Posted by Commander Roman Alden (First Officer & Chief Science Officer) in What If…

Posted by Lieutenant Junior Grade Rand Farquharson (Yeoman First Class) in What If…

Posted by Commander Roman Alden (First Officer & Chief Science Officer) in What If…
Posted by… suppressed (33) by the Post Ghost! 👻

(snip)
“I look forward to it,” but just like that he was gone and with her luck hadn’t heard the soft admission. Rand sighed and turned back to the table. She poured another cup of tea and drank it while she cleaned up. She had never done anything like this before. What had she been thinking? He probably thought her overly forward and wouldn’t even use the tickets he won. She sighed again. Well, at least it was a warm memory to hold onto.

But he did hear it, and he grinned to himself as he exited.

They had no shows tomorrow, so she sat in bed, propped on a mound of pillows, and read. Bys wouldn’t wake her unless something was wrong.

In the car Pater drove through the streets expertly. As they pulled up at Alden’s destination, the driver came to a stop and paused to look back. “Do have a pleasant evening, Sir. I hope we will see you again.”

Yeoman Rand

“I believe you will,” Roman said with a smile. His destination was Jay’s parents’ house, where they always stayed while they were in town.

Roman headed inside only to be immediately greeted by Jay. “So… What happened? You look like you’re in a good mood. I take it it’s good news?” Jay grinned mischievously, “Kiss her yet?”

Roman shot him a glare, “No, and if I had it wouldn’t be your business, now would it?” He said. The questions and conversation went back and forth for some time.

~ Cmdr Alden, XO/CSO

It wasn’t until much later the next morning that Rand received her own inquisition. Her private comm chirped and she buried her face in the pillow and groaned. She rolled and reached for it. “Hello?”

=/\=How can you still be asleep after last night? What happened? It’s almost lunch and I haven’t heard from you.=/\=

Rand flushed and bit her lip. “Lori. Nnnn nnn nothing happened. Bys brought me home.”

=/\=With a guest. Oh My Word! Is he still there?! I’ll call you later and miss lunch if you want.=/\=

“No! No he’s not here. We had tea and that’s all.” Rand picked at the stitching in the quilt. “I doubt I will see him again. He was very nice and we conversed over tea. He was just polite. I’ll be at lunch.”

Lori sighed. He didn’t seem to be uninterested. Rand surely wasn’t. She never went out with anyone. “I’m sure you will. I am seeing his friend today. He’s wicked, in a good way I think. He’s supposed to come to the hotel.=/\=

“I’m glad Lori. He seemed very nice. I better get up. See you later.” Rand closed the comm and laid there staring at the ceiling, waiting for her heart to slow down and her breath to ease. Then she would get up.

Yeoman Rand

“You’re going out with her again?” Roman asked Jay that morning.

“Of course,” Jay said, “I like her. You should call her friend, the actress.” He was getting ready, dressing as he and Roman conversed through the open door.

“No, I can’t. I don’t want to be a bother. We’ve got those tickets to her show, remember? I’ll see her then.” Jay came out of the bedroom and gave him a look. “I don’t think you can bother her. She’s got it hard for you.”

Roman shrugged, “I’ll think about it.”

Jay disappeared into the bathroom, then came out a few minutes later and made for the door. “Stop thinking and do it! See you.” He said, and then he was gone, headed for his meet with Lori.

~ Cmdr Alden, XO/CSO

Rand had gone to the hotel to have lunch with the rest of the crew. A private celebration for a successful production. She went with Lori up to what was supposed to be their shared room. She picked up her correspondence and helped Lori pick out an outfit. It always amazed Lori that Rand was so good at it, but couldn’t seem to make those decisions for herself.

“Have fun, Lori. He seems really nice. Enjoy it before he ships out.” Rand kissed her cheek before leaving. She took the lift down, she checked at the desk for any messages and almost bumped into Jay as she turned around to leave.

