sprawled across his chest. He ran his hand down her hair, across her back, to cup her bottom. Slowly, his eyes fluttered closed and he slipped into sleep. Nina ran her hand across Cooper's chest, kissed the smooth skin, and let herself drift off.

They entered the room, lowering the lights and turning on some music, McQueen playing with the dial until he found the soft strains of a concerto.

Devon sat on the bed and kicked off her shoes. When McQueen held out his hand, she stepped into his embrace, welcoming the insistent pressure of his mouth, the warmth of his lips, the rough velvet of his tongue. Grabbing a handful of hair, he gently tugged her head back, exposing her throat to his kiss. Nibbling on her jaw, sucking on her ear lobes, he listened to Devon's soft moans.

Turning her around, she faced the mirror over the dresser as McQueen unzipped her dress, slipping his hands under the straps to ease it down her arms--watching it fall at her feet. Standing behind her, he watched both of their reflections. McQueen slid his hands up her legs, over the black, lace, French-cut panties, to her waist, then up to cup her breasts in his palms. Devon arched her back, pushing her chest forward to fill McQueen's hands. He kissed her shoulder then the side of her neck as he gently pulled on the nipples.

She sounded almost hurt when he moved his hands, brushing them down to slide under the waistband and pull her panties down over her legs. Kneeling there, he left the stockings on, pressing a kiss to the back of her thigh where the lace ended and her skin began. Grasping her hips, McQueen turned Devon around and pushed her against the dresser so that she was half sitting on it, kissing the spot where her hip and thigh met. Devon grabbed hold of the dresser, a sharp gasp escaping her lips as McQueen parted her thighs slid his tongue into her. Slowly, he alternated between licking her clit and sliding his tongue inside, making Devon squirm and ache. Her body arched and she groaned as she felt her body explode in an orgasm she was sure shook the entire ship. Resting limply against the dresser, little shudders rippled through her as McQueen stroked the inside of her thighs, nibbling on the sensitive skin.

When he looked into her face, Devon was overwhelmed by the intensity she saw in his eyes. Passion and desire had colored his blue eyes to match a stormy Caribbean ocean. Leaning down, she stroked his cheek. "Come to bed."

Taking his hand, Devon led him to the huge brass bed that sat at one end of the room. She unbuttoned his shirt, pulling it off him to rub her hands over his chest. Her fingers traced the scars she knew by heart, then caressed his nipples. Devon leaned down to lick them, noticing that McQueen shook slightly when she did it.

When she unbuttoned and unzipped his pants, she slid her hand inside to caress him. She pushed the rest of his clothing down, anxious to get rid of any obstacles between them. Standing there, McQueen wrapped his hands around her bottom, pulling her close to feel his erection pushing against her, and kissed her, his tongue filling her mouth and stroking hers. Devon cupped his face with her hands as she kissed him back.

Separating for a moment, she climbed onto the bed, stretched out, and held out her hand to him. He joined her, stretching out beside her and running his hand up the length of her body. Devon parted her thighs as McQueen slid between them. Looking into her face, he pressed the head of his penis against her, then slowly pushed into her. Devon closed her eyes as she welcomed him inside, immersing herself in the pleasure of McQueen's body. When he didn't move, she opened her eyes to find him looking at her.

McQueen smiled and stroked her lip, "I want to look in your eyes when I make love with you."

Devon licked his fingertip as he continued to stroke her lips, then nodded. With deliberate strokes, McQueen began to thrust into her, then easing out, before thrusting again. She watched his eyes deepen in color as he watched her, their bodies rocking together. Their rhythm was slow as they tried to make each sensation linger, but it did not last as each stroke made them burn a little hotter. McQueen plunged deeply into her as Devon arched her hips against him, causing each of them to moan as they felt the rush of pleasure engulf them. Devon climaxed first, grabbing hold of McQueen as she felt herself falling into what looked like an ocean of stars. McQueen was not far behind as he thrust into her one more time before letting himself drown in the sweet heat of Devon's body.

As he collapsed against her, she welcomed the weight of his body on hers and wrapped her arms and legs tightly around him. McQueen brushed her hair away, kissing her deeply on the mouth before kissing her cheeks and forehead. His body jerked when he felt her hand between them, gently feeling where he was still buried inside her.

She smiled a lazy smile, "I just want to feel us--to know what we feel like when we're together."

