Caught between the Past and the Future

Posted on Fri Jan 3rd, 2020 @ 8:35pm by Chief Helmsman Eden Bowers & Jasper Offermans

Mission: Mission 10 - Temperance
Location: Ships Bar
Timeline: MD- 11
707 words - 1.4 OF Standard Post Measure

ON:

Jasper sat at the bar with a drink in one hand and running the fingers of the other through his blonde hair. He was leaning folder with the edge of his arms touching the bar, his eyes set straight ahead and glazed a little and not from the logger he was nursing that sat just in front of him.

Entering the bar after getting Stan settled in Eden glanced around. She had been of the mind to just sit down and think about everything that had happened lately but then she saw Jasper sitting alone. She knew things had not gone well with Cassie so Eden headed toward him, placing an arm on him as she sat down. "Hi Jasper. Do you mind if I join you?" As she was already sitting down she was pretty sure he would not refuse. "You look like you could use company."

"Sure," Jasper chuckled offering the long-haired woman a smile, "can I get you something to drink?"

"Hmm, I think just a hot chocolate." Eden turned to face him. "So how are you? I know what happened or didn't happen with Cassie could not have been easy. Want to talk about it?"

Jasper nodded at the bartender who went to go make the desired cup of cocoa and then turned towards Eden, "I've been better, just feeling out of place I guess." He took a sip from his drink and set it down on the counter, "it's like I'm stuck between my past and my future."

"How so?" Eden asked leaning slightly toward him and giving Jasper her full attention. To her that meant that he couldn't move forward but assuming things was never a smart idea, especially when it came to people's hearts.

"Finding our little ghost ship and the possibility of having to leave the Mary Rose," Jasper began looking down at his drink for a moment, "has really got me thinking, too much probably, but it was easy, I guess, just stepping into the job here, the same ship and department at least." He looked back up at Eden and took a breath, "it's hard enough waking up after being asleep for a hundred years I guess but you would think by now I could move on a bit, feel like I somehow belong, but I don't, I feel stuck in that image of me as an Ensign in Starfleet, I guess in some ways I still am."

"I understand completely. I felt the same way for a while and then I met someone. He kind of changed my attitude. But, if it's not love you're looking for, you could always join Starfleet again. It might require some new training but I'm sure they would accept you. Your skills would be invaluable. Think of all that you've seen and done. No one alive today would have the same knowledge that you do."

"I don't want back into Starfleet," Jasper replied shaking his head, "that much is certain, "but I do like the sound of my skills being invaluable, though I somehow doubt that." He grinned and chuckled a little, "but a bit of romance in my life probably wouldn't hurt, I just know Cassie isn't ready for anything like that just yet."

"Hmm," Eden said watching him carefully. Perhaps that is where she should begin. She glanced around the room for any sign of any women looking their direction and pondered who might be a good match for Jasper. "That is something I might be able to help you with. In the meantime, of course your skills are valuable, no matter where you are. You're an intelligent person Jasper, you have a lot to bring to the table."

"Well thank you," Jasper replied with a smile, "I know I'm not dumb, just feeling a bit awkward, lost my mojo sort of thing."

"I'll help you get it back." Eden said sincerely and determinedly. "Enjoy your drink, I need to work on something. I'll see you later Jasper." she got up and wandered off without further explanation.

"Now what have I gotten myself into," Jasper said chuckling to himself."

OFf:

Jasper Offerman
Operations
SS Mary Rose

Eden Bowers
Chief Helmsman
SS Mary Rose