Towards the end

Posted on Fri Sep 9th, 2022 @ 4:01pm by Executive Officer Jake Ford & Ka'see 'Cassie' Anderson (*)

Mission: Mission 15: Adrift
Location: Cargo Bay
Timeline: MD 06 23:00
1157 words - 2.3 OF Standard Post Measure

The ship was back to power but that did not mean that everyone got to have showers and recover straight away - well not in Cassie’s eyes as she shoved cargo pods back into place and stepped back to admire the fact the cargo bay was nearly back to normal thanks to the group effort of everyone. The operations of the ship had to get back to standard if they were ever going to get back to normal as Nollel had put it as she had divided off areas of the areas they had been using for the past five days. “Would almost never realise.” She said to herself as she checked off the work on the PADD and turned to find Jake standing there.

"Hey." He made a little awkward face. "Some week, huh? If you'd asked me a fortnight ago where I'd be now..." he shrugged. "I probably wouldn't have believed you."

Cassie saw the awkward face and put the PADD in her trouser pocket to give him her full attention. “Different kind of week certainly. Everyone good?” She had focused on the practical aspect of getting things back to normal. It was safer for her that dealing with people.

"Everyone good." He echoed her words with a nod. "Gregnol's on his way back, should be with us in a few days. Honestly, I can't wait for everything go back to normal, to let someone else be in charge for a while, and I can rest..." he slid his hand into hers, looping their fingers together. "Though I'd quite like to keep some of the changes that have happened."

Cassie perked up just a little at hearing the Gregnol would be back soon. She could not imagine the emotions that must have been going through the man’s mind when he could not contact the ship for the last week. “Well, that is good that they have been able to get ahold of him. I suspect he was quite concerned about the lack of communication.” Cassie surmised knowing that the man would be more concerned than anything else. He trusted everyone onboard with keeping his ship and his wife safe whilst he was away. “Oh?” She questioned squeezing his hand. “You have been pretty busy bringing in some changes.”

"You know which one I'm talking about. Now that we're out of a crisis, it might be time to really explore what this means," he said, lifting their clasped hands. "Everything this week has happened so fast, but it's also made me stop to question whether I'm ready for it. I think we both deserve to take things slowly for now. If that's all right with you?"

Cassie resisted the urge to look away or put her walls up and just stared at him and nodded slowly. They had discussed this before it had gotten cold and that viewpoint had not changed in her opinion. “I said it was okay.” She said softly.

He noted her body language and the simple acceptance. They'd had this conversation before - but was she as sure as she had been? He couldn't tell; he didn't have the benefit of knowing her long enough. "I just don't want us to make the mistakes of the past..." he admitted.

"But Jake I am not Eden I am not planning to come in and take over your life or turn it upside in a matter of weeks.” The woman said quickly squeezing his hand before pulling back her hands to give him space.

"I know that..." he said, feeling conflicted as she withdrew. His natural instinct was to grasp hold, to grip tightly. Too tightly, perhaps. "I do. And I'm trying not to do the same to you." He did his best to show her with his face that he meant it. "Look, we're going to be needing to put the ship into port for a few days. Maybe we should take that time together? Find somewhere a little less..." he motioned to the cargo bay. "Messy?"

“I am not about to let anyone take over my life again. Johnathan did that and I am not willing to have that happen again.” It always made her long for the life she had with Tevik before that chaos made her come back to Starfleet. He had been a good man but the timing had just not been suitable. “I want a partner: someone by my side. So yeah I would love to take that time,” Cassie explained awkwardly for a Vulcanoid.

"All right. But let's pick somewhere nice and warm this time..." he grinned sheepishly.

"That damage control room was pretty warm." She teased with just a little trying to lighten the mood that had become a little heavy. "I do not think we really get a choice in where we stagger into but I have heard that we are close to Hysperia." She commented wishing at that moment that she was more human and had less reserve about things or at least thought less about the paths.

"I've never been there," he admitted. He'd heard vague rumours from others about it, but given there were some unusual elements to their culture he'd avoided it while on the hunt for work. There were easier ways to make your way. "Thinking of going hunting for dragons? Or maybe cosplaying an elf would work for you?" he grinned.

“Well, I am sure Greebella would fit in down there without a second look.” She replied thinking of her Dungeons and Dragons alter ego. She had not even considered dressing up as her since the Holoworld maybe it was time that happened. “I am sure I will leave the dragon hunting to Michael it would be very much in keeping with what he likes.”

"I'm sure we can find something to occupy ourselves. An adventure. Or a grand feast: I think I could go for a large meal after all this!" he chuckled.

“I am sure we will find stuff to occupy ourselves and maybe heal up a think both ourselves and the ship,” Cassie said finding herself hoping a little bit but tride to keep it off her face for fear of ruining things.

"You're right, we could-" Jake was cut off by a chirp from his communicator. "Oh. Huh. That'll be Gregnol...again..." He shrugged sheepishly. "I think he was quite worried about us. Not sure if he had more concern for his wife or his ship, but don't tell anyone I said that."

"Both," Cassie said without hesitation. She knew that she, herself would be worried sick if anyone of them went missing let alone everyone whilst so far away. "Better take it. Will see you later or tomorrow... or whenever." She said smiling as she leaned up and kissed his cheek before disappearing off to complete her work before she went to bed and finally got some rest in a warm place.