McQueen nipped at her neck, "That could get you into trouble."

Devon laughed as she slid her hand up his body and gently rubbed his navel. "I think I'm well up to the challenge."

They continued to lie there, gently stroking each other as they enjoyed the peace of not having to worry about anyone knocking at their doors. As McQueen softened, Devon reluctantly let him leave her and move to other side of the bed. He stretched, putting an arm behind his head and turning to look at her. Devon also stretched, rolling onto her stomach and leaning on her elbows. Bending her knees, she rolled her feet in circles in the air as she watched McQueen's face.

Devon grabbed McQueen's free hand, stroking the skin and entwining his fingers in hers. Leaning forward, she kissed the back of his hand before laying her cheek against it. The music continued to play--classical notes floating through the air, calming impassioned hearts. Devon rolled to her side so that she was lying against McQueen's side and wrapped his arm around her. They slept.

Waking to the sound of Mozart, Devon let her eyes adjust to the semi-darkness. She felt the warmth of McQueen's skin against her back, his hip nestled against her bottom. Easing out his arm, she went to the head to pee, rinsing her face with cool water before she returned to the comfort of McQueen.

Before crawling back into next to him, she stood beside the bed and marveled at the beauty of the man in front of her. Let her eyes wander over him, she smiled when she saw how erect he was, even in his dreams. Though she knew it was nothing she had done to encourage him, she was definitely going to take advantage of it.

Devon climbed onto the bed and kneeled next to McQueen, bending her head to lick the shaft of his penis. He awakened with a groan, looking down at Devon with a glint in his eye. She continued to lick him--short licks...long licks...tickling the tip of his penis as she blew on it. When she took him into her mouth, McQueen grabbed the headboard with one hand and grabbed a handful of sheet with the other as Devon began sliding him in and out of her mouth and stroked the skin between his testicles and his anus, his body shivering with ecstasy. McQueen started to wonder if he was going to spontaneously combust from each touch and caress from Devon's fingers and tongue. As she continued to pleasure him, he could feel himself starting to come, almost pulling off the bars of the headboard as he spurted into Devon's mouth, groaning with the sharpness of his orgasm.

Devon licked him again as he lay there, then moved up to rest her head on his belly and look at him. Stretching as if she were flying, she let her arms drop across McQueen and practically purred as he caressed her back.

"Tell me this whole war is a dream and we don't ever have to leave this bed." Devon closed her eyes.

McQueen continued to stroke her back. "Then we'd be out of jobs."

"Yeah, I don't think I'm cut out to be Suzy Homemaker." Devon sat up on her knees. "I'm hungry? How about some room service?"

"You're always hungry." McQueen sat up, stretching his back by reaching for the ceiling.

"For you or for food?" Devon reached across him to grab the menu, kissing him on the lips as she returned to her position. She perused the menu, stroking the book with her finger as she thought about what she wanted. McQueen moved beside her to look over her shoulder.

"Anything in particular you have a taste for?" Devon leaned against him as they studied the list of delectables the Bacchus had to offer.

McQueen smiled and continued to look at the menu. "I'm sure you'll make the right choices." He got up and moved toward the head.

Devon reached for the phone, placing the order before McQueen returned. Replacing the receiver, she smiled at him as he walked back to the bed. "They'll be here shortly."

When room service arrived, Devon slipped McQueen's shirt on, buttoning it enough not to shock anyone. When the waiter left, Devon stood in front of the cart and tapped a finger against her lips. She wheeled the cart over to the bed, removing the shirt and crawling up to sit on the sheets. Lifting covers off the plates, she spread the food out on the bed and made room for McQueen. She opened the bottle of champagne that sat in the ice bucket, managing to spill it on her thigh as she poured it, almost dropping the glasses as McQueen licked away the golden drops on her skin. Recovering enough not to drop the bottle, she handed a glass to him.

Pulling off a piece of chicken, Devon munched on it and watched McQueen dig into the corn. As they ate, McQueen kept looking at the remaining dish on the cart that was still covered, then gazed at Devon with a quirk of his brow.

She smile and laughed. "Uh uh. It's a surprise."

They talked as they ate--Devon telling him about the last letter she got from her mom, all the things her family was doing. McQueen listened, remembering who was who from the last time she talked about her family. McQueen told her a little about being a miner, glossing over a lot of the horrors, but Devon could see it in his eyes. She didn't press him for details, recognizing a boundary that he didn't want crossed.

