Posted by Lieutenant Gavin Ryan “Coop” Cooper (Chief Helmsman) in [Pre-sim] Traveling to the Asimov

Posted by Lieutenant Junior Grade Erin Hazen (Science Officer) in [Pre-sim] Traveling to the Asimov

Posted by Lieutenant Gavin Ryan “Coop” Cooper (Chief Helmsman) in [Pre-sim] Traveling to the Asimov
Posted by… suppressed (12) by the Post Ghost! 👻
As the shuttle lifted from the pad, Erin felt excited. This was happening… this was really happening! She peered through the small window on the side as Earth became smaller and smaller with their fast growing distance. Wearing her favorite UCLA Bruins sweater and her most comfortable pair of jeans, she clutched tightly in her hands the strap of her duffle bag, currently sitting between her legs under her seat.

It was but a one hour hop from San Francisco to Starbase 1, but to Erin, the adventure of a lifetime had began. A last minute choice had made all the difference.
It had been a year and a half since she had left the Dresden behind. And when she did, the scientific and academic minded Erin Hazen came back to Earth with a completely different view of the universe, of life, and of everything else. Between then and the shuttle trip she was taking, Erin had graduated top of her class with a Biology degree from UCLA, taken extra credit classes within the Starfleet Academy outreach program while doing her regular studies, and she had spent her last month and a half going through Officer Candidate School so that she could meet Starfleet requirements to serve on board a starship. Better yet, her grades and her effort had meant that she was able to do so starting with the rank of Lieutenant Junior Grade.

Molly hadn’t liked it when she had first told her. She had gone on and on about how dangerous it was and how much Erin would be better off if she looked for a job with the Federation Science Council as she had planned to do for quite a while. But Erin was twenty-two — the same age her sister had been when she had gone out in her first assignment aboard the USS Earhart. If Molly had been okay as a Security officer, Erin was certain that she would be okay as a Science officer. Maybe in a few years she would settle… but now, after getting a taste of space aboard the Dresden, Hazen wanted to go back, to delve a little deeper into the blackness of the cosmos and to see what lied beyond the void. Then, she would return back to Earth and work with the Science Council. Or any research lab that would take her… or teach. The options were as endless as the universe itself.

The journey to Starbase 1 was too short in Erin’s opinion. She had barely gotten the time for her excitement to partially subside and for her body to relax on her seat, and they were already docking. Now, the bigger stretch of the journey started – the two stop flight that would ultimately place her at Starbase 243, where she would take one last shuttle ride to her first assignment.

The trip itself was mostly tiresome and boring with small specs of fascination here and there. Sometimes it would be the glimpse of a race she had never seen, other times it would be an exotic artifact that would catch her eye in one of the many shops available at the starbases she stopped at, and in some other occasions, just the prospect of a good meal ahead of her was enough to cut the general tediousness.

Eventually, Erin made her way to Starbase 243. With a last trip to the bathroom and a last snack before boarding, Hazen beelined to the gate she would be leaving from. Sitting down in one of the many available chairs, Erin looked around, taking in the faces of the people surrounding her.

Even through the crowd one of the faces stood out to her. It was a face that she had seen before. She was certain… Blonde hair, bomber jacket… it had to be the same guy, or at least a pilot like him… The only reason he had jumped out at her in the first place on the Dresden, was because she had found him cute. She had spent long nights in the lounge trying to see if he would notice her, but always to no avail. Eventually she had met Alex and things went a different way. An… unexpected way. But a different way nonetheless.

Standing, Erin swung the strap of her duffel bag over her shoulder and walked towards the young man. She had to know if it was him.

“Hey flyboy…” She said with a wink, trying to get his attention. “… is this seat taken?” Erin pointed to the vacant chair next to him. Even if he wasn’t who she thought he was, she would at least have the company of a good looking guy for the next hour or so. That in and of itself, was already a win.

Lt. (j.g.) Hazen, Science

The man in the chair began speaking before he even looked up. “It is if ya want it ta’ be.” Came a surprisingly warm, welcoming tone to his response. The passing glance up Erin’s legs, tummy, and chest weren’t… blatant… but weren’t hidden either. As his eyes found her’s, he cracked a half-cocked smile and added. “That is… if that sister of yours ain’t around.”

LT Cooper, Chief Helmsman

The moment his eyes traveled up her body, Erin knew she had him, regardless of whether or not she had seen him before. She almost allowed herself a smile out of one of the corners of her lips. And then, he asked about Molly. Well, that was a first… Erin though, sighing in annoyance. Her face now showing exactly how she felt about the comment. Placing her hands on her hips she said sternly “What does it matter? She’s taken.”

Yep, she had definitely seen his face before.

Lt. (j.g.) Hazen, Science

The young man literally laughed out loud. “You’re joking right?! I haven’t and never have had interest in Raven’s girl. I just wanna make sure she’s not gonna like pop out and kill me or something.” His smile turned a bit more flirty as he noted. “In your family, let’s just say I only have eyes for one sister.”

