Well kept boats

Posted on Sat Jul 29th, 2017 @ 7:02pm by

Mission: Mission 4 - Combustion
Location: shuttle bay
Timeline: MD-6
1201 words - 2.4 OF Standard Post Measure

ON:

Braden once he had taken care of the business of getting situated wandered by instinct and desire to the shuttlebay. He had an lifelong love of small boats. something about the isolation and closeness to space endeared him to piloting, or even being a passenger. He walked among the shuttles in the bay and noted how well kept they were. Whomever was in charge of them was likely a kindred spirit, caring for the shuttles as if they were living beings. It made him feel good to see the shuttles well maintained. He was getting a feel for the ship and was looking forward to meeting more of the crew. He saw a woman with long dark hair and bright blue eyes turn facing him and nodded "I am a new crew member here. Braden MacCloud." He offered his hand to shake with a mildly nervous smile. "I see you care well for your shuttles here."

"Well, hello, mate." she smiled, shaking his head as she ran her fingers through her raven locks. "They're my babies." she smirked as she looked to her boats. She loved her ships, perhaps more than else anything in her life. Her ships were uncomplicated and black and white. You either go, standby or stop. Flying was natural to her; she went where ever the her heart yearned to explore. She flew by pure instinct, trying only her gut..."Amelia Harkness. Welcome aboard. You like them? Ever take one for a spin?" she asked with a playful wink. He was cute, a little broad and on the scruffy side, but cute all the same. If she wasn't completely in love with Jeassaho...well, that was a different story entirely.

"May I call you Amelia? I am Braden if you like." He caressed the skin of the nearer shuttle "I would love to if you ever need an extra pilot." He smiled turning from the shuttle to her "that is if you trust an x-fighter pilot with one of them? I promise I never made a scratch during launch or recovery and I landed in some mighty rough spots time to time. I really would be grateful for the chance to fly time to time. Something about these small boats that makes being a pilot sort of like breathing fresh air."

Amelia looked him over intently, flashing him a winning smile "Of course, mate. No worries." she replied with her thick Australian accent. "Ex-fighter pilot, eh? You've got a story, I can smell it." she responded with a chuckle "I see your admiration for these boats from a mile away; I'd be happy to let you off for a spin. You speak from the heart..." she smirked as she felt the side of one of her ships "They're beautiful, aren't they?" she asked softly as she trailed the tips of her fingers along the side. "Well, Braden...tell me about yourself. Where ya from? And what brought you here to Rosie?" she smiled brightly as she gently leaned against the ship.

"Everyone has a story Amelia. Mine is not so bad. I grew up in wandering the wilderness with my parents. They were archaeologist, as much interested in the dead as my kid brother and me. So they hired a Vulcan hybrid x-marine as our nanny. He taught us survival, hunting, fishing, and how to fight among more traditional schooling. We were on planet near the Badlands, Cardassian space. Just me and my brother survived. I was sixteen and he was thirteen."

Braden made eye contact "Have you ever heard of a savant? My brother was one, he was a genius. We both went to live with our grandparents after the attack. We went to college to sort of follow in our parents path. Then things sort of happened? I went to the marines and he continued in school. I was on the Romulan border, the unit I was with was escorting Romulan refugees out of a war torn area. Feuding Romulan Warlords. I was in the thick of a lots of action and yet my brother got himself killed at a dig site. So I resigned got a civie job. I was alone for a long time, then I decided I should rejoin humanity. This was my first choice. I like old ships." Braden smiled "but I love these small boats."

Amelia nodded as Braden spoke. She remembered hearing about the attack. Shaking her head, she gulped "Oye, I'm sorry to hear about your family, mate. Myself, I just have a father battling his demons...well, not really. And an aunt that cannot come to terms that I wanted to be in space all the time. Man's job, apparently." she sighed "You sound like you've been just about everywhere, like me." she smirked happily "I love this ship. Yeah, Rosie isn't new by any means, but they don't build them like they used to. Rosie has character, she's got spunk. I can feel her shift as I shift. We've become one as soon as I grab the gears. She saved me." she grinned happily "You speak of a savant as your brother, yet the man I see before me...you are the same..." she replied as she made eye contact right back to him.

"I could only wish I had my brother's talents. I am not without my own gifts though. He was never as good hands on as I am. Even if he could see how it all work together, he was a bit clutzy." Braden smiled at the memories and then his expression grew thoughtful as he realized that was the first time he smiled at the thought of his brother size the man's death. He made eye contact with Amelia "anyway it is time for me to rejoin the Galaxy and this seemed a good ship to join. I think the Captain here is the type to run a tight ship. That matters when mistakes can lead to death real fast. I also look forward to helping you with your shuttles here if you would be willing to let me."

"Aye, Cap'n is a good man. I trust the Russian with my life. He's incredibly loyal and knows what he's doing. You've chosen the right ship, mate." She smiled warmly "Thank you for sharing with me. Perhaps we can chat later and I'll tell ya about my family...over drinks. Actually, drinks would be required in this case." She sighed into a chuckle "Any time you want to take the wheel, let me know and I'll get with ya. No trouble at all, mate." She grinned gently as she stood up straight "Pleasure to meet ya, Braden. Again, welcome aboard." She winked playfully.

Braden nodded "I will do that, I may be back sooner then later. I will look for you to hear your story as well, I will buy if you talk." Braden laughed and waved as he left the bay.

"Ha! Sounds like the perfect plan, mate! I'll see you around." Amelia laughed as she finished the polish on her last ship...

OFF:

Braden MacCloud
Chief Science
S.S. Mary Rose

Amelia Harkness
Shuttle Pilot
SS Mary Rose

 

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