Posted by Lieutenant Junior Grade Rand Farquharson (Yeoman First Class) in side - sim: Breathe, It’s Just Vacation

Posted by Commander Roman Alden (First Officer & Chief Science Officer) in side - sim: Breathe, It’s Just Vacation

Posted by Lieutenant Junior Grade Rand Farquharson (Yeoman First Class) in side - sim: Breathe, It’s Just Vacation
Posted by… suppressed (23) by the Post Ghost! 👻

(snip)
Roman smiled, moving over to her and hugging her. “No one looks as beautiful as you do,” he said. “Are you ready?”

~ Cmdr Alden, XO/CSO

Rand smiled and nodded, “Yes,” but she was very nervous and holding her hands tightly to stop from wringing them.

In the lobby Henry and Marianne were waiting for them. They made a very cute couple, older in years, but very obviously still in love. Henry spotted them first and gently turned Marianne around to see them. Her eyes fell on Roman and they positively lit up. Her hands were clasped together, but not from anxiety, but an effort to not embarrass Roman in her enthusiasm.

Yeoman Rand

Roman smiled politely, holding Rand’s hand as they met up with the Calianos. “I apologize for earlier,” he said, nodding to each of them.

~ Cmdr Alden, XO/CSO

Marianne shook her head, “Oh don’t apologize. We really should have called first before knocking. I remember the first time Henry and I were able to meet on his leave,” she glanced up at Henry and blushed. She cleared her throat and looked back, “Well, we would have given quite the picture if we’d answered our door.” If Marianne was aware of what happened, she didn’t show it. She stepped toward Rand, “Miranda, or do you prefer Rand?”

“Rand is fine. Everyone calls me Rand,” she answered, quietly, softly. Marianne smiled, “Rand then. I’m so glad to finally meet you, and I apologize for barging in earlier. It was very rude of me.”

“Oh, please don’t. We knew you were arriving. We should have,” what? Not eaten strange food? “Paid more attention to the time. I’m very glad to meet you as well.” Marianne smiled and squeezed Rand’s other hand gently. She was very motherly in her demeanor and naturally put Rand at ease.

Marianne turned to Roman and just gazed at him for a long moment. “It’s so good to see Roman. I am sorry for barging in earlier. I hope you can forgive my enthusiasm.”

Yeoman Rand

“Of course. We didn’t know you were going to be here so quickly.” Roman said. “We are quite happy you could make it.”

~ Cmdr Alden, XO/CSO

You could see the happiness Roman’s words created in both Marianne and Henry. Marianne’s hand rested over his lightly and squeezed. “We are so happy you are here. Both of you.”

Henry cleared his throat softly. He wasn’t ashamed to admit he was emotional over seeing Roman. It was strange to see him without Jay. Those two had always been thick as thieves, but having Roman here, healed an aching part of his soul.

Yeoman Rand

It was bittersweet, seeing them, but also by seeing them, remembering Jay wasn’t there. He smiled sadly and shrugged.

~ Cmdr Alden, XO/CSO

“Well, we should go, so we aren’t late,” Henry said after a moment. “I took the liberty of making a reservation.”

Yeoman Rand

“Oh? Where?” Roman asked. “Lead the way.”

~ Cmdr Alden, XO/CSO

“The Winter Parlour. It’s one of the more.... well it’s not a night club by day like a lot of places,” Henry chuckled and led them out the door and down the side walk.

Yeoman Rand

“Night club by day?” Roman asked, and then shook his head. “I really don’t want to know, I’ve decided.”

~ Cmdr Alden, XO/CSO

Rand’s hand tightened on his arm. A night club was not anywhere she wanted to go. Given she was still having bouts of confusion when her anxiety spiked or she simply got overwhelmed, she didn’t want to go to something as crazy as a night club. Maybe this whole vacation idea was bad.

Henry shook his head, “No you probably don’t. It’s certainly not somewhere we would take such fine ladies,” Henry winked at both Marianne and Rand. Marianne swatted his arm. “Oh stop it, you old flirt.” Henry chuckled and leaned in to to kiss Marianne’s temple. “I’m not old, you keep me young. Besides I have to make sure you want to stay around. I would never survive without you.” Marianne rolled her eyes, but her cheeks turned a cute shade of pink. Rand watched them with a smile. They reminded her a bit of her grandparents. Her grandad was like that until the very end. They had been so much in love. She wanted to still be that way with Roman when they were old and retired.

Marianne glanced back, “Is it alright if we walk there? It’s the first time I’ve ever been to another planet. I want to see it.”

Yeoman Rand

Roman nodded. “Of course. Rand’s been to plenty of them. She helps with my research notes,” he commented, smiling at Rand.

~ Cmdr Alden, XO/CSO

Rand looked up at him, her eyes shinning with adoration.

“Oh, do you have a scientific background, Rand?” Marianne asked.

