You Made It
Posted on Tue Mar 17th, 2020 @ 2:26pm by
Edited on on Tue Mar 17th, 2020 @ 11:42pm
1,031 words; about a 5 minute read
Mission:
Episode 9 - Empok's End
Location: Mess Hall USS Tianlong
Timeline: MD002 0700 hrs
Jack had a restless night, barely getting any rest. He knew it was concern for the crew but also that he needed to let go, he had to be there for the crew.
He had promised to meet up with Elloma for breakfast in the morning. Actually he had asked and she had said she would see. He Jack hoped she showed.
"You made it." Elloma said, as she motioned for him to join her at table she was sitting down at. She was not sure he was going to show up.
Jack sat down. “I was looking forward to meeting you this morning.” He looked over at her. “I had a rough night, tossed and turned a bit.”
"How come?" Elloma asked, the security officer in her was starting to come out.
“I think it was all we went through,” Jack confessed. “It is a lot to process. The loss of the station and everyone’s pain.”
"Remember your training, and you will be fine." Elloma said, knowing that was a bs line, designed to keep people empathetic versus sympathetic.
“Nothing really trains you for this,” Jack replies. “I mean I am putting myself in counseling mode but reactions are normal.”
"Is that why you wanted to meet me, to psychoanalyze me?" Elloma asked, hoping he was going to say no.
“No,” Jack shook his head. “Sorry, I didn’t mean to sound that way at all.” He smiled wanly. “I wanted to meet you because I want to get to know you.”
Elloma was not sure what is real motives were. She hoped he was being truthful, but he was a counselor. She kept that in mind, when she listened to his answer. "Why?" Elloma asked, what did he want to know?
“Well for one,” Jack said quietly. “With all we have been through I feel we have a connection. Also, I like you. I want to get to know you.”
"Is this really the appropriate time." Elloma asked, with a concerned look on her face.
“For us to start a friendship,” Jack shook his head. “I don’t think so. If there is more the rest will come at an later time.”
"The rest?" Elloma said, wondering why he would think, they're would be more between them. She had given him no suggestion, that she was interested in him.
“I just meant that I want to be friends,” Jack explained. “And if things get more serious at some point they will and if not we will be friends.”
"All you men have one thing in common, typical." Elloma said, as she did not buy a word he said.
“See that is the problem with women,”’Jack returned. “You put us in a box as all the same. It is true we all like sex but some of us want a relationship and love as well. What is wrong with me being honest to admit I am attracted to you?”
"Blaming the woman, wow Jack. Real Classy." Elloma said, as she stood up to walk away. She was very annoyed at his bull shit he was spilling to her.
“Elloma please sit down,” Jack said apologetically. “I didn’t mean to offend. Please.”
Elloma rolled her eyes, as she turned around. "What?" She asked defensively. He had to know, she was not going to sleep with him.
“I didn’t mean to upset you,”’Jack apologized. “I am not wanting to be friends for sex. I was trying to be
"A man that says he wants to be your friend, and not for sex, is typically just looking for sex. Why hide who you are, just be honest, and be yourself. Don't sugar coat things. Honesty is the true way to winning a ladies heart. Hopefully you do." Elloma pointed out to Jack.
"All men want sex," Jack replied evenly. "I am not looking for it with you tonight. Or tomorrow. I don't know where we are headed at this point we have just become friends." His eyes met hers. "And I am being honest. I am attracted to you but I also know that we've all been through hell."
"Honesty, is a good thing. Why would I want to consider you as a sexual partner?" Elloma asked, deciding to get the elephant in the room, out of he way. This was his chance to tank or succeed. Depending on how he answered.
“Because I don’t play games,” Jack replied. “I am honest, trustworthy, will respect you and we are attracted to each other.”
"We are?" Elloma said, wondering what wrong signals she was sending off. Or did Nassie say something, playing a joke on her? Elloma was surprised by his comment.
“Okay,” Jack murmured. “Maybe I read you wrong then and it is one sided. We can still be friends, I won’t mention it again.”
He did not read her wrong, she did find him attractive. She was just not ready to admit it. She wanted to get to know him better. In a mono tone voice, she said. "Friends is acceptable."
Jack smiled. “We can meet for breakfast in the morning? You name the time and place and I will be there.”
"As friends its not a date, Jack." Elloma pointed out to him. But who was she kidding, it was practically a date.
“Of course,” Jack nodded. “Friends meeting for breakfast. I look forward to it.” He was taking baby steps with her, she seemed to be very cautious and with all they had been through who blamed her.
"Okay, tomorrow moring 0700 hours to early for you?" Elloma asked, as she waited to hear his response.
“Not at all,” Jack murmured. “I look forward to it.” He hoped she didn’t take that as pushy because it wasn’t intended that way.
"Okay, tomorrow it is." Elloma said, as the scene starts to fade away.
A Joint Post By
Lieutenant Junior Grade Elloma Essu
Assistant Chief Security/Tactical Officer, Empok Nor
Lieutenant Junior Grade Jack Smith
Chief Counselor, Empok Nor
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