Loved And Lovelorn

Posted on Tue Sep 22nd, 2020 @ 8:12am by Gunnery Sergeant Flarn
Edited on on Fri Sep 25th, 2020 @ 8:23pm

1,236 words; about a 6 minute read

Mission: Episode 10 - New Home, Same Pioneers
Location: After 11 - Deck 11 - USS Pioneer
Timeline: MD009 1930 hrs

Jayden was late meeting up with Flarn. He hadn't seen him since their wrestling match, the one that he had won, much to the surprise of both of them. Jayden had a feeling that a lot of it was due to Flarn's having had a lot more to drink than him but he would never admit it and it had forged a friendship between the two of them.

He headed in and saw Flarn sitting at the bar and headed over, sitting down on the barstool next to him. After ordering a drink, he turned and smiled at Flarn. "My apologies. The chief added a few things to my schedule last minute and I ended up working a little late."

"No apologies needed friend Jayden. Never apologize for life." Flarn began and the Tellarite zeal for life was on full display. "So I am guessing you have been pretty busy with the installation of the QSD and all. Not much for us jar heads when the technical stuff is being done."

“I have,” Jayden nodded. “It is always something.” He grinned. “I am sure they keep you busy with training and such.”

Flarn grunted in response to the training question. To the Tellarite it seemed that all they did was train. The few ops that they did go on recently really helped to keep his spirits up. However, he wished there were more. "Now that is enough work talk..." Flarn smiled although on a Tellarite a smile was often scary to look at. "...You know that this ship is not that large and rumors travel quickly even reaching as far as the Snake Pit. So tell me about this lady of yours from Engineering."

“Clarissa,” Jayden smiled. “She is the most beautiful woman on the ship. Smart, funny and has a mind of her own.” He took a drink from his glass. “And I am the lucky man she chose.”

"Yes but you should realize that it is she who is lucky as well. It has been my experience that very often humans belittle themselves, especially when it comes to relationships. One must realize that partners are equal, she is lucky to have you and you to have her. But I must say that I am happy for you my friend." Flarn clapped Jayden on the back and took a sip of his drink. The Tellarite rejoiced in his friendship, as he did not have many friends.

“She feels the same way,” Jayden said with a smile. “You are right, too often there tends to be one who needs the power and control over the other.” He looked at Flarn. “We are an even match.” His eyes lit up. “What about you? Any interest in someone on board?”

Flarn laughed so hard his stomach shook at the notion of a mate. "I am afraid there is no lady of stout enough heart for me aboard this vessel. However, some day I hope to find someone. For now I am married to the Corps like the rest of The Cure. Very curious what these Romulans will have in store for us."

“You will,” Jayden grinned. “And she will be a lucky woman as well.” He paused as he thought about the Romulans. “Any speculation on what they may be up to?”

"One never knows friend Jayden... One never knows... They play their cards the closest. But what I do know is that there are two main factions in their area of space, and the Corps has learned of a new race of people. The Jutrai, apparently they are space faring and have been known to the Romulans for many years. But are now coming to the forefront. I just hope that they legitimately want peace this time." Flarn replied and then took a rather large slug from his drink. "How about you? What kind of strange things do you think the Romulans are up to?"

“Between us,” Jayden replied. “I think they are split. Some want peace and to perserve their race while the others are laying low while they make a plan to stand against us.” He shook his head. “I could be wrong, I hope I am.”

"Peace with the Romulans in and of itself is a scary thought. But I would chose it over the alternative..." Flarn took a gulp of his drink. "...No matter what happens I am sure that there will not be much use for The Cure this mission. Romulans are not typically the fighting type."

“There may not be,” Jayden murmured. “But we all feel better knowing that The Cure is there should we need them.”

Flarn appriciated the sentiment and nodded. "So does this Clarissa of yours have any friends?" Flarn asked. There was a tone a in his voice that he was both kidding and serious at the same time. Jayden had touched a nerve without realizing it. That nerve was Flarn's loneliness.

"You mean a stout woman," Jayden replied with a nod. "I don't know but I will do some stealth work without her even knowing I am trying to find out." He felt for his friend. Everyone should have somebody.

"Excellent friend Jayden..." Flarn said and then ordered another round of drinks for both of them. "...It can be very hard for a Tellarite to find a partner not on the homeworld. But that is enough about being sad. Now we drink." He smiled and sipped the drink in front of him. Flarn like Jayden well enough, but was finding it hard to make a conversation. Social skills were not one of a Tellarite's stronger suits.

“What do you want in a woman,” Jayden asked him. “I know it doesn’t always happen that we end up with our perfect description but some ideas is helpful.”

Flarn swigged his drink. He was a little uncomfortable with the conversation. But he brought it on himself. "In truth I have always found redheaded human females attractive. There is just something about them, an air if you will. She has to be strong-willed or it simply would never work."

“A strong willed redhead,” “Jayden grinned. “She is likely to have a temper as well, at least that is what I have always heard.”

Flarn grunted... "The stronger temper the better. You know my people." He paused to sip his drink. "You are a good friend Jayden. Of course if you reveal my loneliness to anyone I will have to break your arms."

“I wouldn’t tell a soul,” Jayden replied quickly. “And not because of your threat. Brotherhood demands these kind of secrets be kept between us!” He took a drink from his glass. “You can trust me!”

Flarn smiled as he thought about what he had been taught during boot about the Fleet. It was always something about how Fleet officers could not be trusted. They were not like the Corps, not brothers at arms. However, Jayden is different. "Yes friend Jayden I can trust you and you can trust me my friend. Now how about a rematch.."

Jayden grinned. He put his arm on the table, waiting for Flarn to do the same.

A Joint Post By

Ensign Jayden Robertson
Operations Officer, USS Pioneer

Staff Sergeant Flarn
Rifle Fire Team 1 Leader, USS Pioneer

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