"Alex, are you coming?" asked Gene Gideon as he peeked his head through the doorway into the livingroom of their apartment.

"Almost finished," answered Alex Zukoft, the newly appointed Captain of the USS Explorer, as she poured over three files on her coffee table.

Gene walked from the balcony into the living area carrying a glass of iced tea. "Can't you finish that tomorrow? It's a beautiful moon out tonight." He placed his glass on the coffee table and walked behind the sofa on which Alex was sitting. Gently easing her back against the sofa and starting kneading her shoulders.

"Damn, Alex. You're as tight as a stone!"

"I can't decide between these three candidates for my First Officer and Starfleet needs my decision by 0900 tomorrow."

"Can I help?"

"I don't know. You know I can't show a civilian Starfleet records, even if he IS going to be the bartender on my ship." Alex leaned back and closed her eyes, giving into Gene's strong, gentle hands.

"You don't have to show me their records, just give me an idea of who they are and let's see what happens."

"All right, " she said, still keeping her eyes closed. "Number one is female, 42 years of age. She has just returned from a very successful five-year mission. She finished third in her class at Starfleet Academy, is married to a Starfleet officer stationed here on Earth. No children.

"Better pass on her," said Gene.

"Why? She's been a model officer and has a fine record."

"She's just come back from a long mission and she needs the down time whether she realizes it or not. And since she immediately put in for another long mission, it suggests she's either running from or avoiding something."

"Why would you say that? Some officers just love to be out in space all the time."

"True enough, but most officers with family on Earth take at least a few weeks leave after a long mission."

"Maybe. I have my reservations about the down time thing myself."

"Next."

"Male, 33. Took a demotion. Bounced around Starfleet, unsettled. Brilliant, but unorthodox. Good recommendations. No blemishes on his record. Not a 'by the book' officer though."

"He's a possible."

"Really? I don't know--he wears an earring for god's sake!"

"Better yet."

"Oh?"

"Shows personal integrity. He has his own opinions and is not afraid to express them."

"Maybe. But the earring?"

"You're the Captain, aren't you? Just order him not to wear it while on duty. You won't even let Bajorans wear their earrings while on duty."

"I don't' think it's appropriate to wear jewelry on duty. Wedding rings excluded."

"What if a species wore an earring instead of a wedding right? What would you do then, Angel?" he said, kissing the top of her head.

"I'll deal with that if or when it develops. Now, number three is male, 37, second in his class at the academy, exemplary record. A good 'by the book' officer. I really like this one."

"You would!"

Alex leaned forward, then turned to face Gene. "Why do you say that?"

He came around the sofa to stand in front of her. "Because he sounds exactly like you." He picked up his drink and sipped at the cold, refreshing tea.

"Really? I think that would be a great advantage to my ship, to have two of me on the bridge."

"Oh really? Take a few minutes to think about that, Angel. Two Alex Zukofts in command at the same time.

Alex closed her eyes and was imaging what it would be like and smiled. "I like it."

"For five LONG years."

Alex's smile faded and her blue eyes opened. "You have a point."

"How did the three do in the interviews?"

"All did fine. Number one seemed a bit tired. Number two was friendly and number three was very professional."

"Lord knows you don't want a FRIENDLY officer on board your five year mission!" laughed Gene.

"All right. It looks like Ian Lancaster is my new First Officer," she said, getting up from the sofa.

"Great! Now can we possible enjoy this wonderful moonlit night?" asked Gene pulling Alex onto the balcony. "We don't have many more like this left to enjoy once we leave Earth."

Alex folder herself into her lover's arms, leaning back into his gentle, but firm embrace. "There's always the holodeck," she said.

"Not the same, Angel. Not the same at all."