Cooper

Erin raised an eyebrow. It was a gesture that apparently both sisters shared. Sitting down next to the young pilot she asked “Why are you so afraid of her?” quickly shaking her head “You know what, never mind. Enough about my sister.”

The flirty smile that showed in her lips matched the one he had given her. “Only eyes for one sister, huh? That didn’t seem to be the case all the evenings I spent on the Dresden’s lounge trying to get you to notice me.” Erin winked. Her tone had been almost playful but there was something about him that intrigued her. Throughout her life, Hazen had been used to guys falling to her feet with the bat of an eyelash. But him… he had never taken the bait.

Lt. (j.g.) Hazen, Science

The young man gave Erin a soft smile. “Hmmm… let me think. It could have been that unlike the covey of guys buying the cute redhead drinks down in 8-Forward, the Helmsman that basically lives on the Bridge was well aware of the fact that our scary ass Intel Chief was said cute redhead’s sister. I had no interest in getting on the bad side of the most dangerous woman on the ship. But please… don’t think I didn’t notice you.” There was the slightest of blush in his cheeks. “Not noticing a beauty like you would be impossible.” His eyes sparkled as he added with a slight chuckle, extending his hand. “Cooper, Gavin Cooper… friends call me Coop.”

Coop

Erin laughed a hearty laugh. “Molly? Scary? Sure!” Shaking his hand, she introduced herself. “Nice to meet you Coop, Erin Hazen. Friends call me Erin. No nickname required.” She shook her head in disbelief. A joyful smile still on her lips. “Remind me to introduce you to my sister the next time we’re together.” Hazen shook her head once again not believing what she had just heard. “Molly is the most righteous person you’ll ever find. Sure, she’s a bit standoff-ish… I’ll give you that… but you would be standoff-ish too if you went through the things she has.” Erin’s smile subsided a little.

There was pain there, more than Gavin felt was appropriate for him to pry into at this time but the reaction was one that was filed away… Another time He thought. Mostly though, his mind and eyes were locked on that beaming smile of hers. He had, admittedly, admired the young woman from afar for most of the entire time she was on the Dresden. He remembered the annoyance he felt toward the bums that bugged her every time she was in the 8-Forward and distinctly remembered the jealously he felt of being in Raven’s place just one of the nights he noticed the Dresden’s CO in civs “enjoying” the company… and legs… of the woman now beside him in one of the Lounge’s darker corners. Looking damn near half your age had it’s advantages!

“Anyway, what brings you to Starbase 243, Coop?” His compliment hadn’t gone unnoticed, but for the most part, Erin was used to them and she took it as some sort of smooth apology on his part. “Why is the Dresden’s handsome helmsman not on the Bridge?” She asked, adding a playful wink to her last words.

Lt. (j.g.) Hazen, Science

“Ah hell!” Cooper laughed once more, his heart fluttered just a bit at that wink. “It was time for ORs (OOC: Optional Rotations) and when I heard the Asimov’s Helm Chief might have a chance of working more with the Engineering Team than on some other ships, I jumped at it. I mean, it’ll be the first time I’ll get to put my Masters in Aerospace Engineering to good use.” Coop paused for just a moment and gave a wink of his own as he flashed the USC Engineering School ring on his right hand. “Hopefully a good looking lil’ Bruin won’t hold it against me too much.”

Coop

“Oh, what?” Erin’s tone was purposely exaggerated as she moved his hand away with her open palm, as if the ring was a piece of toxic waste. “I can’t believe this! And here I was enjoying our conversation, thinking you were a decent person! But I’m sorry… no decent person would ever go to USC on their own free will, let alone wear their ring in their finger!” Her tone was playful but the rivalry was real. “However…” Erin’s smile widened, almost as if she was making some sort of wicked plan on her mind. “… the Asimov, you say… that’s where I’m headed.” She paused. “I would be willing to overlook…” she shook her hand in the direction of the ring “… that… if you leave it in your quarters for one night and take me out to dinner next week… what do you say?”

Lt. (j.g.) Hazen, Science

OOC: Don’t do it!!! It’s a trap! Sorry, couldn’t resist. Welcome aboard!

-OZ

OOC: Too late! Screams in terror Oh well! lol Thank you kind Sir!

OOC: Rubs hands together Mwahahaha! And just like that, my evil plan is set in motion! – Joana

IC: Gavin glanced at the ring and snickered ever so slightly. “It was a gift from my folks, honestly the only reason I ever wear it. They were at Send Off, so I thought I should slip it on. Trust me Honey…” His voice was melodic, warm and traced with just a light sensual backtone. “… you don’t ever have to worry bout seeing this as it stays in my quarters. I wear it for family and Alumni events… leaving it on my finger normally only when traveling. I don’t want some jackass steward with sticky fingers walking off with it.”