Yeoman Rand

The tall, redheaded man recognized her immediately. “Hey! …Rand, right?” He smiled a friendly, energetic smile. “You and Roman had fun, I take it? I rarely see him in such a good mood.”

~ Cmdr Alden, XO/CSO

Rand paused, “Lt. Caliano,” she smiled politely, but gripped the strap of her bag, then clasped her hands politely behind her back. Had Roman mentioned her? Her heart raced at the idea. “Yes, we had a wonderful conversation. He’s quite educated.” She glanced around, wondering if Roman had come with him. She didn’t see him, so she didn’t dare mention he offered to take her dancing. It had been a polite offer, but perhaps he didn’t mean it.

“Lori, should be down soon. She’s very excited.”

Yeoman Rand

Jay noticed her looking around. He guessed it was because she hoped Roman was there. “Jay’s fine, honestly. No need for such formality.” He smiled at her, “Good! I can’t wait either.” Then he grinned one of his crazy grins and crossed his arms behind his head. “Someone can’t wait to see you again, you know. He really likes you, just ‘didn’t want to seem pushy’.” Jay rolled his eyes playfully. “You should call him.”

~ Cmdr Alden, XO/CSO

Her demeanor didn’t change but her expression did. It lit up with hopefulness. “Oh, I can’t imagine him being pushy. He’s very polite.” Rand could never call him. Even if she could work up the nerve to use his comm signal, she would be too nervous to speak. She was saved from further comment by Lori.

“Jay!” Lori waved as she hurried over. She looked, but the other man wasn’t there. She tucked her hand onto his arm, “Aren’t you devastating like that.” Dashing in formal wear he was roguish in more casual wear.

Yeoman Rand

Jay smiled at her and led her towards the door. “Beautiful as ever yourself. Let’s make a little pit stop on the way out…” He was going to stop by home and tell Roman to call Rand. It was such a hard work, getting those two to just shut it and go out!

~ Cmdr Alden, XO/CSO

Lori raised her eyes to look at him, “And what is your plan?”

Jay grinned, “Nothing bad, don’t give me that look. I’m just going to… nudge him a little. He needs it. Trust me.”

Lori laughed, “Oh without a doubt, I do.”

Bys walked over and offered his arm to Rand. “Ms. Farquharson. Are you sure you just want to return the house? We could drive you home for a day. We are close enough.”

She sighed and rested her hand on his arm. “No Bys, thank you, though. It will be nice to have the down time.” The guard was not convinced. He knew her pretty well by now. He led her out the back to their car and they drove away.

Yeoman Rand

When Jay returned home, Roman was sitting in the main room, reading. “Jay? I thought you’d be gone longer?” He asked, but Jay didn’t respond. Instead, he grabbed a comm, dialled in Rand’s signal, and then thrust the comm into Roman’s hand just as the signal seemed to go through.

~ Cmdr Alden, XO/CSO

Lori entered slightly behind Jay. Hopefully with any luck they would be gone very late. She watched, curious, but had an idea of what Jay was doing. It was confirmed when a hesitant voice answered the private comm signal. Rand’s beautiful Scottish lilt floated through the comm, =/\=Hello?=/\=

Yeoman Rand

“Jay! What’s wrong with you?” Chastised Roman, somewhat quietly, but it was loud enough to be picked up by the comm. Jay started laughing and then beckoned Lori to follow him out. “Ask. Her. Out!” He said as opened the door and went through it.

“Oh, Miranda, hey.” He chuckled, a little nervously. “Sorry about him,” he sighed a deep sigh and then continued, “I hope this hasn’t bothered you.”

~ Cmdr Alden, XO/CSO

Rand heard it all. She didn’t know what to make of it. Jay had made him call. He hadn’t wanted to. Rand was devastated even as the way he said her name gave her butterflies. =/\=Hello Roman. No, not at all. I was just reading. =/\= She sat in the chair twisting her fingers nervously. It was okay to be nervous now, no one could see her.