When they'd eaten their fill of the main course, Devon put their dishes back on the cart and replaced the empty spot on the bed with the covered dish. Removing the cover, Devon revealed a bowl of perfect strawberries surrounded by bowls of dark chocolate, white chocolate, and whipped cream. Dipping her finger into the whipped cream, Devon brought it to her lips and licked it off with a long lick. She dipped her finger into the cream again and brought it to McQueen's lips, glad she was sitting on the bed because she knew she would have melted into the floor as he took her finger into his mouth and tongued the sweet cream off.

Next, Devon picked up a strawberry and dipped it into white chocolate, offering the first bite to McQueen, then eating the other half herself. They fed the fruit to each other, mixing the flavors and the champagne, tasting each other as well.

When the berries were gone, Devon dipped her finger into the bowl of dark chocolate and stuck it in her mouth to lick off the chocolate. In the middle of pulling it out, her eyes got wide and she looked at McQueen.

He knew that look--had seen it too many times to know that she'd gotten something in her mind and wasn't going to let go. He held up his hand to ward her off.

"No."

"You don't even know what it is, Ty. How can you say no?" Devon inched closer to him.

"I don't need to know what it is. Whenever you get that look on your face, I know trouble isn't far behind." Even as he spoke the words, a grin started to spread over his face.

"C'mon--you know you're dying to know what I want. I can read your face, too, and you've got that little glint in your eye that says you're wondering exactly what I have in mind." Devon leaned over and nibbled on McQueen's shoulder, stroking his chest with her hand. "Please?"

McQueen sighed heavily, then leaned back on his arms to listen to her idea. "Okay...shoot."

"It's not anything drastic--you know, like flying around naked in a HammerHead."

"That's a relief."

"I just want to cover your body in chocolate and whipped cream and lick it off."

"You want to do what?"

"Oh, come on--didn't Anne ever want to try that with you?" Devon ran her fingers along the scars on his chest.

"No, she never did--at least she never mentioned that she wanted to try it."

"Well, she missed out, then."

"Have you?"

"I've had honey spread over my breasts and had my lover lick it off. I don't think I've ever felt anything quite like that warm honey before--or since." Devon stopped stroking him. "If you don't like it, we can stop. A shower would be fun, too." Devon winked at him.

McQueen still looked doubtful, but nodded and leaned back.

Devon dipped a finger in the dark chocolate and slowly smoothed it onto McQueen's right nipple, smiling as she saw him jerk slightly. Pushing her hair back with her free hand, she leaned down and took his nipple into her mouth, her tongue licking off the chocolate. McQueen gasped sharply as she continued to lick him. Lifting up, she dipped her finger in the white chocolate and repeated the procedure on his other nipple. Dipping a finger in each of the chocolates, she traced a part of his scars with them, inching her way up his chest as she licked the chocolate off. As she finished licking, Devon reached up and kissed McQueen, stroking his tongue with hers, and McQueen tasted the chocolate. He pulled her close, wrapping his hands in her hair as he caressed her mouth with his own.

Devon rested her forehead on his as they separated to catch their breaths. McQueen stroked her face and looked into her eyes, smiling as he asked, "When is it my turn?"

Devon stretched out on the bed, spreading her arms. "I'm all yours."

Leaning over, McQueen stuck his finger in the bowl of white chocolate and rubbed it on the nipple of her right breast. Then, he dipped a finger into the dark chocolate and dribbled it on her left nipple, drawing a line between her breasts with more chocolate. Devon's breath caught in her throat as his fingers stroked her body, and she began to move as desire raced along her skin. Aching, she looked at him as he continued to draw. "Aren't you ever going to lick it off?"

McQueen's smile was wicked when he looked into her face. "I like to take my time and make sure I've covered everything." Then he lowered his head and began to lick the chocolate off with long, slow strokes. Devon thought she was going to pass out before he finished, his tongue sending fire through her veins. As he licked her, he slid his hand along her body, sliding it between her thighs. He slid his fingers into her, feeling her wetness, before he began to stroke her clit with his thumb.

"Oh, God..." Devon moaned as she felt herself climax, arching against McQueen, her body shuddering. Even if the Chigs attacked at that moment, she wasn't sure she could move, much less fight.

