Surprise!

Posted on Sunday 21 March 2021 @ 21:05 by Lieutenant JG Zoey Hawkins

Mission: A Cry from the Darkness
Location: The Round Table
Timeline: After Department Head Meeting
1927 words - 3.9 OF Standard Post Measure

Mathias could still scarcely believe that Zoey was here, in fact this was rather unexpected. When the meeting had come to an end, he caught up to her. "Never thought I'd see you this soon. And on a ship, this ship!"

When she had sat down for the meeting and seen Mathias across the table she was very surprised! Once the meeting was over she made small talk with a few of the other department heads, introductions before losing sight of him, when he did catch up to her she smiled, "Mathias! I did not know you were on this ship, or actually where you had been stationed. Why are you not the head of the science department?"

"Well, I was the head of the science department, but decided that I needed to change departments. I felt the call to go into Operations. Want to grab a coffee and do some catching up? I would hate to be the obstacle and keep people from moving about freely." Mathias had a rather delighted smile.

Zoey laughed, "Yes I would love to grab a coffee. I can not tell you how much I miss your sisters and their tea right now." Grinning as she followed him to the lounge. Getting their drinks and sitting at a table. "What made you change? Are you the head of Operations now?"

Mathias chuckled warmly at the mention of his sisters. "I do miss their teas as well, and don't forget their pastries. Those are so good." then taking a sip of his coffee. "I am Chief of Operations, and as for my saying felt the call to go into ops, I also felt it was a good decision. I am a bit of a working with my hands sort of man. I can fix things besides working in the sciences. Who would have thought, my transferring to Operations would bring about you coming to the ship, this ship to be chief of science. The Universe certainly has been proving that there are many surprises in store. And so far, I have had quite a few surprises. Some were nice and some were... difficult." he didn't go further on that point. Instead he shifted to her.

"What about you? You are finally on a ship and not on the star base. What do you think so far?"

"It is exciting, although so much different than the Starbase. A little slower paced it seems. I have to admit I never thought I would get this position. I mean head of the Science department so early in my career. But I could not pass up the opportunity to throw my hat in the ring when I saw it was open. I will miss a few things, but I thought the trade off would be exciting. I can not wait to dive in and see what everyone is working on. I hope I will not drown in reports that need to be filled out." Raising her cup to take a sip of her tea. "I can not wait to tell your sisters we are on the same ship."

Tilting her head to look at him, "You know if you need to talk or vent I will always be open to listen."

Mathias gave a smile. "I will tell you at some point, I'm still trying to process it, myself. And will probably talk to you about it in a more private area. There were some delicate issues that had come up. I also have the report in my files for the science department of what went on." he took a sip of his coffee, then stated, "I am sure my sisters are going to be excited about our being here on the same ship. They might even want to ask you for news about me."

Zoey laughed "Of course they are going to ask me to tell them about you. Maybe I should have you keep a daily journal so I can not miss anything to tell them. *sipping her tea* I have not gone though any reports. I think it would feel weird to me to read about you. I'd rather let you tell me in your own time unless it is going to effect how I do things in my department. *reaching over she touched his hand and gave it a little squeeze* I am a friend that will always have time and an ear for you to how they say, Bend?"

"I guess it would be weird reading about me, and yes I will tell you, and not bend your ear too much." Mathias smiling. "That would hurt." giving Zoey a wink. "I don't think it will affect how you do things in your department. Honestly, I think I didn't get to warm the chair in the Science lab too much. I do still plan on doing things in a science basis, but will make certain I won't get in your way. Or maybe we can even collaborate on a project or two."

"I would totally like to collaborate on a few projects. Just think of the endless possibilities! And please, you are my friend, my ear is all yours to bend. Now tell me the best foods to get on the ship. You know I am always hungry!" Laughing, as she brought her cup up for a sip of tea.

"They do have good food here, even though it is food from the replicator. Whomever had programmed the machine had done rather well. The flavors are really good, so whatever you wish to eat, you can definitely expect a good meal. Still honestly, I do prefer food made from real ingredients, I really can't complain what I've eaten here previously."

A waiter came over and asked if they wanted anything eat, and if so what would they like to order.