For a moment, Erin looked surprised. She had dated her fair share of football players and other guys deeply connected to their university. This was the first time she had met someone so willing to leave their class ring behind. As quickly as it had disappeared, her smile returned to her face. “I still won’t forget where your allegiances lie… such a shame…” She chuckled. “For once I’m glad I’m not part of the cheer squad anymore. They would give me hell for this.”

Then he gave a slight raise of his eyebrow. “Dinner you say… next week? How’s Tuesday night sound? Am I gonna get to see ya in something a bit fancier than jeans & a sweater?” He winked playfully. “Not that I’m complaining, but if we’re going out… dinner and dancing is in order.” Coop flashed a dashing smile that was clearly measured and practiced to make hearts flutter.

Coop

Erin knew the smile. She had seen it in so many before him. Just as practiced has the batting of her eyelashes. “Tuesday sounds wonderful. As for the attire… I guess you’ll have to wait and see…” Her smile cocked to one side. It was clear she was enjoying the conversation.

“Well damn… I guess so!” Coop chuckled. “Too bad though… bet you’d be absolutely stunning in a emerald green number.” By the look in his eyes, Coop’s mind was already slipping the young redhead into something tight and revealing.

Suddenly, an announcement played over the comm. Their small shuttle was ready to depart. Erin stood up and placed the strap of her duffle bag back over her shoulder. “How about we continue this conversation inside the shuttle? Care to lead the way?”

Lt. (j.g.) Hazen, Science

Gavin rose from his seat and reached for an unmistakable case, the faded but still legible ‘Gibson Montana’ in gold leaf on a truly ancient looking lid held one of Earth’s best acoustic guitars. With a small carry-on over one shoulder and the Gibson securely in his right hand, Cooper offered his left elbow as he stepped carefully around Erin. “Shall we?” He asked as he nodded to the Shuttle entry.

Coop

The guitar case was unexpected. It seemed that Gavin had a few surprises of his own. He was different than the guys Erin was used to dating, and she found herself enjoying that more than she cared to admit. It was then that he offered his elbow. Yet another unexpected move that no one she had dated before had made.
With a genuine smile on her face, and both surprise and gratitude in her eyes, Erin adjusted her bag and took the offered arm. Gavin would be able to see that she wasn’t accustomed to the gesture.

Cooper’s returned smile was completely authentic, with no acting nor reservations. He was genuinely happy to have a bit of time with the Bruin Bombshell that had made his heart skip a beat the first time the redhead strode into 8-Forward in that… deliciously snug… pair of Levi’s and UCLA Cheer mid-drift shirt. There was no denying that she was, by far, the hottest woman aboard and it was also well-known amongst the younger Redshirted Flight & Con staff to give the little sister of the Intel Chief a VERY wide berth.

The shuttle itself was small. Just big enough to accommodate any personnel being transported on board the Asimov and a few supplies that the ship might need. In silence, Erin walked inside behind Gavin, trying not to clutch too hard to his arm.

The warmth of her touch and the slightly clumsy way she had taken his arm said both that she appreciated the gesture and also had likely never met a guy with enough sense or class… short of /maybe/ Raven… to offer the age-old pleasantry before. Of course, the few times he had seen the Marine with her… they were both damn near like horny teenagers. But, hell, seeing that sparkle in those soul-probing eyes directed at himself finally… Coop couldn’t blame the Old Man.

Finally, stowing her bag away, Erin sat on one of the few available seats, making sure that there was a free one by her side. Keeping her silence, she looked away from Cooper, pretending to inspect something on the ship. There was a slight blush on her cheeks.

Erin

After checking the treasured guitar with the Chief Steward to place in Executive Holdings, Cooper settled into the window seat… third row, Starboard side… beside Erin. He noticed the coy look-away game and just caught the blush, so he knew damn well the game was afoot. Giving Erin’s right knee the very slightest of a flirty squeeze and purposely leaving the hand resting atop the knee, Gavin asked. “So, I’d assume first assignment? How was OCS....? I always wondered how the other side lived.” He said with a roguish grin.

Coop

The hand on knee play. One of the oldest tricks in the book. And yet, Erin felt her heart flutter and the warmth spread on her face. That was a first. How could a simple gesture like him offering her his arm make her forget everything that she knew about the flirting games she was so used to playing?

Looking back at Gavin, Erin’s face was visibly redder. She tried to take her mind off of it by replying to his simple question, but the hand on her knee kept her from it.

“OCS?” She looked lost for a moment before realizing what he was talking about. “Oh, yes, sorry. Hard.” Erin smiled. “Gosh, you guys do have to go through a lot of physical training.” She paused for a second, her mind going back to her summer. “First assignment, yes. I never thought I would be doing it myself… but after that internship on the Dresden… I had to come back to space. There’s just nothing like this…” She looked out the window for a second as Starbase 243 was left behind.

“So… I take it you went through the Academy then? What made you leave and go to USC?”

Erin