Yeoman Rand

She sounded nervous and… maybe a little disappointed? It made him feel worse. “Errm..... Do you want to do something today? I mean, you’re not busy, are you?”

~ Cmdr Alden, XO/CSO

There was a tiny surprised intake of breath. He was such a nice man. Very polite. His friend had put him up to this, but she was still thrilled at the idea of seeing him. =/\=No, I’m not busy at all. I don’t start rehearsals for the next show for three days.” There was silence. Then Rand realized she hadn’t actually answered his question. “Yes, I’d like to do something.=/\= It came out in an excited nervous rush. She silently berated herself for being so awkward.

Yeoman Rand

“How about that dance, then? Do you have space we could do that?” He asked over the comm smoothly, unphased by her nervousness.

~ Cmdr Alden, XO/CSO

She would live to dance with him. Was there anywhere holding a dance that day? What kind of dance? What would be the dress code? His next question caught her off guard. =/\=Space?=/\=

Yeoman Rand

“Well… You don’t seem like the type to like going out, and honestly neither do I… I thought you might like to dance… Just the two of us. Though, an event would be nice, too. I just don’t know of any. I haven’t been home in some time.”

~ Cmdr Alden, XO/CSO

Oh! She should stop daydreaming. Space to dance. =/\=I don’t know of any events either. Hmm…” she looked around the room of the old boarding house. It used to be a wealthy family’s town house. “Well the parlor is small, but the library would be big enough.” She felt her anxiety rise. She had hoped she had hidden her quirks from him. Maybe he really didn’t like social events either. “Do…” she would not stutter, “you want to come here?=/\=

Yeoman Rand

“That sounds fantastic. I shall be on my way right away.” Roman said. She could almost hear his smile. “I am quite excited for this.” He stood, with the comm still connected, and headed to his room.

~ Cmdr Alden, XO/CSO

=/\=I am as well. I will see you soon.=/\= Rand closed the comm and went to tell Bys she would be having a visitor, and then she went to the library. She began shoving chairs and tables to the edge of the room. Bys came to the door after a minute and watched. “Miss Farquharson, let Pater and I do that. You go get ready for your guest.” Rand flushed and bit her lower lip and then hurried up the stairs. There was no need for a formal gown, but still it was dancing. She put on a dusty green dress that complimented her red hair. It had a wide Farquharson tartan sash around her waist, long sleeves, and a full skirt. She brushed her hair until it curled gently and then pinned the sides up with a single comb.

Yeoman Rand

Roman wore formalwear, he usually did. Today, since it was a dance, it was something between a suit and a tux, a black blazer and slacks, with a nice button down and a blue tie. His hair was immaculately done, gelled into place, but not so gelly as to look greasy. About half an hour later, he arrived at hers and rang the bell.

~ Cmdr Alden, XO/CSO

Rand hurried down the stairs, almost tripping in her excitement. Pater steadied her by the shoulders. “Let Bys answer the door, Miss.” He smiled gently at her. They were expecting Cmdr Alden, but they couldn’t forget to be careful. The letters were increasingly disturbing. Bys and the rest of the team were very good at what they did, but carelessness would bring catastrophe. Pater led her into the parlor and waited with her while the Andorian opened the door.

The door opened to reveal the very formidable Andorian. “Cmdr. Alden. Welcome, please come in.” He scanned the street outside before closing and securely locking the door. “Miss Farquharson is in the parlor.” He indicated a room to the right where Pater, the huge driver, was just exiting with a grin on his face. “A pleasure, Cmdr.” He nodded politely and the two men disappeared elsewhere into the house.

Yeoman Rand

Alden has expected to see one of Rand’s bodyguards. He greeted the Andorian politely and stepped in. “Thank you.” He headed through the house to the parlor to greet Rand. “Miranda. How lovely it is to see you again. You look gorgeous in that.”

