Posted by Commander Roman Alden (First Officer & Chief Science Officer) in side - sim: Honoring the Ardent

(snip)

Eventually 1800 came, and Roman hugged Rand as she left. Just as Rand was leaving, Randy was entering, and Roman looked up at the sound of his voice. Roman was still leaned back against the headboard the way he had been with Rand, looking very comfortable, and when Randy entered he sat up quick. “Randy! Were you looking for me for something?” He must have been in a good mood to greet Randy in such a way.

~ Roman

Randy paused. Was Alden glad to see him? Randy was good at his job, but never would he have expected that. And certainly not today. He expected to get the deadly silent treatment. After particularly difficult sessions, Randy always checked on his patients even if he didn’t speak to them. But that wasn’t why he was there. Rand had spoken to him about what had happened. “I was.” He stepped in letting the door shut. Randy stood in awkward silence for a moment. Then finally, “Rand talked to me, like you asked. I wanted you to know I’m sorry.”

Randy’s words caused Roman’s smile to fade. It was an unwelcome reminder of the morning’s events, and by extension, the memory that had caused Roman’s break down. He looked away and waved a hand, not wanting to continue the conversation. “You didn’t know.”

Randy wasn’t going to say anything else. Alden was actually in an upbeat mood after their session earlier. Although the issues would come to a head soon, Randy wasn’t uncaring or a total jerk. And he really hadn’t meant to quote Jay. He had no idea, and though he might push the topic he would never mimic his friend.

Then he nodded his head toward the door. “Is Rand okay? She was acting weird, even for her.”

Randy

“I think she’s just nervous,” Roman said. He could normally read Rand, but he couldn’t always tell. “We talked today.”

~ Roman

Randy shrugged at that, Rand was always nervous about something. But he couldn’t help it, playing the big brother just a bit. “Talked? Really? That must have been a first. I thought all you two did was snog behind my back and sometimes right in front of me.”

Randy