Crossing Paths

Posted on Wed Jan 18th, 2023 @ 4:06pm by Executive Officer Jake Ford & Captain Kaylin Jaal

Mission: Mission 16: Hysperia
Location: Hysperia - Festival
Timeline: Third Day of Festival (MD-07)
1013 words - 2 OF Standard Post Measure

Jake was content to leave Cassie to have a little time with Maras, and to allow the Rosie crew some leave time of their own, away from the influence of himself and Gregnol. Many of them had spent a lot of time under each others feet of late, and having some open space away from one another was a welcome break.

He wasn't sure what made him pick out this particular tavern but it was quieter than most, away from the main hustle and activity around the festival itself. He was quite happy to have a little downtime away from the main crowds.

He'd just ordered a drink at the bar when he spotted a familiar silhouette in the corner. The tall, grizzled Reman crewman from the Thrai. And, of course, the Reman's charge.

"Why, if it isn't Jake Ford." Captain Kaylin Jaal's velvet-like voice called out across the floor of the tavern. The grin on her face was unmistakably one of amusement. Taking his drink in hand, Jake saluted with the mug. The Romulan responded with a single finger motioning for him to join her.

He thought about declining, but he knew that it would not only be somewhat futile, it might not go down well with Gregnol's relationship with the Rangers. Being diplomatic and at least putting on a friendly disposition was probably safer. So he took his cup and slid into the booth just opposite her.

"It's been a while," she observed. "You don't need to look so worried." She motioned to Krynn, who looked almost like he was going to roll his eyes before he moved to stand sentry outside of the building instead of close at hand. "See?" Kaylin smirked.

"Who says it's the muscle I'm afraid of?" Jake grunted.

"Smart man," she replied. "I knew you had a brain inside that cute head of yours." She played the comment off as a throwaway remark, despite the mildly playful smirk that remained on her lips. "You're venturing out alone?"

"Today I am, yeah. Trying to get some space, actually."

"And yet you wandered into the one place my crew has been frequenting for days? Jake, are you sure you weren't looking for something else?" She pouted as she posited the question. Then she leaned back, legs crossing over in front of her, studying him. He figured she was either sizing him up like a piece of meat, or making certain assessments over his actual intentions. Which were, as he had said, for some peace and quiet.

"I didn't realise you were here." The taverns all looked fairly similar anyway.

"Hm." Her pointed eyebrow crept up. "Well, here we are, sharing a drink and idle conversation. Don't you humans use that as some sort of courting ritual?"

"What-?" he almost choked on his drink, stirring a laugh from Kaylin.

"Far too easy." She rolled her eyes, still smiling. "You're incredibly jumpy, Mister Ford. And...uncomfortable around Romulans, I have noticed..." Her eyes locked onto him for a moment.

"I'm not uncomfortable," he replied. "Just...guarded."

"As wise a position that is to take, I do wonder - why my kind in particular?" She studied his expression, starting to lean forward again. "That business with t'Ehhelih? You must have found it incredibly fascinating to have been able to gain such a different perspective. Not only as a Romulan, but as a female one. Tell me, did you..." Her eyebrows raised suggestively.

"N-no!" he exclaimed, both embarrassed and surprised that she would be so bold as to just ask him outright.

"I'm sure you must have been tempted." She leaned in even closer, to add softly in his ear, "Taev said you were an adequate kisser..."

Jake almost jumped out of his chair, sliding it backwards at least a foot. He almost spilled his drink.

"That's...he told you?"

"So it is true. Fascinating..." Kaylin sat back, still amused but no longer digging for information. "It seems as though you missed the chance to fully explore the differences between us."

"I don't think Liha would have approved of...that," he said, finally regaining some semblance of control.

"She might have cared less than you think. And as far as I see it, she hates you anyway, so it would hardly have made a difference, no?" Kaylin mused.

"I would have, though," Jake shook his head. "And my interests lie elsewhere. Firmly."

"I do wonder how far she would have gone to maintain the facade of trying to be Jake Ford..." Kaylin continued. "If I had really desired so, would she have?"

"I doubt it."

"Not as smart as I thought, Jake Ford." Kaylin shook her head. "Still, if you were ever curious to find out, you do know where to contact me." She didn't even look him in the eye, basically just dropping the offer as though it were a simple trade.

"As...flattering as that offer might be..." he replied, trying his best not to come off too insulting, "I am already with someone. And I'm far less open to changing that than you might be."

Kaylin finally glanced over at him. He wasn't sure if she was bothered that he was taken, or merely curious about the nature of it. Certainly, it didn't seem like she was too concerned that he had just turned her down.

"Well. If that ever changes, you know where to find me." She said, pushing herself up to her feet. "There's always room on the Thrai for talented crew. So long as you could get used to working under me." She punctuated the last remark with another of her little smirks before leaving the table to join Krynn outside.

Jake watched her go, lost for words for several moments. It took him longer than he would have liked to realise he was staring, and went quickly back to his drink. As much as he wasn't entirely sure how that entire conversation had happened, he was just relieved it was over. And that nobody else had been around to witness it.

 

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