“Oh,” Rand flushed bright red being caught staring at Roman. She had no idea what was said and she got flustered and stammered. Which only made her embarrassment and anxiety flare. “N..no mm..mam.”

Yeoman Rand

“You don’t need a scientific background to make notes,” Roman said. “In fact, her perspective has been invaluable more than once.”

~ Cmdr Alden, XO/CSO

Rand flushed moving slightly closer to Roman. Henry smiled. “Rand is in the command division. Command division yeoman are worth their weight in dilithium crystals. They undergo extensive training in history, diplomacy, tactics, languages, and ships operations. Among many other things. It is my experience that captain’s yeomans have the best observation skills in the fleet.”

Rand kind of gawked at Mr. Caliano. She’d never heard anyone speak so highly or knowledgeablely about yeoman before.

Marianne smiled, “That sounds extensive. I’m not sure I could remember even two of those topics. Do you enjoy it?”

Rand nodded, “Yes ma’am. The work is very fulfilling and interesting.” She flicked a glance at Roman, “I don’t really do much. I just like animals.”

Yeoman Rand

Roman grinned and hugged her. “You do plenty. Where would we be without your astute observations and lab help? Especially Nibbles.”

~ Cmdr Alden, XO/CSO

“I’m just good at transcribing notes. That’s why everyone likes me down there.” Rand was humble, and by no means looking for a compliment, she was just shy.

Marianne and Henry looked at each other with surprise and back at Roman. “Nibbles?”

Yeoman Rand

“Rand named her,” Roman said as if defending his scientific honor. “But she’s an Atarivan mouse…” And thus opened the can of worms of Roman talking about his job.

~ Cmdr Alden, XO/CSO

Marianne and Henry absorbed it all. Rand contributed occasionally, but she watched as Roman was able to relax with the focus and open up.

Yeoman Rand

Before long, he’d told them all about every animal in his lab, even the snake he’d had to send to a sanctuary. Occasionally he’d elbow Rand and encourage her input.

~ Cmdr Alden, XO/CSO

Rand dutifully added her comments in, but was content to let Roman do the talking. Marianne asked questions, wanting to know about his work, but it was Henry who engaged in the more academic side of the conversation, questioning and playing devil’s advocate at times - just to keep the conversation going.

The topic got them all the way to the restaurant and to their table. Rand was perusing the menu when Marianne asked her a question. “What about you Rand?”

“Oh? A favorite. Nibbles. I’m not a scientist so I’m allowed to have a favorite,” she grinned at Roman, sharing an inside joke. “But Pipkin too, though I don’t tell either of them that.”

Roman cracked a smile at the comment.

At the smile, Marianne nudged Heney sharply with her elbow. He just put an arm around her shoulders and squeezed gently.

“Pipkin? Which one was that?” Marianne asked not recalling the name.

Yeoman Rand

“Pipkin isn’t a lab animal, she’s a pet rabbit,” Roman said. “Rand got her as a birthday gift to me.” He pulled out his PaDD and showed them photos of Pipkin.

~ Cmdr Alden, XO/CSO

Marianne scooted closer to look. “Oh! She’s precious. Look at that color. She’s cute.” Marianne spent the next ten minutes asking Roman everything about her. From her breed, to what she ate, how did they care for her, if she did tricks, and had toys.

Henry caught Rand’s gaze over the top of Roman and Marianne’s heads and mouthed a silent ‘Thank you.’ Then he chuckled and shook his head, “Pets on star ships. I never would have thought. Does she stay in the biology lab too?”

Yeoman Rand

Roman almost looked offended at the suggestion. “Of course not. She stays in my quarters. Weren’t you looking at the photos?”

~ Cmdr Alden, XO/CSO

Henry chuckled. “Yes, I guess I just can’t fathom quarters big enough to fit an enclosure that size. Ships arr much more comfortable than they were in my day.” Pets. On Star Ships.

“Roman always wanted one as a boy, before he came to us. He told us all about it once.” Maryanne said. “Can we meet hee? Did you bring her with you?”

Yeoman Rand

“No, I thought it safer to keep her on board. No idea what sort of zoonotic diseases she could pick up here.” Roman said. “But we might be able to allow you to visit the ship.”

~ Cmdr Alden, XO/CSO

“Oh! I can arrange that. A tour if the ship too.” Rand offered instantly. It was just a but if paperwork. She was sure the captain would approve. Henry would probably enjoy that and Marianne would get a closer glimpse into her husband and sons’ lives.

“Now, don’t go to any trouble, Rand,” Henry said. “We’re here to spend your leave with the two of you.”

“I would love to meet Pipkin, but I don’t want to rush you back to work,” Marianne said setting her hand over Roman’s for a heart beat.

Yeoman Rand

There were a couple of people aboard the ship that would allow no such thing to happen. Roman shook his head. “We don’t have to return to work to visit the ship.” He said. “We can simply give you the tour and meet and greet and then return here.”

~ Cmdr Alden, XO/CSO