<USS Avalon> "What To Do" by Ensign Cate

"What To Do" 
Written by Ensign Lyryn Cate
 
It was a silent trek back to their room.  Both Lyryn and James were mulling 
over all that the Admiral had said.  At least they had been offered choices.  
Now the problem was figuring out what to do.
 
As soon as they entered the room, Lyryn began to go through her workout that 
she had skipped.  Her mind was not clear and the best way to clear it was to 
workout and meditate.  James knew better than to interrupt her.  He had a lot 
of his own to think through anyway.
 
He felt the fool for the way things had gone last night.  Not only had he 
cried, but he had confessed all the feelings that he had skillfully been 
hiding.  And she had rejected him.  Words couldn't even express how terribly 
that it hurt.  
 
He had fallen for Lyryn the first time he saw her.  Granted it wasn't love, but 
there was something about her that just drew his attention.  Perhaps it was her 
diminuative size, but such air of confidence that she just seemed to own a room 
when she walked into it.  And it wasn't in a cocky way, either.  She smiled and 
it made you feel as though you were already her friend.  He wondered why she 
didn't choose to have more friends than what she did.  
 
He had made inquiries about her around the Tempest to get her name and duty 
station.  He found out that she was an excellent commander and most of her 
subordinates loved her.  Yet she was quiet, often keeping to herself.  He saw 
her in the galley one evening reading a book, drinking a glass of wine.  He 
commented on the book and it was instant friendship.  She was as lovely up 
close as from afar.  They had been friends for almost a year and he realised 
that he loved her.  Apparently, she hadn't even considered him a very dear 
friend.  That hurt more than he could ever tell her.
 
James just didn't understand why she was so independent.  He knew that she had 
been shuffled around a lot as a child, perhaps never getting to form close 
ties, but she seemed content to be alone.  He looked at her graceful movements 
as she went through the martial exercises.  Could he leave her?  Could he 
choose a different path?  Or should he torture himself everyday with the sight 
of her, wondering if he'd ever be more to her than just pleasant conversation 
over wine?  It was hard to think of contenting himself with her friendship, but 
he would if he must.  
 
He then made his decision.  He was staying here at Starfleet Intelligence.  If 
Lyryn chose to stay with him he would be happy, but he wasn't going to waste 
the rest of his life pining away for his 'friend'.  He loved her, but he also 
needed to let go.
 
                                       **//V//**
 
Lyryn pushed through her workout, gracefully following the movements that she 
knew so very well.  It was the easiest way for her to think.  Well, not think 
at all, actually.  When faced with an important decision, it was easiest just 
to clear her mind and let the decision come to her.  It had always worked in 
the past.
 
Finishing the workout, she toweled her face and took up her customary lotus 
position in the floor.  She cleared her mind and fell into her trance.  It was 
such a peaceful place - a special place where only she could venture, when she 
could be anything and everything she chose to.  Lyryn envisioned herself living 
upon some secluded island, having nothing productive to do.  Her mind quickly 
skipped to seeing herself in an SI uniform.  It was pleasing.  However, the 
thought of staying planet-side didn't really sit well, even if it was 
Earth-That-Was.  She had spent most her life on the go, from planet to planet, 
ship to ship, training to training.  However, a higher rank did appeal.  It 
wasn't that she couldn't take commands, it's just that she was used to being 
the one giving them.  One more adjustment.
 
Then she thought of Skyler.  The one person who she most likely deserved 
friendship from, but it was there.  A real friendship that she was pretty sure 
would stand the test of time.  And Skyler had done so much for her.  To walk 
out on her now would be something of an insult.  And Lyryn really liked the 
Avalon.  She had read so many wonderful things about it - and it's commanders 
(though she didn't recall a Captain Flubb).  It would be difficult, but she 
wanted to stay on the Avalon.
 
She wondered which James would choose, though she figured it would most likely 
be the Intell job, she was truly hoping that he would go with her.
 
                                          **//V//**
 
At 18:30 promtly, Lyryn and James stood outside the Admiral's Dining Facility.  
Their guide had, of course, been right on time.
 
They entered and were greeted warmly by the Admiral.  The were seated and 
immediately served.  The trio shared wine and fine conversation over salads 
(which Lyryn was really going to miss) and a most delicious entree.  When 
dessert arrived, James and Lyryn both experienced the taste of fresh 
strawberries for the first time.  It was a highly enjoyable evening, though all 
parties involved knew that it would be a difficult one to end.
 
The Admiral finally cleared his throat, signalling that it was time for their 
decisions to be announced.
 
"Ms. Cate, Mr. Maturin, I assume you have reached your decisions."
 
"Indeed, Admiral," James was quick to respond.  "I have decided to take your 
offer for a job here.  I appreciate it highly and look forward to working for 
you."
 
Lyryn blinked in slight surprise.  After all, she had expected it, but was 
shocked over how quickly that he answered.  Regaining her composure quickly, as 
usual, she then responded,
 
"And I shall rejoin the crew of the Avalon," she told the Admiral, deliberately 
not looking at James.  She was afraid that she would cry.
 
"I must say that I am disappointed not to have the opportunity to work with 
you, but I also envy your chance to sail with the Avalon.  She is a fine ship," 
he grinned.  "I shall make the arrangements," he said by way of dismissal.
 
James and Lyryn made a silent trek once again back to their suite.
 




                
---------------------------------
Do you Yahoo!?
Friends.  Fun. Try the all-new Yahoo! Messenger

Other related posts: