Isolation

Posted on Fri May 6th, 2022 @ 2:57pm by Ensign 'John Smith' & Lieutenant Samantha Leyton

Mission: Mission 6 - Memory
Location: Mess Hall
Timeline: Day 294
1508 words - 3 OF Standard Post Measure

The day was repetitive on the ship. It was nothing like he had been through before, but the food was good and he did not mean what was on his plate in front of him. It was fate or serendipity for everything to happen to allow him to have seventy batteries to keep himself alive. “Good evening Lieutenant.” John said sitting down opposite the woman he had only seen in passing so far. He knew nothing about her yet other than she was the chief flight officer and first officer onboard. She would be a good person to get closer to.

Looking up from her meal, she looked at the man who greeted her. For a brief moment, she couldn't recall his name or having been aboard before his face and name came to her as she swallowed her bite of food. "Ah, hello Ensign Smith. How has your day been so far?" she grinned.

“Not too bad. I wanted to apologise for the shuttle. I fear it might have been my fault for scaring the crew with using the space suit I had. They warned me but I was insistent in trying it out.” He said honestly hoping that he apology would help the situation over the shuttle. He had not counted for that occurrence in the slightest in his eagerness for new food.

"It's fine for now but next time wear the authorized Atlantis issued EVA Suit," Samanatha spoke, though she didn't see how wearing a different suit would cause the shuttle incident as she had already spoken with Ensign Zhang who had taken responsibility for the accident. "Do you know why the science team wanted so many rock samples?"

“I would have thought you would be more willing for us to try out new ideas and equipment.” He said in a soothing tone as he watched her. “I do not I am afraid but it seems to have boosted the morale for the department so I am sure the Captain is happy for whatever can be done to boost there after such tragedies.” He had not been able to figure out yet why the science department had so few people but it was easy enough to pin everything on something having happened. It was not a great leap to assume.

"I am," she agreed. "However, I draw the line when it causes issues on a mission," she stated. She could remember when she would happily break rules just to get an adrenaline rush. However, she was now the XO of the Atlantis and she had to set an example for others. 'Damn you Captain for making me mature before I'm ready,' she thought jokingly, causing her to grin as she took another bite of food, chewing it and swallowing. "Not hungry? You haven't touched any of your food," she replied as she noticed him gazing at her.

The man offered a smile to her and nodded. “I am meant to be meeting William here eventually after he finishes so I am thinking I might wait for him before I tuck in. It’s only a sandwich so it will keep. What about your food good?” He wondered not sure about the way these humans processed food. It was certainly a more unique experience but it was just that an experience to him thy did not leave him overly sated.

"Yes, the food has been far better since Kyle has become the chef," she was so thankful Kyle knew how to cook. The flavor and texture of the meals were far better than the food from the resequencers. "So what are you meeting Gerhard for if I may ask?"

“I have heard many people say that. I like to think I have blocked the memory of the food before our.” He agreed with a nod. He had not met the man yet but he knew to everyone that they were long time friends. “It is boys night. We meet often for dinner.” John ventured.

"Boys night, huh? That can't be much fun stuck on the ship," Samantha commented with a grin. She would love to be able to visit a civilized planet for shore leave.

“We make it work. What friendship is all about afterall? We have known each other a long time.” He said simply. It was easy to fall into a friendship when someone’s mind made it work for him. Some humans were smarter than most and fill in the blanks he created.

"Really?" Samantha wondered. She hadn't recalled Gerhard mentioning him before, but it was likely due to the fact that the two rarely hung out outside of duty hours. "Did you know each other before Starfleet?"

The man smoothed back his blonde hair and nodded. "We were on the Johannesburg when I was flight control before I got hurt when we got lost out here." He said gently weaving the lie that had been created by Gerhard. "So yes really." He grinned at her. "How are you really doing Samantha? You do not quite seem yourself." He pried trying to get under her skin as he could tell she was more stubborn than a lot of the crew.

"I'm as good as can be, all things considering," she lied. Every day was a constant reminder that they were stranded a lifetime away from Earth, added to the stress of becoming XO. But it was a face she had to put up in order to try to keep up morale aboard the ship.

"You are lying." The man said simply. It was easy to see her frustration, it was written all over her face. "Talk to me." He suggested kindly wanting to hear around it.

She paused for a moment as she attempted to collect herself, taking the moment to take another bite of her food and swallow it. She hated talking about her feelings, especially to those she didn't know well--even if they were the ship's Morale Officer. "Well," she began with a sigh. "It's just that there is alot of stress and responsibility placed on me. I suppose I am just afraid of failing the captain and the crew."

"Of course it is. You are young compared to the rest of the senior team but surely you would not be in the place you are if you do not have the skill." John said with a pointed look. "I have never seen a moment where you are not the best person for the job. How do you destress?" He wondered. Everyone had to have a way to destress and forget about the day.

"Mostly just take a walk throughout the ship, exercise, or watch old Earth television programming and movies," she commented.
The old 20th Century shows titled Friends always made her laugh and was one of her favorites. She had luckily brought along a collection of vintage programming stored on data disks.

“By yourself?” He asked. It sounded like she did them all alone. It could be why she seemed so easy to get to talk now he was in her presence. Now she started he did it want her to stop when what she was offering was useful.

"Yeah, alone," she replied, thinking that Smith would have had an idea by now that she did many things alone. Sure, she would still talk to various crew that she met throughout her day, but she never really hung out with anyone--not anymore anyhow.

“Why so alone?” He offered. “Many people who would like to spend time with you.” He reminded confused by the isolation.

She looked at him for a moment. She was sure that he would have been aware of her and Aurelius' relationship--it was odd that he wasn't, she thought as the small headache seemed to get worse for only a moment before returning to a dull ache. "Losing someone close to you tends to make you want to keep others at an arm's length. Especially in my position."

“I did not know you lost anyone. And there is no reason to keep people at arm's length, Samantha. Everyone needs something or someone.” He said simply leaning back into his chair looking at her. “Should come to karaoke.” He suggested.

"Definitely not," she grinned with a slight shake of her head. "I'm not singing in public," she took the last bite of her food.

The man shook his head and sighed. Someone should not isolate themselves so much. "The Captain is coming along so is the doctor and armoury chief." He tempted before he realised how late it was getting and he had not yet found William.

"Sorry to disappoint but no, I'm not singing, no matter who is in attendance," she affirmed with certainty, offering a small smile. She then spotted Gerhard enter the mess hall. "Well, your friend is here. I'll leave you boys to it. Have a good night, Ensign Smith," she grabbed her tray and stood.

“Goodnight Lieutenant Leyton.” Smith said watching her until William sat down across from him.