Posted by Ensign Kalani Kāne (Scientist) in Kalani’s Quarters

Posted by Lieutenant Commander Jarred Alindor (Chief Engineer) in Kalani’s Quarters
Jarred paced in front of Kalani’s quarters, he had just got off with his mom knowing the shuttle was a few days away. She and his dad’s visit signaled a large change in his life and he knew he couldn’t keep Kalani in the dark any longer. She knew many things, their trip and discovery of the bipedal sentients on the planet, the aquariums and romance had been a whirlwind for the last six months. He felt shameful as he thought of the face he hadn’t told her any of this, he didn’t expect to fall in love with her yet he had. Despite this, he feared his secrets could force her away. If that was the case, he needed to know before his parents arrived if he was newly single again.

Paging the door, he didn’t wait as he knew she would be okay with him just entering as he did. “Lani?” he said as he looked around, trying to find out where she was.

Alindor, CE

“Jared, you’re here early,” Kalani said coming out of the bedroom with a cup of coffee. It was then a small blur bolted from under a blanket and headed towards the familiar voice entering the quarters. “I thought you’d,” Kalani stumbled as Ralph ran between her legs and into Jared’s shins. “Ralph,” she groaned shaking the coffee off her hand that had sloshed on it.

“Hey little man .” Jarred said as he knelt down picking up the little fox as he held him close. “Did you miss me buddy? I know I missed you.” Jarred said as he began to scratch right behind the ear he knew would make the little fuzzball stop moving and just focus on the pleasure the small petting did to him.

Moving towards Jared, Kalani rose on her toes to give him a quick kiss. “You know you should do something about that,” she motioned towards Ralph. “He is only going to get older and more difficult to control. Can I get you a beer or something,” Kalani said moving towards the couch. It was not uncommon for Jared or her to stop by after a work shift. Today, however, he must have gotten off earlier.

Ensign Kalani Kane, science

“Me do something about it? He doesn’t live with me, and besides I like my buddy the way he is. Wild and cuddly, just like you.” he said as he flopped down on the couch and let Ralph down next to him. “And a beer is fine babe.” Jarred said, he was calm but he did feel a sense of apprehension as he kept playing his story through his head. His love for her had been sudden but so genuine. He couldn’t help but feel he made a major mistake waiting six months for this conversation. He knew this was coming the day he meet her, yet he didn’t want to give up knowing her better as time went on.

Taking the beer he waited, knowing she would want to curl up her body right next to his. Her dark skin contrasting against his as she often took his hand in hers, she could be a love sick puppy at times. If he was honest he was just as love sick. You will loose her when you tell her, this is your last chance. echoed a voice in the back of his head. He shook his head briefly knowing he needed to get the thought to flee his mind. The truth was, he trusted her greatly. As shocking as what he was about to say, he knew she would give him a chance to explain.

“I wanted to come by, there is a shuttle coming by soon… my parents are on it and I felt a need to prep you. They don’t visit more than once or twice a year, and they came with a very special purpose…” he paused as he looked at her, letting himself have a little bit of distance to gaze intently in her eyes. He knew by now she had to sense his nerves. One might think it was just cause his parents were coming but once he told her who else was coming he was certain she would balk if only a little.

“They, they are going to be dropping off my daughter, Lizzie. I know that… I know that must be a shock, I have yet to mention her once… I just.” Jarred bowed his head down. He felt lately like he was letting everyone down. First he breaks up with Cori, then he felt angry at his mother for pushing his daughter on him, then the guilt for that feeling. Now on top of all those swirling feelings, he had lied and kept all this secret for Kalani even though he has plenty of times to tell her than a day before.

Alindor, CE