Garrett had moved a bit slower all morning, cursing himself for overdoing it the night before. Addie’s own prowess and their near 7-year age difference caught up to him at times, but that was a hell-of-a problem to have! First they’d both overslept, which meant they were already running late so… like idiots… they thought they could shower together to save time. 25 minutes and a shower-based encore to the night before, they were now running even later than they were before. Garrett squared his quarters after walking Addie back to her room and sent his bags onward the shuttle via the Concierge. He then went and met Addie, helping her get her bags to his shuttle. Enjoying the finally minutes of holding her hand, Garrett’s hand suddenly squeezed hers and dropped unceremoniously as they approached the shuttle. “No reason to start the rumor mill at full tilt before we’re even on the ship Babe.” Garrett said softly with an apologetic smile. “Sorry.”

As the couple approached the shuttle, a young pilot waved and ran over to them. The redheaded Lieutenant Commander ran over and with no warning what so ever, threw her arms around Garrett’s neck, practically jumping into his arms and kissing him on the cheek. Garrett caught her effortlessly, kissing her back on the cheek and squeezing her before setting the overly excited woman on the deck.

“Holy frack Cannon!!” The girl practically squeaked, she looked around Addie’s age… if not a year or two younger. “How you been?! Did I read the manifest right… FCap?!” She was talking VERY fast and seemed to not even notice Addie. “What’s it been… three years since the 275th?” Garrett smiled and nodded. “Nearly four actual…” His voice and tone had noticeably changed, this was someone Garrett knew and he seemed surprised yet happy to see her. “… that was a great tour wasn’t it?” Then the woman flushed, giggled, bit her lip and looked away for just a moment before almost breathlessly adding. “Yes… yes it was Mike.”

Then, like a switch, the woman turned to Addie… there was a challenge behind her green eyes and it wasn’t masked, something another woman would spot instantly. But she smiled and offered her hand. “Jessie Wells…” She smiled, the tall redhead looked down slightly at Addie. “… and you are?”

Garret & Jessie