Mathias thought over what he'd like then stated. "Lasagna, with a side salad, and for dessert, berry pie ala mode with a scoop of vanilla ice cream on the top. And would you bring me some hot water please in a teapot?"

The waiter nodded then looked at Zoey to see what she would like.

"I'd love a chicken caesar salad, bread and butter and a piece of pecan pie for dessert. And some sweet tea. Thank you so much." Smiling at the waiter then looking at Mathias, "That's one of the reasons I miss seeing my father. I swear he is the best cook. I did find out he is finally getting remarried. I adore his fiancé. She is a year or two younger than he, and just the sweetest thing."

"That is fantastic news!" Mathias exclaimed, " And I do miss my sisters cooking. Along with my mom's cooking."

He thanked the waiter and the waiter went off to get their order put in. When he left, Mathias looked at Zoey, "So, have you left any broken hearts behind at the Space Station?" giving a bit of a smile, when he asked that.

Zoey laughed, "That would be a hard no. I am awkward, shy and a bookworm. I am not good at the dating thing. I seem to be friend zoned very quickly. My father brought up the dreaded "grandchildren" conversation, I told him I would get him a nice plant." She smirked. "What about you? Keeping romance secrets from your sisters? You can share, I won't tell."

Mathias sucked in a brief bit of air then let it out slowly, before he answered. "I do have a possible romance, and also had found myself in a bit of a sticky situation. It involved an ambassador, a girl and then a former crush." He put up his hand and began to mark the sequence down as he stated. "1. Merlin came into contact with beings who had sent a whale probe years ago to Earth. 2. An ambassador was offered and the only thing that could be done was have a host body to do so. Hence Sansa the captain's daughter. 3. I ended up being the defacto diplomatic escort. Said ambassador started having feelings towards me, she kissed me whilst being in the body of someone who had a love interest herself. 4. I nixed that development said ambassador has someone waiting for her on her world. I do not poach. 5. New Host person came and there was a switch, and another thing, said new host was a girl I had a crush on when I was thirteen. I hadn't seen her since then. So now we have ambassador who really likes me plus new host who has feelings for me still and I didn't know that she had. 6. there is a woman whom I really really like and I do not want anything happening to mess what I hope is going to be a good relationship. So I told former crush and ambassador I did not feel comfortable as to what they wanted to do. It just didn't feel right. I wasn't going do something ungentlemanly to them at all."

He stopped and looked at Zoey. "I was in a messy situation."

Zoey shook her head, "Oh goodness Mathias, I am not sure I even have the right words to, well anything. I know you are a very kind and sweet man and would never do anything ungentlemanly. You always take care of others, and worry about other's feelings." Reaching out she patted his hand "And you, are doing alright with this right now?"

Mathias gave a soft smile, "I am beginning to be alright. The woman I am interested in, we had an outing together, it was wonderful. And you are now here, makes it even more stupendous."

The waiter arrived just after Mathias made his comment, stopping a short distance away and proceeded to place their meals, and drinks on the table in front of them.

"Thank you." Mathias said to him,

The waiter smiled, "You're welcome."

When he was done, the waiter left, leaving Mathias and Zoey free to talk more.

"Now you know my deep dark secret of what's been happening." Mathias stated, with a bit of a smirk. "I am sure my sisters will be thrilled to hear what's been happening with their big brother."

Finishing her meal she pushed the plate back and wiped her hands with the napkin. "I promise to report back to them, and throw in some juicy non-believable tidbits" Zoey laughed "I will let them know you are doing well and if they want more they will just have to bug you about them." Glancing at the time "Oh Dear, I need to get finished checking in my office. Can we do lunch in a few days? I am sure I will be asking for a few suggestions since you know the department"

Mathias laughed and nodded, "Yes and will be rather amusing to hear what they have to say in answer." he too glanced at the time. "It was great to catch up Zoey and yes lunch in a few days sounds great. Glad you noticed the time, I've got to go take care of some business as well. I'll see you around, Sis." rising up from his chair. It was something he had started doing back on the Station, calling her sis, as well she seemed like a sister to him.



●● Lieutenant Mathias McPhee
Chief Operations Officer
USS Merlin


○● Lieutenant JG Zoey Hawkins
Chief Science Officer
USS Merlin