McQueen stretched out beside her, pulling her to him. "Was it as good as the honey?"

Devon's eyes remained closed. "What honey?"

Nathan and Shane sat in the theater, watching some old movie about a guy named Rambo. They left, laughing at the dialogue. Heading back to their rooms, Nathan stopped outside of Shane's.

"Thanks for hanging with me." Nathan shuffled his feet.

Shane tapped him on the jaw with her fist. "No sweat."

They stood there for a minute, kind of uncomfortable. Shane shook her head. "Hey, you want to watch another movie? I think I've got some popcorn left."

Nathan breathed a sigh of relief at not having to be alone for a little while longer. "Sure."

They made their way inside, stretching out on the bed side by side, on their stomachs, as a recent comedy flickered across the screen.

At some point during the movie, Nathan looked over to find Shane asleep, half curled towards him. His eyes returned to the screen.

Devon shifted in the bed, causing McQueen's arms to tighten around her. "Where are you going?" he whispered as his hands continued to caress her body.

Devon stroked his lips, "I just want to do one more thing." Moving out of his arms, Devon moved to the ice bucket and took out an ice cube. Putting it in her mouth, she crawled back to McQueen on her hands and knees, a predatory look on her face. Devon leaned down and licked the front of McQueen's thigh, her cold tongue drawing goosebumps. When she blew cool air across the head of his penis, he practically arched off the bed, groaning and grabbing the sheets with his hands. When she began stroking his shaft with her tongue, the ice melting in her mouth and cooling her tongue, McQueen began to shudder violently as an orgasm rolled over him and he succumbed to the pleasure. Devon began swallowing as he spurted into her mouth, continuing the gentle caresses of his testicles with her fingers. When he was finished, he lay against the pillows--eyes closed--as his body began to relax.

Devon eased up to lie next to him, kissing McQueen's neck and placing her hand on his chest to feel the beating of his heart. Wrapping his arms around her, he pulled her close and kissed her forehead, feeling sleep cocoon them.

With a start, Nathan woke up to find himself pressed against Shane's back, his arms wrapped around her. He felt her turn over, taking a moment before he looked into her eyes. The soft light in the bedroom softened her face, made her look like a kid again, and he tucked a piece of hair behind her ear.

Shane reached up and grabbed his hand before he could move it. She laid her cheek against it, then looked at him again.

They moved toward each other, their lips meeting softly, then more urgently as all their pent-up feelings came rushing out. Fumbling fingers did away with t-shirts, pants, underwear--until only skin remained.

Slowly, Nathan reached out and stroked Shane's neck, running his fingers down between her breasts before cupping one. He lowered his head, kissing the hardened nipple, and Shane held him close. He came back up to kiss her, delving into her mouth with his tongue and stroking hers.

Shane ran her hands along Nathan's hips, sliding her hand around to grasp his erection, stroking the length of his penis with her fingers before she gently caressed his testicles.

He nudged her legs apart, sliding between them and settling onto her. Reaching down, Nathan grasped Shane's hips and pulled her up as he sank into her, taking her gasp into his mouth as he kissed her, filling her. They rocked together, little moans escaping, fingers touching, mouths straining. Nathan kept thrusting faster, feeling Shane's body begin to quiver as an orgasm filled her. He thrust into her two more times after her body arched against him, filling her with his seed as he felt himself shake with his own orgasm. He fell against her, felt her arms come up and encircle him, his arms pulling her close.

They slept for a few moments, the rush of passion draining them of energy. When they awakened, they looked at each other, then Nathan began to dress quietly in the darkened room. As he sat on the bed, to lace up his boots, he looked at her, lying there on the bed. Shane raised her hand and pressed a finger to his lips. He kissed it, finished tying his laces, and stood.

"Goodnight, Shane."

"Goodnight, Nathan."

Nathan slipped out of the room and headed down the corridor.

When Devon and McQueen awakened, they realized they only had a couple of hours before they had to return to the Saratoga. They showered and dressed, punctuating each movement with a kiss or caress, then checked out, hurrying down to the cargo bay to get themselves situated before they had to round up their people.

After stowing their gear, McQueen grabbed Devon, pressing her against the ISSCV in knee-melting kiss that promised the moon and left her aching for more. Smiling at each other as they parted, McQueen and Devon donned their official faces and returned to the business of war.

Gabrielle Bessey

9/11/96

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