Wolf In Sheep's Clothing

Posted on Thu May 5th, 2022 @ 1:40pm by Ensign 'John Smith' & Commander William Gerhard
Edited on on Thu May 5th, 2022 @ 1:44pm

Mission: Mission 6 - Memory
Location: Mess Hall - E Deck
Timeline: Day 294 18:00
1146 words - 2.3 OF Standard Post Measure

John sat there for a long time after the Executive Officer had left in the middle of the mess call just savouring the emotions and energy that the room created that he nearly missed as someone sat in front of him and spoke. He could joy remember what the man who had named him John Smith so he defaulted to admitting a half truth about where he had been in his head.

“I was thinking.” He explained in his strange twang. “I was a long way away.” He added quickly sitting up straighter from the almost drunk euphoria he was experiencing.

William had entered the mess hall and spotted John sitting by himself, that strange look on his face again. He grabbed a mug of tea and pulled a chair at the table out and sat. "Yeah, well we've seen what happens when you think," he said taking a sip from his mug. He registered a slight pressure behind his forehead, but it was not nearly what he had experienced earlier. After passing through decon, Avira had given him a dose of ibuprofen. "You know it doesn't exactly look good that the second officer's friend is cavorting around on away missions in alien space suits," he said giving the man an raised eyebrow.

“Oh stop it. You have been going on about that for days. I was testing it out as requested by the Captain. She did not say not to use it on an away mission nor did she say to use it but you know I might have miss heard.” He said shrugging taking a bit finally of the food in front of him. “It works. So we have more supplies.” It was all anyone went on about after all and it was an easy win for himself and the ship.

"Uh huh," William said taking a sip of his tea. He looked back at John with an upraised eyebrow. "So, what crazy exciting morale boosting event are you planning next?"

It was so easy to just agree and go along with what people suggested. “Karaoke night. Movie night. Is your girl well enough to help with a movie night? Her choice was good from what everyone tells me?” He ventured having heard rumours and thoughts when he had been venturing to work out things that could keep his persona going.

"I can ask her," William said before looking back up at John with an upraised eyebrow. "I don't recall telling you that much about Lexi," he said before he felt a slight pang of pressure in his forehead. He brought his hand up and rubbed the bridge of his nose before continuing, "Well, I guess I probably should have sooner than now."

“You did not need to tell me much. I could tell.” John said simply taking a sip of his water. “But tell me more about it all seeing it’s not a secrete anymore? It’s not like you to fall like this.” John knew people and this man was the aloof and alone type, a man of silence and watching. They were the ones who did not normally create close bonds.

William shrugged slightly before looking back up at him, "Well, if you remember that party Captain Morgan threw before we departed space dock? Well, she was the one who kept trying to get me alone...which she ended up succeeding in." He laughed slightly before looking back at John, "What started out as just a little fun turned into something much more I guess. Turns out we have a lot in common, both ran away to Starfleet to escape our pasts."

"I do remember that party very well. I did wonder where you went at the end but I assumed you just went to bed." Smith mused. Many people had spoken around it on his rounds of talking to people. It seemed like it was the last big event that anyone had any fun at. "Would never thought of it of you. She is young." Smith admitted with a shake of his head and grin.

William gave his friend a look before giving a slight shrug. "That hasn't been an issue for us, to be fair she acts a lot older than her years." He took a sip from his mug before sighing and rubbing the bridge of his nose. "Of course she still doesn't fully remember our relationship, she's still recovering from her accident," he said softly.

“I am glad to hear. All I am saying is maybe you need to think about it all as this accident has given you breathing space as I would not have put her as your type. Never been one to chase after younger women.” Smith said before smiling at him brightly.

"I'm going to pretend I didn't hear you say any of that," William replied giving his friend a look which conveyed his annoyance at the suggestion. He knew that John liked to push his buttons, but his suggestion that William had been chasing after Lexi due to her young age. "For a morale officer, you sure know how to get people riled up," he said before taking a final sip from his mug.

John barely contained the smirk that he had gotten to the man created. The man believed him a friend and that barely happened he wanted to keep the man to himself. "No for a friend I am just speaking the truth and my truth. I am worried about you." The man said ignoring his annoyance. "You are my friend and you need to hear this even if it hurts."

William shook his head, the anger he felt at John's words beginning to rise. He trusted his own feelings about Lexi, and John's opinion to the contrary was upsetting. The least his friend could do was be supportive and keep his personal feelings to himself. Deciding he wouldn't fully trust what he would say next, he stood up grabbing his mug and began crossing the mess hall to the exit.

"Where are you going?" John demanded amused. "You know I mean it because I care." He shot.

"If you cared like you say, you'd realize she's different," William said pausing to look back. "And right now, I think I've had enough of your cheerful disposition," he threw back before making his way to the exit. Once in the passageway, he paused for a moment as a large wave of pain overcame him from his head. It was similar to the time back on the asteroid, but a bit more intense. As quickly as it came, it was gone and he stood back up. He then felt something running down his face and swiped at it revealing the bright red color of blood. He quickly made his way towards his quarters, keeping his nose pinched to stem the flow.