The invention addresses ways to protect the free ends of communication lines from debris during downhole connection. A lower assembly, positioned downhole, has a lower connector with a free end of a communication line. An upper assembly is moved downhole and has an upper connector. A reciprocating member with attached protective cover is mounted for movement on the lower assembly. A second reciprocating member with attached protective cover is mounted for reciprocating movement on the upper assembly. The free ends are connected as the upper and lower assemblies are moved toward one another. Upon disconnection, the upper and lower connectors are moved apart and the reciprocating members return to their initial positions, again protecting the free ends of the communication lines. The covers are preferably biased towards a closed position and return to a closed state upon disconnection.