~ Cmdr Alden, XO/CSO

She had been pacing nervously, gripping her hands tightly before Pater left. She was standing by an old fashioned fire place when he entered. He looked sophisticated today. She almost dreamily sighed out loud over him. She walked toward and stopped an arm’s length away. “Thank you. I hope it’s alright. I didn’t have a proper ball gown with me.” She could have obtained one, but it would have every taken most of the day to get it. “You look wonderful.” Heat rushed her cheeks, could she sound anymore awkward? “I’m glad you called.” Yes…yes she could, she just did it.

Yeoman Rand

“It’s perfect.” Roman gestured down at himself, “I didn’t go with a full tuxedo either, so we match.” He smiled, “Good. I’m glad I did too.” If he noticed her awkwardness, he didn’t react to it in the slightest.

~ Cmdr Alden, XO/CSO

His lack of reaction helped her relax a little. At least she knew how to be a good hostess, and knew what to do next. “Would you like something to drink first or should we just go to the library?”

Yeoman Rand

“Let’s go to the library.” Roman took her hand gently and politely. “May I have this dance, young miss?”

~ Cmdr Alden, XO/CSO

His hand was warm and strong. Rand caught her breath at the touch. She looked up shyly, “Indeed, Sir, I would be delighted.” The library was on the other side of the hall, half way down. It was filled with floor to ceiling shelves full of real books, huge windows that had protective coating to blur the view from outside looking in, and the comfortable furniture had all been moved to the edges of the room, and the floor was a highly polished real wood. There was a modern stereo system on one of the shelves, ready for any input asked. “Do you have a preference for a music piece?” Rand could feel her heart begin to race, even as she told herself to breathe normally.

Yeoman Rand

Bump

“Not at all. I’m quite versed in classic dances. Pick whatever you are most comfortable with.” Roman squeezed her hand gently. “This is no formal dance event, no one is judging our skills tonight. This one is just for you and I.”

~ Cmdr Alden, XO/CSO

She felt warm when he squeezed her hand. She didn’t want to let go, but she did so she could turn the music on. She made a selection and then turned back around,hands clasped in front of her, her shyness showing more than she realized. “Invitation to the Dance” by Weber began to play as she stopped a foot away from him.

Yeoman Rand

“Good choice,” Roman said, truthfully, though he’d have said it no matter her choice. He set a hand on her waist and held the other out for her. “Your hands are so small… smooth.”

~ Cmdr Alden, XO/CSO

His hand felt warm on her waist. She placed her hand in his and the other on his arm and shoulder. She thought it sounded like a compliment. She flushed and stammered a soft, “Thank you.” But then she doubted her conclusion. Maybe he meant she didn’t work. Her brother had callouses from working as a teenager. Rand had worked just as hard, but her hands had never toughened up.

His closeness made her flustered and she couldn’t reason out if she was worrying over nothing or not. His cologne was spice and something elegant, like him. She felt flushed, and nervous, and giddy. Her training had taught her to always watch her partners eyes, and she was so flushed, she couldn’t hide it by looking away.

Even so she seemed to float about the room with him, following easily.

Yeoman Rand

His hands were calloused from lab work, scarred from numerous less than friendly encounters with small animals. It was a compliment, hers were soft, gentle. As a lady’s should be, by his family’s standards, but he never cared about that. He just liked them.

He made no notice of her flustered state. Instead he simply met her gaze warmly and continued to move about the room with her in their dance.

~ Cmdr Alden, XO/CSO

Rand liked the feel of his hands. They were warm and strong, and to her, the signs of work, told her he was a man who worked hard at what he did. She liked that. The way he looked at her made her stomach flutter.

She had to concentrate at first on the very basic steps. Rand never performed simple dances. For her, the more complicated the dance, the easier it was.

As they moved into more complex steps, her movements became more noticeably relaxed, as if she simply breathed dancing.

Yeoman Rand