I Listened And I Did Not Judge

Posted on Wed Feb 5th, 2025 @ 5:55pm by Commander Alexis Agrax (*) & Commodore Ledeya ‘Ed’ Ehestri (*) & Commander Christopher Mitchell

Mission: Cosmos
Location: Esquimalt Station
Timeline: 2398
1161 words - 2.3 OF Standard Post Measure

The walk had certainly helped her clear her mind of everything that had happened over the last couple of months from the most mundane detail of the Cosmos to the more extreme updates on the crew. She thought he was not at the very least fully prepared to return fully to the Cosmos.

Ledeya winced as she spotted someone walking towards them that she was sure Christopher was no at all prepared for yet – Alexis. He had wanted to most likely do it on his terms and his own setting but Ledeya could not exactly move the from the promenade when it was as empty as it was. “Christopher,” Ledeya whispered indicating Alexis who was standing looking at one of the art projects that was around the base lost in thought but she knew that as soon as Alexis moved to another or looked up they would be caught.

"Yeah." He watched with a faint twinge of apprehension that turned into a more resolute re-set. "I'll come find you after I've...you know."

Ledeya touched his arm turned on her heels and went in the opposite direction. She did not need to be an observer to this, she'd get a report if it went drastic. She did not think it would though but either way they deserved some privacy.

Leaving Ehestri to walk alone, Christopher approached Alexis from behind. Eventually he stood just to her side and looked at the art piece for a few seconds. "Does it have a name?" he asked softly.

Alexis had been observing the piece for a long time before she felt the presence next to her and glanced to her left and saw him in the flesh for the first time in months. "The Mature Age or L'Âge mûr." She stated softly. "But it has had many names over the years according to the card." She said pointing to where the sculpture's information was.

"Destiny," Christopher remarked, running his eyes over the infocard. "Is that what's on your mind?"

“Destiny? Deities no… I have no preconceived notions of destiny.” Alexis assured quickly. She barely had an idea of her current life belt alone what her destiny could be. What possible destiny could a Security Officer have?

"Just the here-and-now. I get that. Very 'Alexis Agrax' of you." He smiled affably, shooting her a quick glance. "Look, uh, we've not had a chance to catch up in a while. I suppose you're wondering how much of what happened I can remember? The answer is plenty. And, well, I'm sorry about how it all went down."

Alexis centered herself and took in a big gulp of air as she turned to see him glancing at her and then back to the art work. “I know. Just because I never responded to your letters and videos does not mean I did not listen.” Alexis commented softly. “I know you are sorry but I have needed time to process and sulk.”

He nodded understanding. If there was one thing she was known for it was sulking and processing. "Yeah. Me too." He let the moment hang as he also recalled the time spent in 'recovery'. "Thanks, though. For listening, I mean."

Alexis stayed silent as she turned to the man and stepped forward grabbing him down to her in a hug pressing her small form against him. “Don’t you ever take the power of gods in your head ever again Commander.” She said quietly.

Surprised at the sudden - and slightly uncharacteristic - response from her, Christopher needed a moment to catch himself before putting an arm around her and giving her back a gentle pat. "In our line of work that's a little hard to promise. But, ah - I'll do my best?" he responded.

Alexis sighed as his slow response to the situation and then his words just frustrated her. “You are human and not built for it.” She said gently before she pulled back slowly and looked around checking that was no one was observing the pair, or at the very least no one she cared about.

With an affable grin, he watched her cautious glare at anyone who might look in their direction. "Neither are you, I suspect," he noted. "Honestly, I'm starting to worry about you now; giving out hugs and expressions of concern..."

Alexis sighed and turned away, folding her arms around herself and looking back at the art display. He was right; she was not acting like herself, and that was on her. She had also grown close to people, and that meant something to her. “I will be back to giving you hell soon enough, Sir.” She promised.

Oblivious to the conflict in her head, Christopher chuckled. "Well, that's a relief. I don't have anyone else quite qualified to keep me on my toes," he noted. "If it helps any, the Cosmos should be getting back out there soon, so you won't be quite so cooped-up on the starbase."

"I am sure one of the new department heads would be more than up to the challenge." She assured quickly. She was under no illusions that she was the only one on the ship who could keep him out of trouble. "I do not mind being on the base so much. It has given me time and space to get my fitness back as I am not exactly getting younger." She said quietly. She looked skinner than she had previously but not in an unhealthy way just leaner than her usual curvy self.

"Age is just a number," he remarked, recalling his his mother would say so. "You know this is the part where I am the one that keep you on your toes, right?"

“It might be a number to you but I still need to be able to fight people double my size.” She said quietly as she looked around the deck. “But I appreciate those thoughts though.” She assured him with a small smile.

He gave her a light pat on the shoulder. "Now then, we're not fighting anyone just yet. So for now, let's just try to keep our heads before the ship sallies-out, shall we?"

The woman shrugged. She very much had her head on her shoulders but she was always looking forward. "As you wish Sir." She said noticing someone waving to her across the promenarde and broke into a smile. "That is my date. I should go." She said looking at him unsure for a moment.

Christopher's eyebrows flicked upwards just slightly at the mention of a 'date', but he chose not to pry. "Of course. See you back on the ship?"

“Maybe.” Alexis said turning to rush over to where a man was waiting for her in grey tinged uniform. The man looked at Christopher confused before he turned his attention to the the woman who looped her arm through his and led him away.