Posted by Commander Roman Alden (First Officer & Chief Science Officer) in side-sim: New Normal

(snip)

The day went fast, at least for Roman, but that was because unlike the day before it was busy. He took his bag with them to breakfast and then stashed it in the lab for the day. In the morning starting at 0600, his usual paperwork, in the afternoon, he was running around the ship on XO business. Finally, at the normal 1700, he was off duty and he headed straight to his quarters. He figured he could wait for dinner till Rand came by. While he waited he did something he hadn’t done since before Kelmao - he pulled out his violin and started playing. No specific tune, just whatever sounded good. A hopeful melody. He left the case open on the bed next to him.

~ Roman

Rand’s day was busy, it was always busy. Reports all morning, then she was restocking the supplies in the conference rooms, the yeoman pantry, her own small one in her quarters, and taking care of Roger’s uniforms. Then she was in the lab at lunch visiting and working with Nibbles. She seemed more active lately. Usually she was hiding in her den when Rand arrived, but she’d noticed that lately Nibbles was out and moving around when she arrived. She’d made note of it along with a question asking if anyone had noticed more activity. Rand was curious if Nibbles was just anticipating her arrival or if she was simply more active. Her afternoon was just as busy. She was on her way from the conference room to Rogers’ quarters to check on her cat when she paused - in the quiet of the corridor - she heard music. Violin music. Roman was playing. She’d never heard him play. She was tempted to knock on the door, but she didn’t want his music to stop. Instead, she paused to lean against the wall to listen. It was beautiful, but she didn’t recognize it. It was faint in the hallway, and soon the noise of people moving about drowned it out. She moved off quickly, in a hurry to finish her rounds and reports, and shift for the day. Rand knocked on his door at about 2010, already changed into lounge pants and a comfortable shirt. She was so ready for the day to be done.

Rand